The marijuana plant provides natural relief, making it a vital resource in medical cannabis treatments
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Medical cannabis has emerged as a promising treatment option for a variety of health conditions, offering relief to patients where conventional medicine may fall short. In South Africa, medical doctors can prescribe cannabis to manage several debilitating conditions, including epilepsy, severe chronic pain, muscle spasms associated with multiple sclerosis, and nausea caused by cancer-related treatments.
The regulation and approval of medical cannabis fall under the jurisdiction of the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), which ensures the safety, efficacy, and quality of all medicines available in the country. As scientific research continues to shed light on the therapeutic potential of cannabis, more patients are turning to this plant-based remedy for symptom management and improved quality of life.
One of the most common reasons people turn to medical cannabis is for pain relief from conditions such as osteoarthritis, neuropathy, fibromyalgia, endometriosis and cancer. Conventional pain medication, such as NSAIDs, can cause gastrointestinal issues, and medications that contain opioids can result in addiction and other long-term health consequences.
“In contrast, medical cannabis can have far fewer side effects and less risk of dependence, making it a safer pain relief option when it comes to managing chronic pain, cancer-related pain and post-surgical recovery,” says Sikhosanda Kula, Responsible Pharmacist for AKOS Bio, the first South African pharmacy to provide fully regulated locally produced medical cannabis compounds.
“Cannabis works by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate pain and inflammation. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that binds to receptors in the nervous system to reduce pain perception, while cannabidiol (CBD) has anti-inflammatory properties,” Kula adds
Given the frantic pace of modern life, anxiety is a widespread issue that affects millions of people in different ways, from general anxiety and panic attacks to post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). As with pain and sleep medications, drugs such as antidepressants and benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed but can be highly addictive and cause drowsiness along with other unwanted side effects.
“As people seek alternatives, CBD has shown significant promise in treating anxiety and managing symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety, PTSD, OCD and even panic disorders,” says Dr Robyn Milton, a South African Doctor interested in the potential therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis.
Unlike THC, which can sometimes increase anxiety in high doses, Dr Milton says that CBD provides relief without psychoactive effects by interacting with serotonin receptors in the brain, promoting a sense of calm and well-being. “With fewer side effects than traditional anxiety medications, it’s becoming a preferred choice for those looking for a natural way to manage their symptoms,” she says.
Sleep disorders affect millions of people and can lead to poor health and a decreased quality of life. While traditional treatments like sleeping pills can help in the short term, they often come with side effects such as drowsiness, cognitive impairment and a higher tolerance over time, which means they become less effective the longer they are used.
“THC is known for its sedative effects, particularly at higher doses. It has also been shown to reduce the time it takes to fall asleep (known as sleep latency) and may prolong deep sleep (known as slow-wave sleep), which is important for physical restoration. CBD, a non-psychoactive component of cannabis, has been found to improve sleep by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. THC and CBD medical products can be administered in the form of oral suspension or inhalation,” says Kula
Unlike traditional sleep aids, cannabis addresses the underlying issues of poor sleep, such as pain and anxiety, rather than simply masking the symptoms. This makes it a far more effective treatment in the longer term.
Muscle spasms and movement disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can make daily life challenging. Traditionally, these conditions have been treated with muscle relaxants and other medications, but these can cause drowsiness, dependency, and reduced effectiveness over time.
Medical cannabis has shown promise in the management of muscle spasms — particularly for conditions such as multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries — in helping to regulate muscle control and reduce spasticity. For example, a cannabis-based spray called Sativex, which combines THC and CBD, has been approved in multiple countries for treating MS-related muscle spasms.
Beyond MS, cannabis has also been shown to help ease symptoms and reduce muscle stiffness for other neurological conditions such as fibromyalgia, cerebral palsy, and peripheral neuropathy.
Despite lingering stigma and regulatory challenges, medical cannabis is proving to be a valuable tool in relieving pain, improving sleep, reducing anxiety, and helping with muscular conditions. With ongoing research and increasing acceptance worldwide, more patients are gaining access to and finding success with cannabis-based treatments.
In South Africa, recent changes in regulations mean that patients are now legally able to access medical cannabis if they have a valid prescription from a licensed medical professional under a section 21 application granted by SAHPRA.
(Hopefully) As regulations evolve, cannabis will likely become a more mainstream treatment option, offering hope and relief to millions who struggle with chronic health issues.