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Asthma, cancer or MS In which diseases cannabis helps
The German Bundestag passed a law this week that helps seriously ill people gain access to cannabis as a drug. Marijuana is available in the pharmacy for affected patients, the costs are covered by the statutory health insurance. But against which diseases the intoxicant is actually effective?
Easier access to marijuana
Although the consumption, cultivation, possession or trade of or with marijuana is illegal in many states, for some medical purposes the intoxicant may have been consumed in some countries for some time. Now, the Bundestag passed a law that makes it easier for seriously ill people to receive cannabis as medicine. "In severe conditions such as chronic pain or multiple sclerosis cannabis can help as a medicine to relieve symptoms," said Parliamentary State Secretary Ingrid Fischbach. There are, in fact, a number of diseases that marijuana can help against.
A new law makes it easier for critically ill people to get medical marijuana. Cannabis helps with many illnesses such as asthma or ADHD. (Image: Africa Studio / fotolia.com) Cannabis as a medicine
Even before the law was passed, cannabis was used in Germany for medical purposes. Thus, at the end of last year, over one thousand seriously ill people were able to buy marijuana for therapy.
The new law, which provides for the full reimbursement of health insurance, has long been controversial. For example, doctors in Germany had spoken out against free marijuana on sickness certificates.
But now it's finally passed. "Seriously ill people need the best possible care. This includes that the costs of cannabis as medicine for seriously ill people are covered by their health insurance, if they can not be helped otherwise effectively, "said Federal Health Minister Hermann Gröhe.
Effective against various diseases
Already since 2011, medicinal products based on cannabis could be produced in Germany and prescribed by doctors via narcotic prescriptions.
The German Hanfverband writes on its website: "The five most common diagnoses that give German patients a waiver to buy and own medical cannabis are chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, ADHD, Tourette syndrome and depressive disorders.
Since more people will be able to obtain marijuana from the pharmacy in the future, it makes sense to know against which diseases the active substance can still be used.
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect
It is known that above all two ingredients in cannabis effect. First, the delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, better known as THC, which is also intoxicating. And Cannabidiol (CBD), which is said to have an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.
The cannabis flowers are smoked, but the active ingredient is also available as a liquid extract or in capsule form. Marijuana as a medicine can also cause side effects. Fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth, cardiovascular effects, psychological effects and development of tolerance to side effects are some that the German Hemp Association lists in a guidebook.
In addition, regular cannabis use reduces bone density, Scottish scientists reported.
Do not smoke with tobacco
In addition to the treatment of chronic pain, spasticity and convulsions in multiple sclerosis (MS), marijuana is also used in inflammatory rheumatic diseases such as arthritis.
Also the effect against complaints such as nausea and vomiting is scientifically proven. In addition, cannabis is said to be helpful against migraine and help prevent Alzheimer's outbreak.
It is also known that cannabis can expand the bronchi and thus improve the breathing of asthma patients. For this, the intoxicant should not be smoked with tobacco as a joint.
Appetizing effect
Furthermore, the calming effect of cannabis can also reduce the spontaneous, impulsive tic of Tourette's patients.
Studies have also shown that cannabidiol can lower intraocular pressure, reducing the risk of glaucoma.
Helpful may also be the appetizing effect of marijuana, because people who fight cancer through chemotherapy and radiotherapy often suffer from anorexia. For these patients, cannabis has also proved helpful in the past.
There is also a positive effect in AIDS, in which sufferers tend to lose weight, have no appetite and suffer from pain and nausea.
In addition, cannabis helps patients with many other diseases, although the efficacy has not been clearly scientifically proven in all cases. (Ad)