The EVOLUTION Magazine April 2025 | Page 12

ask Leah...

ask Leah...

Missouri Cannabis Education

What Are the Most Common Conditions and Symptoms Treated with Medical Cannabis?

by Leah Maurer, contributing writer

Leah

Even though cannabis has been legalized for adult use in Missouri for over two years now, it is still important to recognize the therapeutic properties of cannabis. This is especially relevant when it comes to discussing cannabis with our aging relatives, friends, or other loved ones who have medical conditions they are currently treating with prescription medications that may have negative side effects or other adverse effects. Cannabis is now an option for everyone in the state, and people can choose to pursue“ alternative” methods of treatment. active compounds in cannabis, interact with the body’ s endocannabinoid system to modulate pain perception.

Multiple Sclerosis( MS) and Muscle Spasms
Multiple Sclerosis is a neurological condition characterized by muscle spasticity and spasms. Medical cannabis, particularly products containing a balanced ratio of THC( tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD( cannabidiol), has shown promise in managing these symptoms.
Leah Maurer, a native Missourian, is a canna journalist and activist living in Portland, OR. She is a co-owner of The Weed Blog www. theweedblog. com Co-Owner 420-420 Digital Media Solutions and the text code 420-420. In 2014, Maurer founded Moms for Yes on Measure 91 through grassroots efforts alone, which proved pivotal in adult-use legalization in Oregon. During that time, she also co-founded Show-Me Cannabis to help launch the legalization effort in Missouri. Maurer is a social justice activist at the core and hopes to see the end to the prohibition of cannabis globally.
12 April 2025
Medical cannabis has been utilized for centuries to alleviate various health conditions and symptoms. In recent years, scientific research and patient testimonials have shed light on its potential therapeutic benefits. This month, we’ ll focus on the conditions and symptoms most commonly treated with medical cannabis.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain remains the leading reason patients turn to medical cannabis. A comprehensive review highlighted that a significant majority of medical cannabis users report seeking relief from persistent pain conditions. Conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, back pain, and neuropathic pain often lead individuals to explore cannabis-based treatments. Cannabinoids, the
Certain cannabis-based medications have been approved in various countries for the following conditions.
Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
Epilepsy, especially treatment-resistant forms, has been a focal point for medical cannabis research. CBD, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, has demonstrated anticonvulsant properties. Epidyolex, a highly purified CBD oil, is approved for patients with rare forms of epilepsy, such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. Clinical trials have shown that CBD can significantly reduce seizure frequency in these populations. In the realm of neurological disorders, cannabisderived treatments have made significant strides.