Medical marijuana is a very controversial topic. Those who support it say it can help with a wide range of health problems, while those who don’t say it has a lot of bad effects.
Recent studies, on the other hand, have shown that medical marijuana can help a lot with some health problems, like chronic pain, anxiety, and depression.
In this article, we will delve into the various benefits of medical marijuana, including how it helps with different medical conditions, the different forms of medical marijuana, and the legal landscape of medical marijuana.
By the end of this article, you will know everything you need to know about the possible benefits of medical marijuana as well as the arguments for and against making it legal.
Explanation of Medical Marijuana
Medical marijuana is a term used to describe the use of the cannabis plant or its extracts to treat medical conditions. Cannabinoids, which are chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant, are what give the plant its healing properties.
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are the two most well-known cannabinoids. Each has its own therapeutic effects.
Medical marijuana is often used to ease the symptoms of a wide range of medical conditions, such as chronic pain, anxiety, depression, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and more.
Medical marijuana can be taken in many different ways, such as by smoking, eating, using tinctures, or putting it on the skin.
The use of medical marijuana is still highly controversial, with supporters and opponents of its legalization making strong arguments on either side of the debate.
A brief history of Medical Marijuana
The history of medical marijuana dates back to ancient times when the plant was used for medicinal purposes in many cultures. In the 19th century, cannabis extracts were commonly used in Western medicine to treat pain, insomnia, and nausea, among other things.
On the other hand, using cannabis became more of a social taboo as the 20th century went on because of worries about its psychoactive effects and the fact that it could be abused.
In the 1970s, scientists discovered the endocannabinoid system, which is a network of receptors in the human body that respond to cannabis and other cannabinoids. This led to renewed interest in the medical potential of cannabis.
Since then, medical marijuana has been legalized in more than 30 US states and in many other countries around the world. Researchers are still looking into the benefits and risks of this drug as a medicine.
Medical Conditions that Medical Marijuana can benefit
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is pain that lasts for more than three to six months. It is usually caused by an injury or illness that hasn’t been treated.
Pain that lasts for a long time can happen anywhere in the body and can be mild, moderate, or severe. The most common causes of chronic pain include arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraines, nerve damage, and injuries.
Chronic pain can have a big effect on a person’s quality of life, making it hard to do daily tasks and leading to trouble sleeping changes in mood, and less mobility.
Traditional pain medications like opioids can have negative side effects and be addictive, making them less suitable for long-term use.
More and more people are using medical marijuana as an alternative way to treat chronic pain.
Some studies show that it may help with pain more and have fewer side effects than traditional pain medications.
How Medical Marijuana helps alleviate chronic pain
By interacting with the endocannabinoid system in the body, medical marijuana has been shown to help ease chronic pain.
The cannabinoids found in marijuana, such as THC and CBD, interact with the body’s endocannabinoid receptors to reduce inflammation and pain sensations.
The use of medical marijuana for chronic pain is still being studied, but research has shown that it can offer significant benefits for many patients. But it’s important to talk to a medical marijuana doctor before you start using medical marijuana to treat chronic pain.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a type of mental disorder characterized by excessive worry, fear, and apprehension. It can be debilitating and affect a person’s ability to carry out daily activities. Anxiety can be caused by things like genes, the way the brain works, and the environment.
The most common forms of anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Traditional treatments for anxiety disorders include therapy and medications like benzodiazepines and antidepressants, which can have negative side effects and be addictive.
Medical marijuana is gaining popularity as an alternative anxiety treatment, with some studies suggesting that it may help reduce anxiety symptoms.
How Medical Marijuana helps with Anxiety
Medical marijuana has been shown to help ease anxiety by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system. The cannabinoids found in marijuana, such as THC and CBD, interact with the body’s endocannabinoid receptors to produce calming and relaxing effects.
Even though medical marijuana has shown promise for treating anxiety, it’s important to talk to a doctor before starting treatment. Medical marijuana may not be right for everyone and may have side effects.
