The pros and cons of using medical marijuana

The argument for and against the use of medical marijuana has been ongoing for a while now. With states like Florida and many others legalizing the use of marijuana for medical or recreational purpose, proponents (marijuana doctors and marijuana users) are calling for Federal recognition of the plant as a medicinal plant and not a harmful substance. Of course, the opposition stands against such notions and campaign for the ban of marijuana use for whatever purpose.

Both sides of the divide have points to support their stand. This has made the debate on the matter interesting because of the wide variety of opinion out there. If you have no knowledge of this debate or lack information to form an opinion and decide whether to use marijuana or support/go against the use. Then this article will be an exposition on the pros and cons of using Medical Marijuana. With that in mind, lets us look at some key information regarding the use of medical marijuana.

At the moment, Marijuana is a banned substance in the U.S. It is classified as a Schedule 1 drug by the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency). That means; the U.S Federal law prohibits cultivation, transportation, and use of marijuana. Therefore, possessing marijuana in states where it has not been legalized is a punishable offense – from fine to prison sentence depending on the amount of substance found.

In states where the use of marijuana has been legalized, only marijuana doctors and licensed dispensaries are permitted to sell marijuana. Consumers are restricted by law to purchase a certain amount of cannabis indica (marijuana) from a licensed dispensary.

The pros and cons of medical marijuana

The benefits of medical marijuana have been documented over the years. Although, more research is still required to get a robust knowledge of the benefits of medical marijuana use. Unfortunately, here in the U.S; research on the plant has proven difficult because of the ban on it. Some of the popular benefits are yet to be supported by scientific research.

Pros of medical marijuana use

Pain reliever

Marijuana is widely known as a pain relief agent. Health practitioners successfully use the plant to treat people suffering from chronic pain. It is a safer chronic pain drug compared to some options such as opioid-based pain reliever drugs. Unlike Opioids, Marijuana use does not cause dependency in users except in cases of prolonged and uncontrolled use.

Alleviates anxiety

When taken in low doses, Marijuana helps people experiencing anxiety attacks. This effect is possible because of the sedative effect of marijuana. The THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) component of the plant has a ‘high’ effect on the body. The outcome is a relaxed and relieved feeling, which makes the user calm and aware.

Aids epilepsy

Several clinical reports, lab studies, and patient-drug use report show that marijuana helps manage epileptic seizures. One famous case is Charlotte Figi – an eight-year-old girl with Dravet syndrome, a rare form of aggressive epilepsy. She was treated with medical marijuana, and the results were outstanding. In Charlotte’s case, the results recorded after using marijuana wasn’t produced by other drugs.

Relieves nausea and vomiting

Research has shown that pharmaceutical marijuana reduces nausea and vomiting. This effect is helpful when used by patients going through treatments (chemotherapy) that induce nausea. Marijuana reduces nausea and eliminates vomiting.

Reduces muscle spasms caused by Parkinson

Recent studies have found marijuana’s components to be effective in treating muscle spasms caused by Parkinson. Patients who used marijuana experienced reduced spasms.

Slows cancer growth

A chemical found in marijuana, CBD; was found to slow the growth of cancer cells from one of the most serious brain tumors. CBD turns off the production of gene Id-1 in cancer cells. Cancerous cells release this gene to replicate throughout the body.

Help to treat Glaucoma

A 1972 research by the National Eye Institute found that marijuana helped glaucoma patients. The plant reduces the intraocular pressure of the eye, which is the main symptom of the condition. Glaucoma is an eye condition that increases pressure in the eyeball. It damages the optic nerve and can cause loss of vision.

There are more benefits of medical marijuana use, but some of these benefits have not been confirmed by scientific research.

Cons of Medical Marijuana

Affects memory and body movement

The ‘high’ effect of marijuana affects the brain’s short-term memory and body control. This effect has been documented in user studies and is considered a disadvantage of using the plant for treatment. Although, a decline in short-term memory occurs in people who make use of the plant regularly for a long time.

Cancer risk due to consumption method

The cancer danger medical marijuana possesses is a result of the method of consumption, not the plant. Consuming medical marijuana by smoking increases the risk of cancer and other respiratory diseases says many orlando marijuana doctors. The risk is as a result of smoke inhalation not the use of marijuana.

Risk of abuse and addiction

Although not as potent as opioids, marijuana can be addictive. This can happen when it is used for a long time. The user might become dependent on the plant for relief or whatever purpose.

The risk of abuse is present in the use of medical marijuana. As a plant with brain-stimulating effect (high effect), users might consume large quantities to get a high effect. This has been the case with over-the-counter medicines that have a ‘high’ effect. So it is expected that consumers can abuse marijuana as well.

Mental illness

The possible mental issues that can result from the consumption of marijuana range from psychosis, depression, schizophrenia, anxiety to paranoia.

Certain factors determine the effect of marijuana on the consumer. Factors such as the strength of the marijuana (the strain), volume consumed, the consumer’s mental health, consumer’s history with marijuana, and the consumers use intent (as a patient or for recreation).

Bearing these factors in mind, lawmakers passed bills that obligate potential consumers to receive clearance from a medical marijuana doctor. MMJ (Medical marijuana) doctors provide medical marijuana examination to ascertain if an individual is a valid patient that can benefit from the effects of marijuana.

If you or a loved one is interested in seeing a marijuana doctor in Florida, please contact our offices today!