Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa is a plant referred to as Medical Marijuana, which is used to reduce the symptoms of, or treat certain health conditions and diseases. It was used as treatment all over the world for hundreds of years, up until early 1900s.
The “high” that users feel is due to the psychoactive compound found in marijuana known as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). There are two synthetic forms of THC, both approved by the FDA and used to prevent the nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy treatment.
Cannabidiol (CBD), another compound found in marijuana, is not psychoactive and is believed by many to be responsible for most of the benefits provided by Medical Marijuana.
Uses for marijuana
The medical uses for marijuana include those which have been found during studies conducted, approved uses, as well as off-label uses. It was found in a recent survey that the most common reasons why people use it are to help with:
• Anxiety
• Pain
• Muscle spasms
• Inflammatory bowel problems like Crohn’s disease
• Depression
Further studies have been conducted on medical CBD and it was found to be anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective antioxidant, antipsypchotic, anti-emetic as well as anxiolytic. It appears that the CBD compound found in medical marijuana is neuroprotective in Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s fetal hypoxia, Huntington’s as well as other movement disorders and neurodegenerative issues.
Health benefits of the marijuana as a treatment
There are more than 60 studies reviewed, where the benefits of the medical form of marijuana were examined, with most of the research conducted being on the CBD compound. It was found that the benefits are attributed mainly to the endocannabinoid system and include:
• Promoting neuroplasticity
• Cognitive and emotional modulation including motivation, appetite, learning, digestive function and vascular function
• Modulating the immune system
Where in the US has marijuana for medical purposes been legalized?
States in the US where it is legal to use marijuana for medical reasons include:
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• District of Columbia
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• Utah
• Vermont
• Washington
• West Virginia
How to get medical marijuana
You need a licensed doctor, in states where it is legal, to issue you with a written recommendation. Bear in mind though, that there are doctors who are unwilling to recommend the use of marijuana as a medical treatment to patients. You are also required to have a medical issue that qualifies for marijuana use in the state where you live, since each state has its own qualifying conditions. You might also be required to get a card for medical marijuana and when you have that card you can purchase it from dispensary stores.