Depression
Depression is a common mental illness that can cause people to feel sad, hopeless, and uninterested in doing their daily activities. It affects a lot of people around the world and can be caused by things like genes, brain chemistry, and the environment.
Traditional treatments for depression include therapy and medications like antidepressants, which can have negative side effects and may not be effective for all patients.
Medical marijuana is gaining popularity as an alternative treatment for depression, with some studies suggesting that it may be helpful in reducing depression symptoms.
How Medical Marijuana helps with Depression
The endocannabinoid system in the body is affected by medical marijuana, which helps with depression. The cannabinoids found in marijuana, such as THC and CBD, interact with the body’s endocannabinoid receptors to produce calming and relaxing effects.
But it’s important to talk to a doctor before starting medical marijuana treatment for depression since it may not work for everyone and may have side effects.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes seizures. It is caused by electrical activity in the brain that isn’t working right. This can make the person shake uncontrollably and lose consciousness.
Epilepsy can be hard to deal with, and traditional treatments for it include anticonvulsant drugs, which can have bad side effects and may not work for all patients. More and more people with epilepsy are using medical marijuana as an alternative treatment. Some studies show that it may help a lot by reducing the number and severity of seizures.
How Medical Marijuana helps with Epilepsy
Medical marijuana helps people with epilepsy by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system. The cannabinoids found in marijuana, such as THC and CBD, interact with the body’s endocannabinoid receptors to regulate brain activity and reduce seizures.
But it’s important to talk to a doctor before starting medical marijuana treatment for epilepsy since it may not be right for everyone and may have side effects.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system. It damages the myelin sheath, which covers nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord, leading to problems with vision, balance, coordination, and muscle control.
Medication and physical therapy are traditional ways to treat MS, but they may not work for everyone and can have bad side effects.
Medical marijuana is being used more and more as an alternative treatment for MS, and some studies show that it may help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life in a big way.
How Medical Marijuana helps with Multiple Sclerosis
Medical marijuana helps with MS by interacting with the endocannabinoid system in the human body. The cannabinoids found in marijuana, such as THC and CBD, interact with the body’s endocannabinoid receptors to reduce inflammation and pain, which are common symptoms of MS.
But it’s important to talk to a doctor before starting medical marijuana treatment for MS since it may not be right for everyone and may have side effects.
Side Effects of Medical Marijuana
Medical marijuana is known to help treat a number of health problems, but like any other medicine, it may also have side effects.
The effects of medical marijuana can be different for each person, depending on the strain, dosage, and how sensitive and tolerant they are.
Some of the common side effects of medical marijuana include:
- Dry mouth – Medical marijuana can cause a dry sensation in the mouth and throat, which can be relieved by drinking water or sucking on a piece of candy.
- Dizziness – Some individuals may experience dizziness or lightheadedness after consuming medical marijuana, which can be alleviated by lying down or sitting.
- Changes in mood – Medical marijuana can cause changes in mood, such as euphoria, anxiety, or paranoia, which can vary depending on the individual and dosage.
- Impaired memory and concentration – Medical marijuana can affect cognitive function, leading to impaired memory and concentration, especially in high doses.
- Red eyes – Medical marijuana can cause blood vessels in the eyes to dilate, causing redness or dryness, which can be relieved by using eye drops.
- Increased heart rate – Medical marijuana can cause an increase in heart rate, which can be concerning for individuals with cardiovascular issues.
- Respiratory problems – Smoking or inhaling medical marijuana can cause respiratory problems, such as coughing, wheezing, or bronchitis.
It is important to note that medical marijuana side effects vary from person to person and may not occur in everyone. Before starting medical marijuana treatment, you should also talk to a doctor or nurse. They can help you figure out the right dose and keep an eye out for any side effects.
Forms of Medical Marijuana
Medical marijuana is available in various forms, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. The most common forms of medical marijuana include:
- Flower: The most traditional and popular form of medical marijuana, “flower” refers to the dried buds of the cannabis plant. It can be smoked or vaporized and is known for its immediate effects.
- Edibles: Edibles are food products infused with medical marijuana, such as brownies, gummies, and chocolate bars. They are a private and easy way to use medical marijuana, but they can take longer to work.
