Can cannabis help patients with glaucoma?
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Cannabis benefits to glaucoma patients
Glaucoma is a condition that damages your eye optic nerve that is characterized to a build-up of intraocular pressure due a buildup fluid in the front part of the eye. it is a serious medical condition projected to affect almost 80 million globally. In prolonged and severe damage to the optic nerve it can cause permanent vision loss.
Cannabis and Glaucoma
With the increasing popularity of natural health products, a possible alternative natural method for IOP lowering is the use of marijuana. Several clinical studies have found that cannabis which containing cannabinoids and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can effectively help reduce intraocular pressure and has been extensively used in conventional glaucoma medications. These cannabinoids can be administered orally, intravenously, or by inhalation but not when they are applied directly to the eye.
These formulations are prepared in different forms such as synthetic cannabinoids in pills and intravenous injections. However, it is important to note that all dosage forms used had a short duration of action and it is unknown how many hours this effect may last, or even if it will prevent glaucoma progression long-term.
If patients were to use this therapy, they would require frequent dosing, which has the potential to reduce patient adherence and increase side effects of the medication.
Recommended Strains For Glaucoma
Purple Kush: This purple is a nice strain that has the effects of "inda-couch". Relaxing strain that is not too strong be advised that one too many hits of this might put you to sleep. Effective for pain, anxiety, depression, nausea, and appetite loss.
Blueberry Haze: A light buzzing sativa strain that will give you a good boost of energy and a pleasant euphoric happiness. Excellent for daytime use. Helps to treat and combats areas where pain has built up
Headband: Headband has a ton of good medicinal properties that will provide a super head buzz for glaucoma patients, thus its' name. But don't let that confuse you with the body stone you'll feel that will help keep you focused.
Cherry Kola: Uplifting Indica strain that has the taste and smell of cherry cola. The terpenes really take over in this strain that will have you feeling totally relaxed.
Maui Waui: Sativa feelings you'll get are happy, euphoric, and really relaxed. Sweet pine tasting flower that is a true classic for medical patients that worth its weight.
Conclusion
The clinical utility of cannabis for treatment of glaucoma is also limited by the inability to separate the potential clinical action from the undesirable neuropsychological and behavioral effects. The Canadian Ophthalmological Society does not support the medical use of cannabis for the treatment of glaucoma due to the short duration of action, the incidence of undesirable psychotropic and other systemic side effects, and the absence of scientific evidence showing a beneficial effect on the course of the disease. This is in contrast to other more effective and less harmful medical, laser, and surgical modalities for the treatment of glaucoma.
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