Medical Cannabis sativa L. Use Improves Quality of Life for People with Chronic Illnesses

Abstract

The use of medicinal cannabis in patients with chronic illnesses has risen significantly in recent years globally, particularly in people suffering from chronic illnesses. A recent study Published in PLOS One examined the long-term effects of cannabis use on health-related quality of life metrics, including pain, fatigue, sleep, anxiety, depression, and motor function in a large Australian cohort.1 The patients suffered from a variety of chronic conditions, including muscloskeletal pain, neuropathic pain, insomnia, anxiety, as well as missed depressive and anxiety disorder. Interestingly, the authors reported significant clinical improvements in nearly all of the quality-of-life metrics assessed. The only exception was that not significant differences were reported for motor function in individuals with movement disorders. The long-term maintenance of these improvements over a 12 month period supports the use of medical cannabis is people with chronic conditions.