Medical marijuana is a term used to describe the use of the Cannabis plant as a physician-recommended medication or herbal therapy. Marijuana has been shown to help treat various illnesses and symptoms, both chronic and acute. Despite this, medical marijuana remains illegal in many states.
What is Medical Marijuana?
Medical marijuana is a term used to describe the use of the Cannabis plant as a physician-recommended medication or herbal therapy. Marijuana has been shown to help treat various illnesses and symptoms, both chronic and acute. Despite this, Marijuana remains illegal in many states.
Medical marijuana is any part of the marijuana plant that you use to treat health problems. People use it to get relief from their symptoms, not to try to get high.
The History of Medical Marijuana
The use of Marijuana dates back to ancient times. The first recorded use of cannabis as a medicine was in 2737 BC by the Chinese emperor Shen Neng. Marijuana was used to treat various illnesses and symptoms in ancient China, Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
In the United States, marijuana was first used in the 1800s to treat migraines and muscle spasms. In the early 1900s, cannabis was added to the U.S. Pharmacopeia, a book that lists all of the approved medications in the country. Marijuana fell out of favor in the 1930s when THC was isolated, and its psychoactive effects were studied.
The active ingredients in marijuana are called cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are chemicals that affect the nervous system. There are more than 100 different cannabinoids in marijuana. The two best studied are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the cannabinoid that causes the “high” feeling when smoking or eating weed. CBD does not cause this feeling.
How is Medical Marijuana Used?
Marijuana is most commonly used as an herbal therapy to treat various chronic and acute illnesses and symptoms. Marijuana can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions, including:
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Epilepsy
- Parkinson’s disease
- Crohn’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
Marijuana is also used to treat chronic pain, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
Medical marijuana is also used to treat mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in some states.
What are the Benefits of Medical Marijuana?
Medical marijuana has a long history of use as a natural treatment for various illnesses and conditions. Marijuana effectively relieves symptoms of many severe diseases, including cancer, HIV/AIDS, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis.
Marijuana is also effective in treating chronic pain, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
Medical marijuana is also used to treat mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in some states.
What are the Risks of Medical Marijuana?
While medical marijuana is generally safe and well-tolerated, some risks are associated with its use. The most common side effects of marijuana include:
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
marijuana can also interact with other medications you may be taking. It is essential to talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking and any potential drug interactions.
It is also important to note that the use of medical marijuana is not without its risks. Medical marijuana should only be used under the supervision of a licensed health care provider.
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card
Getting a medical marijuana card can be a simple process, or it can be more complicated depending on the state in which you live. In some states, marijuana is legal, and patients can go to a dispensary and purchase their medicine. However, in other states, patients must first obtain a marijuana card from the state government to legally buy and use medical marijuana.
Getting a medical marijuana card typically involves completing an application and providing documentation of your qualifying condition to the state government. Once you have been approved for a marijuana card, you will be able to purchase and use cannabis for medicinal purposes.
How to Use Medical Marijuana
Medical marijuana is typically used in three forms: smoking, vaporizing or eating. Smoking is the most common method of using medical marijuana. To smoke marijuana, patients usually roll it into a joint or pipe, light it, and inhale the smoke.
Vaporizing is another popular method of using medical marijuana. To vaporize marijuana, patients place it in a vaporizer, which heats the cannabis and releases the active compounds into a vapor that can be inhaled.
Eating medical marijuana is also a standard method of use. Patients can bake cannabis into foods or brew it into teas. Marijuana can also be taken in pill form.
No matter what method you choose, starting with a low dose and increasing gradually as needed is essential. Medical marijuana can have different effects from person to person, so it is critical to find the amount that works best for you.
Conclusion
Medical marijuana is a safe and effective treatment for many illnesses and conditions. Medical marijuana has been used for centuries to treat various medical conditions, and there is substantial evidence that it is an effective treatment for cancer, HIV/AIDS, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis.
New York Gastroenterology Associates (NYGA) is a premier independent gastroenterology practice in New York City. We are recognized for providing the highest quality gastroenterological care. Request an appointment right now to get the help you need! We provide consultation and a wide range of ambulatory tests throughout New York City at our offices.