Medicinal cannabis is becoming an increasingly recognized option for managing various health conditions where traditional treatments may be less effective or produce significant side effects. MOCA Health is committed to supporting patients through personalized medicinal cannabis treatment plans designed to improve quality of life. Below is an overview of conditions commonly treated with medicinal cannabis, along with insights into its efficacy and patient eligibility.
1. Chronic Pain
Description: Chronic pain, which persists for more than three months, can stem from conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, neuropathy, or injury.
How Medicinal Cannabis Helps:
The cannabinoids THC and CBD interact with the endocannabinoid system to reduce pain perception and inflammation.
Studies suggest medicinal cannabis can significantly relieve chronic pain, especially in neuropathic and inflammatory conditions.
Eligibility: Patients experiencing moderate to severe chronic pain that hasn’t responded to conventional treatments may be eligible.
2. Anxiety and PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
Description: Anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety, panic disorders, and PTSD, can disrupt daily life and mental well-being.
How Medicinal Cannabis Helps:
CBD is known for its calming effects and ability to reduce anxiety without the psychoactive effects of THC.
Research supports the use of CBD for reducing symptoms of PTSD, such as flashbacks and hyperarousal.
Eligibility: Suitable for patients with diagnosed anxiety or PTSD who have not found relief with traditional medications like antidepressants.
3. Insomnia and Sleep Disorders
Description: Insomnia, characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep, can lead to fatigue, irritability, and poor health outcomes.
How Medicinal Cannabis Helps:
THC can reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, while CBD helps improve sleep quality.
Patients with sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, or chronic stress-induced insomnia have reported benefits.
Eligibility: Patients struggling with ongoing sleep disturbances that impact their daily functioning may qualify.
4. Neurological Conditions (e.g., Epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis)
Description: Neurological disorders like epilepsy and multiple sclerosis often cause debilitating symptoms, including seizures, spasticity, and pain.
How Medicinal Cannabis Helps:
CBD has proven efficacy in reducing seizure frequency, particularly in drug-resistant epilepsy.
Both THC and CBD can alleviate spasticity and improve mobility in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Eligibility: Recommended for patients whose symptoms are unmanageable with standard therapies.
5. Cancer-Related Symptoms
Description: Cancer patients often experience pain, nausea, and loss of appetite due to the disease or its treatments (e.g., chemotherapy).
How Medicinal Cannabis Helps:
THC is effective in alleviating nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.
Both THC and CBD can help manage cancer pain and stimulate appetite.
Eligibility: Suitable for cancer patients undergoing treatment or experiencing advanced-stage symptoms.
6. Autoimmune and Inflammatory Disorders
Description: Conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and lupus involve chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation.
How Medicinal Cannabis Helps:
Cannabinoids can modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and other affected areas.
Studies show cannabis may help manage pain, diarrhea, and weight loss associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Eligibility: Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of autoimmune or inflammatory conditions may benefit.
Clinical Research:
Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of medicinal cannabis in managing chronic pain, reducing seizure frequency in epilepsy, and alleviating anxiety and PTSD symptoms.
A 2017 review by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) concluded that substantial evidence supports the use of cannabis for chronic pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and multiple sclerosis spasticity.
Patient Reports:
Thousands of patients worldwide have reported significant improvements in symptoms, including better sleep, reduced pain, and enhanced quality of life.
Ongoing Trials:
Current research continues to explore cannabis’s potential for treating conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and migraines.
To determine eligibility for medicinal cannabis treatment through MOCA Health, patients must:
Have a Diagnosed Condition: Medicinal cannabis is typically prescribed for specific medical conditions supported by clinical evidence.
Exhibit Unmanaged Symptoms: Patients should have tried conventional treatments without sufficient relief or experienced adverse side effects.
Undergo a Telehealth Consultation: An assessment with a licensed medical practitioner is required to evaluate suitability.
Important: All prescriptions comply with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) guidelines, ensuring patient safety and regulatory adherence.
Personalised Treatment Plans: MOCA Health practitioners work with patients to tailor cannabis treatments based on individual needs and conditions.
Ongoing Monitoring: Regular follow-ups ensure optimal results, with dosage adjustments as necessary.
Telehealth Accessibility: Patients can connect with healthcare professionals from anywhere in Australia, making consultations convenient and private.
For more information or to book a consultation, visit our Telehealth Booking Page. Let MOCA Health guide you to effective and safe medicinal cannabis treatment.