There are many different ways to treat pain. Some people may prefer using pain medication or essential oils to treat it, but these methods may not always be effective for other people. Different drugs have been made specifically for easing pain. One drug that has been used for therapeutic relief and as a medicinal agent is medical marijuana. Although legalizing medical marijuana has been a controversial topic for many years, many states have legalized the use of it for medicinal purposes. It has been known that medical marijuana has been a more natural drug option for easing pain and treating diseases. Although marijuana has had a negative connotation to it for many years, its effects have proven a great relief for different diseases and many health conditions. Legalizing medical marijuana will allow people to have another treatment option to ease pain and to help health conditions.
Marijuana was found in Central Asia millions of years ago. The cannabis plant was found on a forty-thousand-year-old human remain. The plant could’ve been attracted to humans as a food source (Backes 12). Since then marijuana has been used for medicine, food, and fiber. Remarkably enough, “George Washington and Thomas Jefferson grew cannabis on their plantations, most probably for fiber and seed” (Higdon). While marijuana was used freely for food and fiber in the past, regulations took place in the 1930s. The Marihuana Tax Act was the first act that outlawed the cannabis plant for its medicinal purposes (Higdon). While these rules took place, it reflected the use of marijuana in the future. Nowadays marijuana may have a negative connotation, beginning with its stereotypes such as a gateway to more dangerous drugs or a lead to committing crime. Research has shown that the components of marijuana have helped in certain diseases and health conditions as it did back then. Since marijuana was used highly for food and medicine, more research is being done to see the effects marijuana has on the body.
Marijuana is a plant that has been grown for many years. It is a green or brown mixture of dried shredded leaves from the hemp plant cannabis sativa (Anderson). The psychoactive ingredient in marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). When THC is inhaled, it is passed through the lungs and then to the bloodstream. After it gets passed through the brain receptors, it leads to the so-called “high.” Some users experience this “high” due to the fact that certain areas in the brain, such as the hippocampus and the cerebellum, which have the highest concentration of cannabinoid receptors (Anderson). When THC enters the brain receptors it affects the hippocampus which influences memory and concentration. Similarly, the cerebellum influences coordination. This is why when the user ingests THC, a relaxed state and the feeling of euphoria occurs (Anderson). In fact, “ the endocannabinoid system is a critical endogenous pain control system, as such, the targeting of this system with cannabis may provide a therapeutic advantage in the treatment of pain” (Mouhamed et al. 54). As a result, there are many ways to use and ingest THC to acquire its benefits to relieve pain.
Ingesting THC can variate from smoking, eating, and topical applications. For example, smoking THC is the most common form of inhalation. This process consists of “heating cannabis to combustion temperatures, then inhaling the solid and liquid particulates and gases that are created in the combustion process” (Backes 87). Smoking marijuana has a range of different methods that need preparation. These consist of cannabis cigarettes, cannabis pipes, and vaping. Having different ways is an advantage since every individual can find what suits them best. If smoking isn’t the right form of ingestion for an individual, eating may be more suitable. Infused cannabis oil can be used in cooking in replace of olive oil. As so, “ cannabis-infused cooking oil is very versatile and can be incorporated into a range of recipes” (106). This method of ingestion may be easier and simpler for consumers since it is infused within the meals. Another form of use is topical application such as lotion, hand creams, and bathing oils. Specifically, cannabinoids can be absorbed through the skin where there are a large number of cannabinoid receptors (103). This method of application can help with certain skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. While there are many ways of ingesting and using marijuana, its functions stay the same but its effects can be different for every individual.
There are different varieties of marijuana that produce a different number of effects. These varieties are known as sativa, indica, and hybrid. Each one serves a different purpose and produces a different state of euphoria. Sativa is described to be narrow-leafleted that produces a more stimulating high, while indica is best described as broad-leafleted that produces more of a lethargic “stone” (Backes 115). A hybrid variety of marijuana is a mixture of both sativa and indica that produces both a relaxed and a stimulating “high”. Each strain of marijuana serves a different purpose such as easing pain, settling an upset stomach, reducing anxiety, and many more. Since each strain serves a different purpose and has a different effect, each dosage is catered to each individual. Truly, “a more rational approach to medical cannabis dosage is to use the smallest effective amount of cannabis that delivers the desired symptomatic relief” (57). Depending on the method an individual decides to utilize, depends on the dosage of marijuana. All in all, there are many options for an individual to choose from that can help their health concerns.
