American Medical Association Cannabis Study Finds Significant & Sustained Health Benefits

LOS ANGELES–A recent study published by the American Medical Association (AMA) has shed light on the positive effects of CBD and medical cannabis on various aspects of well-being. Conducted at a network of specialist medical clinics in Australia, the retrospective case series study aimed to explore the potential association between medical cannabis treatment and improvements in health-related quality of life. The findings provide compelling evidence of the long-term benefits of medical cannabis, including CBD, in enhancing overall well-being.

The study involved a diverse group of 3,148 patients seeking medical cannabis treatment for a range of conditions between December 2018 and May 2022. Researchers assessed the impact of medical cannabis treatment on patients’ health-related quality of life using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), a widely respected tool that evaluates the influence of health on daily life.

The results were striking. Patients experienced significant improvements in all eight areas measured by the SF-36 after beginning their medical cannabis treatment. Importantly, these improvements were not temporary but lasted over time, indicating the potential for sustained benefits from medical cannabis treatment, including CBD.

The SF-36 evaluates various aspects of health, such as physical abilities, pain levels, mental well-being, social interactions, energy levels, and overall perception of health. The AMA study revealed that patients reported notable progress in their physical abilities, regaining functions that were previously limited by health issues. Additionally, they experienced reduced pain, improved mental well-being, better social connections, increased energy levels, and a more positive outlook on their overall health.

The implications of these findings are significant for individuals seeking to enhance their quality of life. The study suggests that medical cannabis treatment, including the potential benefits of CBD, can have a positive impact on daily activities, particularly for those dealing with chronic pain, cancer-related pain, insomnia, or anxiety—conditions that were most commonly treated in the study.

It is worth noting that the study employed rigorous statistical methods to ensure the reliability of the observed improvements. The researchers accounted for various factors that could influence the results. The effect sizes, which measure the magnitude of improvement, ranged from moderate to small-moderate, indicating meaningful progress.

While the study highlights the potential benefits of medical cannabis treatment, it is crucial to prioritize safety throughout the prescribing process. The researchers documented a total of 2,919 adverse events during the study, with the majority being mild to moderate in nature. These events included temporary side effects such as sedation, dry mouth, lethargy, dizziness, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Although rare, two serious adverse events were also reported, including one case of hallucination. This underscores the importance of exercising caution and closely monitoring medical cannabis intake under the guidance of healthcare providers.

The study provides exciting evidence supporting the potential of medical cannabis, particularly CBD, to enhance overall well-being. The sustained improvements across multiple domains of the SF-36 questionnaire highlight the significant impact medical cannabis treatment can have on daily functioning, pain management, mental well-being, and overall perception of health. However, further high-quality trials are necessary to solidify the evidence base and ensure the safe and effective use of medical cannabis.