SELF-MEDICATION WITH CANNABIS: WHAT IS IT USED FOR?

That cannabis can have many health benefits, even many medics won't deny, but unfortunately they don't prescribe cannabis by a long shot, which is why many people choose to self-medicate. In this blog, you can read what you can use cannabis for and we give some tips on what to look out for if you choose to do so.

Research on self-medication with cannabis

The Netherlands has a tolerance policy for cannabis. This makes it possible to use cannabis for pleasure or health. Doctors therefore sometimes prescribe cannabis for some complaints. Although research shows that weed, for example, has a painkilling effect and can have positive effects on mood, it is unfortunately still very little used.

It appears that more than 130,000 people in the Netherlands are self-medicating with cannabis. But fewer than 7,000 patients were prescribed medicinal cannabis by their doctor. So there is much more need for cannabis for medical complaints than prescribed. The Trimbos Institute is currently conducting a study on use of medicinal cannabis without a prescription, to get a picture of what patients need and how access to medicinal cannabis can be improved. Cannabis is a versatile drug. It can be used for a variety of conditions and complaints. You can read more about it below.

Medicinal cannabis: how to get it?

Those who are prescribed medicinal cannabis by their doctor are assured of a type of cannabis with a known strength and composition. This also allows you to dose it very precisely. This cannabis is specially grown and distributed for this purpose. You buy it in a pharmacy. The cannabis has to meet strict quality standards. It is checked for harmful substances, such as pesticides and heavy metals. So that is a big advantage of medicinal cannabis prescribed by a doctor.

But if your doctor does not want to prescribe cannabis, you can of course arrange your own. You can do that by growing your own cannabis. It is a fairly easy plant, which can be grown indoors or outdoors. However, you must then take great care to keep your grow clean and not use pesticides. On our site you will find blogs that can help you with growing.

It can be useful to experiment with different strains. Each strain contains different percentages of CBD and THC. You may benefit more from a strain with high THC or CBD content. Also, the terpene profile can make a difference in the effect of a strain. By experimenting, you can find out what works best for you. Are you already taking medication? Then first consult your doctor whether cannabis can safely be used alongside your medication.

What can you use medicinal cannabis for?

Rheumatism and fibromyalgia

For rheumatism and fibromyalgia, NSAIDs are often used. However, these can cause many side effects in the long run. Sometimes they don't work well enough. Medicinal cannabis can help, as it is effective for neuropathic pain. Strains with high THC content seem to work especially well, research shows.

Nausea

With cancer treatments, you can suffer from prolonged nausea. One of the properties of the weed that has been widely researched is counteracting nausea. Weed is very effective and can also help stimulate appetite in the process. This can be useful in eating disorders.

MS

Medicinal cannabis can also be used in MS. Many patients use it to relieve the pain, cramps and muscle spasms that occur with MS. MS is a disease that is difficult to treat, regular medication does not work well enough or causes side effects. Therefore, many MS patients experiment with alternative treatments, including cannabis. Meanwhile, there is also research showing that cannabis can help. Its many active substances (cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids) can be used against pain, tremors and spasticity. Furthermore, cannabis can also help improve sleep, which MS patients also greatly benefit from.

Neuropathic pain

Neuropathic pain can be caused by various conditions, such as diabetes and rheumatism. It usually involves chronic pain, which is difficult to treat. Cannabis can be used to relieve this pain. Most people can also tolerate this natural remedy better than regular painkillers. And even if the pain does not disappear completely, it can still mean a lot to a patient.

Tourette's syndrome

If you suffer from Tourette's syndrome, you will suffer from physical and vocal tics. These are uncontrolled movements that cannot be suppressed. Cannabis seems to be able to counteract these tics. Clinical studies have been conducted on the effects of pure THC. This shows that it can cause a significant decrease in tics and that patients did not suffer from side effects.

Autoimmune diseases

Studies show that cannabis has anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it suitable for use in autoimmune diseases. In an autoimmune disease, the immune system works too hard and attacks its own cells. Weed can inhibit immune function. By using cannabis as self-medication, you can suffer less symptoms.

Depression and anxiety

Weed affects your mood and can help you feel more comfortable in your own skin. Therefore, it can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. It can also be useful to microdose cannabis. This involves taking a dose so low that you don't feel stoned, but you can feel it affecting your mood and emotions.