Medical marijuana is extracted from the cannabis plant and is used to treat various symptoms associated with various health conditions. Medical marijuana is also used to treat side effects caused by some traditional medicines. Medical marijuana has been shown to be effective for people who need a natural therapeutic alternative.
It is undeniable that medical marijuana provides various health benefits for both the young and the old, as traditional medicines or conventional therapies fail to treat the debilitating symptoms of some medical conditions. The use of marijuana for medicinal purposes has become a new trend.
Marijuana is extracted from the hemp plant. Marijuana has many cannabinoids. The most important of them:
THC
THC can affect the brain and cause a “high” effect.
CBD
This component of marijuana does not cause a “high” and has many other beneficial effects on the body.
Medical marijuana Also known as medicinal cannabis. Medical marijuana is a plant-based medicine that provides patients with a wiser and more beneficial natural alternative to traditional medications. Medical marijuana is used to treat the symptoms of mental and physical conditions rather than the disease itself. For example, people with cancer-related pain get pain reduction by using medical marijuana. But it does not treat cancer by itself. Patients with the following medical conditions or symptoms may find relief from using medical marijuana:
- cancer
- fibromyalgia;
- chronic pain
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Anxiety and depression
- Tourette’s syndrome
- Alzheimer’s disease
- glaucoma
Marijuana has been used successfully to treat pain. People also use medical marijuana as an alternative to opioids. Medical marijuana is also effective in treating chronic and nerve pain such as diabetic neuropathy.
The decision to take medical marijuana or traditional medicines ultimately comes down to the condition or symptoms of the disease. A medical professional can help guide you about what is most appropriate for your condition. Discuss your condition and symptoms with a medical professional who will review your medical history and may perform an examination and then recommend traditional drugs or better alternatives, such as medical marijuana, that may be beneficial for you.
There is no doubt that medical marijuana has fewer side effects than conventional medications, especially painkillers and opioids. Some of the known conventional drug risks that medical marijuana use can avoid are:
- overdose
- addicted
- allergy
- Drug interaction
- in its damage
Remember that every conventional drug has associated risks such as chemical reactions or behavioral addictions. In contrast, medical marijuana can reduce the effects of these reactions, mood disturbance, and pain relief. Studies show that compared to conventional medications, medical marijuana side effects are much less and mild.
According to recent studies, only three drugs containing THC and CBD have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These medications are approved for certain symptoms of certain medical conditions such as a severe seizure disorder, severe vomiting caused by chemotherapy sessions, or significant weight loss due to HIV/AIDS. These medicines are:
Epidiolex
This plant-derived form of cannabidiol is approved to treat symptoms associated with severe seizure disorders, including Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.
Dronabinol
This synthetic form of THC is used to treat nausea, vomiting, and weight loss due to chemotherapy or HIV/AIDS.
Nabiloni
This synthetic form of THC is used to treat vomiting, nausea, and weight loss due to chemotherapy or HIV/AIDS.
Another product called “Sativex” is an oral spray. This spray contains THC and CBD, which are used to relieve muscle pain and spasms associated with multiple sclerosis issues. The problem is that the Food and Drug Administration does not approve this spray in the United States. By contrast, it is approved and available in Canada, Mexico, and some European countries.
New research suggests that people with chronic pain, anxiety, depression, neuropathic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder, and children with autism are more likely to use medical marijuana than conventional medications. People with mental health conditions prefer to use medical marijuana over opioids. In research conducted in Canada, 250 patients were prescribed medical marijuana to treat chronic pain, mental health issues, or digestive issues. According to the results, 63% of the patients experienced greater relief from pain and symptoms associated with their health condition compared to previously used conventional medicines.
One of the main reasons why medical marijuana is preferred over traditional medicines may be the lower incidence of side effects and greater benefits over traditional medicines. The patient also believes that medical marijuana is safer than traditionally prescribed drugs such as opioids, which has led to many harsh side effects on human health in the past decade.
The use of medical marijuana is increasing worldwide as knowledge about its benefits to human health increases. The US Food and Drug Administration has approved several marijuana-based drugs that contain THC and CBD. Many people prefer to use medical marijuana over their traditional drugs. Some people even stop chronic opioid use.
Medical marijuana is a cheap and effective alternative to expensive traditional medications. But one must use it carefully and for medicinal purposes only. Remember that an excess of everything is harmful to health. A slight negligence may lead to a greater loss. Always consult your physician before starting or switching to any new medication.
