By Isaac Axel
Marijuana and its use is a controversial topic that has been subject to debate for many years. Tests and trials have been carried out to prove whether the substance is effective in relieving pain. As well as this, it has now been legalized in many countries across the world. Many medical facilities, such as Utah-based medical cannabis pain clinic KindlyMD, now offer marijuana products to help with patients’ pain. To that end, it is important to understand what medical marijuana is as well as its benefits and side effects and what forms it comes in.
What Is Medical Marijuana?
Medical marijuana is derived from the cannabis sativa plant and is used to help alleviate symptoms caused by various medical conditions. It contains cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the ingredient that causes people to get ‘high’, whereas CBD does not cause these psychoactive effects. CBD has been found to be the main element of cannabis that aids in pain relief and hence the easing of medical symptoms. This is why various states in the U.S. only legalize the use of CBD with little or no THC. According to The Cannigma, as of June 2022, forty-one states have some sort of medical marijuana program.
Benefits Of Medical Marijuana
Medical cannabis can help patients in the short term when it comes to their chronic pain. Although research is still ongoing, cannabis products are known to relieve pain and reduce inflammation; however, the long-term effects are currently unknown. Additionally, it has also been discovered that cannabinoids, which are the active chemicals in medical marijuana, can help with the nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.
One of the most well-known uses of medical marijuana is as part of the treatment of rare forms of epilepsy by helping to reduce the number of seizures one might suffer. Some studies have found medical cannabis could potentially reduce cancer cell growth, but trials are still ongoing to discover its full capabilities.
Side Effects and Risks
It is not yet clear if medical cannabis products are safe for use for pain relief as there has only been limited research. Some cannabis products containing THC are known to have adverse effects, including dependency issues and psychosis. Although medical marijuana with mainly CBD does not cause the main side effects THC is known for, it does have side effects that could affect some people. Some common side effects of CBD-based cannabis products include dizziness, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Medical marijuana should not be used in teenagers as their brains are still developing and it could cause negative effects on their mental function and IQ.
Different Types of Medical Marijuana Products
Medical marijuana is offered to patients in various forms. Cannabis oils are widely used today as they can be added to foods and vapes to provide quick and efficient pain relief. Another popular product is tinctures, which are consumed by being dropped under the tongue. Pills are one of the slowest yet most effective ways to get pain relief from medical marijuana. Other products include liquids, topicals, and dry leaves.
Summary
To summarize, medical marijuana helps with pain relief in patients suffering from various medical conditions like epilepsy and chronic pain. The limited research that has been conducted thus far shows that it does ease pain, but more studies and trials need to be performed to fully understand the benefits and side effects of medical marijuana. It can be bought in various forms that take effect in different ways. If you are considering purchasing medical cannabis, it is important to check that it is legal to consume in your state.
