Medical Marijuana

MEDICAL MARIJUANA

Marijuana smokers are often characterized as lazy and unmotivated.  However, the research on why people are choosing cannabis paints a different picture. Studies shows that there is an increase in people that prefer a more homeopathic approach to treatment and find cannabis naturally appealing. Medical Marijuana is gaining wide acceptance for a broad range of uses as more people turn to herbal medicines and homeopathic remedies. Marijuana is becoming a favoured treatment option for those suffering from both physiological and psychological ailments.

Studies show that quality of life is the number one reason people ask for a Cannabis prescription. It could be from headaches or migraines, a disease such as cancer or a chronic condition, like glaucoma or nerve damage. So what exactly does Medical Marijuana treat? And who can and should use it?

First things first— 

WHAT IS MEDICAL MARIJUANA?

Medical marijuana, also called Medical Cannabis, is a term that refers to using the Cannabis Sativa plant to treat or relieve serious and chronic symptoms.

Because the Marijuana plant contains compounds (Cannabinoids) that have been proven to relieve a wide spectrum of symptoms, many have argued that it should be legal to use for medical purposes. This argument has led to a growing number of states and countries that have legalized marijuana for medical use.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

If you have previously only thought of Marijuana as a recreational drug, it may be hard for you to make the mental switch and begin to see it in a more therapeutic light. But it works the same way. As with other prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs, Marijuana works on your brain and nervous system to alter the messages you receive. 

The Cannabis Sativa plant contains significant levels of flavonoids and terpenes as well as its high levels of CBD and THC. These compounds interact with your body through what’s known as the Endocannabinoid System and offer therapeutic and beneficial use to those suffering from chronic illnesses.

WHAT CAN MEDICAL MARIJUANA BE USED FOR?

Many studies have been done on this plant in regards to its efficacy in treating illness. Here is a list of 5 medical benefits of medical marijuana, and some of the conditions it has been documented to treat.

PAIN CONTROL

Pain can certainly affect your quality of life! And is one of the main reasons doctors prescribe medication. Many of those who suffer from chronic pain, feel that they have limited options for long-term relief. The good news is that cannabis appears to be a safer alternative for pain relief. Studies and anecdotal research has shown that patients suffering from neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis experience relief of symptoms from cannabis use at rates higher than those using placebos. It also lacks the addictive repercussions of opioids and dependency of pharmaceutical treatments.

NAUSEA AND VOMITING

A common use of cannabis is to ease the symptoms of nausea. Therefore, Medicinal Marijuana has proven beneficial for those undergoing nausea-inducing treatments such as chemotherapy. Cannabinoids are said to be more effective than traditional anti-nausea medications such as prochlorperazine, promethazine, and metoclopramide, without the typical side effects associated with these drugs.

POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)

Canadian studies have found Medical Cannabis to be beneficial in treating PTSD. Along with Psychotherapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) , group therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) , cannabis can help calm nightmares and other symptoms of this disorder. Those who suffer from PTSD report that it helps with symptoms when used in moderate dosages with a stable blood level. 

DEPRESSION

While clinical evidence is limited, cannabis may be a viable alternative for those plagued from some degree of depression. As a catalyst for healthy thoughts and behaviour some strains of cannabis are known to uplift feelings and promote mental focus. Sativa strains particularly can help energize those who are despondent and apathetic. The causes and treatments for combating depression are complex and require multiple modalities of therapy, including counseling. However, researchers share that possible benefits include the restoration of “normal” endocannabinoid function and mood stabilization for those wishing to avoid pharmacological drugs and their associated side effects. 

SLEEP DISORDERS

In the fast-paced world that we live in today, getting an adequate dose of ‘shut-eye’ is often one of the top things people sacrifice. We all know that a lack of sleep can have a serious impact on one’s health.  This impact includes headaches, loss of appetite and focus, irritability, and increased stress levels. Whether you have a sleep disorder such as insomnia or you’re wound up from a stressful day and need help winding down, cannabis might be a choice for you. Studies suggests that cannabis is exceptionally beneficial for those looking to regulate their sleep-wake cycle. The use of CBD is beneficial for mental alertness and THC to induce feelings of lethargy.

Although using cannabis recreationally is still illegal in most places, there has been a steady rise in the popularity of the drug for medicinal purposes.

There are many ways people can use medical cannabis. For example, people can:

• Smoke it as a dried plant.
• Brew it into tea.
• Inhale it as a vapour.
• Spray it under the tongue.
• Apply it to the skin.
• Eat it in prepared or homemade foods (edibles).

 

Do you use Marijuana for Medicinal purposes? If so, share your story here or tag us on IG @kingtutscanna and tell us how it has improved your quality of life.