Cannabis users have long known that marijuana is about far more than just “getting high.” That’s the stuff of movies and TV shows. The real reason millions of people try and then continue to use marijuana is because of the many medical uses for cannabis that can lead to better health and wellness.

Cannabis can help people with migraines, improve a workout and may help cancer patients use fewer opioids. One of the fastest adopters of medical cannabis are seniors, who now have a new way to take on their chronic back pain.

As research continues on cannabis, consumers can expect more medical uses for cannabis to emerge. Right now, most people have a half dozen common issues that they use cannabis to address.

Common Medical Uses For Cannabis

Medical cannabis is legal in 39 states, but every state has different laws governing how people can use medical cannabis and what conditions it can legally treat. Some states also may require a prescription from a doctor.

For those who do try medical cannabis, a handful of common health conditions are usually the reason they’ve decided to try a natural way to address a long-standing issue.

Pain management

Research has found that cannabis is effective in treating chronic pain associated with a large variety of conditions, including arthritis, multiple sclerosis, cancer and back pain.

Anxiety

Some studies have shown cannabis may be helpful in reducing symptoms of anxiety, with one study indicating that cannabinoids work on anxiety by stimulating a molecule that causes anxiety-blocking connection in the brain.

Nausea and Vomiting

This medical use of cannabis emerged in treatment of cancer patients who often experience nausea from chemotherapy.

Appetite Stimulation

As any user of cannabis can tell you, getting “the munchies” is part of the cannabis experience. In medicine, that aspect of cannabis is beneficial for some patients, such as those treated for HIV/AIDS and cancer who use cannabis to maintain a healthy weight.

Glaucoma

In some studies, cannabis has helped lower intraocular pressure in people with glaucoma, a condition that can lead to blindness if left untreated.

Anti-inflammatory

Some chemical compounds found in cannabis have anti-inflammatory properties, which may prove helpful in managing conditions such as arthritis and Crohn’s disease.

Insomnia

Research has clearly shown the importance of sleep, but most people don’t get enough of it. Many also suffer from insomnia, meaning they regularly have a hard time sleeping. By reducing stress or even reducing nightmares, cannabis and CBD can help people get a better night’s sleep.

Added Benefit of Cannabis for Pain Management

People use cannabis to address pain of all kinds, including soreness from workouts to more chronic pain issues. An added benefit of using cannabis is that it reduces the need for opioids, a manmade painkiller that can lead to addiction.

Some studies suggest that cannabis may provide an alternative to opioids for managing chronic pain. The two work differently. Opioids bind to specific receptors in the brain and nervous system. Cannabis contains chemical compounds called cannabinoids that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is involved in regulating a wide range of physiological processes.

Anyone searching for the benefits of the medical uses for cannabis should always consult with a physician. They can offer the best treatment options that fit each person’s situation.