Medical Marijuana

The use of legalized medical marijuana has been on the constant rise over recent years. A better understanding and education on the natural substance has seen more people recognize the benefits of using marijuana as treatment for numerous medical ailments and conditions, with more countries across the globe allowing various forms of medical marijuana.

In the United States alone there are 23 states that have legalized the use of medical marijuana, with many more preparing to introduce it. Not only that, but several European countries are rolling out policies that allow the use of medical marijuana. With such a rise in usage, it is hard to deny the numerous benefits of using marijuana for medicinal reasons.

So what exactly can medical marijuana help to treat and how does it work?

Nausea And Vomiting

Nausea is one of the more common treatments that cannabis can help with, more so with cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy and other treatments. This has seen a large rise in medical marijuana for cancer patients, who may find it helpful to reduce nausea and vomiting. Not only that, but other conditions such as HIV/ AIDS result in vomiting and nausea too.

Cannabinoids is the name given to the numerous active ingredients found in cannabis. Some of these cannabinoids are linked with helping to reduce nausea, particularly if ingested through inhalation as the body can metabolize these cannabinoids to help the body fight against the increased feelings of nausea and vomiting.

Cannabidiol or CBD is the non-psychoactive (so it doesn’t give you the high feeling) cannabinoid and contains antiemetic properties, which helps to battle nausea and vomiting.

Chronic Pain

Chronic pains in the body can also be treated with medical marijuana and it has long been seen as an exceptional treatment for pain relief. There are various ways a person can suffer from chronic pain, it could be from an injury or surgery or ailments such as arthritis.

Studies have found that the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) as the source of treatment for these type of ailments. This is the compound that contributes to the ‘high’ in recreational marijuana use, though it is believed to be the main factor in reducing chronic pain, with cannabis that has a higher dosage of THC found to be more effective in treating pains.

Loss Of Appetite

The cannabinoid THC also plays a strong role in helping patients suffering from loss of appetite. There are many reasons as to why patients are suffering from loss of appetite, whether it is a side effect from treatments like chemotherapy, results from medicines and side effects of HIV/AIDs or even conditions such as anorexia. Inhaling cannabis can result in higher amounts of calorie consumption thanks to THC causing a direct increase in appetite.

Studies have been rather conclusive in finding evidence to support that the ingestion of marijuana can help fight weight loss resulting in lack of appetite. A common side effect of any sort of cannabis use is the ‘munchies’ which is where the appetite is strongly increased, resulting in a strong craving for food. Apply this to patients suffering from loss of appetite and the same effect takes hold. This can help to increase weight and prevent any further health damage associated with severe weight loss from many different illnesses.