Medical marijuana is the use of the marijuana plant or the chemicals within it to treat various diseases. The most common use of marijuana is for chronic pain control. Medical marijuana can provide pain relief from conditions such as multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, Parkinson’s disease and neuropathic pain. It can also be used as a muscle relaxant. Some doctors prescribe marijuana to manage chemotherapy side effects, such as nausea, weight loss, and muscle spasms. It is proven that medical marijuana is safer than taking opioids medications and NSAIDs such as Advil or Aleve. More than 100 different chemicals called cannabinoids are contained within the marijuana plant. The two main chemicals used in medicine are Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Medical marijuana comes in a variety of forms, including oils, pills, topical applications, and oral solution.
Additionally, medical marijuana is still researched, and researchers are trying to find out if it can help treat or manage symptoms of several medical conditions, such as:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Insomnia
- Cancer
- HIV Aids
- Crohn’s disease
- Eating disorders
- Epilepsy
- Seizures
The side effects of medical marijuana are minimal when used in small doses. Some side effects of medical marijuana include:
- Bloodshot eyes
- paranoia
- Increased appetite
- Impaired concentration and memory
- Depression
- Dizziness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Low blood pressure
- Withdrawal symptoms
Disclaimer
The contents contained within this page are not a substitute for health professionals’ advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We advise that you seek advice from a qualified healthcare practitioner. We fully disclose that any surgical or invasive procedures come with risks. PCC can help arrange further discussions–please discuss this with us.