The cannabis plant has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years and is often touted as a miracle drug for a wide variety of illnesses. However, is marijuana really safe for every ailment?
What is medical marijuana?
Medical marijuana is a term used to describe the use of the cannabis plant as a medication.. In recent years, there has been an increase in scientific research on the potential benefits and risks of using medical marijuana.
What is medical marijuana used for?
Medical marijuana can be used to treat a variety of conditions including pain, nausea, and loss of appetite. It has also been shown that medical cannabis can help with the treatment of epilepsy and seizures in patients who do not respond well enough to traditional drugs or therapies. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two drugs: Dronabinol (Marinol) and Nabilone (Cesamet). Both of these drugs are synthetic forms of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is found in marijuana plants.
What illnesses can medical marijuana treat?
After lengthy research on the medicinal benefits of marijuana, the FDA has listed a number of illnesses that qualify for medical marijuana and that are approved to be treated with it. The list includes:
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Pain
- Parkinson’s disease
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Spinal Cord Injury or Disease (SCI/D)
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Laboratory tests have also shown that marijuana may help in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, Crohn’s disease, and Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Who can prescribe medical marijuana?
Medical professionals such as doctors, pharmacists, or nurses may recommend the use of medical cannabis if they believe it could help with a condition the patient is experiencing. In most states where marijuana is legal, only doctors who are registered with the state in which they practice are allowed to prescribe medical marijuana. There are guidelines these doctors must follow before prescribing medical marijuana. Doctors must first get a recommendation from an independent board that reviews each patient’s medical condition, then make recommendations to the prescribing physician. The recommendation is forwarded along with other patient information to state officials who approve or reject the request before the doctor can prescribe medical marijuana.
What are the safety concerns for medical marijuana?
Some people are concerned about the safety of medical marijuana. They believe it may cause addiction or lead to abuse by those who have not been prescribed it, which could result in negative health consequences. However, it has been confirmed that medical marijuana is not physically addictive and does not lead to abuse. In fact, studies have shown that medical marijuana can help people who are addicted to other drugs or alcohol to reduce their cravings.
Which states have legalized medical marijuana?
As of the writing of this article, there are 29 states that have legalized medical marijuana. These states are Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan Minnesota., Montana, Nevada New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania Rhode Island, Vermont Washington West Virginia Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
However, there are different laws governing the use of medical marijuana in each state. For example, some states have decriminalized possession of small amounts while others do not allow recreational use at all.
There are currently 11 states where marijuana is legal for recreational use. These states are Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and Wyoming.
How to get prescribed medical marijuana
If you live in a state where medical marijuana is legal, you will likely be able to find dispensaries or pharmacies that sell it. You can also check with your doctor to see if they are able to prescribe medical marijuana for you. If you do not live in a state where it is legal, then your only option may be to try and find it on the non legal market. There are also many websites that sell cannabis without having to leave home. You can even find prescriptions online if you prefer!
Final thoughts
In conclusion, medical marijuana has been shown to be an effective treatment for a variety of medical conditions. While some people are concerned about the safety of using it, there is no evidence to suggest that it is unsafe in adults. Additionally, medical marijuana is available in many states and can be prescribed by a doctor. If you are interested in trying it, be sure to check with your state laws to see if you are eligible.
We hope this article has answered some of your questions about medical marijuana. As always, please consult with your doctor before using any medication, including medical marijuana.
