Benefits of Medical Marijuana, A Fresh Insight
[!] Warning: Mentions of drugs (marijuana/cannabis). This article is not encouraging the use of illegal drugs. This aims to educate and spread awareness only.
Cannabis sativa and Cannabis Indica are two strains of the same plant. And contrary to people’s common notion, marijuana refers to the dried parts of the said plant. People infamously call it weed, herb, grass, bud, ganja, pot, or reefer–it is basically ‘the most commonly used drug in the world’.
Around 3.8 percent of the world’s population, or at least 158.8 million people worldwide, use it. And these numbers are continuously rising.
The use of illegal drugs became normalized and rampant to the point that the possibility of using them other than for recreational use became a fool’s thought. It is more seen as a menace to society than salvation.
The Truth Behind Medical Cannabis/Marijuana
Marijuana is a herbal drug. In fact, it contains active substances like cannabinoids, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and similar compounds. While THC has mind-altering components, CBD does not, as it is the most studied component of cannabis.
Some people in the medical field believe that cannabis is a miracle plant. While some would argue that its adverse effects outweighs its medical benefits.
Medical cannabis is only to provide relief in alleviating symptoms of many chronic diseases. Similarly, it helps in muscle spasms of multiple sclerosis and nausea from chemotherapy.
We are aware of the adverse side effects of the drugs when taken out of moderation. Even the medical medicines that we carry have their own, some even proven fatal. However, the use of cannabis for healing goes way back as early as 1 AD, depicted in a Chinese Ideogram for the said plant.
It is not a cure, with no further studies to confirm it yet. Found to have anti-inflammatory and spasmodic properties, its benefits involve alleviating nausea, pain and movement disorders.
Commonly used for recreational use, marijuana is considered far less harmful than other drugs.
On that note, research has revealed a list of the 15 of the most dangerous drugs in the world, with marijuana not making a list. The list includes the following drugs below:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Feverall, and Mapap)
- Alcohol
- Benzodiazepines (Xanaz, Klonopin, and Valium)
- Anticoagulants (Warfarin, Xarelto, and Heparin)
- Antidepressants (Cymbalta, Wellbutrin, Prozac, and Zoloft)
- Anti-Hypertensives (Hytrin, Cardura, and Minipress)
- Bromocriptine (Parlodel)
- Clarithromycin (Biaxin)
- Clozapine
- Cocaine (Coke, Crack, Blow)
- Colchicine
- Cough Medicines (NyQuil, Robitussin, and Theraflu)
- Digoxin (Lanoxin)
- Heroin
- Semi-Synthetic Opioids
Medical Cannabis: Short and Long Term Effects
Like any other medical treatment and procedure, the use of medical marijuana has potentially positive and negative effects on the brain and the body. Moreover, studies suggest that the short term effects tend to last for a short period. In contrast, the long term effects may not show up early.
Additionally, here are some of the known side effects according to Medical News Today:
Short Term
- increased appetite and thirst
- the release of dopamine, which causes the feeling of being high
- delayed reactions to stimuli
- temporary paranoia and hallucinations
- impaired judgment, making it harder for people to think clearly
Long Term
- memory loss
- lung irritation
- possibly lung cancer, although research does not fully support this
- development of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, which causes nausea and vomiting
On the whole, we leave absolute judgment to the medical experts and researchers.
The Philippines’ Take on Legalizing Medical Marijuana
The legalization of medical marijuana in many states in the US proved to be a real game-changer in medicine. Meanwhile, the Philippine Senate had indefinitely postponed the final reading for House Bill No. 6517 or the Philippine Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act. It is believed to be due to the legal complexities with existing laws in the country.
Furthermore, the said Bill focuses and gives priority to the terminally ill, the elderly, and the patients who are in dire need of the medication.
In conclusion, it would probably take a while before the topic would be brought up again for public notion.
"Leanne or LJ -- as what her friends would like to call her-- is a walking enigma. She loves reading books more than going out, but would if her family drags her out. The limelight was never her spot, and if you look hard enough, you'll find her in a corner enjoying her peace in the shadows of other people's light.