By, Karoline Dias
In recent years, the concept of comprehensive healthcare has gained increasing prominence, especially in the context of medical treatments that focus on the individual's complete well-being. The comprehensive healthcare model considers the patient as a unique being, taking into account not only physical conditions, but also emotional, social and spiritual aspects. In this scenario, new therapeutic approaches have been explored, such as medicinal cannabis.
The pillars of this care range from prevention and health promotion, where the focus is not only on treating diseases, but also on preventing health problems through healthy habits, such as a balanced diet, physical exercise, stress reduction and care for mental well-being.
The therapeutic use of cannabis has proven to be a promising alternative for the treatment of various health conditions, especially those that do not respond well to conventional treatments, due to the modulation of the endocannabinoid system, which is also a regulatory system for physiological functions, such as pain, sleep, appetite, mood and inflammation.
A recent Thai study with a large sample of patients (21,284 participants) portrays the importance of cannabinoid therapy for the overall quality of life of patients, including reduction of pain, fatigue, nausea, anorexia, and shortness of breath, with only 0.42% of them experiencing low-complexity adverse reactions, such as dry mouth and dizziness.
The study also compared outcomes between cancer and non-cancer patients. Although cancer patients had a higher incidence of symptoms at baseline, they also experienced significant improvements after treatment. In this way, we increase the understanding of the role of medical cannabis in the quality of life of the population.
The key to comprehensive care lies in individualized treatment and well-monitored by trained health professionals, recognizing that each person is unique, seeking to adapt therapy to the patient's needs and characteristics, considering their medical history, preferences and closer monitoring.
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Pramote Stienrut, Krit Pongpirul, Phanupong Phutrakool, Chatuthanai Savigamin, Pim Sermsaksasithorn, Ornpapha Chanhom, Panthakan Jeamjumrus, Pimlada Pongchaichanon, Preecha Nootim, Mala Soisamrong, Anchalee Chuthaputti, Kulthanit Wanaratna, Tewan Thaneerat; Medical Cannabis Prescription Practices and Quality of Life in Thai Patients: A Nationwide Prospective Observational Cohort Study. Med Cannabis Cannabinoids June 26, 2024; 7 (1): 125–137. https://doi.org/10.1159/000540153
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