Our take

Caution

Cannabis, also called weed or marijuana, may help treat nausea that can happen while receiving chemotherapy. It also might lessen muscle spasms in people with multiple sclerosis. And it might help people with chronic pain.

But cannabis use can affect the way a person thinks and feels. People with mental health conditions may need to use it with caution. Cannabis use, even for medical reasons, isn't legal everywhere. Using it in a place where it's not allowed by law could cause legal problems.

Cannabis can be habit forming. Use of cannabis that creates problems in everyday life, such as with work, school or home, is called cannabis use disorder. People who use cannabis regularly can have withdrawal symptoms. These may include insomnia, sweating, belly pain, anger or mood changes.

Avoid using cannabis if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Cannabis use may cause a baby to be born early or have a low weight at birth. People who are pregnant may have changes in heart rate or blood pressure due to marijuana use.

Those with active heart disease, active mental health disorders or a history of substance misuse should avoid using cannabis.