- A global survey revealed that Poland is the country where the population is most open to trying cannabis-based medical treatments.
- While at the opposite extreme are South Korea and Spain.
- In the case of Mexico, since 2021 Cofepris authorized the prescription of medical cannabis but only to doctors who meet certain requirements.
There are issues on which it is impossible to reach a consensus of opinion because they have both supporters and detractors. Actually there is no right or wrong position because each one is partly right. This is exactly what happens with the medical cannabis and the possible uses it offers for certain diseases and conditions.
Difference Between Medical and Recreational Cannabis
The first and most important thing is to point out that they are not the same. When talking about medicinal use, it is because only sick people can consume cannabis. There must be a review by a doctor who is an expert in the subject to identify the appropriate dose for each case.
While when talking about the recreational mode means that everyone can try the plant without restrictions. In many cases it is for simple fun and some nations like the Netherlands and now some regions of the United States use it as a tourist attraction.
Health benefits
To begin with, although research has already been done on the subject, it is still insufficient. More work is required to be able to identify with certainty the true scope offered by this plant and the limits that should not be exceeded in order not to expose people.
As part of recent work, it has been identified as a real option against chronic pain. Before starting a treatment, it is essential to carry out a complete assessment of the patient that includes all his pathological and non-pathological personal history, previous exposure to cannabinoids, previous and current treatments (pharmacological and non-pharmacological).
There must also be a complete physical examination, determine that there are no relative and/or absolute contraindications for cannabis-based drug therapy, and objective evaluation.
When the patient is a candidate to receive medical cannabis therapy, it is essential to define which are the main symptoms to control in order to decide which type of cannabinoid formulation (THC, CBD or both) should be consumed specifically. For example, a product rich in CBD may be enough to improve the patient’s anxiety and consequently, indirectly, could produce an improvement in pain intensity, sleep quality and emotional state.
Where do you have more support from the population?
Now, although there are already regulations on the subject in some countries, the opinion among the general population remains skeptical. The study Statista Consumer Insights conducted a worldwide survey to identify whether people were willing to try such a medical treatment.
What was obtained was that South Korea is the country where the most denial prevails as only 13% would be willing to try medical cannabis. While France and Spain appear slightly above with 22 and 23%, respectively.
Now, at the opposite extreme is Poland because 46%, that is, practically half, agree with using this type of treatment. Then Germany appears with 39% and the United States with 35%.
And in your case as a health professional, what is your opinion about medical cannabis?
Also read:
Is it possible to use medical cannabis to treat chronic pain?
Cancer and medical cannabis, in which cases can it be useful?
Requirements to prescribe medical cannabis according to Cofepris