Throughout history, plants have served as a crucial contributor to the treatment of diverse ailments, proving themselves to be foundational elements in the realm of medicine. Among the advancements in healthcare, medical marijuana has emerged as a novel therapeutic option. It is renowned for its effectiveness in addressing a range of health concerns.
Now, let’s delve in and discover more about this groundbreaking botanical specimen.
What is Medical Marijuana?
Medical marijuana, widely known as medical cannabis, refers to the use of marijuana or its products for medical purposes. It is derived from the Cannabis sativa plant and is used to treat various symptoms and conditions such as pain, nausea, muscle stiffness, muscle spasticity, loss of appetite, seizures, and certain neurological diseases.
How is Medical Marijuana Used in Healthcare?
Marijuana in healthcare can be consumed in different ways, including smoking, vaporizing, ingestion (eating), or as a liquid extract. The marijuana plant contains more than 100 active compounds known as cannabinoids.
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the two main chemical compounds that are mainly present in the medication. THC is the cannabinoid responsible for the psychoactive effects, resulting in sensations of being “high” when smoked or consumed.
As marijuana offers several benefits for alleviating various health conditions, its demand in the medical field has risen. According to Extrapolate’s latest report, the global medical marijuana market is set to observe immense growth to reach $18089.26 million in revenue by 2028.
Potential Health Benefits of Medical Marijuana
Marijuana shows potential health benefits such as:
- Pain Relief: Medical marijuana has been found to provide relief for chronic pain, including neuropathic pain and pain associated with conditions like multiple sclerosis and arthritis.
- Alleviating Nausea and Vomiting: Cannabis has shown usefulness in easing nausea and vomiting, particularly in patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy.
- Appetite Stimulation: Medical marijuana can help stimulate appetite in individuals with conditions such as HIV/AIDS and certain types of cancer.
- Management of Muscle Tightness: Marijuana has been found to relieve pain and abnormal muscle tightness associated with conditions like multiple sclerosis.
- Potential Mental Health Benefits: The FDA suggests that medical marijuana may have potential benefits in managing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Note: It is important to note that the use of medical marijuana should be approached with caution, and consultation with healthcare professionals is essential. Additionally, its legal status varies by jurisdiction, so it is important to be aware of local regulations and guidelines.
Conditions That Medical Marijuana Can Help With
Medical cannabis has the potential to offer relief to patients suffering from various medical conditions or symptoms. According to the National Institute of Health, marijuana can be used for the following conditions:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- HIV/AIDS
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Multiple sclerosis and muscle spasms
- Epilepsy & seizures
- Crohn’s disease
- Glaucoma
- Severe & chronic pain
- Vomiting or nausea caused by chemotherapy
Government Rules and Regulations for the Cultivation of Medical Marijuana
Safe cultivation of medical marijuana is of utmost importance to ensure the production of high-quality, reliable, and safe medication. Proper cultivation practices minimize the risk of contamination by pesticides, heavy metals, or other harmful substances. This ensures that patients receive a pure product, free from potentially hazardous compounds. To ensure the safe and standardized production of marijuana, the government has designed several guidelines and laws. These rules and regulations can vary from country to country, depending on the jurisdiction. Some country and state rules include:
- Federal law in the United States still prohibits the use of marijuana, even for purposes.
- Under Proposition 215, patients in California are entitled to grow the necessary amount of marijuana for their personal medical use only with a physician’s prescription. However, patients can be arrested if they exceed reasonable amounts, and local laws may further restrict or ban the cultivation of medical cannabis.
- In New York, the Cannabis Control Board approved regulations for the home cultivation of medical cannabis. These regulations allow medical patients and their caregivers to cultivate up to three mature plants at home.
- In Maryland, according to the Maryland Cannabis Administration, adults are permitted to grow up to two plants at home. The plants must be grown out of public view and properly secured from unauthorized access.
Use of Medical Marijuana in Cancer Treatment
Marijuana and specific cannabinoids derived from the plant, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), have been researched for their potential to alleviate the adverse effects associated with cancer and cancer treatments like chemotherapy. Studies indicate that certain cannabinoids can alleviate some of these side effects.
It is important to note that while marijuana and separate cannabinoids cannot provide a cure for cancer, they may assist in alleviating the nausea and vomiting often induced by cancer chemotherapy treatments. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved chemically pure drugs based on marijuana compounds for medical use:
1. Dronabinol (Marinol/Syndros)
It is a medication containing delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and helps treat nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy. It is also useful for weight loss and poor appetite in AIDS patients.
2. Nabilone (Cesamet)
It is a synthetic cannabinoid and has similar characteristics to THC. It can be consumed by ingesting it. It is beneficial to treat nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy and is suggested when other drugs have proven ineffective.
Bottom Line
Medical marijuana holds significant potential as a therapeutic option for various conditions. It shows potential for managing symptoms such as pain, nausea, and seizures. Likewise, studies and research have also shown its potential for alleviating cancer and chemotherapy side effects.
However, the rules and regulations of marijuana use and cultivation vary from country to country and even from state to state, so it is crucial to handle it with caution. The secure and legal distribution of marijuana allows patients to access standardized and reliable medication. With responsible regulation, ongoing research, and adherence to safe cultivation practices, medical marijuana holds promise as a potential avenue for improving patient care and quality of life.
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