The marijuana plant has compounds that may help symptoms for some health problems. While more states are making it legal to use the plant as medicine for certain conditions, scientists are still learning the ways that marijuana may help or harm people. For example, smoked marijuana may damage your lungs and respiratory system. Research on the medical use of marijuana is still in early stages, and much remains unknown about the plant and how it interacts with the body. Currently, the FDA has approved one plant-based marijuana drug (Epidiolex), which contains purified cannabidiol (CBD) from the marijuana plant. The drug is approved for treating seizures associated with two rare and severe forms of epilepsy (Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome) as well as seizures associated with tuberous sclerosis complex, a rare genetic disorder that causes benign tumors to form in many parts of the body. The FDA has also approved two medicines (dronabinol [brand names: Marinol and Syndros] and nabilone [brand name: Cesamet]) made from a synthetic or lab-made chemical that mimics tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). These medicines are used to treat nausea in patients with cancer who are having chemotherapy treatment and to increase appetite in individuals with AIDS who do not feel like eating (wasting syndrome).

Both CBD and THC are compounds found in the cannabis plant. THC is psychoactive, which means it changes how your brain works. It’s the ingredient in marijuana that makes you feel high. CBD isn’t psychoactive, so it doesn’t make you high.

Many people use cannabis to treat chronic pain. And research seems to support that it’s an effective treatment option. Since cannabis isn’t an FDA-approved medication, there’s not a set dosage for chronic pain. Experts recommend starting with 10 mg per day of a high-CBD formulation and slowly increasing the dose up to 40 mg daily. Your provider may then add 2.5 mg of THC daily and slowly increase up to a maximum of 40 mg daily if needed. Cannabis has side effects, risks, and drug interactions to be aware of before trying it for chronic pain. So it’s best to talk to your healthcare provider first to make sure it’s safe for you.

Cannabinoids, the active chemicals in medical marijuana, are similar to chemicals the body makes that are involved in appetite, memory, movement, and pain. Limited research suggests cannabinoids might: Reduce anxiety, Reduce inflammation and relieve pain, Control nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy, Kill cancer cells and slow tumor growth, Relax tight muscles in people with MS, Stimulate appetite and improve weight gain. Ask your doctor how cannabis can aid you today!