Schizophrenia is a debilitating condition affecting millions of people in the United States and around the world. Dealing with this type of illness can be extremely tough for the patients and their families. However, patients can explore a new way to help alleviate the symptoms associated with schizophrenia. Medical marijuana has been picking up traction in recent years due to their beneficial properties. Can medical marijuana help treat schizophrenia? We invite you to keep reading as we delve into this critical question.
Can Medical Marijuana Treat Schizophrenia?
It is essential to understand that medical marijuana is not a cure for schizophrenia. However, it may help treat some of the condition’s symptoms. Cannabis is a plant containing more than one-hundred chemical compounds. Out of all compounds, two stands out as the most researched: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is responsible for causing the psychotropic, euphoric, or “high” sensation many people associate marijuana with. CBD, on the other hand, is known for having non-psychotropic effects.
Both components affect the human body differently. This is because our bodies have a system known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is composed of endocannabinoids. The endocannabinoids are lipid-based neurotransmitters binding to cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) and are found in most parts of the body including the brain and the nervous system. This is why our bodies react to endogenous cannabinoids such as the THC and CBD found in cannabis.
A study conducted by the Department of Psychiatry, New York University Langone Medical Center, informed about how CBD can benefit schizophrenic patients. According to this study, there is evidence stating that using cannabis with higher CBD concentrations can help lower the risk of suffering from psychotic disorders. Additionally, it can help lower sub-threshold psychotic symptoms and several cognitive changes mostly associated with psychosis. Furthermore, this study also stated that in lab experiments, CBD helped stabilize schizophrenic behavior in rats.
Another study also suggests CBD can help alleviate several symptoms associated with schizophrenia. According to researchers in Germany, CBD can help improve some of schizophrenia’s positive and negative symptoms. Another study also suggested using high concentrations of cannabidiol can help lower the degree of psychotic symptoms.
It is of utmost importance to understand cannabis is not a cure for schizophrenia. However, it may help improve some of its symptoms. This means, schizophrenia patients can have an additional way to enhance their overall quality of life.
What is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a disorder affecting millions of people around the world. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), schizophrenia affects many aspects of an individual’s life. Some of these areas include thinking, feeling, and acting. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH), schizophrenia is one of the top leading causes of disability in the world. Furthermore, many people suffering from this condition have an increased risk of premature mortality. There are several symptoms associated with schizophrenia. According to the NIH, this mental condition’s symptoms are divided into three categories: positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms.
Positive Symptoms
Positive symptoms are generally sensations and experiences only a person diagnosed with schizophrenia can recognize. These include hallucinations, delusions, movement disorders, and other symptoms.
Negative Symptoms
Negative symptoms are commonly associated with a person’s emotions. A typical example of this type of symptom is a person’s lack of interest in everyday life pleasures.
Cognitive Symptoms
Cognitive symptoms involve things like memory loss, lack of focus, concentration, and other cognitive issues.
There is no known cure for this disease. However, many researchers are looking into different ways approach this illness to find a way to treat it better.
How Can I Obtain Medical Marijuana in Massachusetts?
Many states in the United States have legalized cannabis for medical or recreational purposes. However, legislation about cannabis varies from one state to another. To obtain medical cannabis, you need special permission or a medical marijuana identification card. This identification card can be obtained following your state’s regulations. Going through this process is extremely important for two main reasons. Number one, marijuana is still classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under federal statute. Essentially, under federal legislation, marijuana is still illegal. Unless you are medically allowed to obtain medical cannabis, you’d be breaking the law.
Secondly, medical cannabis is prescribed by a marijuana doctor who will prescribe you the right amount of cannabinoid concentrations. Essentially, if you try to obtain marijuana without proper knowledge of what you need given your condition, you can put your health at risk. Our knowledgeable Boston medical marijuana doctor can help you determine the best type of medical cannabis to help treat your disease.
Medical Marijuana Doctor Serving Massachusetts
Schizophrenia is a very debilitating condition affecting many aspects of an individual’s life. While traditional methods have been in place for decades, patients can still explore different alternatives. Medical marijuana can be a different and effective way to help treat some of the symptoms associated with schizophrenia.
To learn more about the health benefits of medical cannabis, contact the medical marijuana doctors at Inhale MD online, or call us today at (617) 477-8886.