- Tinctures: Tinctures are liquid extracts of medical marijuana that are taken orally or added to food or drinks. They are easy to dose and offer a quick onset of effects.
- Topicals: Topicals are creams, lotions, or balms that are infused with medical marijuana and applied directly to the skin. They are great for pain or inflammation in a specific area and don’t get you high like other types of medical marijuana.
- Capsules: Capsules contain concentrated doses of medical marijuana in pill form. They are easy to dose and make it easy and discreet to use medical marijuana, but they can take longer to work.
It’s important to choose the form of medical marijuana that best suits your medical condition and personal preferences. Talk to a doctor or nurse to find out how much and what kind of medical marijuana is best for you.
Pros and cons of each form of medical marijuana
Each form of medical marijuana has its own pros and cons, and the best option for an individual depends on their personal preferences and medical condition.
Below are the pros and cons of each form of medical marijuana:
Flower
Pros:
- Immediate onset of effects
- A variety of strains are available
- No processing needed
Cons:
- Harmful side effects of smoking
- The short duration of effects
- Dosage can be difficult to measure
Edibles
Pros:
- Discreet and convenient
- No harmful side effects from smoking
- Longer duration of effects
Cons:
- Delayed onset of effects
- Difficulty in measuring dosage
- Can be too potent and cause overwhelming effects
Tinctures
Pros:
- Easy to dose
- The quick onset of effects
- No harmful side effects from smoking
Cons:
- Strong taste
- The short duration of effects
- Limited strains available
Topicals
Pros:
- No psychoactive effects
- Targeted pain relief
- No harmful side effects from smoking
Cons:
- Slow onset of effects
- Limited effectiveness for non-localized pain
- Limited availability of strains
Capsules
Pros:
- Discreet and convenient
- Precise dosage
- Longer duration of effects
Cons:
- Delayed onset of effects
- Limited availability of strains
- Can be too potent and cause overwhelming effects
It’s important to talk to a doctor or nurse to find out which type of medical marijuana is best for a person’s health condition and personal preferences.
Each form of medical marijuana has its own pros and cons, and it’s important to think about all of these things when choosing the best one.
Legalization in California
California was the first state to legalize medical marijuana in 1996, and in 2016, the state legalized recreational marijuana.
The Adult Use of Marijuana Act, also known as Proposition 64, was passed by California voters and allows individuals who are 21 years of age or older to possess up to one ounce of cannabis for personal use.
Prop. 64 also lets people grow up to six cannabis plants for their own use. It also makes a legal market for cannabis products, like dispensaries and places to grow plants.
California regulates the growing, making, distributing, and selling of cannabis products to make sure they are safe and of good quality.
Legalizing marijuana in California has brought in a lot of money for the state. Taxes from the legal market are expected to bring in more than $1 billion per year.
Also, legalizing marijuana has opened up new job opportunities and made it easier for police and the criminal justice system to do their jobs.
However, it’s important to note that the use of marijuana is still illegal under federal law, and there are restrictions on where and how marijuana can be consumed.
In addition, employers are still allowed to maintain drug-free workplace policies and can choose to drug test employees for marijuana.
Conclusion
Medical marijuana has been shown to help people with chronic pain, anxiety, depression, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis in a number of ways. It can help people with these conditions feel less pain, have less anxiety, have better moods, and have fewer seizures.
Also, making medical marijuana legal has led to the creation of new jobs and brought in a lot of money for states that have set up legal markets for cannabis products.
Even though medical marijuana has benefits, it can also have bad side effects like short-term memory loss, a faster heart rate, and trouble coordinating.
People who are thinking about using medical marijuana should talk to a doctor or nurse to figure out the best form and amount for their condition.
In conclusion, medical marijuana has the potential to help people with a wide range of health problems. If medical marijuana is legalized with the right rules and guidelines, it can help both patients and the economy.
As research into the benefits and drawbacks of medical marijuana continues, it’s important for individuals to stay informed and consult with medical professionals to make informed decisions about their treatment options.
