Does Marijuana have medicinal benefits? Lately, that is a question for many. The use of this plant-based drug has been known for decades to help with glaucoma, pain, and nausea relief from cancer treatment side effects. The ways in which Marijuana may help a person, as mentioned above, differ depending on the potency of the strain, the way it is ingested, and what condition is being treated.
Potency addresses the amount of THC; the chemical in Marijuana that can cause increased appetite, sleepiness, and a hallucinatory effect. Cannabinoids are another component of Marijuana. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in Marijuana that can affect pain relief, is presently being studied in lessening childhood epileptic seizures, and are also being studied in their effect on various cancer cells.
It is ingested mostly through smoking or eating in the form of baked goods. Another method gaining in popularity is a pill form. The pill form is usually prescribed and is made up of the cannabinoids with the THC removed.
Marijuana is also a well-known recreational drug. People may have a negative view on recreational users of Marijuana because it has been considered a gateway drug and a form of an escape from reality. However, people that use the drug may argue that ingesting it helps with their sleep, or it allows them to function better than a prescribed alternative. Whatever the case, Marijuana’s uses can vary widely and are ever increasing in the studies performed to understand the medicinal value and potential uses of Marijuana.
After reading the basics about the benefits of medicinal Marijuana, a person that is considering taking it as an alternative to contemporary legal prescribed medication should realize some drawbacks to considering this as another form of medication. Medical Marijuana is only legal in 24 states as of August 2016. However, many other states are considering levels of legality that would change the ease of obtaining medicinal Marijuana.
One would also need to consider the side effects. Side effects mainly include dizziness, sleepiness, dry mouth(often referred to as “cotton mouth”), possibly some nausea, an increase in appetite, forgetfulness, and paranoia. It is obvious some of those things may be beneficial. On the other hand, some of those items would deter someone from trying this alternative therapy.
Nevertheless, the best recommendation is to research, talk with your physician, even venture into a dispensary if you are in a state that has them. There are pros and cons to any medication. So, venture into this new era of medicine with an open mind, but consider what influence medicinal marijuana will have on your health and well-being as the most important result.
