The 10 medical cannabis studies of 2017

Research continues to explore the therapeutic uses of cannabis, and 2017 was no exception. Here's a roundup of the 10 scientific studies and discoveries on therapeutic cannabis from 2017.

Cannabis and HIV

Cannabis has long been used as a palliative by HIV sufferers, either to treat the side effects of triple therapy, or to restore appetite in people suffering from cachexia. Cannabis also boosts the immune system HIV patients and slow down their mental decline resulting from chronic inflammation of the brain.

Cannabidiol and psychosis

Cannabidiol (CBD) has demonstrated its effectiveness in combating psychotic episodes in a study conducted in the Netherlands. It would be more effective than current treatments, with fewer side effects. It could also be used to fight paranoia and anxiety.

Sativex and spasticity related to spinal cord injury

While Sativex could theoretically be prescribed in France to treat the spasticity of multiple sclerosis, a study has examined the use of Sativex in the treatment of spasticity. Sativex to relieve spasticity associated with spinal cord injury, with conclusive results.

THCA and neurodegenerative diseases

THCA is the most common non-psychotropic cannabinoid in cannabis. It has shown its neuroprotective capacities in a study published in November, paving the way for THCA-based treatments for people suffering from debilitating neurodegenerative diseases.

Cannabinoids boost the anti-cancer effects of chemotherapy

British researchers showed in May that chemotherapy was more effective when used in conjunction with cannabinoids in the treatment of leukemia. Patients also need a lower dose of chemotherapy, combined with cannabinoids, with fewer side effects and faster, more effective destruction of cancer cells in the blood.

The American Cancer Institute has now added information to its website on the use of cannabinoids in the fight against cancer.

Cannabis and Tourette's syndrome

Tourette's syndrome can express itself in many different ways, from tics to OCD. A Toronto study showed the effectiveness of cannabis in reducing symptoms syndrome.

Cannabis and memory in the elderly

Unlike younger people, the memory of older people may benefit from low daily doses of THC. In any case, it's what underlies this study made in Germany.

Cannabis and vision loss

Cannabis may delay retinal degradation and vision loss in cases of retinitis pigmentosa. This disease appears at birth and leads to blindness in the medium term. Cannabis could help delay the effect of the disease, in this study carried out in Spain.

10,000 cannabis studies under the microscope

Sorting out the truth about the medical use of cannabis can be a complex task. American researchers have published a review of 10,000 cannabis studies, These are divided into several categories: verified medical uses, those to be verified, and those with variable results.

Cannabidiol and public health risks

The WHO has officially declared that CBD posed no risk of dependence or public health. Earlier in the year, it had recognized some of the therapeutic effects of cannabis.

To find out more :

• 2016 review of medical cannabis studies
• What is medical cannabis?
• 5 misconceptions about medical cannabis