Healing with Cannabis: The Therapeutic Potential of Medical Marijuana
Updated: Mar 19
The U.S. cannabis industry is expected to reach $45 billion in sales by 2027. Numerous studies have shown the therapeutic benefits of cannabis. This has led to its growing acceptance by scientists, doctors and users. Cannabis has been a disputed subject for decades. However, medical cannabis is now legal in more than 30 states in the U.S.
Medical cannabis uses the marijuana plant to treat illnesses. Many studies and patient reports show it can help with various health problems. In this blog, we will look at the history of cannabis. We will explore the science behind it and its therapeutic benefits. And discuss its potential role in modern medicine.
Table of Contents
The History of Medical Cannabis
Marijuana as a medicine seems like a new concept. But it has been around for centuries. It appears that ancient China and India used it. But that extends to the U.S. In the 19th and 20th centuries' cannabis was a patented medicine. Due to its potential for misuse, it slowly lost this status.
The government imposed restrictions on its sale starting in 1937. The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 prohibited it fully. It led to marijuana’s illegal status. And also a negative perception in society.
In the 1990s, many studies established its healing properties. There was a growing need for alternative treatments. California was the first state to allow doctors to prescribe it. Over time, more states have legalized it for medical and recreational use. Now, many people, including doctors and scientists, want to make medical marijuana legal everywhere.
The Science Behind Medical Cannabis
Marijuana gets its healing properties from two main compounds - THC and CBD. These cannabinoids have different composition and properties. They interact with our bodies and provide various effects. CBD (cannabidiol) has relaxing and pain-relieving properties. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is a psychoactive compound. It gives the high impact of marijuana, altering the state of mind.
When you use marijuana, cannabinoids enter your bloodstream. These chemicals interact with your body's natural system. This controls things like sleep, pain, and mood. And tries to keep your body balanced. Cannabinoids attach to certain parts of your brain. When doing so, they signal the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to take action. Some include relieving pain and reducing stress and inflammation. Others may be regulating mood or improving appetite.
Studies show it may be helpful for mental health issues and long-term pain. It seems it could also help in managing symptoms of autoimmune diseases.
Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) and Its Uses
Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is a cannabis extract known for its high THC content. It has gained popularity for its potential in cancer treatment, pain relief, and inflammation reduction.
RSO uses a full-spectrum extraction method that preserves the plant’s beneficial compounds. Unlike CBD oils, RSO contains high levels of THC, which contributes to its powerful effects.
The recommended RSO dosage follows a gradual increase method, starting with a slight drop (about the size of half a grain of rice) three times a day. Over time, users may increase their intake as tolerated, eventually reaching a whole gram per day in divided doses. Due to its potency, consulting a healthcare professional before using RSO is essential.
Medical Conditions Treated with Cannabis
Medical marijuana has shown potential in managing symptoms. It can help conditions that don't respond well to traditional medicine. Some medical conditions treated with cannabis are:
Chronic pain
Cannabis has been very effective in relieving pain caused by injuries. It also helps with other painful health conditions. Some include arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and fibromyalgia. This is thanks to the interaction of THC and CBD with the ECS. They alter pain perception and reduce inflammation.
They are an excellent substitute for opioid-based painkillers. Because they're not as addictive, they could be a great addition to natural therapies that help chronic pain. Such treatments include acupuncture, hyperbaric chamber therapy, and shock wave therapy.
Mental illness
Marijuana can also help treat mental health issues. Some common ones are anxiety, depression, PTSD. The CBD compound helps to release good-feeling chemicals. These are responsible for mood, anxiety, and stress management. Vaping CBD, in particular, can offer quick relief for these conditions.
THC’s euphoric effects can also boost mood and help manage depression.
Neurological conditions
Marijuana can affect how your brain works. This may help with some neurological conditions. It can reduce seizures in people with epilepsy. And lessen tremors in those with Parkinson's disease.
Cancer-related symptoms
Cancer patients often experience side effects from treatment. Some include nausea, pain, and loss of appetite. Marijuana can help manage these symptoms. That's because it interacts with the body's natural pain-relieving system. It can also improve sleep and appetite.
Other conditions
Cannabis has also proven effective in treating sleep problems. And managing symptoms of autoimmune diseases. It improves the quality of sleep or manages insomnia. It might help manage conditions where inflammation is a problem. For example, it could help with inflammatory bowel disease or hip osteoarthritis.
Also READ: Exploring Chiropractic Solutions for Hip Osteoarthritis
The Pros and Cons of Medical Marijuana
Marijuana is becoming popular for treating health problems. But it's essential to understand both the good and the bad.
Pros
Natural alternative to conventional drugs
Cannabis is a plant, but medical cannabis is a specific product. It has fewer synthetic additives. It is a natural alternative to traditional drugs. So, it is perfect for people who prefer natural treatments.
Fewer side effects than traditional painkillers or antidepressants
Traditional painkillers and mental health drugs can have many side effects. Some include dizziness, stomach issues, allergic reactions, and addiction. Marijuana has fewer side effects on the health of the patients. It is also less likely to cause a fatal overdose.
Treatment for a wide variety of conditions
Medical cannabis can help a variety of conditions. Some include managing pain, stress, and anxiety symptoms. It can increase appetite and improve sleep issues. Traditional medicine might only treat one symptom. But marijuana may help with a broader range of problems at once. And it may cause fewer side effects.
Cons
Side effects
Some people who consume marijuana might experience dizziness and dry mouth. Others can experience fatigue and impaired motor skills. The effects of marijuana vary for each person. Many factors can influence these effects. Some include age, food consumption, and mental state.
Lack of standardization in dosage
Laws aren't strict enough. So, you can't always be sure about the correct ingredients or dosage. When these are not right, it can cause unpredictable results.
Potential for dependency
Marijuana is not as addictive as other drugs. However, there is still potential for dependency on THC-heavy products. THC causes euphoric highs. People can get used to it, leading to addiction in case of prolonged use.
Legal challenges
Cannabis products are not legal in all states. In states like Georgia, you need a medical marijuana card. This is necessary to buy and use them legally. Using cannabis without the proper approval can have legal effects.
Similarly, Kratom is also regulated in some states. There are varying restrictions on its sale and use.
Future of Medical Cannabis
Scientists are researching cannabis to learn more about its medical uses. New discoveries are likely. This could lead to new medical and recreational applications.
More people support legalizing marijuana. So, the government may change the laws. This could lead to more places where people can buy medical marijuana.
Social stigma and legal regulations still affect its acceptance and use. There is still a need for sufficient clinical trials. They need to prove the benefits of different conditions. So, social acceptance might increase. This could lead to the decriminalization of marijuana soon.
Conclusion
Medical cannabis is becoming a popular treatment for many physical and mental health issues. It helps with pain, appetite loss, sleep problems, and stress.
It is essential to standardize the production of high-quality products. And more research is needed to ensure its safe use. So, it could become a key part of future natural healthcare. Talk to your healthcare provider before using it for your condition.