Medical Marijuana: A Miracle or a Great Deception

BY MARC MOSS

Marissa, 27, started vaping marijuana three weeks ago to deal with her insomnia. “I asked my doctor whether I could try medical marijuana when several other medications have failed to meet my expectations,” she says. “Those that did help made me feel sleepy during the day. And I just wanted to normalize my sleep schedule.” Marissa is happy with the results. But this method isn’t appealing to everyone.

Maggie, 34, remembers smoking marijuana a few times in her college years. “I think it’s kind of a drug. And I even don’t consider it as a medication for my headache. I don’t want my two daughters to see me puffing on a joint.”

Such discussions take place not only in Rockland County but everywhere where vaporizers and marijuana are legal. At present, 33 states and Washington, DC have legalized use of the marijuana plant for medical purposes. In 10 states and Washington, DC, recreational use of marijuana is legal.

The New York state approved the first medical marijuana law in June 2014. What makes official bodies to change the illegal status of this plant with a dubious reputation?

Cannabis and its use in medicine

Medical marijuana is the medical use of Cannabis sativa to relieve symptoms of, or treat diseases and conditions. The plant contains more than a hundred different cannabinoids. The two of them are the most-researched:

• THC (delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the principal psychoactive constituent.
• CBD (cannabidiol) is another active constituent that provides users with medical benefits without making them high.

Both cannabinoids can be extracted when the plant is burned (when you smoke it) or heated (when you use some type of weed vape). There is a growing consensus among scientists, doctors, and people who have health problems that THC and CBD have healing. At the same time, this type of treatment continues to draw opponents who believe the plant should not be used in any form and promote its prohibition.

While the discussion continues, more and more doctors are prescribing it to their patients. Medical cannabis is thought to be able to relieve the symptoms of and treat a whole bunch of illnesses and conditions. Here’re just a few of them:

• Chronic pain
• HIV/AIDS
• Multiple sclerosis
• Cancer
• Eating disorders
• Glaucoma
• Nausea
• Muscle spasms
• Mental disorders, including depression and social anxiety
• Alcoholism or drug addiction

The evidence on marijuana’s therapeutic properties

There’s still a lot of research to be done on the healing power of cannabinoids. Existing studies prove its beneficial impact on health.

Canadian researchers found out that cannabis can provide a reduction in physical pain, as well as psychological one (it deals with anxiety, depression, and fatigue). British scientists found out that an extract of cannabis is effective in relieving spasticity (stiff or tight muscles) due to Multiple sclerosis.

There’s a growing amount of literature that has begun to support the placement of marijuana within cancer therapeutics. It opens possibilities to cancer treatment. Moreover, clinical trials have shown its therapeutic potential to reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

A recent study claims cannabis use prevents from 17,400 to 38,500 premature deaths from diabetes, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and cancer. The researchers say that the numbers could reach 47,500 deaths prevented annually in the United States if medical cannabis were legal nationwide.

Has medical marijuana any adverse effects?

Prior to buying your first marijuana vape pen, you should weigh the pros and cons. There’s a lack of evidence on potential health problems caused by medical marijuana. All we have are reports of users.

Low doses are not known to cause any side effects, not to mention rare reports of dry mouth and fatigue. Higher doses can make users feel a bit dizzy and experience mood swings. When it comes to heavy pot smoking (which is actually not an option in treatment), users can even have temporary hallucinations and paranoia.

Other by-effects may include low blood pressure, fast heartbeat, higher risk of heart attack (within an hour after smoking), bloodshot eyes, and anxiety. Note that marijuana can impair your concentration and coordination and slow your reaction time. It’s best to avoid driving a vehicle for 4 hours after cannabis inhalation.

CBD oil makes patients more loyal to medical marijuana

Among those who wouldn’t mind trying medical marijuana, it is often noted that the feeling of highness is undesirable. Many want to have a clear state of mind while using their medication. For Maggie, this is also a strong counter-argument against using marijuana. She has to drive for her workplace for almost an hour.

Unlike THC, CBD isn’t psychoactive. So, it won’t make a user high. One can experience the healing property of weed and doesn’t feel like a pothead. That’s why cbd vape juice is becoming more popular.

According to the tabloids, several A-list stars love it. CBD helps Jennifer Aniston to relieve pain, stress, and anxiety. The actress likes that “it has all the benefits of marijuana without the high”. A Brazilian top-model and a former Victoria’s Secret angel Alessandra Ambrosio uses CBD oil to get asleep when she’s anxious. Olivia Wilde sloughs CBD lotion onto her skin to enjoy its relaxing benefits. Canadian-American actor Michael J Fox, who is best known for his portrayal as Marty McFly in the “Back to The Future” trilogy, uses it to treat the complications and side effects of his Parkinson’s disease.

If you decide to try cbd oil vape, remember that you’ll need a vaporizer that is designed specifically for this type of e-liquid. Online reviews and a consultation from a vape shop sales assistant will help you find the right device and the best cbd vape oil for your needs.

Vaping cannabis is much better than smoking it. And here’s why:

• Vaping avoids combustion. Thus, a vaper inhales an aerosol rich in the active ingredient (cannabinoid) and free from harmful chemicals found in smoke.
• Vaporizing doesn’t cause the respiratory problems associated with smoking.
• Vaporizing marijuana herb is a more efficient delivery method, as full control of temperature (185°C/365°F is the best) maximizes the elimination of THC and CBD.

The use of medical cannabis raises many questions. And it seems that we won’t get exact answers very soon. All we know that moderate use does have positive effects on people suffering from various illnesses. And if this type of medication is your chance to lead a better life, make it as safe as possible. Vaping marijuana or using its extracts are now more preferable options than smoking.