A Storied History: 4/20 and Cannabis Culture
Cannabis has a storied history in both medical and social circles. The term “4/20” has become synonymous with cannabis culture. Today, April 20th (4/20) is celebrated as an unofficial holiday for cannabis advocacy, education, and legalization efforts. Many events on this day focus on raising awareness of the potential medical and therapeutic benefits of cannabis, as well as promoting responsible use.
What’s Inside Cannabis? THC, CBD, and More
The cannabis sativa plant, colloquially known as marijuana, contains over 100 biologically active compounds known as cannabinoids, with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) being the most well-studied. THC is the primary psychoactive component responsible for the “high” associated with cannabis use, while CBD is non-psychoactive and has been linked to a variety of therapeutic benefits. Cannabis interacts with the body through the endocannabinoid system, a complex network that plays a vital role in regulating mood, pain, sleep, appetite, and cognitive functions.
Cannabis for Pain Relief
By far the most common medical reason for cannabis use is related to pain relief. Large population-based surveys have found that some individuals are turning to medical marijuana to supplement or replace conventional pain medications like opioids.
A systemic review published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2015 found that the use of cannabis was associated with an improvement in symptoms of chronic pain when compared to those using standard therapies alone. The patients represented in this study had a wide range of conditions including nerve pain, cancer pain, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and musculoskeletal injuries.
Another exciting area of research for women is the utility of cannabis for the treatment of menstrual pain and endometriosis. A recent study by Dr. Staci Gruber published in npj Women’s Health found that the use of CBD-containing suppositories resulted in reduced frequency and severity of menstrual cramps, improved school and work attendance, and decreased use of over-the-counter pain medications.
Easing Spasticity in Multiple Sclerosis
Spasticity, a condition characterized by muscle stiffness and involuntary spasms, is a common and often debilitating symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS). Research has shown that cannabis-based treatments, particularly those containing both THC and CBD, can significantly reduce spasticity and improve mobility in patients with MS.
These cannabis-derived medications, such as Nabiximols, interact with receptors in the brain and spinal cord to decrease muscle tension and spasms. A small clinical trial published in the Journal of Neurology in 2015 investigated the use of cannabis-based medications on spasticity in patients with MS. They randomized 44 patients to receive either nabiximols or a placebo tablet and found that after 4 weeks of treatment, those receiving the cannabis therapy were more likely to have improved symptoms in pain and spasticity.
Staying Safe: Potential Risks and Side Effects
While cannabis offers a number of potential health benefits, it is not without potential risks and side effects. High THC concentrations can contribute to cognitive deficits, memory difficulties and mental health concerns – particularly when used by adolescents when the brain is still developing. As well, individual responses to cannabis doses can vary from person to person. Consulting healthcare professionals for guidance on dosing, strain selection, and methods of consumption may be beneficial to minimize the risk of adverse effects.
What Lies Ahead: Future Directions in Cannabis Research
The conversation around cannabis and health is evolving and much of the research on its effect on sleep, mental health, seizure disorders, and cognition is still in its infancy. Harvard Medical School’s Dr. Staci Gruber leads the charge investigating the effects of cannabis on brain health and cognition – particularly in women. As director of the Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery (MIND) program, she is actively recruiting participants for studies investigating the role of cannabis on women’s health. As more research emerges, cannabis may play an increasingly significant role in brain health strategies for women. However, responsible and informed use remains key to harnessing its full therapeutic potential.
