What Is Medical Cannabis? A Science-Based Guide

Medical cannabis has become one of the most widely discussed treatment options in modern medicine. From managing chronic pain to supporting mental health, its potential is vast, but so is the need for careful, evidence-informed guidance. While medical cannabis shows real therapeutic promise, it’s not a miracle cure, and it’s not right for everyone. Let’s explore what it is, what it isn’t, and how to make informed choices.

To give additional context on the realities of medical cannabis in Europe, we’ve partnered with DoktorABC, Germany’s leading telemedicine provider of medical cannabis.

What Is Medical Cannabis?

Medical cannabis refers to the use of the cannabis plant or its extracts for therapeutic purposes under medical supervision. Unlike recreational cannabis, which is primarily used for its psychoactive effects, medical cannabis has been used for many years as a natural remedy to help relieve pain and seizures. The plant contains numerous active compounds called cannabinoids, with THC and CBD being the most studied. 

• THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) — psychoactive, pain-relieving, appetite-stimulating
  
• CBD (cannabidiol) — non-psychoactive, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic

Preclinical studies show that administering cannabinoids can alter the delicate balance of the body’s endocannabinoid system. As one of the most widely expressed signaling networks in the brain, this system plays a critical role in regulating stress, anxiety, memory, pain, and motivation across the lifespan. 

What Conditions Is Medical Cannabis Used For?

Medical cannabis is prescribed or recommended for a broad range of physical and neurological conditions, though the strength of evidence varies between ailments. It has a documented use in managing chronic pain, reducing nausea caused by chemotherapy, and controlling seizures in certain types of epilepsy. Researchers are also investigating its potential in autoimmune disorders, multiple sclerosis, and neurodegenerative diseases. 

Common applications include:

• Chronic pain (especially neuropathic pain)
  
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  
• Cancer-related nausea and loss of appetite
  
• Epilepsy (CBD-only, for specific syndromes like Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut)
  
• Glaucoma
  
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  
• Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders

However, it’s important to recognize that while some conditions benefit greatly, others have mixed or limited data supporting cannabis use. Patients should always consult healthcare providers to determine if medical cannabis fits their individual health needs.

Our partner DoktorABC shared that patients most often turn to medical cannabis for mental conditions such as sleep disorders, stress and anxiety, chronic pain, migraines, and ADHD. These areas also tend to show some of the most promising treatment outcomes.

Mental Health and Medical Cannabis: What’s the Connection?

One of the most rapidly growing areas of interest is the use of cannabis for mental health conditions including:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)
• Sleep disorders
• ADHD
• Substance use recovery (harm reduction)

Medical cannabis users reported a 50% decrease in depression symptoms and a 58% reduction in anxiety and stress after use. However, research is still emerging and caution is critical:

• High doses of THC can worsen anxiety, especially in sensitive individuals.
  
• Long-term use of cannabis (especially in adolescence) has been associated with increased risk of mood disorders and psychosis.
  
• Self-medicating without medical supervision can delay or complicate diagnosis and treatment.

The balance of cannabinoids, especially THC and CBD, plays a key role in whether effects are calming or potentially anxiety-provoking. Mental health conditions are diverse and multifaceted, so cannabis may help some but could worsen symptoms for others if not carefully managed. 

Cannabis may help certain mental health conditions — but it’s not a replacement for therapy, psychiatric care, or lifestyle support. It should always be used as part of a broader, integrative treatment plan, guided by a qualified clinician.

Understanding Cannabis Types: Indica, Sativa and Chemotype

You’ve likely heard of cannabis strains being labeled Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid — but these labels are mostly informal. Originally used to describe plant morphology, today they mostly indicate general effects such as relaxation or stimulation. 

• Sativa-type strains are described as uplifting or energizing.
• Indica-type strains are often associated with calming, sedative effects.
• Hybrids aim to balance both.

However, what truly matters is the chemical profile: the precise mix of cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) and terpenes, aromatic compounds that influence the therapeutic properties and side effects. For medical purposes, understanding these chemical profiles is essential to finding the right product for symptoms, especially in mental health treatment. 

Because individual responses vary, working with knowledgeable professionals can help patients select strains that best match their needs. Personalized medicine — where treatment is tailored to a person’s unique biology — is the emerging frontier.

Is It Safe? Risks and Considerations

Like all medicines, medical cannabis carries benefits and potential risks that should be carefully weighed. 

Possible side effects include:

• Dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue
• Short-term memory changes
• Increased heart rate or anxiety (especially with high-THC strains)
• Dependency or problematic use in some individuals

Safety also depends on how cannabis is used, dosage, and the individual’s health background, including any pre-existing psychiatric conditions. 

Cannabis is not recommended for:

• People with a personal or family history of psychosis
• Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals
• Adolescents, unless in specific medical contexts and with careful monitoring

Drug interactions are another important consideration, especially for patients on antidepressants, blood thinners, or other medications. Open communication with healthcare providers and responsible use are vital to maximize benefits and minimize harms.

Legal Status of Medical Cannabis 

The legality of medical cannabis varies widely by country and state, reflecting cultural, political, and regulatory differences. Some countries and states have fully embraced medical cannabis programs with structured access, while others maintain strict prohibition. 

