Over the years, I have been committed to keeping informed on latest medical cannabis research as well as Canadian cannabis laws and regulations. For years, countless clients have come to me for education on the use of medical cannabis for physical and emotional issues and I have answered the call by conducting seminars, speaking engagements and medical cannabis forums in a wide variety of settings. I am consistently gratified by the positive results people have experienced once they understand the research and efficacy of the therapeutic use of medical cannabis.
There is a growing body of research facilitating our understanding of how medical cannabis can help with myriad physical ailments and the symptoms arising from debilitating illnesses, seizure disorders and inflammatory conditions.
Recently, the Coronavirus pandemic has catapulted medical cannabis even further into the spotlight. Many people are understandably depressed and anxious and are looking for alternatives or adjuncts to antidepressants or pain medication. Of course, this tidal wave of emotional malaise was prevalent even before the pandemic hit. As far back as 2016 it was estimated that 80% of all doctor visits and 60% of all costly illness and disease could be attributed to stress.¹ I can only imagine that the number has increased, as physical, emotional and financial hardship from the pandemic has intensified.
It is estimated that one in five Canadians lives in chronic pain. This has undeniable impacts on family life, work, education, and the community. Unmanaged pain can lead to sleep issues, depression, anxiety and a sense of isolation. These problems are particularly prevalent in our aging population where chronic pain may inflict up to one in three Canadians, 65 years of age and older.² Given the aging population in Canada, we can expect a larger proportion of elder Canadians to be dealing with chronic pain in the coming years.
Medical cannabis may be able to help with the debilitating tedium of living with unending suffering.
There is another heart-breaking reality that drives my dedication and steadfast commitment to help find viable alternatives that will ease physical and emotional pain. The tragic fact is that medication-related deaths from opioids are increasing and the prescribing of these medications almost always involves a mental health or pain-related diagnosis.³ Medical cannabis can help, particularly under a doctor’s care. Careful consideration of whether cannabis is the most appropriate treatment, its effects and interactions, contraindications — as well as correct dosage — must be determined under medical supervision.
Medical cannabis is not a cure-all or a magic bullet — but it does provide hope for a better quality of life — and what could be more important than that?
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At Let’s Talk Cannabis™, our goal is to encourage a culture of responsibility, providing research-backed, accurate information and education so that patients, caregivers, physicians, policy makers, HR professionals and educators can make informed decisions.
1. Health Action Canada, 2016.
2. Schopflocher et al., 2011; Reitsma et al., 2011
3. The need for a Canadian pain strategy – NCBI – NIH