Products derived from the Cannabis sativa plant that are utilized to alleviate symptoms of specific conditions are commonly referred to as “medical cannabis” or “medical marijuana.” These terms are interchangeable and encompass a range of illnesses that can be effectively treated, including anxiety, chronic pain, depression, PTSD, ADHD, and more. If you reside in West Virginia and are experiencing any of these health conditions, you have the option to apply for a west virginia medical marijuana card. This process enables individuals to access medical marijuana legally under the state’s regulations.
Cannabis Sativa contains a wide range of active cannabinoids. Recent polls show that a majority of Americans favour the legalization of cannabis for both medicinal and recreational use. As a result, cannabis is now legal in many states for both recreational and medicinal use.
Cannabis is being reconsidered at both the legal and cultural levels after being classified as a Schedule I drug for decades. While some researchers and legislators want to see more research to back up specific marijuana benefits, more research is needed. There are also worries that marijuana’s potential risks could sometimes outweigh its benefits.
Exploring the Potential
Medical marijuana, like other synthetic drugs, has its limits in terms of how effective it is for different diseases. It’s thought that the main benefits of marijuana come from certain cannabinoids, especially CBD. CBD has been studied a lot and is one of the best-known cannabinoids from marijuana. You can also find CBD in hemp, which is similar to marijuana. People can get sick from smoking marijuana, but it’s still something that needs to be studied more.
The federal government has prohibited the use of domestic cannabis by U.S. researchers for more than 50 years. Since 1968, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has been the sole source of domestic cannabis research for researchers across the United States through a contract with a facility located in Mississippi.
The federal government removed an obstacle to cannabis study more than 50 years ago, move supporters and experts argue has hindered research on the plant and potential drugs.
According to a review article published last year, “Cannabis Use May Be Beneficial for Those Struggling with Alcohol and Drug Addiction,” the review article looked at all the scientific literature published on cannabis’ therapeutic potential for mental illness and found empirical evidence that supports cannabis’ treatment potential for depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The review article’s authors were also authors.
MMP participants report improved overall health, with an emphasis on reducing risky alcohol, prescription drug, and to a lesser degree, tobacco or other illegal drug use. However, cannabis use and associated behaviours may increase.
More than 30 states have approved medicinal marijuana programs, and about one-third of the United States lives in states where marijuana is legal for recreational use. Because cannabis remains federally prohibited, scientists cannot access state-licensed dispensary marijuana for clinical research.
When is marijuana for medical use appropriate?
The use of marijuana for medical purposes depends on state laws and a patient’s specific conditions. It’s important to understand what your state requires before considering medical marijuana for treatment.
- Depending on your state’s laws, you may qualify for medical marijuana treatment if you:
- Cancer-induced Nausea and Vomiting
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Glaucoma
- Multiple Sclerosis and Muscle Spasms
- Epilepsy and Seizures
- Severe and Chronic Pain
- HIV/AIDS
- Crohn’s disease
These are just a few examples of conditions where medical marijuana may be an appropriate treatment. Please consult with your healthcare provider and follow your state’s regulations.
Final Thoughts
Despite being one of the most widely used Schedule I drugs in the US, research on the health benefits of Schedule I drugs like MDMA (ecstasy) is much more extensive. In recent years, many scientists and health organisations, including the American Cancer Society, have been pushing for more scientific research on the use of cannabis and cannabinoids to treat medical conditions. While there is ample evidence to support both the negative and positive health impacts of cannabis, there is also a clear need for further research to understand the full impact of increased cannabis use on public health.
