Medical cannabis can be prescribed by a medical doctor to treat several conditions including epilepsy, severe chronic pain, muscle spasms caused by multiple sclerosis and nausea caused by cancer-related treatments. This is according to the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), which is responsible for the registration and regulation of all medicines in South Africa. Here are four main health benefits that medicinal cannabis offers:
1. Pain management
One of the most common reasons people turn to medical cannabis is for pain relief from conditions such as osteoarthritis, neuropathy, fibromyalgia, endometriosis and cancer. Conventional pain medication, such as NSAIDs, can cause gastrointestinal issues, and medications that contain opioids can result in addiction and other long-term health consequences.
“In contrast, medical cannabis can have far fewer side effects and less risk of dependence, making it a safer pain relief option when it comes to managing chronic pain, cancer-related pain and post-surgical recovery,” says Sikhosanda Kula, Responsible Pharmacist for AKOS Bio, the first South African pharmacy to provide fully regulated locally produced medical cannabis compounds.
A 2018 review in Frontiers in Pharmacology detailed the effects of cannabis on neuropathic pain. The review found that THC and CBD could reduce pain intensity, particularly in patients who had inadequate relief from conventional therapies.
“Cannabis works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate pain and inflammation. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that binds to receptors in the nervous system to reduce pain perception, while cannabidiol (CBD) has anti-inflammatory properties,” Kula adds
2. Relief from anxiety
Given the frantic pace of modern life, anxiety is a widespread issue that affects millions of people in different ways, from general anxiety and panic attacks to post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). As with pain and sleep medications, drugs such as antidepressants and benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed but can be highly addictive and cause drowsiness along with other unwanted side effects.
“As people seek alternatives, CBD has shown significant promise in treating anxiety and managing symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety, PTSD, OCD and even panic disorders,” says Dr Robyn Milton, a South African Doctor interested in the potential therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis.
Unlike THC, which can sometimes increase anxiety in high doses, Dr Milton says that CBD provides relief without psychoactive effects by interacting with serotonin receptors in the brain, promoting a sense of calm and well-being. “With fewer side effects than traditional anxiety medications, it’s becoming a preferred choice for those looking for a natural way to manage their symptoms,” she says.
A 2015 review in Neurotherapeutics examined preclinical and clinical studies on CBD and concluded that CBD showed promise as a treatment for multiple anxiety disorders, such as generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), primarily through its effects on serotonin receptors in the brain.
3. Improving sleep
Sleep disorders affect millions of people and can lead to poor health and a decreased quality of life. While traditional treatments like sleeping pills can help in the short term, they often come with side effects such as drowsiness, cognitive impairment and a higher tolerance over time, which means they become less effective the longer they are used.
“THC is known for its sedative effects, particularly at higher doses. It has also been shown to reduce the time it takes to fall asleep (known as sleep latency) and may prolong deep sleep (known as slow-wave sleep), which is important for physical restoration. CBD, a non-psychoactive component of cannabis, has been found to improve sleep by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. THC and CBD medical products can be administered in the form of oral suspension or inhalation,” says Kula
A 2019 study published in The Permanente Journal study found that 66.7% of the participants experienced an improvement in sleep scores after one month of using CBD, showing its potential to alleviate insomnia and improve sleep quality by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.
Unlike traditional sleep aids, cannabis addresses the underlying issues of poor sleep, such as pain and anxiety, rather than simply masking the symptoms. This makes it a far more effective treatment in the longer term.
4. Helping muscular conditions
Muscle spasms and movement disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can make daily life challenging. Traditionally, these conditions have been treated with muscle relaxants and other medications, but these can cause drowsiness, dependency, and reduced effectiveness over time.
Medical cannabis has shown promise in the management of muscle spasms, particularly for conditions like multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries, in helping to regulate muscle control and reduce spasticity. A 2022 study published in The European Journal of Neurology showed that nabiximols can favourably impact a range of spasticity-associated symptoms. A cannabis-based spray called Sativex, which combines THC and CBD, has been approved in multiple countries for treating MS-related muscle spasms.
Beyond MS, cannabis has also been shown to help ease symptoms and reduce muscle stiffness for other neurological conditions such as fibromyalgia, cerebral palsy, and peripheral neuropathy.
The future of medical cannabis
Despite lingering stigma and regulatory challenges, medical cannabis is proving to be a valuable tool in relieving pain, improving sleep, reducing anxiety, and helping with muscular conditions. With ongoing research and increasing acceptance worldwide, more patients are gaining access to and finding success with cannabis-based treatments.
In South Africa, recent changes in regulations mean that patients are now legally able to access medical cannabis if they have a valid prescription from a licensed medical professional under a section 21 application granted by SAHPRA.
As regulations evolve, cannabis will likely become a more mainstream treatment option, offering hope and relief to millions who struggle with chronic health issues. Medical cannabis isn’t just a trend—it’s a transformative approach to wellness that’s changing the way we think about medicine overall.
