In the states that have legalized marijuana, many people are substituting the substance for other prescription medications, according to a recent anonymous survey. Their reason was that cannabis offers better symptom control with fewer side effects than do prescription drugs. The conditions for which cannabis is most often used (besides in cancer patients) included psychiatric disorders such as bipolar, PTSD, depression, anxiety and insomnia, as well as symptoms of diabetes or arthritis. Half the patients used it for pain relief, including from injuries and migraines, saying it has less addiction potential than opiates. Other uses included carpal tunnel syndrome, multiple sclerosis and for appetite stimulation.

COMMENT: I recommend cannabis use to many of my cancer patients because it is very effective for controlling nausea, pain, anxiety and stimulating appetite. A "legal" form of marijuana for these purposes is called Marinol (dronabinol), but it may not work as well as actual marijuana. No studies have been performed to see if marijuana helps symptoms of other diseases,. It is interesting to note that patients paid out-of-pocket for the marijuana even if their insurance covered the prescription meds; patient only do that when they get better relief with less side effects.