Articles
What Do Experts Say About Cannabis?
by Tess D. Content Strategist
A cloud of controversy has long surrounded the use of cannabis for medical purposes. Often shadowed with misconceptions, cannabis has been relegated as an addictive drug used only for recreational purposes to induce psychoactive effects.
These preconceptions are reflected in federal laws that deem the use and possession of cannabis for any purpose illegal—as enacted under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 (CSA).
Owing to this stigma, a vast majority of Americans are admittedly uninformed about the medical benefits of cannabis. Different laws from state to state only further the fragmented availability of natural healthcare.
There are two sides to every story, and medical experts are divided on this issue with some favoring and some opposing medical cannabis. Here’s what both sides of the debate look like.
Experts In Favor of Cannabis
Those in favor of this green remedy have made the following arguments to defend the use of medical cannabis.
Cannabis as an Ancient Herbal Remedy
Advocates of medical cannabis have cited its effectiveness in treating different ailments and conditions since ancient times. Archeological evidence suggests people have been using cannabis for thousands of years, and it historically has been an herbal remedy to treat a vast array of medical conditions—both physical and mental.
Cannabis as a Safer Alternative to Opioids
One such condition treatable by medical cannabis is chronic pain. Although opioids are popularly prescribed to treat chronic pain today, experts have weighed the benefits of using medical marijuana instead.
In addition to its effectiveness as a treatment method, cannabis is undeniably a safer alternative to opioids, eliminating the risk of opioid abuse and possible fatality through an overdose.
Cannabis Treats a Vast Array of Symptoms & Conditions
Veterans and cancer patients have immensely benefited from the healing effects of cannabis which have helped them deal with conditions such as PTSD, nausea, muscle cramps, and chronic pain. In fact, if you meet the qualifying conditions of your state, it may be possible to get a license or a medical marijuana card in order to treat such conditions.
Some other symptoms and conditions that can be effectively treated using medical marijuana include:
Alzheimer's disease
Epilepsy
Seizures
Anxiety
Eating disorders
Multiple sclerosis and muscle spasms
Parkinson’s
Cannabis Offers Versatile Consumption
Experts note that the versatile consumption methods available with cannabis make it a treatment form that is accessible to users with all kinds of needs and preferences. From smoking cannabis or consuming it through edibles, to taking it sublingually in the form of tinctures or in your favorite beverage, the options are abundant.
Depending on the user’s budget and needs, a fitting consumption method and dosage can be found with an ease that is missing from other popular kinds of conventional medications.
Possible Drawbacks of Cannabis
Those not in favor of cannabis have cited a few reasons for their stance. Evaluating these concerns can help one eliminate any possible myths or biases against this alternate form of treatment.
Cannabis is Believed to Be Addictive
A popularly voiced concern is the addictive nature of this drug. Many doctors advocate for regulation of consumption through dose monitoring—as with any prescription drug—and feel uncomfortable with the idea of unregulated distribution of cannabis.
Cannabis Can Have Possible Side Effects
Without the right guidance on dosage protocols, it is possible to consume too much marijuana in one go. This can lead to uncomfortable side effects for the user, such as nausea, paranoia, increased heart rate, dissociation, anxiety, and dizziness.
While some people consume marijuana aiming to achieve a psychoactive effect, many medical professionals consider this to be a negative side effect of cannabis.
Cannabis May Be a Gateway to Hard Drugs
Many also consider cannabis to be a ‘gateway drug’ to other more harmful substances. On the other hand, critics of this stand argue that it is the illegal status of cannabis itself that exposes users to illicit drug exchanges and puts them at the risk of exposure to uncertified sellers.
Legalizing Cannabis May Send the ‘Wrong’ Message
Some advocates against cannabis worry that its legalization may send the ‘wrong’ message to kids and propel them to use drugs whimsically.
Despite their stance on legalization, most professionals would agree that it’s important to have open conversations about cannabis with children early on to educate them on responsible drug use and help them distinguish between recreational and medicinal uses of cannabis.
The Future of Cannabis
Although the debate appears to be inconclusive, the future holds the promise of more scientific evidence regarding the impact of cannabis on different medical conditions and symptoms.
While the legalization of cannabis serves the dual purpose of unburdening the legal system and creating new sources of revenue in the wake of the pandemic, such a change is bound to have a positive impact for users of this green remedy as well.
A great amount of misinformation and stigma still exists because of the limited research that prevails currently. But with larger fields of testing and research in the future, the true medical value of marijuana can be realized. This creates the potential for treating life-threatening conditions such as cancer and autoimmune diseases using a natural and versatile remedy that is both safe and relatively inexpensive.
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About Tess D. 
Content Strategist
8 connections, 0 recommendations, 51 honor points.Joined APSense since, June 3rd, 2021, From Los Angeles, United States.
Created on Aug 17th 2022 19:18. Viewed 263 times.
