Diseases treatable with cannabinoids (according to science)

In contemporary medicine, cannabinoids represent a constantly evolving area of ​​research. These compounds, present in the cannabis plant, are being studied to understand their potential role in various clinical contexts, always under medical supervision and in accordance with specific regulations.

Scientific interest is not recent, but in recent decades, research has deepened the understanding of the functioning of the human endocannabinoid system, a biological system involved in the regulation of numerous physiological processes. This has allowed for a more rigorous and controlled analysis of the potential applications of cannabinoids in healthcare.

The most relevant areas of study are listed below, without this constituting a therapeutic indication.

Medical cannabis: definition and medical context

The term medical cannabis refers to standardized preparations containing cannabinoids, used exclusively by prescription and in specific clinical settings.

The main compounds involved are:

• THC (tetrahydrocannabinol): A molecule with psychoactive effects, also studied for its possible role in controlling pain and spasticity.
• CBD (cannabidiol): A non-psychotropic compound, being researched for its interaction with mechanisms related to inflammation, mood, and stress response.

The difference between CBD and THC, therefore, is that THC exerts psychoactive effects by binding directly to CB1 receptors in the central nervous system, while CBD does not produce alterations in consciousness and acts in a more modulating and indirect manner on the biological systems involved in the body’s balance.

Products authorized for medical use include:

• Sativex: An oral spray based on THC and CBD, indicated for specific clinical conditions.
• Standardized preparations such as Bedrocan, used in hospitals or specialist settings in some countries.

Prescriptions are made only when deemed appropriate by the doctor, often in cases of insufficient response to conventional therapies.

CBD: main research areas

CBD is one of the most widely studied cannabinoids. It does not produce psychoactive effects and is being studied for its interaction with the endocannabinoid system and other neurochemical systems.

The following are the most discussed areas of study in the literature.

CBD and chronic pain

Chronic pain is an area in which cannabinoids are being scientifically explored. Some preliminary studies and reviews suggest that CBD may be involved in biological mechanisms related to:

• modulation of inflammatory processes
• regulation of pain perception
• balance of factors affecting the quality of sleep

It is important to emphasize that the evidence does not yet allow for the definition of standardized clinical indications or shared therapeutic protocols. Any use in this context must be evaluated exclusively by a medical professional.

In 2024, a review was published on PubMed that analyzed several studies on the use of CBD in the context of chronic pain, defined as pain persisting for more than 3–6 months.

Some studies included in the review reported a reduction in pain intensity in patients treated with cannabinoids, both with CBD alone and in combination with THC. However, the results are heterogeneous in terms of methodology, sample size, and dosages used.

The authors highlight that, although there are emerging signs of potential benefit, larger and more standardized clinical studies are needed to more precisely define efficacy, safety, and usage protocols.

CBD and anxiety disorders

Cannabidiol has been the subject of preliminary studies in relation to:

• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Social anxiety
• Post-traumatic stress disorder

A review published in 2020 analyzed the role of cannabidiol in disorders such as anxiety, depression, and psychotic conditions. The available data, largely from preclinical studies and animal models, suggest that CBD may influence some neurobiological mechanisms involved in the stress response and mood regulation.

Further controlled studies in clinical populations will be needed to clarify the true role of CBD in psychiatry. Cannabidiol is not a substitute for pharmacological or psychological therapies, and any potential use should be evaluated by a medical professional.

Drug-resistant epilepsy

The area in which CBD has the most solid clinical evidence concerns certain forms of drug-resistant epilepsy. In this context, specific CBD-based preparations have been approved in several countries.

Treatment is always performed:

• under specialist supervision
• with continuous medical monitoring
• in combination with other therapies

A study published in January 2025 in the Indian Journal of Pediatrics analyzed the use of CBD in pediatrics, particularly in specific forms of drug-resistant epilepsy.

The results reported by the authors indicate a possible reduction in seizure frequency in a portion of patients treated under controlled clinical protocols. The study also highlights a potential positive impact on certain quality of life indicators.

However, these treatments are performed under strict specialist supervision and in regulated settings. CBD in pediatrics should not be used without medical advice, and further studies are needed to more precisely define its efficacy, safety, and criteria for use.

Inflammatory diseases

The endocannabinoid system is involved in regulating the inflammatory response. CBD is being studied in relation to:

• inflammatory bowel disease
• conditions characterized by chronic inflammation

A study published in October 2024 in the journal Cureus analyzed the role of cannabinoids in the context of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

The review describes the interaction of cannabinoids with CB1 and CB2 receptors, present in both the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract, highlighting the possible involvement of these compounds in the mechanisms regulating inflammation and intestinal motility.

There are currently no definitive clinical indications for the use of cannabinoids as a therapy for IBD, and any use should be done only under medical supervision.

Oncological context

A study published on April 24, 2024, in the journal Molecules analyzed, in an experimental setting, the molecular mechanisms through which CBD interacts with certain tumor cell lines in laboratory models.

The authors describe how, in preclinical settings (in vitro and in animal models), CBD can influence biological processes such as:

• cell cycle regulation
• activation of programmed cell death mechanisms (apoptosis)
• modulation of autophagy
• interference with processes involved in cell proliferation

It is important to emphasize that these results derive primarily from experimental studies and do not constitute evidence of clinical efficacy in humans.

Possible side effects

Cannabinoid use can cause side effects, even with medical cannabis, including:

• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• cognitive changes (more common with THC)
• appetite changes

With CBD, the effects are generally considered mild, but drug interactions are possible. Therefore, consulting your doctor is essential.

Prescription and regulatory framework

The prescription of medical cannabis is regulated and can be performed by licensed physicians, often specialists in:

• pain therapy
• neurology
• oncology

In some specific clinical conditions, reimbursement may be provided according to regional regulations.

Cannabinoids and personalized medicine

Cannabinoid research currently focuses on:

• personalized dosages
• controlled formulations
• integration with conventional therapies

Cannabinoids are not a one-size-fits-all solution, but they can be evaluated in specific clinical settings, always under medical supervision.

An informed and professionally guided approach remains essential to ensure therapeutic safety and appropriateness.

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