Research has been done to see whether or not marijuana helps certain diseases and health conditions. For example, marijuana can help treat asthma which is a common inflammatory condition. Accordingly, “cannabis smoke can work as a bronchodilator to release bronchospasm associated with asthma” (Backes 182). Its effectiveness in short-term stretch out the lungs but abusing it can damage due to the exposure of smoke. Other forms of ingestion can be safer to treat asthma such as an oral dosage. Trainwreck and super silver haze which have high bronchodilatory terpene content are recommended for treating asthma. Another disease known for being treated with marijuana is glaucoma, a group of diseases that abuse the optic nerve which leads to blindness. Therefore, “THC is only effective at reducing intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients for three to four hours” (205). Methods of ingestion for glaucoma are oral and smoking which both produce a short-term reduction. A strain with cannatonic or other high CBD varieties is recommended. A common disease that affects a lot of the older generation is Alzheimer’s disease which leads to memory loss. Herbal cannabis helps these patients to calm down, eat more, and sleep better (177). Compared to the other diseases, smoking marijuana is not recommended for those with Alzheimer's. Oral cannabis is suggested since its effects are long-lasting and easier for the patient to ingest. Any strain that is broad-leafleted is recommended, such as purple urkle or bubba kush for its calming effects. Altogether marijuana helps different diseases and also helps treat other health conditions.
Not only does marijuana help diseases, but it also helps other health conditions such as stress, skin conditions, and migraines. According to Backes, “stress induces the production of hormones that elevate heart rate and blood pressure, stimulates the gut to speed up digestion, and aggravates many medical conditions.” Many cannabis users say that cannabis helps the effects of stress hormones because its use is correlated with high blood levels of stress hormones (235). Oral ingestion and smoking are both effective to relieve stress as long as it is the right dosage. Another health concern that marijuana can help treat is skin conditions like itching. The skin contains cannabinoid receptors that react well to topical treatment of cannabis. Therefore, “topical application of THC has been shown to reduce skin inflammation” (234). THC can be found in topical products such as hemp oil and body creams which can be easily bought in a store. In the near future, researchers are hoping for cannabis use to help other skin conditions such as dermatitis and psoriasis. The use of medical marijuana can also be used to treat migraines and headaches. Migraines are intense headaches that can lead to many symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Cannabis has been used orally to treat migraines and other types of headaches for many years (213). Its effectiveness varies within the individual who is using cannabis. Although, “cannabis is effective as prophylaxis for reducing the frequency of a migraine in many patients” (213). Methods of ingestion to treat migraines and headaches vary from orally to smoking. Oral ingestion is recommended for reducing migraine occurrence while smoking helps treat the headache in the beginning. Marijuana benefits many health conditions which can help people by having another treatment option available.
The topic of legalizing medical marijuana has been around for many years. The question was whether if it should be legalized to those who are sick, or if it was legalized, if others would abuse the use of it. Some countries have legalized the use of it medically such as the Netherlands and recently Canada. In fact, “Britain’s home secretary ordered a review of the nation’s policy on the medical use of marijuana, days after a 12-year-old’s cannabis-based epilepsy medicine was confiscated at Heathrow Airport, prompting a national discussion as the boy fought life-threatening seizures” (Castle). Due to situations such as the one stated, the U.K. is taking into account reasons why medical marijuana should be legalized. While some countries are making progress to legalize the use of medical marijuana, some states have legalized it for both medical and recreational use. California, Oregon, and Washington, for example, are known to be the states where recreational use of marijuana is popular. While other states such as Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota have not had a chance to take steps in legalizing medical marijuana. As a whole nation, the US took a few steps in support of legalizing medical marijuana. According to Higdon, “many expected Barack Obama to legalize marijuana in his second term, but he did not.” Now with Donald Trump as the nation’s current president, legalization of medical marijuana are coming into question again. Apparently, “the signals from the Trump administration have been mixed at best” (Higdon). Trump seems to accept the medicinal use of marijuana which is a good sign of the future.
All in all medical marijuana has many benefits that can contribute to people with certain diseases and health conditions. Legalizing medical marijuana will provide people and future generations a more natural option to ease pain or to use as treatment. In fact, research is being done to see if the components of marijuana can help with diabetes and it looks to be very promising. Also, more research is being done to see if marijuana can help with autoimmune disorders and many others. The near future is looking promising for the legalization of medical marijuana since so much research is being done and many people are seeking more natural options for treatment. To keep moving forward, the nation should educate people to see why marijuana is a great option for treatment and how its effects can benefit a wide range of diseases and health conditions.