The majority of the members we serve are living with HIV/AIDS. Other major illness groups include, but are not limited to, Cancer, Hepatitis C, Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia, Glaucoma, and Chronic Pain. 

Members use cannabis to relieve a variety of symptoms including debilitating nausea, lack of appetite, wasting, pain, muscle spasms and tension that limit mobility, and to improve their overall sense of well-being.

Some compassion club clients have recommendations for the use of cannabis for conditions such as bi-polar, schizophrenia, and PTSD. Those suffering from critical or chronic physical conditions also may experience depression and anxiety.

Research suggests that cannabis can be extremely effective in alleviating the symptoms of many mental health conditions.   However, in some cases, cannabis use may not be beneficial and may prove deleterious to mental health.   The BCCCS carefully assesses and monitor clients with severe mental health conditions to ensure cannabis is of continued benefit to them.

Please see the Research page for links to condition-based research.  Also visit the Other Resources page for more information about medical cannabis and its use for specific symptoms and conditions.

 

The following is a list of some conditions and the associated symptoms for which there exists research and anecdotal evidence of cannabis being used successfully. Please note that this list is not exhuastive:

 

AIDS/HIV - Improves appetite and relieves nausea.

ADHD - Calms and encourages focus.

Arthritis - Used as an anti-inflammatory and to help reduce pain.

Brain/Head Injury - Relief from chronic pain and headaches. Increases focus, concentration, and mobility. Decreases neuralgia.

Cancer - Pain relief, increased appetite, decreased nausea, sleep aid.

Colitis - Alleviates pain, spasms and diarrhea.

Chemotherapy - Helps to reduce or relieve nausea and vomiting.

Crohn's Disease - Alleviates pain, spasm and diarrhea.

Epilepsy - Reduces seizure frequency.

Fibromyalgia - Pain relief.

Glaucoma - Reduces inter-ocular pressure.

Hepatitis C - Decreases fatigue, nausea, and chronic pain in muscles and joints. Increases appetite.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Increases appetite, aids in digestion, relieves diarrhea, and decreases bowel spasms.

Migraines - Relieves migraines.

Multiple Sclerosis - Reduces spasticity, pain, fatigue, bladder problems and depression.

Muscular Dystrophy - Relieves muscle spasms and pain. Improves mobility and appetite. Aids in sleep.

Nausea - Highly effective in relieving nausea.

Chronic Pain - Reduces pain.

Paraplegia/Quadriplegia -  Relieves muscle spasms and neuralgia.

Parkinson's Disease - Reduces tremors, spasms, and pain. Increases mobility and appetite.

Radiation Therapy - Relieves nausea and vomiting. Increases appetite and energizes.

Seizure Disorders - Reduces seizure frequency.

Sleep Disorders - Sleep aid.

Substance Addiction and Withdrawal - Decreases cravings, reduces withdrawal symptoms, reported to help addicts stay off hard drugs.