Proven Benefits of Medical Marijuana

You cannot bring up the topic of medical marijuana without invoking the specter of controversy that comes with the territory. It is, indeed, a matter that stirs up strong emotions on each side of the medical table - between the cacophonous voices of doctors and patients, scientists and charlatans, it can be hard to simply look at the facts. However, as soon as you scratch beneath the veneer of sensationalism, you will realize that it has become quite hard to overlook the proven benefits of medical marijuana.

The point of controversy

When it comes to medicinal marijuana, the point of controversy is reflected in a very specific chemical known as the THC. This is the abbreviation of the tetrahidrokanabinol, a compound which instigates a psychoactive state when ingested, usually through specific cannabis plants. However, cannabis is also the name of a genus of flowering plants that do not necessarily have psychoactive properties.

The one without the high

For example, hemp (also known as industrial hemp) is a variety of cannabis sativa that has minimal traces of THC - which is also accounted as one of many cannabinoids that comprise a chemical makeup of a cannabis plant. This particular plant, which is the least contended species of cannabis, lauded far and wide among 'natural healing' proponents and medical professionals alike, is rich in a compound known as CBD or cannabidiol - an extremely useful chemical that has a profoundly positive impact on anxiety, cognitive issues, and pain. This plant also usually serves as a metaphoric ‘ambassador’ for people that are skeptical about marijuana and a point where their minds are usually changed.

Where the US stands

The United States of America is one of the leading countries that push the boundaries of marijuana legalization. Believe it or not, marijuana was legalized for medical purposes in California as far back as 1996. Since then, superb medical marijuana from Las Vegas has become renowned far and wide and the legislation has legalized it in 10 states (in 29 for medical use exclusively), while the Midwest still holds it as a point of contention even as a medical supplement (though Colorado is the exception to the rule).

As far as statistics show, its use is accepted as routine treatment wherever it has been legalized, which should say something about the legitimacy of its medical properties. Unfortunately, many people would refute that with an argument that ‘decadent’ people simply use it to get high and single this out as its main selling point. Making such an argument is, of course, far from fair.

Marijuana as a pain reliever

However, around 85% of American citizens support the legalization of marijuana, and for good reasons. As a pain reliever, it is a godsend. Now, this fact comes with an addendum - it is not as effective against severe pains, though it can dull it. The consumption of marijuana will not dull the pain caused by a broken bone or post-surgical pain. However, when it comes to chronic back pain, migraines, and some minor rheumatic issues, it works like a charm.

Furthermore, it has been proven that it is impossible to overdose on it - which renders it safer than opiates, and it can also help with nausea that often accompanies pain. In other words, marijuana is tailor-made for people that suffer from chronic migraines and cluster headaches. It also eases the pain caused by multiple sclerosis. It is a muscle relaxant so it can be beneficial for athletes as long as its use is carefully controlled. It has been shown that marijuana also reduced tremors caused by Parkinson’s disease.

It helps ease the burden

Recently, the research has shown that marijuana drastically improves the state of PTSD stricken war veterans. Because of this, creating ease of access of cannabis for ex-soldiers has become quite a topic. Of course, most of these veterans are participating in regular therapy sessions which help them immensely, but even therapists themselves are clamoring for more deregulation and more sanctioned studies of the effects of cannabis.

The leading upside of medical marijuana lies in its natural, almost shamanistic appeal - of a plant that can ameliorate so many issues with one swift stroke. However, we should also refrain from hailing it as a wonder drug, simply because it cannot solve everything, nor is it a reasonable cure for serious ailments, as some dare to claim. The truth, as always, is somewhere between the lines, and you should ultimately be concerned with what works for you. As with all remedies out there, its utility depends on the unique case and it varies from individual to individual, so you should definitely consult your designated healthcare professional before using it.