The use of Marijuana for medical purposes has led to many nation-wide debates, ultimately resulting in a far reaching ban across various nations. However, the use of Marijuana for medical benefits is not a recent event. In the ancient times, cannabis were used by the Chinese and the Greeks to treat various diseases. But later, the harmful effects of Marijuana came into light. The negative repercussions associated with the use of cannabis soon overshadowed the belief that it was effective against many symptoms arising out of serious and fatal illnesses.
Though the components present in Marijuana have shown to offer many health benefits, its harmful effects are still hard to ignore.
The following points will highlight its positive as well as negative effects on the human body.
Medical benefits:
Tourette’s Syndrome:
A research conducted by Dr. Kirsten Mueller Vahl of the Hanover Medical College in Germany concluded that a single dose of the cannabinol resulted in significant reduction of the various symptoms of this neurological condition for several hours compared to placebo. Tourette’s Syndrome is characterized by uncontrollable facial grimaces, tics, and involuntary grunts, snorts and shouts.
Seizures:
Marijuana has been able to help countless cases of people suffering from seizures, and has been used to help them function better. This is because it has “antispasmodic” qualities and works as a muscle relaxant.
Glaucoma:
Marijuana’s powerful and popular effects on glaucoma patients have been well-documented. There’s not a single valid study that rejects or disapproves the potent effect it has on this disease.
Cancer:
An active component present in marijuana called Cannabinoids when tested on lab animals has shown to destroy cancer cells and also inhibit the growth of tumor.
Multiple Sclerosis:
The use of Marijuana to treat this fatal disease became well-documented when Montel Williams, a former talk-show host started the use of pot to treat his MS. It is believed that Marijuana blocks the neurological effects and muscle spasms that arise from MS.
ADD and ADHD:
A study conducted by USC has proved that marijuana works as the perfect alternative for Ritalin. This well documented study also concluded that it manages to treat the disorder minus the negative side effects of the pharmaceutical.
Alzheimer’s:
Contrary to the popular hearsay about the various effects of marijuana on the brain, in 2006, it was proved by the Scripps Institute that the THC found in marijuana helps prevent Alzheimer’s. It does this by blocking the deposits in the brain that lead to the disease.
IBS and Crohn’s:
The various symptoms of the chronic diseases have been successful treated with the help of marijuana, as it stops abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhoea.
Possible negative effects of marijuana:
Marijuana when used in excess by ingestion or smoking can give rise to psychotic disorders. It has a psychoactive chemical which negatively affects an individual by targeting the cannabinoid receptors of the brain.
In addition to negatively affecting the body’s immune system, Marijuana can generate a feeling of loneliness and lack of attention. It can lead to stokes as it directly interferes with the functioning of the heart.
The National Cancer Institute has revealed that in comparison to many other prescription drugs, marijuana can be addictive, but is also far safer. The two drugs derived from the synthetic cannabinoids, namely Dronabinol and Nabilone have been approved by the U.S Food and Drug administration to help treat nausea and loss of appetite experienced by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. However, the consent to use marijuana in the plant form for medical purposes has yet not been approved by the FDA. The conflicting results of studies and researches pertaining to the effects and medical uses of cannabis has put the government and well as many people in serious dilemma. Further surveys in this regard will hopefully lead to a more substantial outcome.
