Over the past few decades, medical marijuana has emerged as a groundbreaking alternative in healthcare, challenging long-held stigmas and reshaping treatment options for various medical conditions.
Once considered a controversial substance, medical marijuana is now gaining recognition and acceptance in numerous countries, transforming how patients receive care and how healthcare professionals approach treatment.
In this article, we will explore how this substance was used in antiquity.
From Recreational Drug to Medical Savior
Medical marijuana is not a novel concept. Even in ancient times, civilizations like the Scythians acknowledged the therapeutic benefits of cannabis and used it for healing in steam baths. Indian Ayurvedic medicine also recommends cannabis for treating epilepsy, nervousness, and bronchitis. The ancient Romans and Greeks utilized cannabis to ease childbirth in women, and Chinese surgeon Hua Tuo employed it as an anesthetic during operations.
In the modern world, marijuana became primarily associated with recreational use, overshadowing its potential medicinal benefits. Despite mounting evidence supporting its efficacy in managing pain, reducing inflammation, and alleviating symptoms of certain chronic illnesses, governments resisted accepting its medical applications.
However, the tide began to turn as more healthcare institutions recognized the therapeutic potential of marijuana, leading to its legalization for medical use. For example, medical marijuana in Australia has slowly lost its stigma and is increasingly regarded as a legitimate treatment. The use of cannabis is now also permitted in Finland, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Poland, Turkey, Croatia, and many US states.
What is Medical Marijuana?
Medical cannabis refers to hemp concentrates or synthetic cannabinoids intended for therapeutic use. The active substances found in hemp’s inflorescences and leaves, known as cannabinoids, possess a wide range of medicinal properties.
However, not every hemp plant is suitable for medicinal purposes: only specially bred hemp varieties with a modified chemical composition are used to obtain medical cannabis.
The two main active ingredients in cannabis are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC stimulates nerve activity and can cause psychoactive side effects, leading to a “high” feeling.
In contrast, CBD has calming properties and helps patients who suffer from pain and increased nervousness. Researchers have learned to regulate the content of these substances in marijuana, adapting it to different medical needs. For example, marijuana with THC and CBD balance is preferred for treating ADHD and epilepsy, and low-THC marijuana is best for treating spasms in multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury.
Cam Diseases Be Treated by Medical Marijuana
Medical marijuana has shown significant promise in treating a wide range of health conditions:
- Migrens. In studies from the University of Washington and the University of Colorado, cannabis fumes were found to significantly reduce migraine attacks by 50%.
- Depression and anxiety. Cannabis indica strains show promise in managing pain, anxiety, and stress without relying on strong painkillers. Clinical studies have explored the potential benefits of cannabis for depression treatment, with some participants experiencing significant reductions in depression symptoms.
- Multiple sclerosis (MS). Medical marijuana can complement the treatment of multiple sclerosis, reducing symptoms like muscle spasms, tremors, and urinary problems. CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects may also improve mobility in MS patients.
- Neurodegenerative diseases. Cannabinoids in marijuana may provide neuroprotection. THC has shown potential in preventing the accumulation of abnormal beta-amyloid protein in nerve cells associated with Alzheimer’s disease. It may also block pro-inflammatory mediators, benefiting early-stage treatment of Huntington’s and Parkinson’s disease.
- Epilepsy. Cannabis oil has demonstrated success in reducing the frequency of epileptic seizures, particularly in children with difficult-to-control convulsive syndromes like Drawet and Lennox-Gastaut.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Medical marijuana has been found to reduce the severity of fear emotions in individuals with PTSD, helping war veterans integrate traumatic experiences. Cannabinoid therapy is associated with a reduced risk of depression and suicidal thoughts in former soldiers.
- Asthma. Medical marijuana has been considered for controlling asthma, with moderate use potentially helping to alleviate bronchospasms.
While research is promising, more controlled studies are needed to fully understand the extent of marijuana’s efficacy and potential side effects in treating these diseases.
Should Cannabis be used for Medical Purposes?
Using medical marijuana differs significantly from recreational use. It should only be used according to indications and under constant medical supervision.
Traditional smoking is not advisable due to the formation of toxic combustion products. The best option is to vaporize marijuana through a dry herb vape – it eliminates smoke and harmful substances, helping to extract all beneficial compounds.
Medical marijuana is also available as nasal sprays for rapid action or oral administration for prolonged effects. Synthetic cannabinoids are available in tablets and capsules, while hemp oil can be used in cooking.
Before considering any of the options make sure to consult your healthcare advisor.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the progress made in embracing medical marijuana, challenges persist. Regulatory complexities, variations in accessibility, and the need for further research remain important hurdles to overcome. Healthcare systems must also navigate the delicate balance between ensuring patient safety and promoting access to this valuable therapeutic option.