In the U.S., medical cannabis remains federally illegal, though many states, the District of Columbia, and 3 territories have approved medical use through state-level programs. In Canada, cannabis has been fully legal for medical purposes since 2001.

Across Europe, legislation is evolving rapidly as more governments recognize the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids. Medical cannabis laws in Europe remain fragmented, with regulations varying widely across countries. Nations such as Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Portugal, and Denmark allow cannabis-based medicines under prescription, while others restrict access. Overall, patient access is expanding, but remains uneven across the continent.

Legal status also influences product quality, safety regulations, and patient protections. Navigating this complex legal landscape requires awareness and often guidance from healthcare or legal professionals.

Is Medical Cannabis Legal in Germany?

Germany has emerged as Europe’s largest medical cannabis market since legalizing its use in 2017. Under German law, patients with serious illnesses can obtain cannabis flowers or extracts by prescription. Unlike many European countries, Germany allows doctors considerable discretion in prescribing medical cannabis, provided conventional therapies have failed. With hundreds of thousands of patients using medical cannabis, Germany represents a critical hub for Europe’s cannabis industry, shaping policy debates and attracting international suppliers.

DoktorABC provides more context, adding that since April 1, 2024, the Cannabis Act (Medizinal-Cannabisgesetz, MedCanG) officially removed cannabis from narcotics classification. Medical cannabis is now treated like other prescription-only medicines, allowing physicians to prescribe it via standard procedures.

Do You Need A Diagnosis For Prescription?

Yes. In places where medical cannabis is legal, patients often need a formal diagnosis and a doctor’s approval to obtain it through licensed dispensaries. Access typically requires:

• A qualifying diagnosis
  
• Certification from a licensed healthcare provider
  
• Registration with a state or national program
  
• Purchase from licensed dispensaries or pharmacies

From DoktorABC:

What are some of the challenges patients face in accessing medical cannabis?

Affordability & Reach: Telemedicine platforms and mail-order models offer convenience — especially for those in rural areas, patients with mobility limitations, or those for whom in-person visits are burdensome. Removing these options would disproportionately impact them.

Limited Doctor Expertise: Despite availability, many physicians remain hesitant due to stigma, lack of knowledge about options, or concerns over documentation and audit.

Types of Medical Cannabis Products

Medical cannabis is available in a range of product types, each designed to support different therapeutic needs. The choice of product can influence how the active compounds interact with the body — including the intensity, duration, and onset of effects. Selection should always be guided by a qualified healthcare provider and depend on your medical condition, treatment goals, and individual response.

• Oils and Extracts. Used for flexible, controlled dosing. Often chosen for long-term symptom management.
  
• Capsules and Tablets offer consistent dosing and are preferred by patients seeking a discreet, standardized option.
  
• Topicals (Creams, Balms, Patches) are used for targeted relief, especially in chronic pain or inflammatory conditions.
  
• Oral Sprays and Sublingual Drops are designed for faster absorption through mucosal membranes, with measured doses.
  
• Dried Flower and Vape-Ready Products. Available in some jurisdictions, typically with medical oversight, but may not be appropriate for all conditions.
  
• Edible Formats. Gummies or lozenges are available in some regions; effects last longer but take more time to set in.

In countries like the UK and across the EU, medical cannabis products are legally available only by prescription and through certified clinics. Product access and regulations differ between countries, so patients should consult local guidelines and work with licensed professionals to determine what is appropriate and legal for their case.

The Future of Medical Cannabis

The field of medical cannabis research is growing, opening new doors for therapeutic breakthroughs. New clinical trials are exploring its potential in neurodegenerative diseases, chronic pain, and even as adjuncts to psychotherapy. Advances in cannabinoid science are revealing new compounds and combinations that may offer more precise symptom relief with fewer side effects. Personalized medicine approaches, including genetic and microbiome profiling, are beginning to tailor treatments to individual biology. 

As stigma continues to diminish and regulations evolve, medical cannabis is poised to become a more integrated part of comprehensive healthcare and new possibilities are emerging:

• Psychedelic-assisted therapy involving cannabis microdosing
  
• Neuroprotective potential for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
  
• Targeted cannabinoid therapies for inflammation and mood
  
• Personalized cannabis medicine, informed by genomics and AI
  
• Integration into trauma-informed care, palliative care, and end-of-life support

Ready to start your medical cannabis journey safely and with a leading provider? States Of Mind readers have partnered with DoktorABC. Learn more here.

FAQ

Can medical cannabis treat depression or anxiety?

In some cases, yes — particularly with high-CBD, low-THC products. But it should be part of a broader treatment plan, not a standalone solution.

Is medical cannabis addictive?

While not physically addictive in the same way as opioids, psychological dependence is possible, especially with frequent, unsupervised use of high-THC products.

What’s the difference between medical and recreational cannabis?

Medical cannabis is prescribed for specific conditions, typically with known dosing, purity, and clinical oversight. Recreational use is not monitored and carries more variability.

Can I take medical cannabis with antidepressants?

Possibly, but interactions may occur. Always consult your prescribing doctor — especially with SSRIs, SNRIs, or benzodiazepines.

How can I tell which strain or type is right for me?

The best way is to work with a qualified medical provider who understands cannabinoid science and mental health. Tracking your response and starting low is essential.

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before beginning any treatment. Effects and legality vary by region, diagnosis, and individual needs.