For years, the debate on therapeutic benefits of marijuana has been going on. Today, there are several states in America with active laws that regulate medical use of marijuana. There are also increasing numbers of the states that allow recreational marijuana use. However, marijuana is classified as a Schedule One, controlled substance by the federal government.
In addition to making it illegal, classification of marijuana as a schedule one substance limits medical research on its potential benefits. Overall, arguments for as well as against medical use of marijuana remains a hot topic. Here are the major pros and cons of medical use of marijuana.
Pros
Killing Cancer Cells
Many people support the use of new vape pens for oil as devices for consuming marijuana believing that it helps kill cancer cells. Research has also shown that the cannabinoids in marijuana have the potential to play a functional role against some cancer types in regard to their metastasis and growth.
Relieving Vomiting and Nausea
Medical marijuana is an effective vomiting and nausea relieving product. That’s why some people support its use by cancer patients to relieve the nausea that results from chemotherapy treatment.
Relieving Muscles Spasticity
Some people support medical use of marijuana because it relieves the muscles spasticity that is associated with paralysis and multiple sclerosis.
Treating Appetite Loss
Many people are using cannabis vape oil and other marijuana products to treat appetite loss. Appetite loss can be associated with conditions like HIV/Aids and some cancer types.
Relieving Chronic Pain
Many people support medical use of marijuana to relieve some chronic pain types. Such pains may include neuropathic pain that is difficult to deal with.
Safety of Marijuana
When compared to other prescription medications for treating some symptoms, marijuana is generally safer. For instance, instead of managing pain with opioids, some people prefer marijuana. Opioids are generally very addictive. That’s why they are not recommended for treating long-term or chronic pain. For that reason, some people support medical use of marijuana to treat chronic pains due to its safety.
Continued Research
Continued medical research on marijuana leads to the realization of its beneficial compounds. For instance, compounds like CBD have been isolated and tested on their own. This isolation has led to the advancement of medical treatments without using compounds like THC which are associated with the high feeling caused by marijuana.
Different Consumption Methods
Marijuana doesn’t have to be smoked for a person to enjoy its medicinal benefits. Today, people are using marijuana in different forms. Common among them include CBD oils, edibles, topical treatments for pain relief, and gummies. It’s not surprising to learn that your next door neighbor has been using the best oil vape pen to consume marijuana products yet you have never noticed.
Decreasing Anxiety
When medical marijuana is used in low doses, it works as a sedative. The other effects of medical marijuana include improved mood and anxiety reduction. This can be attributed to the interaction of its cannabinoids with the neurotransmitter of the user. This interaction leads to a relaxed and happy feeling. Some people use marijuana to enjoy an immediate sense of relaxation and relief.
For centuries, people have used marijuana as a natural medical agent with positive effects. What’s more, research indicates that smoking marijuana only doesn’t increase the lung disease risk.
Cons
Just like other products, anything with pros has its cons. While there are many people advocating for medical use of marijuana, others are against its use and legalization. This explains why this has remained a controversial topic for some time.
Here are some of the cons of medical use of marijuana:
Psychosis Risk
Some people are against medical use of marijuana because its use increases the risk of acute, chronic and psychosis mental illnesses. These illnesses include schizophrenia, depression, and severe anxiety. That’s because marijuana has powerful psychoactive effect on the user. It affects both the body and mind.
Brain Development
Using marijuana for a long time can cause structural brain changes. That’s because it can trigger mental illnesses. It can also cause IQ decline or decreased neuropsychological functioning. Functional and structural brain changes can also be caused by continued medical use of marijuana. Essentially, marijuana causes cortex thinning.
Heart Attacks
Whether smoked or used with vape pens for oil, marijuana makes the heart beat faster. This sensation lasts for 20 to 30 minutes after use. This faster beating of the heart increases the chances of having a heart attack when a person smokes marijuana. Additionally, increased blood pressure can increase this risk.
Respiratory Complications
Medical marijuana use is as dangerous because marijuana has 50 to 70 carcinogenic hydrocarbons. This implies that when a person smokes medical marijuana, they stand a higher chance of developing cancer of the respiratory tract and lungs. Users inhale marijuana smoke in their lungs just like tobacco smokers. This increases the exposure of their lungs to dangerous carcinogens and harmful chemicals.
Addiction
Even with the existence of regulations on the medical use of marijuana, some individuals abuse it. Some people are concerned that while some individuals genuinely need prescription marijuana, others will cheat doctors to get a card for medical marijuana. When medical marijuana is used excessively, it interferes with the other life aspects. Excessive use and interference with other life aspects is what leads to its abuse and subsequent addiction.
Many people have implicated marijuana use in many workplace accidents and automobile crashes. What’s more, the federal law states clearly that marijuana is illegal. Therefore, it’s currently not accepted as a substance with medicinal value.
The Bottom Line
Medical use of marijuana is controversial. However, it’s gaining traction because of increasing legitimate recommendations for its use to relief different symptoms. However, medical marijuana use has been legalized in many states. But, it will take governments and policymakers more moves to ensure its acceptance. To achieve this, more research is required to show that medical marijuana is really effective or to disapprove the claim. It’s only through research that restrictions for the medical use of marijuana will be loosened.
