The Therapeutic Benefits of THC
For the uninitiated, “cannabis” is an all-encompassing word for products derived from the plant Cannabis sativa. While cannabis and marijuana are often used interchangeably, “marijuana” refers only to parts of (or products made from) the plant that contain substantial amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chemical substance, or cannabinoid, responsible for the euphoric “high” that accompanies consumption.
The other main cannabinoid is cannabidiol (CBD), which is touted for its anti-inflammatory effects. You’ll find CBD products everywhere from the airport gift shop at PDX to the corner drugstore—think balms, tinctures, sleep aids, and infused chocolate. But THC products are far more regulated. The FDA has not approved the cannabis plant itself for any medical use, but has approved several synthetic versions of THC to treat significant health issues like nausea caused by chemotherapy and chronic nerve pain.
Interested in exploring THC for therapeutic purposes? Here’s what you need to know:
Research-Backed Benefits
In therapeutic cases, THC is used most commonly for chronic pain management (it’s markedly less addictive and sedating than opiates, and for people with kidney or reflux concerns it’s effective enough to take instead of NSAIDS like Advil or Aleve). THC alters the brain’s pain perception pathways, which can provide relief from conditions like endometriosis, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, and arthritis, and research continues on its potential pain-relieving properties, particularly neuropathic pain associated with nerve injury or damage.
Several studies also support using THC to treat nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite caused by chemotherapy treatment, as well as help manage neurogenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Additionally, recent research indicates THC’s potential to help manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). THC interacts with receptors in the brain to produce feelings of relaxation, euphoria, and overall well-being that can mimic the sensations generated by exercise or positive social interaction. Researchers at the National Center for PTSD say THC may soften “fear memories” that occur in response to a PTSD trigger, and when taken at night can lessen the occurrence and intensity of nightmares.
Researchers do note that THC can produce the opposite effect if you take too much—keep in mind that the effects of cannabis are highly individual and can be affected by factors including variety, dosage, route of administration, and degree of tolerance.
“Since THC levels vary widely, if a person overshoots their tolerance of THC, cannabis can induce anxiety rather than relieve it,” says Ryan Vandrey, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
While more research is needed to prove the efficacy of THC for therapeutic purposes, patients report that cannabis often improves quality of life, even if it doesn’t directly address the main symptoms of a disease.
It’s important to note that THC can have depressant, stimulating, and hallucinogenic effects. Your provider can help you gauge whether the potential benefits of using THC outweigh any individual risk and offer guidance on obtaining a medical marijuana card.
Where to Start
In Oregon, you need a qualifying medical condition and a recommendation from an attending provider, whether it’s a doctor, nurse practitioner, or licensed naturopathic physician, to apply for a medical marijuana card through the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP).
Primary care physician and cannabis specialist Peter Grinspoon, MD, advises those interested in using THC for therapeutic purposes to be open and honest with their medical provider. “Have high expectations of them. Tell them that you consider this to be a part of your care and that you expect them to be educated about it, and to be able to at least point you in the direction of the information you need.”
