Although marijuana is still an illegal drug in many part of the US, it has been legalized for medical use in twenty states. In 1972, US Congress determined that marijuana had no accepted medical use and placed it in the Controlled Substances Act. Despite that, the use of marijuana, medical or not, is legal in 2 states, is decriminalized in many others, and is used as medical treatment in even more.
There is a great debate going on as to whether the use of marijuana for medical conditions is safe and effective. Those who are in favor of medical marijuana usage say that it is successful in treating many symptoms of illnesses such as cancer, AIDS, epilepsy, pain, multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, and many others. Indeed, there have been many studies conducted by medical institutions, private establishments, or government departments that have supported these statements by facts and figures.
On the other hand, those arguing against the use of medical marijuana say that it is too dangerous to use. Marijuana is a drug that has not been approved by the FDA. They claim that there are many other FDA approved drugs out there that treat the same symptoms and that marijuana is therefore unnecessary in the medical community. The opposition has cited their own studies that conclude that marijuana is addictive and is a gateway drug to other dangerous substances such as cocaine or heroine. They argue that using marijuana to treat illnesses can be counteractive since marijuana use has negative side effects and can lead to infertility, cause lung damage, induce brain damage, lower your motor senses, and damage your immune system. Those against the legalization of medical marijuana claim that those who partake in the use of medical marijuana are not really in need of treatment and just use it as an excuse to engage in recreational use.
Marijuana, scientifically known as cannabis sativa contains many different compounds. While many of said compounds are unclassified, 70 are considered as phytocannabinoids and 2 of them have medical interest namely tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Those two constituents have been known to alleviate pain and reduce nausea. Cannabinoid can serve as appetite stimulants and can have analgesic effects.
There are some known short-term side effects such as increased appetite, drowsiness, respiratory issues, increased paranoia or anxiety, insomnia, short-term memory loss, and dryness of the mouth. Although there are safety concerns about long-term cognitive effects, studies to find the long-term effects of medicinal marijuana use are still inconclusive.
There has not yet been a scientifically approved and accepted research paper or study result that proves that marijuana can effectively treat rheumatic diseases. Arthritis Care & Research has published that marijuana as a painkiller for rheumatoid arthritis or any rheumatic related disease is not recommended. Researchers have admitted that they cannot recommend the use of marijuana to treat rheumatic diseases, not because they believe that it will be ineffective, but simply because there is not enough studies and data about medical marijuana. Researchers have not yet been able to extensively study marijuana and its side effects and there are no regulations when it comes to dosage.
Most doctors conclude there is very little information and evidence available in order to justify the use of medical marijuana. Despite the advice of these professionals, many individuals still obtain marijuana illegally and engage in self-medication through marijuana use.
References:
http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/http://www.arthritistoday.org/arthritis-treatment/natural-and-alternative-treatments/remedies-and-therapies/medical-marijuana.phphttp://www.healthline.com/health-news/not-enough-evidence-marijuana-treat-ms-lupus-fibromyalgia-030614
There is a great debate going on as to whether the use of marijuana for medical conditions is safe and effective. Those who are in favor of medical marijuana usage say that it is successful in treating many symptoms of illnesses such as cancer, AIDS, epilepsy, pain, multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, and many others. Indeed, there have been many studies conducted by medical institutions, private establishments, or government departments that have supported these statements by facts and figures.
On the other hand, those arguing against the use of medical marijuana say that it is too dangerous to use. Marijuana is a drug that has not been approved by the FDA. They claim that there are many other FDA approved drugs out there that treat the same symptoms and that marijuana is therefore unnecessary in the medical community. The opposition has cited their own studies that conclude that marijuana is addictive and is a gateway drug to other dangerous substances such as cocaine or heroine. They argue that using marijuana to treat illnesses can be counteractive since marijuana use has negative side effects and can lead to infertility, cause lung damage, induce brain damage, lower your motor senses, and damage your immune system. Those against the legalization of medical marijuana claim that those who partake in the use of medical marijuana are not really in need of treatment and just use it as an excuse to engage in recreational use.
Marijuana, scientifically known as cannabis sativa contains many different compounds. While many of said compounds are unclassified, 70 are considered as phytocannabinoids and 2 of them have medical interest namely tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Those two constituents have been known to alleviate pain and reduce nausea. Cannabinoid can serve as appetite stimulants and can have analgesic effects.
There are some known short-term side effects such as increased appetite, drowsiness, respiratory issues, increased paranoia or anxiety, insomnia, short-term memory loss, and dryness of the mouth. Although there are safety concerns about long-term cognitive effects, studies to find the long-term effects of medicinal marijuana use are still inconclusive.
There has not yet been a scientifically approved and accepted research paper or study result that proves that marijuana can effectively treat rheumatic diseases. Arthritis Care & Research has published that marijuana as a painkiller for rheumatoid arthritis or any rheumatic related disease is not recommended. Researchers have admitted that they cannot recommend the use of marijuana to treat rheumatic diseases, not because they believe that it will be ineffective, but simply because there is not enough studies and data about medical marijuana. Researchers have not yet been able to extensively study marijuana and its side effects and there are no regulations when it comes to dosage.
Most doctors conclude there is very little information and evidence available in order to justify the use of medical marijuana. Despite the advice of these professionals, many individuals still obtain marijuana illegally and engage in self-medication through marijuana use.
References:
http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/http://www.arthritistoday.org/arthritis-treatment/natural-and-alternative-treatments/remedies-and-therapies/medical-marijuana.phphttp://www.healthline.com/health-news/not-enough-evidence-marijuana-treat-ms-lupus-fibromyalgia-030614
Should Marijuana Be A Medical Option For Arthritis?consumerhealthdigest.com
According to a recent study, cannabis or medical marijuana may help ease arthritis-related pain. Read more about this alternative treatment.
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