A GUIDE TO MEDICAL MARIJUANA FOR EVERYONE
Marijuana used for medicinal purposes is a combination of Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica that is used to treat diseases or symptoms arising from those diseases. Up until the early 1900s, cannabis was used medicinally throughout the world. Strong opinions about medical marijuana exist, both pros and cons. This makes finding facts about it difficult, get help at Cannabis. Here is a summary of the new research on off-label uses and their medical uses.
In what ways does medical marijuana help?
Marijuana’s medical uses include both approved and off-label uses. Based on a recent research survey, medical marijuana is most commonly used for
- Anxiety,
- Stress,
- Depressive disorders,
- Spasticity and muscle pain
- Conditions such as Crohn’s disease cause inflammation in the bowels.
The compound CBD has been subjected to more research. Anxiolytic, antipsychotic, antiemetic, anticonvulsant, anticonvulsant, antioxidant, and neuroprotective, CBD is also medically beneficial as a nontoxic medication. CBD appears to be neuroprotective in conditions such as Huntington’s, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s disease, fetal hypoxia, and other neurodegenerative conditions.
How does medical marijuana benefit your health?
Medical marijuana has been the subject of over 60 peer-reviewed research studies. Of all the studies, 68 percent found an advantage, while 8% did not. There were 23 non-conclusive or neutral studies in the sample. The compound CBD has been subjected to the most research. Due to its involvement with the endocannabinoid system, medical marijuana has proven beneficial. The effects of this include
- A modulating effect on the immune system,
- Promote neuroplasticity,
- Modulation of cognitive and emotional processes, including learning, appetite, and gastro-intestinal function.
What are the side effects of medical marijuana?
Low doses of medical marijuana have minimal side effects, including
- The mouth feels dry and uncomfortable
- Feeling fatigued.
At higher doses, side effects may include
- Feeling dizzy,
- A sense of paranoia and fear
- Hallucinations and mood changes are common psychoactive effects.
Adolescents are at greater risk of adverse effects of cannabis due to their immature brains and neurological systems. There are concerns about schizophrenia and IQ loss.
Under the influence of medical marijuana, driving is not a safe activity. Medical marijuana is legal in states where overdose deaths from opioids are lower.
How does THC and CBD work?
A psychoactive compound found in marijuana is THC or tetrahydrocannabinol. The “high” people experience is caused by it. Both Marinol (dronabinol) and Cesamet (nabilone) are synthetic versions of THC. Patients receiving chemotherapy can use these drugs to prevent nausea and vomiting.
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is another non-psychoactive compound in marijuana. Medicinal benefits attributed to CBD are believed to be largely due to the chemical compound.
Trials for Epidiolex are currently underway for treating epilepsy with CBD oil extract.
In terms of THC:CBD, Nabiximols (Sativex) is a specific plant extract that yields an equal ratio. Multiple sclerosis, spasticity, neuropathic pain, overactive bladder, among other indications, are all treated with the drug in the UK and elsewhere in Europe.
Cannabis products with varying THC and CBD concentrations are available for medical use. A new user of medical marijuana should not inhale or consume more than 10mg of THC until they are aware of their personal reaction.
What is the legal status of medical marijuana?
With varying restrictions, medical marijuana is legal in most states. Accordingly, it is on the Federal Drug Administration’s (FDA) Schedule I list, and is therefore prohibited. The majority of states that permit medicinal marijuana require a prescription or medical recommendation before a license or card can be issued. In this case, medical marijuana can be purchased.
What is the process of getting medical marijuana?
The medical marijuana industry in states where it is legal sells marijuana products in a variety of forms from dispensaries. You can get medical marijuana in edible form (candy or cookies), oil or extract form, or by smoking/inhaling the plant itself. It is a requirement before a dispensary will sell products that contain medical marijuana. Medical marijuana cards can be obtained in a variety of ways, depending on the state. Prescriptions from licensed health-care professionals are required.
Can medical marijuana be addictive?
When taken in low therapeutic doses as recommended, medical marijuana appears to pose a very low risk of addiction and very low toxicity. Cannabis abuse is a concern for heavy users because of psychological dependence. Researchers have found CBD oil might be effective for treating marijuana addiction.
How is medical marijuana being researched?
The FDA classifies medical marijuana as a controlled substance so research on the drug is restricted. According to the National Institutes of Health funded projects list of 2016, 165 studies were related to cannabis and 327 studies were related to marijuana. The majority of these studies examine patterns of usage. In many cases, the studies are also basic science investigations of how the brain and immune system responds to endocannabinoids.
An assessment of users’ behaviors and reported benefits based on anonymous survey data might provide insights into how real-world use patterns affect outcomes. Medicinal cannabis has been the subject of more than 60 peer-reviewed studies. 68 percent of these studies showed benefits, while 8 percent showed no benefits. Studies were inconsistent or neutral in 23 percent of cases. Research into the use of CBD as a neuroprotectant has shown the most promise.
