In a world where medical cannabis has gained legal recognition in various capacities, it’s perplexing that enduring misconceptions about this remarkable plant persist. Decades of prohibition, coupled with misinformation, have contributed to the cloud of confusion surrounding cannabis. As questions arise about its legality, safety, and therapeutic value, it’s time to unveil the truth and debunk these prevalent myths once and for all.
What is Medical Cannabis?
Medical marijuana, also referred to as medical cannabis, encompasses derivatives of the Cannabis sativa plant that are harnessed to alleviate symptoms associated with specific medical conditions.Medical cannabis uses two active compounds as its foundation: delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is responsible for creating the “high” associated with cannabis usage, while CBD acts as an anxiolytic and relaxing substance.
Diverse in its application, medical marijuana takes various forms, catering to individual preferences and needs. These forms include pills, liquids, oils, powders, and dried leaves. The availability and method of acquiring medical marijuana can differ significantly based on the state you reside in. Once obtained, self-administration becomes the norm, allowing patients to regulate their usage in accordance with their symptoms. Consult a medical marijuana doctor to apply for medical marijuana recommendation if you are dealing with any state approved diseases.
The impact of medical marijuana on symptom relief and potential side effects is contingent upon the type chosen for consumption. For instance, vaporized forms yield rapid effects, while pills offer a slower onset. Each form’s efficacy and response vary from person to person, ensuring tailored relief for diverse medical conditions.
Myth 1: Cannabis is Against the Law
It’s crucial to differentiate between recreational and medical cannabis. In the UK, recreational cannabis remains illegal, classified as a Class B drug. However, the landscape shifted in 2018, enabling legal access to “medical cannabis” through prescriptions. While few have received prescriptions for “whole plant” cannabis on the NHS, many are benefiting from “cannabis-based medicinal products.” Notably, over 15,000 individuals have become cannabis patients through private clinics.
Myth 2: Cannabis is Very Addictive
While it’s possible to develop an addiction to cannabis, the likelihood is low for most individuals without a predisposition to addiction. Notably, cannabis ranks as less addictive than several standard pharmaceutical alternatives like Diazepam and Tramadol. Managed under clinical guidance, addiction risk diminishes further, with expert assessment and monitored usage.
Myth 3: Cannabis Comes with Many Side Effects
For most users, the side effects of cannabis are minimal and minor. A review of medical cannabis data for children with severe epilepsy showed side effects like fatigue and increased tolerance, countered by extensive potential benefits, including substantial reductions in seizure frequency. Prescribing clinicians tailor CBD and THC levels in cannabis oils to optimize benefits while minimizing side effects.
Myth 4: Everyone Who Uses Cannabis Gets High
Medicinal use of cannabis often involves low doses that are effective for various conditions. Unlike recreational use, many patients prescribed cannabis don’t experience a constant “high.” Clinical studies demonstrate significant improvements in pain, sleep, mood, appetite, and more with minimal euphoric effects.
Myth 5: Cannabis Isn’t an Effective Treatment for Pain
In the wake of restricted painkiller prescriptions, cannabis has emerged as a safe and effective alternative for chronic pain. Studies reveal improved pain measures, reduced painkiller consumption, and decreased side effects among participants using medical cannabis for cancer-related pain. Proper dosing and cannabinoid blends are key to unlocking cannabis’s pain-relieving potential.
Myth 6: Cannabis is a Gateway Drug
Contrary to the gateway drug theory, evidence is lacking. In fact, cannabis has been considered for treating addiction to opioids, tobacco, and alcohol. If cannabis were legalized and regulated, the risk of exposure to harder drugs would likely diminish.
Myth 7: Cannabis Causes Anxiety, Rather Than Helping It
Cannabis-induced anxiety often results from improper THC content or chemically-grown, unregulated products. High THC levels may cause anxiety in some, while benefiting others. To harness cannabis’s anxiety-relieving potential, understanding one’s needs and using clean, regulated products is crucial.
Conclusion
Medical marijuana has been surrounded by a lot of myths. However, medical marijuana has helped a lot of individuals with chronic pain, and various other medical health conditions. If you are suffering from any other condition, you can consult with a physician.
