The use of medical marijuana is becoming an accepted practice in the medical profession. Research has shown that medical cannabis has properties that are beneficial for some medical conditions and ailments.

Medical marijuana is an effective, affordable and safe alternative to highly addictive and sometime ineffective medications. A number of states have legalized the use of marijuana and made it accessible to medical patients. However it is mandatory to secure a valid medical marijuana card in states that it is only medically avaiable before consumption.

Aside from that, doctors are recommending this herbal drug to treat illnesses and conditions such as the following:

HIV/AIDS

AIDS is the last stage of HIV, and it results in a severe breakdown of the immune system. Some of the common symptoms at this stage include chills, nausea, fever, weight loss and overall weakness. However, several medical studies have shown the positive effects of marijuana on people with HIV. One study published on NCBI, proved that this particular plant increases the weight and calorie intake of people living with HIV.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a serious illness that creates ocular pressure and vision problems, resulting in blindness. More than 3 million people in the U.S suffer from this disease. Some of the symptoms associated with this particular condition include nausea, severe pain, and tunnel vision.

There are traditional treatment options (surgery included) that help prevent further damage. A report of the American Academy of Ophthalmology stated that some marijuana derivatives and medical cannabis help lower the ocular pressure which slows the progression of the disease. This treatment is administered orally or intravenously for best results. 

Multiple sclerosis 

Multiple Sclerosis or MS affects the nervous system, but its medication have been known to have side effects unrelated to the nervous system and in some cases even be fatal. The drugs make the users vulnerable to infections and may cause heart damage. However, medical studies have found that components in cannabis effectively prevent the symptoms associated with the disease, including stiffness, pain, tremors, and muscle spasms.

Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel condition that affects the intestinal tract. It is a chronic and painful health condition and patients usually experience chronic diarrhea, chronic abdominal pain, and drastic weight loss.

Unfortunately, Crohn’s is an incurable disease. However, in a medical study involving the efficiency of marijuana in treating the illness, it was found that the plant helped in the reduction of the intestinal tract inflammation. It also helped boost the appetite of the patients. Apparently, marijuana has anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate this illness, which has no known cure. 

Depression

Medical marijuana is a safe and efficient alternative to the conventional antidepressants, which sometimes have undesirable side effects. Endocannabinoids, which are naturally-occurring chemical compounds in our brains, are responsible for our behavior and emotions. A reduced production of endocannabinoids results in a feeling of dejection and sometimes depression.

People who use medical marijuana to treat depression have reported of positive improvement. It also helps in treating posttraumatic stress disorder or PTSD, managing anxiety, and decreasing instances of insomnia.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s primarily affects the brain. It damages the nerve cells, affecting the ability to think clearly and remember things. The exact cause of the disease is unknown, and usually affects people 60 years old and above. However, it is not a normal aspect of aging.

Just like Crohn’s disease, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but there are medicines to keep the condition under control. These medications typically slow down the effects of memory loss and other symptoms associated with the disease. Aside from the conventional treatments, marijuana has also become a popular option to treat this type of health condition. In fact, many medical studies have proven the plant’s efficacy in fighting this particular illness.

Some marijuana derivatives and medical cannabis have shown some positive improvements when used by the patients. For instance, it helps reduce agitation and increase the patient’s weight. Researchers have also found out that medical marijuana decreases the protein deposits in the brain with the assumption that proteins may be the cause of Alzheimer’s.

There is a handful of clinical evidence that shows how effective marijuana is in treating various health problems. Although there are numerous proofs that support the effectiveness of the plant, the use of medical marijuana isn’t widely accepted yet.

As of the present time, it is still important to consult a doctor before using marijuana. And if you’re recommended to use the plant as the treatment, ensure that your medical marijuana card is valid. If you are not certain about the validity of your medical marijuana card, it is best to talk to your doctor about it.

Mary Alusin

Mary Alusin believes that it is high time to legalize the use of medical marijuana. She wants people to open their minds to the healing effects of the controversial plant.