Pain & Sleep
Conditions related to chronic pain, including arthritis
Learn MoreCannabis is most commonly used in treating similar symptoms across a wide range of ailments. Medical marijuana has also proven helpful in treating the side effects of more invasive treatments, such as radiation and chemotherapy, used to treat a range of serious illnesses. The following symptoms have proven to be positively affected by cannabis treatment:
Severe Nausea
Weight Loss
Chronic Pain
PTSD
The State of Arkansas currently recognizes the following qualifying conditions as approved for cannabis treatment.
View all qualifying conditions for medical marijuana in the state of Arkansas.
Conditions related to chronic pain (pain lasting longer than six months) or sleep loss.
Last year in the U.S., more than 1.7 million Americans were diagnosed with cancer. Cannabis has long been recognized as an effective tool for treating the symptoms of cancer treatments like chemotherapy. If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, talk to your doctor about how medical marijuana can help.
One of the most common conditions of chronic pain, Fibromyalgia affects roughly 10 million Americans, the vast majority of whom are women (nearly 90%). Once considered a mental disorder, Fibromyalgia affects the muscles and soft tissue, resulting in chronic musculoskeletal pain, sleep problems and fatigue. Cannabis has been shown to help relieve these symptoms.
A category which includes a range of conditions, “intractable pain” refers to chronic pain (6 months or more) that is resistant to other forms of treatment. This pain may be felt in the bones, as migraine headaches, joint or muscle pain. Cannabis treatment has shown to be effective even when other pain relievers have not.
Chronic muscle spasms may result from a variety of conditions, particularly diseases of the central nervous system like multiple sclerosis (MS). Treatment with cannabis may lessen the symptoms of persistent or recurrent chronic muscle spasm.
More than 20% of U.S. adults (more than 54 million Americans) suffer with arthritis. Ranging from mild to debilitating pain, nearly half of arthritis patients report being prevented from engaging in regular activities due to symptoms. Cannabis treatment, particularly topical creams, have been shown to improve quality of life for arthritis sufferers.
Disorders affecting the digestive system, including severe nausea.
Cachexia (or Wasting Syndrome) is a life-threatening condition often associated with patients being treated for cancer, chronic renal failure, congestive heart failure or HIV/AIDS. Symptoms include involuntary weight loss (including fat and muscle loss) and a severe loss of appetite. Cannabis treatment has been proven to help improve appetite and quality of life for Cachexia patients.
A severe inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s is an inflammation of the digestive tract associated with often severe abdominal pain and weight loss, among other symptoms. As with other conditions resulting in loss of appetite and nausea, sufferers of Crohn’s Disease may find a higher quality of life through marijuana-based treatments, particularly cannabis oils.
While not itself a disease, severe nausea is a common ailment associated with a wide range of conditions and treatments from food poisoning to migraines to the effects of chemotherapy. Cannabis is widely accepted as a treatment for both acute and chronic nausea.
Another inflammatory bowel disease, Ulcerative Colitis is characterized by sores in the lining of the large intestine. Symptoms include abdominal pain, weight loss, frequent diarrhea, reduced appetite and malnutrition. Cannabis-based medicines have proven effective in treating these symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients suffering with Ulcerative Colitis.
Disorders affecting the brain or nervous system, including epilepsy and dementia
The most common type of dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, affects nearly six million Americans. The disease is characterized by a severe, ongoing loss of memory and cognitive skills. Cannabis has been shown to help with agitation and stress that can result in a worsening of symptoms, improving quality of life for Alzheimer’s patients.
Commonly known as ALS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a degenerative neurological disorder that can result in a progressive loss of motor function and eventual paralysis. THC, an active ingredient in cannabis, has been shown to help with muscle spasms, pain and nausea associated with treatment.
A disease of the peripheral nervous system, this condition is characterized by nerve damage between the brain and spinal cord. Common symptoms of this disease include impaired muscle movement, numbness, loss of sensation and pain. Cannabis treatments have been approved in Arkansas to help with the symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy.
Roughly 200,000 Americans are diagnosed every year with epilepsy, a disorder causing recurrent seizures. Seizures may result in muscle fatigue, temporary paralysis or even loss of consciousness. Cannabis has been shown to have positive effects on seizure symptoms.
A neurological condition known for repetitive tics and vocalizations, Tourette’s Syndrome affects more than 200,000 Americans every year. This sometimes debilitating condition may also be treated with cannabis, particularly the CBD cannabinoid, which has been shown to lessen anxiety, a common trigger in Tourette’s symptoms.
Psychological orders affecting the mood such as chronic anxiety, depression and PTSD.
Though it is most commonly associated with combat veterans, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD affects roughly one in 11 Americans, and women are twice as likely to suffer from it than men. Some PTSD patients have shown improved sleep and memory regulation through cannabis treatment.
Other conditions including autoimmune diseases and those with miscellaneous symptoms.
Glaucoma is the second-leading cause of blindness worldwide and is caused by increased pressure in the eye. Over time, this pressure can damage the optic nerve. THC has been shown to temporarily lower pressure in the eye. If you suffer from glaucoma, ask your doctor whether cannabis treatment is right for you.
A virus that strikes the liver, Hepatitis C is transmitted through contact with infected blood. As with many other qualifying conditions, cannabis is not used directly to treat Hepatitis C. Instead, medical marijuana is used to lessen the severity of side effects associated with clinical treatment. These side effects include acute nausea.
Cannabis has proven effective at counteracting the symptoms associated with clinical treatment of HIV/AIDS, including severe nausea and loss of appetite. For many side effects associated with HIV/AIDS treatment, medical marijuana can be the safest alternative with the fewest side effects.
The statements made on this website about PurSpirit products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Marijuana is for use by qualified patients only, keep out of reach of children. Marijuana use during pregnancy or breastfeeding poses potential harms. Marijuana is not approved by the FDA to treat, cure, or prevent any disease and should not be considered a substitute for or alternative to advice from a healthcare professional. Please consult your doctor or healthcare professional about potential interactions or complications with other medications before using any cannabis product. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of marijuana.