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KA Origins / Medical cannabis

Medical cannabis

Medical cannabis refers to cannabis-based preparations used within regulated healthcare, under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. This section explains the terminology, the clinical areas in which medical cannabis is discussed or studied, and how to read the evidence.

Understand the evidence. Explore the clinical context.

This information is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

How to read this section

01

General information

Describes a condition and the terms used. It is not specific to any person.

02

Scientific evidence

What published research shows, and how strong it is. Evidence can be established, emerging or limited, and it changes over time.

03

Medical advice

A decision about treatment for one person. Only a qualified healthcare professional can give it. This section does not.

Key terms

Cannabinoids
Compounds found in the cannabis plant. THC and CBD are the most studied.
Medical cannabis
Cannabis-based products made to pharmaceutical quality standards and used under medical supervision where national law allows.
Regulated access
Availability, prescribing rules and authorised uses differ between countries.

Explore by clinical area

9 clinical areas · 52 conditions

Neurological and Neurodegenerative Conditions 13 conditions

Neurological and Neurodegenerative Conditions

ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by persistent inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Neurological and Neurodegenerative Conditions

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that causes cognitive decline, memory loss and changes in behaviour.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Neurological and Neurodegenerative Conditions

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness and wasting.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Neurological and Neurodegenerative Conditions

Arnold-Chiari Syndrome

Chiari malformation is a structural condition in which part of the brain at the back of the skull extends into the spinal canal. It can cause headaches, balance problems and coordination difficulties.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Neurological and Neurodegenerative Conditions

Autism

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects social interaction, communication and behaviour, and presents differently in each person.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Neurological and Neurodegenerative Conditions

Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by diabetes. It most often affects the feet and legs and can cause pain, tingling and numbness.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Neurological and Neurodegenerative Conditions

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterised by recurrent seizures.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Neurological and Neurodegenerative Conditions

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often associated with raised pressure inside the eye, and can lead to loss of vision.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Neurological and Neurodegenerative Conditions

Headaches (Cefalea)

Headache disorders, including migraine and tension-type headache, involve recurrent head pain that can interfere with daily life.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Neurological and Neurodegenerative Conditions

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system. Symptoms vary between people and can include muscle stiffness (spasticity), pain, fatigue and changes in mobility.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Neurological and Neurodegenerative Conditions

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative condition characterised by tremor, muscle rigidity and slowed movement.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Neurological and Neurodegenerative Conditions

Tourette Syndrome

Tourette syndrome is a neurological condition characterised by involuntary movements and sounds called tics.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Neurological and Neurodegenerative Conditions

Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition that causes sudden, intense episodes of facial pain along the trigeminal nerve.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Oncological Conditions 5 conditions

Oncological Conditions

Cancer Pain

Cancer pain is pain caused by cancer itself or by its treatment. It can be acute or long-lasting.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Oncological Conditions

Chemotherapy Side Effects

Chemotherapy can cause side effects such as nausea and vomiting, which vary with the treatment and the person.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Oncological Conditions

Leukemias and Lymphomas

Leukaemias and lymphomas are cancers of the blood and lymphatic system.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Oncological Conditions

Palliative Care

Palliative care is specialised care that aims to improve quality of life for people living with serious or life-limiting illness.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Oncological Conditions

Solid Tumors

Solid tumours are cancers that form a mass of tissue in an organ, such as the breast, lung or bowel, as distinct from blood cancers.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Gastrointestinal Conditions 6 conditions

Gastrointestinal Conditions

Chronic Constipation

Chronic constipation is infrequent or difficult bowel movements that persist over weeks or months.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Gastrointestinal Conditions

Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the digestive tract that can cause abdominal pain, diarrhoea and weight loss.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Gastrointestinal Conditions

Dyspepsia

Dyspepsia is pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, often related to eating.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Gastrointestinal Conditions

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract characterised by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Gastrointestinal Conditions

Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are symptoms with many causes, including gastrointestinal conditions and medical treatments.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Gastrointestinal Conditions

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the colon and rectum.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Psychiatric Disorders 6 conditions

Psychiatric Disorders

Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder involving fear of situations where escape might be difficult, such as crowds, open spaces or public transport.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Psychiatric Disorders

Anxiety

Anxiety disorders involve persistent, excessive worry or fear that interferes with daily life.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Psychiatric Disorders

Depression

Depression is a mood disorder characterised by persistent low mood and loss of interest or pleasure.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Psychiatric Disorders

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, are mental health conditions involving disturbed eating behaviour.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Psychiatric Disorders

Insomnia

Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterised by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Psychiatric Disorders

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Gynecological Conditions 5 conditions

Gynecological Conditions

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, often causing pelvic pain.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Gynecological Conditions

Painful Menstrual Cycle

Painful menstruation (dysmenorrhoea) is cramping pain in the lower abdomen before or during a period.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Gynecological Conditions

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Premenstrual syndrome involves physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the days before menstruation.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Gynecological Conditions

Vaginitis

Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina, most often caused by infection or irritation.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Gynecological Conditions

Vulvodynia

Vulvodynia is long-lasting pain in the vulva without an identifiable cause.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Rheumatologic Conditions 6 conditions

Rheumatologic Conditions

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, often with fatigue and disturbed sleep.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Rheumatologic Conditions

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition that causes pain and stiffness.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Rheumatologic Conditions

Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory condition that causes muscle pain and stiffness, particularly in the shoulders, neck and hips.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Rheumatologic Conditions

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and pain in the joints.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Rheumatologic Conditions

Sjögren’s Syndrome

Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune condition that affects the moisture-producing glands, causing dry eyes and a dry mouth.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Rheumatologic Conditions

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that can affect many organs and tissues, including the skin, joints and kidneys.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Musculoskeletal Conditions 4 conditions

Musculoskeletal Conditions

DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness)

Delayed onset muscle soreness is muscle pain and stiffness that appears a day or two after unaccustomed or intense exercise.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Musculoskeletal Conditions

Overtraining Syndrome

Overtraining syndrome is persistent fatigue and reduced performance resulting from excessive training without adequate recovery.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Musculoskeletal Conditions

Sciatica

Sciatica is pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, from the lower back down the leg, often caused by nerve compression.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Musculoskeletal Conditions

Tendinitis

Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon, often caused by overuse or repetitive movement.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Dermatological Conditions 4 conditions

Dermatological Conditions

Acne

Acne is a common skin condition in which hair follicles become blocked with oil and skin cells, causing spots and inflammation.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Dermatological Conditions

Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterised by dry, itchy and inflamed skin.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Dermatological Conditions

Dermatitis

Dermatitis is a general term for inflammation of the skin, causing redness, itching and irritation.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Dermatological Conditions

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated skin condition that causes red, scaly patches on the skin.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Other Conditions 3 conditions

Other Conditions

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome (myalgic encephalomyelitis) is a long-term condition characterised by persistent fatigue that is not relieved by rest.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Other Conditions

Fibroids

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in or around the uterus.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

Other Conditions

Hypertension

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a long-term condition that increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

For information onlyNot a treatment recommendationLanguage: English

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