Medical Marijuana: Understanding Benefits for Patients
Understanding Medical Marijuana
Medical marijuana, aka medical cannabis, which involves the therapeutic use of cannabis or its cannabinoids under healthcare professionals’ supervision, has garnered significant attention in recent years. Despite the controversies surrounding it, numerous studies have highlighted the positive effects of marijuana in treating various health conditions. In this article, we will explore the potential applications and benefits of medical marijuana for patients, shedding light on its impact on specific medical conditions.
Medical marijuana helps a lot with mentioned health conditions. Patients apply for medical card online, which gives them legal access to medical marijuana in states where it is legal to buy medical cannabis.
Using Marijuana to Treat Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by elevated pressure within the eye, which can potentially damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss. Medical marijuana shows promise in the treatment and prevention of glaucoma. Studies conducted by the National Eye Institute have demonstrated that smoking marijuana can effectively reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) in individuals with both normal pressure and glaucoma. By lowering IOP, marijuana may help slow down the progression of the disease and prevent blindness.
Enhancing Respiratory Health
Contrary to popular belief, evidence suggests that marijuana does not harm the lungs, especially when used without tobacco. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association revealed that marijuana does not impair lung function but may even improve lung capacity. Over 20 years, researchers examined the lung function of 5,115 young adults. They found that tobacco smokers experienced a decline in lung function, while marijuana users exhibited increased lung capacity. However, it is important to note that these results could be attributed to deep breathing techniques during marijuana inhalation rather than the therapeutic components of the drug.
Controlling Epileptic Seizures
Epileptic seizures can be debilitating and challenging to manage for individuals with epilepsy. Medical marijuana has shown potential in controlling seizures, as demonstrated by a 2003 study on epileptic rats.. The active ingredients in marijuana, particularly THC and CBD, interact with brain cells responsible for regulating relaxation and excitability, thereby helping control epileptic seizures.
Managing Dravet’s Syndrome Symptoms
Dravet Syndrome, an intense seizure disorder often seen among children at early ages, severely restricts life quality for its victims. In the documentary Weed, the Figi family shared their experience treating Charlotte (aged five), their daughter living with Dravet’s Syndrome with medical marijuana high in CBD but low in THC content. This specific strain has successfully reduced Charlotte’s seizures from 300 per week to just one every seven days. Similar positive outcomes have been reported for other children using this strain, indicating the potential of medical marijuana in managing Dravet’s Syndrome symptoms.
Proliferation of Cancer Cells
Recent research indicates that cannabidiol (CBD) could potentially inhibit cancer cell proliferation. A study published by Journal of American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology discovered CBD can block Id-1 genes responsible for aggressive proliferation of cancer cells inside of bodies – preliminary laboratory findings that cannabinoids could provide possible anticancer properties as potential remedies.
Reducing Anxiety
Medical cannabis users frequently report relief from both pain and nausea as a side effect of chemotherapy treatments, along with improved control of nausea caused by radiation therapy treatments. Medical marijuana has also helped numerous patients overcome anxiety symptoms associated with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, otherwise known as PTSD. According to Harvard Medical School researchers, reduced anxiety may contribute to its overall positive effects at lower dosage levels while increased dosage levels may amplify them even further and lead to greater levels of paranoia and anxiety.
If you live in West Viginia and our experiencing any of the above symptoms you can apply for wv medical card online.
The Bottom Line
Medical cannabis has long been recognized for its remarkable healing powers and used to treat various medical conditions. Though it poses, some risks of having side effects on its overuse, overuse of any medication can be fatal. Hence a medical prescription and marijuana guidance are required before consuming medical marijuana