Medicinal Cannabis Matters | Good Friday Edition
As we approach the Easter weekend—a time for reflection and renewal—it’s fitting to consider the evolving landscape of medicinal cannabis. This week, we delve into significant developments: real-world studies highlighting improvements in daily living for those with chronic conditions, new research exploring how cannabis influences brain function, emerging evidence on its role in supporting recovery from injury and illness, and the growing impact of social media in reshaping public perceptions and reducing stigma around its use.
Additionally, with the Easter holidays upon us, please refer below for our clinic and pharmacy opening times to plan your treatment needs accordingly.
Medicinal Cannabis: Real-World Gains for Chronic Condition Management
A global study tracking real-world patient experiences has found that medicinal cannabis is helping people with a wide range of chronic conditions — from anxiety and depression to pain disorders — not only manage their symptoms but reduce reliance on multiple medications.
Patients reported measurable improvements in pain intensity, emotional wellbeing, and everyday functioning. The study reflected diverse patient experiences, reinforcing that cannabis isn’t limited to a single condition or outcome. Instead, it’s being used as part of integrated care, helping people regain better symptom control while potentially reducing the burden of polypharmacy (the use of multiple medications).
As the body of real-world evidence expands, this research adds weight to what many patients and clinicians are already seeing: medicinal cannabis is becoming a valuable and flexible option in the toolkit for managing complex, long-term health needs. Read more
Medicinal Cannabis and Brain Connectivity: New Insights
Recent neuroimaging studies have explored how medicinal cannabis influences brain activity. Findings suggest that cannabinoids can modulate connectivity within brain networks responsible for cognition, mood regulation, and emotional processing. These alterations may underpin the therapeutic effects of medicinal cannabis in addressing conditions such as anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders. However, the effects on brain connectivity are complex and dose-dependent, highlighting the need for further research to fully understand these mechanisms. Read more
Medicinal Cannabis & Addiction Recovery: Fresh Findings from British Columbia
A new study from UBC Okanagan and Thompson Rivers University suggests medicinal cannabis could support patients in addiction recovery programmes. Participants reported it helped ease pain, improve sleep, reduce anxiety and depression — and crucially, lessen cravings for opioids and other substances.
The research also pointed to better engagement with treatment programmes, though stigma around cannabis remains a barrier. The findings underline how better education for healthcare providers could unlock even more potential for cannabis-based support in recovery care. Read more
Social Media’s Role in Destigmatising Medicinal Cannabis
Social media platforms are increasingly becoming spaces where patients share their experiences with medicinal cannabis, challenging longstanding stigmas. Through personal narratives and community engagement, users are fostering a more informed and empathetic public discourse. This grassroots movement is not only empowering individuals but also influencing perceptions and policies around cannabis use in healthcare. Read more
