While effective, NSAIDS leave patients with a multitude of stomach and kidney issues. As an alternative to NSAIDS, cannabis doesn't compromise the gastrointestinal wall. Nonetheless, they inhibit the release of proinflammatory molecules (which cause inflammation and pain) by activating cannabinoid receptors. They do not disrupt the production of prostaglandins (fats that repair damage or infection in your body) like a pill such as Advil or Alleve would. 

Furthermore, cannabis has proven to be effective in reducing pain and symptoms associated with a number of severe diseases. These include the following:

• 
  Cancer (lessens pain and nausea)
• HIV (helps food intake, prevents weight loss)
• Epilepsy (controls seizures)
• Parkinson's (lessens tremors)
• Multiple Sclerosis (eases nerve pain) 

As more research is conducted, it is exciting to think that cannabis might become a more widely accepted alternative to the highly addictive opioids currently used as standard prescription for patients with the above-listed illnesses. Because of the various laws in place around cannabis, clinical studies on the medical use of cannabis are in their nascent stages. Nevertheless, there is already a fair amount of evidence proving its efficacy. 

Ailments of the Mind 

Cannabis can be effective to treat mood disorders and mental illnesses. This is because it acts as a mood stabilizer, offering relief to those dealing with anxiety and depression, especially depression caused by chronic stress. It is also used as a form of treatment for eating disorders because it has appetite-inducing properties.

Nevertheless, the most promising property of cannabis is its effectiveness against PTSD, especially among veterans returning from combat zones. 

Medicinal Properties Bring Relief

Cannabis is a plant that can seriously change lives — far beyond its use as a hangover cure. Society and medical experts alike are beginning to recognize that cannabis can be helpful in even the most serious of medical cases. As research continues and its acceptance becomes more widespread, it will be interesting to see the various medicinal roles cannabis can take on.