The debate over the use of medical marijuana is underway. Medical marijuana is legal in several US states; all the states have medical marijuana laws for its recreational and medical use.

The arguments on the legalization of medical marijuana include its therapeutic health benefits. People all across the world choose medical marijuana for several health issues such as:

  • Pharmaceutical marijuana can relieve nausea and vomiting [1].
  • Medical marijuana is effective in relieving muscle spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis.
  • In addition to this, it can alleviate chronic pains [2].
  • Marijuana is safer to use as it has non-addictive properties. For example, Opioids used for pain management are addictive and not recommended for long-term use [3].
  • Medically beneficial products are oils, topicals, vaporizers, and edibles [4].

What Is Medical Marijuana?

Medical marijuana contains the extract of the cannabis plant that can alleviate the symptoms of numerous health conditions. Among the hundred cannabinoids of the cannabis plant, THC & CBD are more primary compounds. Marijuana is well known due to psychotropic effects; however, evaluation by a physician and pharmacist can help patients find an effective mixture of THC and CBD in order to address each individual patient’s concerns.

What Are the Potential Health Benefits of Medical Marijuana?

Some benefits of medical marijuana are:

Pain Management: People may use Marijuana to alter the pain pathways. This may be helpful to reduce chronic pain, such as:

  • Arthritis
  • Migraine
  • Endometriosis

Reduces Inflammation: Medical marijuana is thought to be effective as an anti-inflammatory drug. This may be beneficial for:

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • Crohn’s disease

Neurological Disorders: Medical marijuana is effective for the limbic system and may alleviate the following mental health conditions:

  • Anxiety
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • PTSD

References:

  1. Badowski ME. A review of oral cannabinoids and medical marijuana for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: a focus on pharmacokinetic variability and pharmacodynamics. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol. 2017;80(3):441-449. doi:10.1007/s00280-017-3387-5
  2. Hill KP. Medical marijuana for treatment of chronic pain and other medical and psychiatric problems: A clinical review. JAMA. 2015;313(24):2474-83. doi:10.1001/jama.2015.6199
  3. Choo EK, Feldstein Ewing SW, Lovejoy TI. Opioids out, cannabis in Negotiating the unknowns inpatient care for chronic pain. JAMA. 2016;316(17):1763-1764. doi:10.1001/jama.2016.13677
  4. Corroon J, Sexton M, Bradley R. Indications and administration practices amongst medical cannabis healthcare providers: a cross-sectional survey. BMC Fam Pract. 2019;20(1):174. doi:10.1186/s12875-019-1059-8