Medical Marijuana Facts
The Medical Facts about the Cannabis Plant. Resources were referenced by the WebMd.
Please use medical marijuana as prescribed. It is a controversial subject between the state and federal laws. This plant can be used for medical and treatment purposes especially for the disabled. So use this plant wisely and Blaze Up CannaFam! - BlazeFury420
What is medical marijuana?
Medical marijuana uses the marijuana plant or chemicals in it to treat diseases or conditions. It's basically the same product as recreational marijuana, but it's taken for medical purposes.
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The marijuana plant contains more than 100 different chemicals called cannabinoids. Each one has a different effect on the body. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the main chemicals used in medicine. THC also produces the "high" people feel when they smoke marijuana or eat foods containing it.
What is medical marijuana used for?
Researchers are studying whether medical marijuana can help treat a number of conditions including:
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Appetite loss
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Crohn's disease
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Diseases effecting the immune system like HIV/AIDS or Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
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Eating disorders such as anorexia
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Epilepsy
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Mental health conditions like schizophrenia and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
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Multiple sclerosis
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Pain
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Seizures
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Wasting syndrome (cachexia)
Treatment:
The greatest amount of evidence for the therapeutic effects of cannabis relate to its ability to reduce chronic pain, nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, and spasticity [tight or stiff muscles] from MS
Side effects that have been reported include:
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Bloodshot eyes
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Depression
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Fast heartbeat
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The drug can also affect judgment and coordination, which could lead to accidents and injuries. When used during the teenage years when the brain is still developing, marijuana might affect IQ and mental function.
Because marijuana contains some of the same chemicals found in tobacco, there have been concerns that smoking it could harm the lungs. The effects of inhaled marijuana on lung health aren't clear, but there's some evidence it might increase the risk for bronchitis and other lung problems.
What are the side effects of medical marijuana?
How does it help?
Cannabinoids -- the active chemicals in medical marijuana -- are similar to chemicals the body makes that are involved in appetite, memory, movement, and pain.
Limited research suggests cannabinoids might:
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Reduce anxiety
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Reduce inflammation and relieve pain
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Control nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy
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Kill cancer cells and slow tumor growth
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Relax tight muscles in people with MS
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Stimulate appetite and improve weight gain in people with cancer and AIDS
