Medical marijuana uses the marijuana plant or chemicals such and THC and CBD in it to treat diseases or conditions. It’s the same as recreational marijuana, but it’s taken for medical purposes.
The marijuana plant contains more than 100 different chemicals called cannabinoids. Each one has a different effect on the body. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the main chemicals used in medicine. THC also produces the “high” people feel when they smoke marijuana or eat foods containing it.
Marijuana is thought to help the symptoms of the following:
Alzheimer’s disease
Appetite loss
Cancer
Crohn’s disease
Diseases effecting the immune system like HIV/AIDS
Eating disorders such as anorexia
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
Mental health conditions like schizophrenia and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Multiple Sclerosis
Muscle spasms
Nausea
Pain
Seizures
Wasting syndrome (cachexia)
Basically, any disease or disorder that causes lack of appetite such as the effects of chemotherapy, and spasticity [tight or stiff muscles] from MS can be treated with marijuana. People with Glaucoma also feel some relief using cannabis. In addition, CBD with THC can be used to treat pain. For example, I know someone who takes an edible that contains 30 mg of CBD to 10 mg of THC to treat chronic pain in his legs.
For those of us who are concerned with the legalization of medical and recreational marijuana, remember: Marijuana does not mess you up nearly as much as alcohol. Also, there is absolutely nothing medically beneficial to drinking alcohol. It’s better for you to eat a handful of grapes than drink a glass of wine. (This last paragraph is my own opinion and I’m sticking to it!)
