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Is Marijuana Safe and Effective as a Medicine?

A 2015 survey of hospital pharmacists in Canada found that 48.6% believed marijuana was safe and effective for medical purposes. That’s a strong show of support from the medical community. However, there are still some concerns about potential side effects and long-term risks.

People have different opinions about marijuana these days. Some people swear by its healing properties, while others are staunch opponents. So, what’s the truth? Is marijuana safe and effective for medicinal purposes?

What is Marijuana?

Marijuana is a dried, shredded flower and leaves of the Cannabis sativa plant. The main psychoactive (mind-altering) chemical in marijuana, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is found in varying concentrations among different plant strains. Hashish (or hash) is a more potent form of marijuana that contains higher levels of THC.

How does it work?

When marijuana is smoked or vaporized, THC rapidly passes from the lungs into the bloodstream and is carried to the brain and other organs throughout the body. Inhaling smaller amounts of marijuana tends to produce feelings of relaxation and calmness.

Marijuana: Is It a Safe and Effective Medicine?

Marijuana is a popular topic of debate in the United States. Some people believe it should be legalized for medical use, while others think it should remain illegal. So, what does the research say about marijuana as a medicine?

Overall, the evidence suggests that marijuana is safe and effective as a medicine. Here are some critical points about marijuana to keep in mind:

  • Marijuana’s first recorded use dates back to 2800 BC in China.
  • Marijuana contains active ingredients called cannabinoids. These cannabinoids have been shown to have medicinal effects, such as pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • In general, marijuana appears to be well tolerated by most people. Dizziness, fatigue, and dry mouth are the most common side effects.

Two Main Types of Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are categorized broadly into two groups: THC and CBD.

  • THC is the cannabinoid that gives users the “high” feeling, while CBD does not produce this effect.
  • CBD has been shown to be particularly effective in treating seizure disorders, including epilepsy.

FDA-Approved Medicine

FDA Approved Medicine

As of now, the FDA has not approved marijuana as a medicine. However, they have approved certain medications that contain cannabinoids, which are the active ingredients in marijuana. These medications are used to treat conditions like cancer and seizure disorders.

The FDA is still researching the potential medical benefits of marijuana and will continue to monitor the scientific literature on this topic.

FDA-approved medications like dronabinol (Marinol®) and nabilone (Cesamet®), which contain THC, can help treat nausea in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and stimulate appetite in patients with wasting syndrome due to AIDS.

Nabiximols, a mouth spray available in the United Kingdom, Canada, and several European countries, combines THC with cannabidiol to treat spasticity and neuropathic pain associated with multiple sclerosis.

A medication called Epidiolex, which contains CBD, is being given to those having severe forms of epilepsy called Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

Marijuana as a Medicine: Pros and Cons

For ages, marijuana has been used as a medicinal herb. While marijuana use is controversial, many believe it to be an effective treatment for various conditions. Finding the best medicinal marijuana seeds can be difficult, but The Seed Fair is a great place to buy them. They offer a variety of products including auto flower seeds and weed seeds.

Below are some pros and cons of using marijuana as a medicine.

Pros

  • Some research suggests that marijuana may have positive effects on treating certain medical conditions, such as pain, inflammation, anxiety, and seizures.
  • Marijuana is generally considered to be safer than many other prescription medications. Side effects are typically mild and can include dizziness, dry mouth, and sleepiness.
  • Marijuana may be particularly beneficial for people who suffer from chronic pain or other conditions that cause them to experience high pain levels.

An increasing number of states in the US have legalized marijuana as a medicinal weed, making it easier for people to access the drug.

Cons

  • Some people may experience mild anxiety or panic when using marijuana medicinally.
  • Higher doses can result in an intense high, marked by profound relaxation, dreaminess, impaired thinking, slowed reaction time, and difficulty remembering recent events (amnesia).
  • Very high doses may cause psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. These effects usually subside after several hours.

Final Thoughts

Cannabis has been used medicinally for many years, and research on its safety and efficacy in treating various illnesses is extensive. However, marijuana is still illegal in many parts of the world, and its medicinal use remains controversial. Despite this, more and more people are using marijuana as a medicine, and the evidence suggests that it can be an effective treatment for various conditions.

abubakarbilal
abubakarbilal
Abubakar is a writer and digital marketing expert. Who has founded multiple blogs and successful businesses in the fields of digital marketing, software development. A full-service digital media agency that partners with clients to boost their business outcomes.
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