Marijuana is one of the most commonly abused drugs prepared from the plant Cannabis sativa (common name, cannabis). Though marijuana is often considered as an illicit drug in which the users tend to get addicted, it is also known for offering several health benefits. Medical researches have been done extensively on the dosage and administration of this drug. Marijuana used for the treatment of different medical conditions under the prescription of a qualified physician is referred to as medical marijuana. Traditionally, the use of marijuana for therapeutic purposes is evident from the cultures of various countries. In China, it has been used since 4000 years ago.
Medical Uses of Marijuana
The medicinally important compounds present in medical marijuana are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) and β-caryophyllene. CBD, a neuroprotective antioxidant, accounts to about 40 percent of the plant extract. It can be effectively used for the treatment of inflammation, anxiety, nausea, convulsion, schizophrenia and cancer. Β-Caryophyllene, on the other hand, limits the inflammatory responses of the body. Popular methods of administering medical marijuana are smoking dried herbal form, inhalation therapy, herbal therapy, drinking plant extracts and administering dietary supplements as pills.
Marijuana and Chemotherapy
One of the unavoidable side effects of chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer is killing of healthy cells. Hence, following the chemotherapy treatments, the patient may experience various adverse effects like nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and loss of control over the body. Medical marijuana is an effective natural antiemetic, which helps in overcoming nausea, thus allowing the patient to enjoy meals. Medical marijuana is administered by smoking rather than taking orally.
Marijuana and Lung Cancer
THC, an active ingredient of marijuana, reduces the growth of cancerous cells in the lungs. As per studies conducted on medical marijuana smokers, it is opined that smoking marijuana does not increase the chances of developing lung cancer. Thus, many researchers suggest medical marijuana to be a potential herbal therapy for the treatment of lung cancer.
Marijuana and Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the nervous system and spinal cord. Its symptoms include numbness, tingling, fatigue, loss of coordination, muscle spasms, difficulty in speaking, eye problems and depression. Till now, there are no effective treatments for multiple sclerosis. Conventional treatment options are temporary causing severe adverse effects. According to studies, medical marijuana is effective to manage the symptoms like muscle spasms and tremors. It helps in restoring eyesight, balance, speech and bladder movement.
Marijuana and Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a vision problem caused due to the damage of optic nerves. It can lead to permanent loss of eyesight (blindness). Conventional medications for glaucoma can lead to various side effects. A recent study on medical marijuana reveals the potential benefits in lowering the intraocular pressures without adverse effects. More clinical trials are required to prove the effectiveness of this drug in treating glaucoma.
Abusing Marijuana
Long-term abuse of marijuana can lead to addiction. The dried herbal marijuana is greenish-brown in color. It contains a mixture of leaves, stems, flowers and seeds of the cannabis plant. A concentrated form of this drug are hashish and hash oil; the former is obtained from the resins of the cannabis plant, whereas the latter is derived by using various solvents. Marijuana is consumed by igniting the herbal form and inhaling its smoke. This illicit drug is commonly known as cannabis.
There are several ways of smoking marijuana. One of the common methods is emptying a cigarette (blunt) and refilling it with marijuana. The resulting smoke is a combination of nicotine and THC. Some people prefer to consume marijuana orally by mixing with food or brewing as tea. Abusing marijuana affects the learning, cognitive, memory and social behavior.
