The question of whether the advantages of medicinal marijuana outweigh the hazards has been debated for more than a century. Supporters of marijuana as medicine assert that it has a wide range of potential advantages and can treat symptoms more quickly and effectively than traditional medications. Since marijuana is typically beneficial at low doses, risks are minimal. Patients may be able to use fewer or no additional painkillers or drugs after consuming marijuana. It is therefore highly advised to research the laws in each state. A guide on how to obtain a medical marijuana card in Maryland that is entirely online can be found here if you are curious about the legislation in our state.
These are the potential eight advantages of medical marijuana.
First, lowering inflammation
THC can decrease inflammatory processes, which reduces pain, according to research. When treated with THC as opposed to conventional analgesics, they found that patients with osteoarthritis had much reduced levels of inflammation. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis who took marijuana recovered more quickly and had less swelling and pain than those who did not. Numerous studies have shown that cannabis’ anti-inflammatory effects can be used to treat both neuropathic and arthritic pain.
- TO IMPROVE APPETITE
For the purpose of boosting appetite and controlling weight loss in AIDS patients, the FDA has approved the synthetic cannabis spray dronabinol. Sometimes, individuals with cancer, glaucoma, and multiple sclerosis are given this medication “off-label.” According to studies, marijuana can be used to treat anorexia and weight loss in patients with cancer, HIV, and other illnesses that result in unpleasant side effects like nausea or vomiting.
- Lessened Stress
According to research, THC may have a relaxing impact and possibly lessen depressive symptoms. In one study, the anti-anxiety effects of marijuana were comparable to those of modest doses of Xanax, Valium, or Ativan. Researchers discovered that marijuana use reduced anxiety in Parkinson’s disease patients in another trial. The anti-anxiety effects were comparable to those of common sedatives like Ativan and Diazepam.
- CONTROLLING CANCER
Cannabinoids found in cannabis, or marijuana, have been shown to be effective against tumor cells, particularly in the brain. THC is a cannabinoid that is “pro-tumor,” meaning it may help cancer patients and encourage tumor growth. THC causes this effect through having an indirect impact on the body’s immune system, which aids in the battle against cancer, as well as a direct impact on the tumor cells. The anti-anxiety effects could promote follow-up care for cancer patients.
- REDUCIFICATION OF BLOOD PRESSURE
Despite not being an anti-hypertensive medicine, marijuana may have some advantages in lowering blood pressure. Blood pressure is lowered and circulatory efficiency is increased as a result of marijuana’s analgesic and calming effects. People who are sensitive to stress may benefit from marijuana’s effects on the brain, which also reduce the stress reaction.
- RELIEF OF PAIN
Due to its potent analgesic properties, marijuana is also useful in treating persistent neuropathic pain. In order to control pain signals, cannabinoids interact with specific receptors on nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. They do this to lessen chronic pain brought on either sickness or injury. According to one study, 80% of patients experienced significant improvements in their pain levels; none of these patients experienced any negative effects.
- EMILEPSY THERAPY
Epileptic seizures can be controlled by marijuana. People with epilepsy who get a substance found in marijuana called cannabidiol see a significant reduction in the frequency of their seizures. 90% of kids who received cannabidiol had a significant decrease in the frequency of their seizures.
- AVOIDING A RELAPSE IN DRUG ADDICTION
Coke, alcohol, and nicotine are less effective treatments than marijuana. Although regular marijuana usage can make someone more prone to addiction, the withdrawal symptoms are frequently less severe than with other narcotics. According to one study, the withdrawal symptoms of marijuana were comparable to those of caffeine and nicotine, which aren’t considered addictive substances. Cannabis withdrawal requires little assistance, while some individuals may experience brief periods of mild melancholy or anxiety. Usually, two weeks after the last cannabis use, these effects go away.
CONCLUSION
Cannabis has been used medicinally for millennia, and when taken properly, it has a wide range of potential advantages. However, a lot of people occasionally abuse the substance, leading to a number of negative effects include memory loss and blurred vision. But let’s say you have a condition for which there is no known treatment or you need prescription medication with negative side effects. Then you should think about trying marijuana because it has a good track record of reducing some symptoms of chronic conditions.
