Medical Cannabis

What Is Medical Cannabis?

Medical marijuana is a term for derivatives of the Cannabis sativa plant that are used to ease symptoms caused by certain medical conditions. Medical marijuana is also known as medical cannabis.

Cannabis sativa contains many active compounds. The best known are delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the primary ingredient in marijuana that makes people “high.”

How Does It Help?

Cannabinoids — the active chemicals in medical marijuana — are similar to chemicals the body makes that are involved in appetite, memory, movement, and pain.

Limited research suggests cannabinoids might:

  • Reduce anxiety
  • Reduce inflammation and relieve pain
  • Control nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy
  • Kill cancer cells and slow tumor growth
  • Relax tight muscles in people with MS
  • Stimulate appetite and improve weight gain in people with cancer and AIDS
Medical marijuana received a lot of attention a few years ago when parents said that a special form of the drug helped control seizures in their children. The FDA recently approved Epidiolex, which is made from CBD, as a therapy for people with very severe or hard-to-treat seizures. In studies, some people had a dramatic drop in seizures after taking this drug.
 

Is Medical Marijuana Legal In The U.S.?

U.S. federal law prohibits the use of whole plant Cannabis sativa or its derivatives for any purpose. In contrast, CBD derived from the hemp plant (less than 0.3% THC) is legal under federal law.

Many states allow THC to be used for medical reasons. Federal law regulating marijuana supersedes state laws. Because of this, people may be arrested and charged with possession even in states where marijuana use is legal.

When Is Medical Marijuana Appropriate?

Studies report that medical cannabis has possible benefits for several conditions. State laws vary in which conditions qualify people for treatment with medical marijuana. 

You may qualify for treatment with medical marijuana if you meet certain requirements and have a qualifying condition, such as:

  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Epilepsy and seizures
  • Glaucoma
  • Multiple sclerosis and muscle spasms
  • Severe and chronic pain
  • Severe nausea or vomiting caused by cancer treatment

The greatest amount of evidence for the therapeutic effects of cannabis relate to its ability to reduce chronic pain, nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, and spasticity [tight or stiff muscles] from MS.

Is Medical Marijuana Safe?

Just like with any medication, medical marijuana should only be used as directed by a medical professional. Possible side effects of medical marijuana may include:

  • Increased heart rate
  • Dizziness
  • Impaired concentration and memory
  • Slower reaction times
  • Negative drug-to-drug interactions
  • Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
  • Increased appetite
  • Potential for addiction
  • Hallucinations or mental illness
  • Withdrawal symptoms
Some medical marijuana is formulated to provide symptom relief without the intoxicating, mood-altering effects associated with recreational use of marijuana.

What You Can Expect?

Medical marijuana comes in a variety of forms, including:

  • Pill
  • Liquid
  • Oil
  • Powder
  • Dried leaves

Once you have the product, you administer it yourself. How often you use it depends on its form and your symptoms.

Your symptom relief and side effects will vary based on which type you are using. The quickest effects occur with inhalation of the vaporized form. The slowest onset occurs with the pill form.

 

Is Medical Marijuana Available As A Prescription Medicine?

Yes. Utah allows patients with a qualified condition to apply for a medical cannabis card (as recommended by a Qualified Medical Provider).

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