More than two-thirds of U.S. states have legalized medical marijuana to treat and relieve symptoms of various health issues. Although this is the case, the FDA has only approved medical marijuana for the treatment of Dravet Syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut – two rare and severe forms of epilepsy.
Since the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration considers marijuana a Schedule I drug, little research has been done regarding it. So what is medical marijuana? What does it treat? And can you relieve all symptoms with marijuana? Well, read along to find out.
What is Medical Marijuana?
Medical marijuana is also known as medical cannabis. It refers to the derivatives of the Cannabis sativa plant that helps relieve severe and chronic symptoms. Cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the two main active compounds found in the marijuana plant.
Both THC and CBD have gained a lot of popularity due to their ability to alleviate many symptoms. THC is behind the “high” effects in marijuana users.
Also Read:- 4 Ways CBD Natural Remedies Can Improve Heart Health
When To Use Marijuana?
Research conducted so far shows that medical marijuana can help relieve symptoms associated with various health conditions. Each state has laws that determine which condition can be treated with medical marijuana. That’s why it’s essential to check with your state laws if you’re considering medical marijuana for medical use. To that end, here are some medical conditions that medical marijuana has the potential to treat:
Chronic Pain
Pain management is the main reason why people turn to medical marijuana. Whether the pain is due to headaches, arthritis, cancer, or long-term diseases like nerve pain or glaucoma, cannabinoids pain relief will come in handy.
Cancer
Cancer is among the most killer diseases worldwide. Studies on medical marijuana have shown that cannabinoids can help kill breast cancer cells, leukemia, and other cancer cells when used alongside chemotherapy.
Although CBD is not a definitive cancer cure, it’s useful in reducing the severity of cancer symptoms and improving cancer patients’ quality of life. Some of the cancer symptoms that medical marijuana can help reduce include pain, fatigue, nausea, low appetite, and other issues associated with chemotherapy and other cancer treatments.
Talk to your doctor or CBD experts regarding the best strain for breast cancer or any other cancer cells.
Brain Tumor
Researchers are also exploring the relationship between cannabinoids and brain tumors. Thousands of people are diagnosed with a brain tumor each year. Since tumors can be cancerous, chemotherapy is among the treatment options for brain tumor patients. CBD will help reduce chemotherapy symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients with a brain tumor.
Stress and Anxiety
Medical marijuana can help treat depression and anxiety disorder symptoms, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, seasonal affective disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.
Marijuana can also treat a host of other diseases, including:
- Epilepsy
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Seizures
- Multiple sclerosis
- Wasting syndrome
- Etc.
How Does Medical Marijuana Work?
As with any other medication, marijuana works in your brain to change the message you receive. Your body has marijuana-like chemicals that affect many body processes, including pain and inflammation.
Marijuana works to ensure that your body’s natural chemicals work better. That way, it relaxes you, calms you down, and makes you feel good. From reducing anxiety symptoms to reducing pain to stimulating appetite, cannabis benefits are endless.
Ways to Use Medical Marijuana
Medical marijuana comes in various forms, including:
- Pill
- Oral solution
- Oil for vaporizing
- Topical solution
- Dried leaves and buds
Where and how you buy CBD oil will depend on your state laws. Each form of marijuana works differently in your body, so be sure to choose what works best for you. How often you use marijuana will depend on your symptoms and the cannabis form you are using.
Symptom relief and cannabis side effects will also vary depending on the type of CBD you are using. Some CBD lovers prefer to vaporize cannabis as it allows them to feel CBD effects quickly. On the other side, CBD effects will be slower with the pill form.
What are the CBD Side Effects?
Common side effects of marijuana use include:
- Fast heartbeat
- Dizziness
- Depression
- Bloodshot eyes
- Hallucinations
- Low blood pressure
As you can see, medical marijuana can help reduce various symptoms. However, you need a written recommendation from a licensed expert in your state before ordering any CBD product, as not all conditions qualify for medical marijuana use. Also, ensure to choose your product from the best CBD brands.
