Dr. Ife Abiola

Cannabis can be very helpful for treating certain symptoms and health problems. It’s often used to manage things like long-lasting pain, inflammation and other conditions, but I wouldn’t say it “cures” anything.

When we use the word “cure”, it means the problem goes away completely, and that’s not usually the case with cannabis. It can improve how people feel and help with symptoms, but it doesn’t make the illness disappear. In fact, in some cases, cannabis can cause other health issues if not used properly. It’s also important to know that cannabis doesn’t work the same for everyone. Some people may find it very helpful, while others might not notice much change or could even feel worse.

So, while cannabinoids (the active parts of cannabis—THC and CBD) can be useful for many diseases, calling it a cure is a bit of a stretch. It’s more accurate to say it can help.

I would advise the importance of not to treating cannabis like it’s automatically safer than all traditional medicines. While cannabis can be helpful for some people, whether it’s “safer” really depends on a few things—like what health issue you’re treating, what other medications you’re taking, and your personal and family health history.

Cannabis comes in many forms, strengths, and types, and not everyone reacts to it the same way. For some, it might help with symptoms and feel gentler than other treatments. For others, it might not work well or could even cause side effects.

That’s why it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before using cannabis as part of your treatment plan. It’s not one-size-fits-all, and making sure it’s right for you is key to staying safe and getting the best results.

No, not everyone is a good fit for medical cannabis. Things like your age, family history and medical history and even other medications you may be taking can make cannabis unsafe or not the right choice.

Cannabis may help some people, but it doesn’t always work the same for everyone, and unfortunately in some cases it might cause more problems than it solves. That’s why it is important to talk to your doctor before exploring cannabis as part of your treatment. They can help figure out if it is a good option for you and your medical history.

The risks are generally the same, but medical cannabis is provided and used with proper guidance and support from your doctor or other healthcare providers. This makes a big difference because they will guide you on what products to use, how much to use and what potency or strength will be most helpful without causing more health problems.

Cannabis has been shown to help with certain symptoms and conditions, but it is still being researched for bigger therapeutic (medical) uses. Until the research provides more guidance, always talk to your doctor when using cannabis for medical or health reasons, to make sure it is safe and the right choice for you. 

Cannabis products that have high levels of THC (the part that makes you feel “high”) can have a long-lasting or even permanent effects on the brain. This is because the high level of THC reacts with the cannabinoid receptors in the brain and overloads those receptors.

When overloaded it can cause changes in the brain, affecting things like mood, memory and even reward signaling (part of your brain that helps you feel pleasure, motivation and satisfaction).

Age and gender can both play a big role in how cannabis affects the brain. Starting cannabis use at a young age, especially during teenage years which can increase the risk of mental health problems like anxiety, mood disorders, and even psychosis. The brain is still developing during this time, so it’s more sensitive to the effects of cannabis.

Gender matters too. Males are generally at a higher risk than females for developing psychosis and conditions like schizophrenia, especially if there’s a family history. Men are also more likely to develop cannabis use disorder, which means having trouble controlling their use.

These differences show why it’s important to consider personal factors before using cannabis, and to talk to a doctor to understand any potential risks.

Yes, cannabis can cause lasting changes in the brain of a young person. Using cannabis when you are young, when the brain is still developing can increase the risk of long-term effects and the severity of those effects.

Some of these changes can affect areas of your brain, like the size and shape of the hippocampus. which is the part that helps you with memory and the prefrontal cortex which is the part that is responsible for your decision-making and behavior. These changes can continue to be seen in adulthood and impact on the way someone thinks, feels or even acts.

Yes, stronger cannabis products with high levels of THC can have greater effects and impacts on the brain. THC affects special receptors in the brain called cannabinoid receptors. When these receptors are exposed to high-potency THC over time, they can start to change or even disappear. This means the brain may need more THC to feel the same effects, which can lead to heavier use. These receptors also help control things like mood, memory, and other brain functions, so when they’re overloaded, it can affect more than just the buzz or “high” you’re feeling.
 

That’s why high-potency cannabis can carry more risks, especially for young people whose brains are still developing.

Occasional cannabis (THC) use is generally less risky than heavy or chronic use when it comes to brain health. But even occasional use can have side effects changes in mood, memory, or focus. This is more impacting for younger people because their brains are still developing.

Regular or heavy use, especially with high-THC products, can lead to more serious and lasting changes in the brain. The more often it’s used, the greater the impact.

The brain is complex, and if you are a teenager your brain is still growing and developing. It is learning to manage emotions, decision-making and impulse control. Using cannabis (THC) during this time, whether it is occasional or regularly can confuse the brain’s development, making it harder to find a healthy balance later in life.

Because the brain is still ‘under construction’, the effects of THC could be stronger and last longer in teens than it would in adults. This is why using cannabis younger carries higher risks for longer-term mental and emotional health.