Marijuana is an ancient remedy. According to Understanding Marijuana, marijuana use dates back to 2700 B.C. when it was used in India and China to treat gout, poor memory, and malaria. For thousands of years, marijuana has been used in many forms as a pain remedy and treatment for numerous illnesses. It was only in the past century that the United States classified marijuana as a regulated and illegal chemical substance; however, as research teaches us more and more about the benefits of medical marijuana, we realize that our ancestors were on to something. Patients facing illnesses, such as terminal cancer, HIV/AIDS, or Crohn’s Disease are just a few who have a lot to gain from these findings.
The Active Ingredients
The marijuana plant consists of multiple biologically active components called cannabinoids. The two that are most extensively studied are Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is responsible for the euphoric feeling, or “high,” that users experience and what marijuana is most known for. CBD, however, counteracts the psychoactive properties of THC.
Medical Marijuana Benefits
Medical marijuana can help patients achieve a better quality of life and greater comfort while undergoing treatment for their illness. Recently the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine published a study reviewing the current state of research and highlighting many of the benefits of cannabis experienced by patients.
Benefits of THC for patients includes:
– pain relief
– relief from nausea and vomiting
– reducing inflammation
– increasing appetite
– improving sleep
– reducing nerve pain
While counteracting the “high” from THC, CBD offers its own benefits, including:
– reducing anxiety
– promoting relaxation
– reducing seizures
Administered together these compounds offer relief for some of the worst symptoms of terminal cancer, HIV/AIDS, and Crohn’s Disease, as well as the discomfort that comes with with chemotherapy and other treatments.
What’s Right For You?
When facing a serious, or terminal illness, such as cancer, HIV/AIDS or Crohn’s Disease, it’s important to research all available options and treatments, and to work with your healthcare provider to choose the best treatment options for you or your loved one. The American Cancer Society also offers excellent resources to research medical marijuana as well as other forms of complementary and alternative medicine.
If you have any questions about our products and how they can help you or someone you love with the side effects of the medicine to treat their illness, or their illness, please stop by and chat with one of our friendly budtenders or contact us today!
bookmarked!!, I love your blog!
Thanks for explaining how medical marijuana has been shown to help patients have a better quality of life and be more comfortable while they get treatment for their illness. I also like your advice to research all the treatment when facing a serious or terminal illness and to work with your healthcare provider to determine which option is best. When choosing a doctor, it would probably be a good idea to find one that has experience with various methods, including medical marijuana, so that you can get your questions answered and ensure you’re able to find the best option for your situation.