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Medical benefits — what the research shows

What the research actually shows on cannabis and cannabinoids by condition — evidence-graded from NASEM, Cochrane and FDA sources, with citations. Educational, not medical advice.

Strongest Limited Insufficient Use caution

Read the cannabinoid & endocannabinoid primer →

Strongest evidence

Chemotherapy nausea & vomitingChronic & neuropathic painEpilepsy & seizuresMultiple sclerosis spasticity

Moderate evidence

FibromyalgiaInsomnia & sleep

Limited evidence

Alzheimer's & dementiaAnxietyAppetite loss / anorexiaArthritisHIV/AIDS (appetite & weight)Migraines & headachesPTSDParkinson's diseaseSpinal cord injury (spasticity)Tourette's syndrome

Insufficient evidence

ADD/ADHDAsthmaCrohn's diseaseDepressionIBS & ulcerative colitisInflammationMenstrual crampsMuscular dystrophyPhantom limb pain

No evidence

FatiguePMSStress

Use caution

Bipolar disorderCachexia (wasting)Cancer (as a disease)Glaucoma / eye pressureHypertensionTinnitus

Safety & contraindications

Psychosis, schizophrenia & bipolar disorder

THC can precipitate psychosis; adolescent use is associated with roughly 2.4× the risk of schizophrenia, and cannabis is linked to worse outcomes in bipolar disorder. Avoid with a personal or family history of psychosis or bipolar disorder.

Sources: Cannabis & psychosis (review)

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

Prenatal cannabis exposure is linked to attention, cognitive, and psychotic-like problems in offspring. Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Sources: Maternal cannabis use (Br J Psychiatry)

Drug interactions

CBD inhibits liver CYP450 enzymes and can raise levels of other drugs — including warfarin (bleeding risk) and clobazam. Review interactions with a pharmacist.

Sources: CBD & CYP450 (Society of Cannabis Clinicians)

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome

Chronic heavy use can cause cyclic severe vomiting and abdominal pain, often temporarily relieved by hot showers.

Sources: CHS (JAMA)

Cardiovascular & driving

THC acutely raises heart rate and blood pressure (caution with heart disease) and impairs psychomotor function — do not drive impaired.

Sources: NASEM 2017 conclusions

An evolving, patient-first resource

Cannabis research is young and moving fast. Areto is committed to growing this section responsibly — grounded in peer-reviewed evidence — so it can genuinely help medical patients make informed choices. We continually add new studies and welcome sources from clinicians and researchers at genetics@areto.tech.

Areto Genetics is an educational cannabis catalog. Nothing here is medical advice, and no strain is proven to treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Cannabis affects people differently and carries real risks. Talk to a qualified healthcare provider before using cannabis for any condition — especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, an adolescent, taking other medications, or have a heart, liver, or psychiatric condition.