Medical Marijuana

Growing up, did you ever think, there would be any such thing as marijuana dispensaries? Now, many towns have them. However, those that do put many regulations on the product.

We’ve all heard the debates. There has been a lot of debate over the last several years whether the legalization of medical marijuana would be a wise thing or not. Some say no under any circumstances claiming it is a “gateway drug”.

On the other hand, some say it has no more potential for harm than alcohol or cigarettes. Still, others take a somewhat middle-of-the-road approach saying that it’s only acceptable if used for medical purposes. What does the research say?

There have been several studies that have yielded very interesting results that shed some light on what this controversial herb can do.

Medical marijuana comes from an herb, cannabis (CBD)!

Marijuana comes from the blooms of the Cannabis plant. Specifically, it’s the cannabinoids of the bloom (one of which is called THC) that hold medicinal properties. In northern China evidence of its cultivation and consumption dates back to 7,000 B.C. and was used for its medicinal and mood-altering effects even then.

Also, the burial site of an Asian shaman dating back 2,700 years contained over 2 pounds of the herb, and due to tests conducted to attest to its potency, it was affirmed that the most probable use was for treating the physical, emotional, and spiritual being.

Many states of the United States government prohibit the consumption of this plant despite the studies that show its benefits, with a law enacted in 1937.

Lawmakers stated the reasoning was that it had no positive benefit. They went on to call it a gateway drug. Saying it possessed a high potential for abuse. In fact, it was supposedly as dangerous as heroin! This comparison led to its schedule 1 classification (like a narcotic).

Cannabis can stop seizures!

I remember growing up, hearing this “street drug” was bad. Then, I heard it’s a destructive, highly addictive, and even a gateway drug. Also, it was even caused severe memory loss and damage to the brain.

As an adult, I read the research for myself. And have changed my view on the subject. Also, when I became a nurse, I and saw firsthand how Marinol (an approved synthetic form of marijuana) helped many of my patients.

Those with chronic nausea and loss of appetite associated with chemotherapy and chemo-type drugs found relief.

After seeing the suffering some of my patients experienced, I considered if the benefits outweighed the risks.

Especially, for my cancer patients, it seemed to be an option that could work.

I found in my own reading, marijuana was successfully used to treat the following

• pain, nausea
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• malnutrition

There were so few options to effectively treat these ailments, I began to reconsider my opposition. I knew then, that I needed to search for the facts for myself.

The effects of (medical) marijuana

Scientifically speaking, McGill University Health Centre and University in Montreal reviewed 23 clinical studies on the drug between 1966-2007. They noticed that there was not a higher rate of serious side effects than the non-user control group.

Now, this doesn’t mean that it’s suitable for everyone. Some people with certain conditions may be more sensitive to the psychological effects of the product. Conditions that may cause sensitivity include

• pregnant or nursing mothers
• those with a history of mental illness
• hepatitis C
• COPD
• heart disease or stroke

As time goes by, more research confirms the therapeutic effects of marijuana. Nearly one million patients reported being using it, under medical supervision, to treat nausea, loss of appetite, and pain.

Sometimes, marijuana is used to lessen the symptoms of worsening conditions. It can provide relief in diseases such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and dementia, just to name a few.

The body creates it’s own ‘cannabis’

Did you know research has proven our body produces its own endocannabinoid system? It’s true! There are receptors that regulate body responses to certain disease processes.

Unfortunately, this benefit is short-lived. Cannabinoids bind to these receptors providing a more lasting effect. Interestingly, there are several advocacy groups working to reverse the restrictions of this drug for medical purposes.

Slowly, some states are starting to recognize the medical benefits of marijuana. As a result, the product is available in some areas with heavy regulations. One of the requirements is to get a prescription as with other controlled substances.

Doctors that are willing, assess for the need and note it in the patient’s record. The patient will receive a medical marijuana card. This card acts as a prescription at participating dispensaries.

Laws continue to evolve on the subject. However, as of now, some states allow weaker versions to be sold without a card.

Unfortunately, less potent products may not give the same amount of relief in chronic conditions.

Charlotte’s story

http://science.howstuffworks.com/medical-marijuana1.htm

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