Marijuana has proved to be a powerful aid in easing chronic pain and helping battle nausea, but results are mixed or largely inconclusive on other health benefits, as well as detriments, according to a massive new scientific review of cannabis studies. “The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and Recommendations for Research” concludes that marijuana definitely provides some health benefits, though other claims about the drug are far less clear. The major conclusions in the study are that cannabis and cannabinoids are effective at “significantly reducing” chronic pain, particularly linked to muscle spasms caused by multiple sclerosis. There is “moderate evidence” that cannabis and cannabinoids are effective for improving “short-term sleep outcomes” for people suffering sleep disturbances linked to sleep apnea, fibromyalgia and chronic pain. The study also finds “limited evidence” that cannabis and cannabinoids are effective in increasing appetite and improving anxiety and post-traumatic stress symptoms.

Source: Huffington Post January 13, 2017 06:08 UTC