The most widely abused drug in the world comes from marijuana. It’s a group of flowers known for their psychedelic effects. The three most common subspecies are Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. They are harvested and dried to make marijuana, often called a pot.
Despite its legal status, marijuana is still largely a controlled substance. In addition to meth, ecstasy, and heroin, it is classified as a Schedule 1 drug by the Substance Enforcement Administration (DEA). There is a “high” likelihood of dependence and abuse among users of Schedule 1 drugs and substances.
Some medical marijuana supporters say that medicinal marijuana can alleviate the symptoms of cancer, AIDS, glaucoma, epilepsy, pain, and multiple sclerosis. There are dozens of published studies, reliable medical organizations, and big government publications, and it’s been used as medicine for thousands of years.
Some say medical marijuana is too risky to use, lacks FDA approval, and can’t compete with other legal medications. Marijuana harms the lungs, immune system, and brain, leads to heavier drug use, impairs conception, and interferes with driving abilities. Drugs and recreational use will be legalized under medical marijuana.
No doubt there is still much to debate about cannabis’s therapeutic benefits. There are valid arguments both for and against medicinal cannabis. However, it doesn’t matter if marijuana is used for therapy or not. Ultimately, it’s your choice whether it’s for you.
You should know the insights on cannabis industry US to help you.
Medical marijuana benefits
It’s possible to treat a lot of ailments with medicinal cannabis. By 2025, the market for cannabis extracts is expected to be worth nearly $23 billion because of these supposed benefits. Cannabis proponents commonly cite the following benefits:
Anti-Anxiety Treatment
Cannabis is known for its calming effects. Medical marijuana was developed, therefore, to assist people suffering from stress, depression, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Cannabis contains a psychoactive substance called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which may help people relax.
Managing chronic pain may be possible
Medical cannabis is most commonly used for pain relief. Muscle spasms and pain are said to be alleviated by marijuana. Cannabis has also been permitted for consumption by some patients with multiple sclerosis.
The use of medical marijuana may also help reduce opioid dependence associated with pharmaceutical medications. Opioids have a much higher danger factor, and their addiction is much greater than cannabis. This is why cannabis states prescribe fewer opioid prescriptions yearly than states that have not yet approved cannabis use for medicinal purposes.
Useful as a sleep aid
Insomnia and sleep apnea may be treated with cannabis and its extract products because cannabis possesses analgesic properties.
Treatment of seizures caused by epilepsy
The FDA approved Cannabidiol in 2018 for treating patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.
Reduces Alzheimer’s Disease Progression
In a study, researchers examined whether CBD and THC can help slow Alzheimer’s disease’s progression. Researchers found that combining these cannabis compounds could decrease the variables linked to Alzheimer’s.
Reduce inflammation
Eliminating inflammation from different parts of the body is essential for good health. Marijuana contains the chemical cannabidiol, which may help reduce inflammation. People with arthritis, Crohn’s, irritable bowel syndrome, or Crohn’s disease may benefit from cannabis use. Many of these illnesses are caused by inflammation in the joints and intestines.
The Downsides of Medical Marijuana
Those who are against medical marijuana commonly cite the following disadvantages as their reasons:
There is the possibility of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)
Cannabis users may develop CHS, a condition characterized by vomiting, a feeling of nausea, and stomach aches. Those who use cannabis regularly tend to suffer from this condition. Individuals with CHS are also at a higher risk of hospital admission.
This May Negatively Affect a Child’s Development and Health
Marijuana can benefit pregnant women who suffer from morning sickness or want to enjoy the drug recreationally. Unfortunately, there is a link between marijuana use and developmental problems for newborns.
Cannabis exposure while in the womb can cause anemia, memory impairment, underweight birth, and attention deficit disorder in the child. Women should refrain from using marijuana or cannabis-derived products while pregnant.
Conditions Related to The Heart May Be Aggravated
The drug causes users’ hearts to beat faster and their blood pressure to rise after consuming marijuana. People with pre-existing heart conditions and those elderly may have difficulty. A common type of cardiac rhythm disorder, atrial fibrillation, has also been linked to cannabis use.
Impairment Of Mental and Motor Skills Is Possible
Hallucinations are caused by marijuana, which can result in decreased motor ability, poor judgment, and even psychotic episodes. Due to this, you have a greater chance of getting into a car accident after using marijuana. Fender benders and deadly crashes occur more frequently when drivers have THC traces in their blood.
Driving and any other task that requires precise movements and thought is difficult to do while under the influence of marijuana.
There May Be a Negative Impact on The Respiratory System
The lungs and other respiratory organs can be damaged when smoking marijuana, regardless of whether it is fully legalized and recognized by mainstream society. Smoking is dangerous regardless of whether it is tobacco- or marijuana-based.
Different administration methods may be safer than smoking medicinal cannabis for patients who use it. Consuming edibles, using vaporizers, and consuming CBD products can increase the absorption of cannabis into the body.
You Might Get Arrested
Cannabis is strictly regulated in the United States, even though marijuana has been legalized in many states. Also, cannabis use is still prohibited in other states for medicinal or recreational purposes.
Cannabis remains on the DEA’s Schedule 1 narcotics list. You might even go to jail if you overdose on medical marijuana or qualify for it. Make sure you have a good understanding of the laws of your state or city.
Conclusion
Researchers are now conducting numerous studies on cannabis. The plant and compounds it produces are being studied for their therapeutic potential.
Cannabis might be legal in more states, but opinions on medicinal marijuana are mixed, even after the FDA-approved cannabidiol. Ultimately, the legal and medical uses of cannabis are still up for debate. In the end, you must decide whether to use this substance or not.
Cannabis lawyer Anne van Leynseele is leading a fight to legalize the drug. She is one of several prominent individuals pushing for federal cannabis legalization.
Cultivating Crimes: The Dark Side of Legal Marijuana attempted to inform the public about insights into the cannabis industry US. According to Anne, the marijuana war has arguably resulted in more chaos than peace. Her view is that marijuana needs to be reconsidered and used more effectively.
Others believe this as well. Legalizing marijuana will be beneficial for the United States, according to many people. There is a possibility that people like Anne could eventually be in charge of legalizing marijuana.
