- CB1 Receptors: Mainly in the brain and central nervous system. THC binds to these receptors, helping reduce pain and improve mood.
- CB2 Receptors: Especially in the cells of the immune system. CBD binds to these receptors, reducing inflammation and pain.
- Chronic Pain: Useful for those suffering from continuous pain due to diseases such as arthritis, neuropathies, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injuries.
- Muscle Spasms: Can reduce spasms in diseases like multiple sclerosis.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Helps those experiencing nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.
- Loss of Appetite: Can stimulate appetite in patients with HIV/AIDS or undergoing cancer treatment.
- Glaucoma: Reduces intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma.
- Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome: Reduces involuntary body and facial movements.
- Psychoactive Effects: THC can cause feelings of euphoria or anxiety.
- Dry Mouth: Often reported by patients.
- Dizziness: Especially at the beginning of treatment.
- Drowsiness: Can cause drowsiness, so be careful when driving or operating machinery.
Therapeutic Cannabis - Benefits and Access Modalities in Italy
Therapeutic cannabis is gaining popularity in the medical field for its potential in treating various diseases. However, there is still so much confusion out there! Many think it is like recreational cannabis or that, being derived from a plant, it is entirely harmless and can replace all other therapies. Let's clarify these myths!
In this article, we will explore Italian legislation on therapeutic cannabis, the differences from recreational cannabis, medical indications, side effects and benefits, especially for chronic pain. Ready to discover everything? Let's go!
Italian Law on Therapeutic Cannabis
In Italy, since 2006, doctors can prescribe cannabis for therapeutic purposes. This means that patients can use cannabis as medicine, free of charge but only if prescribed by a doctor. Therapeutic cannabis is produced and controlled by the Military Chemical Pharmaceutical Plant in Florence, ensuring quality and safety. Each region may have specific rules on how to obtain and use therapeutic cannabis, so it is always good to get local information.
Therapeutic versus Recreational Cannabis: Two Different Worlds
Therapeutic cannabis and recreational cannabis are not the same. The former is produced under strict quality standards to ensure the correct levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), the active ingredients useful in treating various diseases. Recreational cannabis (also known as marijuana, pot, ganja, or hashish), on the other hand, can contain variable levels of THC and CBD, as well as other substances that are not always desired.
Therapeutic cannabis can be administered in various forms to ensure constant and controlled absorption.
In addition to the classic oil, it can be used in papers to prepare infusions or administered through vaporizers. Recreational cannabis, on the other hand, is often smoked, which can lead to variability in its effects and safety.
How Therapeutic Cannabis Works
Our body has a system called the endocannabinoid system, which regulates many functions such as pain, appetite, sleep, and mood. This system has two main types of receptors:
Medical Indications
Therapeutic cannabis can be used to treat various conditions, including:
Side Effects
Like any medication, therapeutic cannabis can have side effects. The most common include:
The good news is that these side effects can be modulated. Therapeutic cannabis is prescribed as galenic preparations, allowing for customization of the content of the two active ingredients (CBD and THC). This means that it is possible to adjust the preparation to exploit the benefits of therapeutic cannabis and best mitigate the side effects.
Benefits for Chronic Pain
Therapeutic cannabis is particularly useful for those suffering from chronic pain. Imagine having a green ally that helps combat pain when other treatments do not work. This is because the cannabinoids in cannabis interact with the endocannabinoid system, helping to regulate the perception of pain. Not only does it relieve pain, but it can also improve the quality of life by reducing associated symptoms such as insomnia and depression. A true multitasker for health!
Conclusion
Therapeutic cannabis represents a valuable resource for many people with chronic diseases, especially for those patients who cannot resort to other therapies. Like any drug, it must be carefully evaluated and customized based on individual needs: indication, method of administration, and dosage are essential to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment.
In Italy, therapeutic cannabis is legal and can be prescribed by a doctor, offering patients a safe and effective option. Remember, like any superpower, it must be used wisely. If you have questions or doubts, do not hesitate to talk to your doctor.
For more information, feel free to contact me!