The Medical Benefits and Risks of Using Marijuana for Treating Illnesses

I've already covered legalization of marijuana and its history. If there's one thing that is common between those two topics its the medical aspect. What is marijuana's potential use as a treatment option for various ailments? Marijuana has been used for healing and ceremonial purposes for centuries and now it is gaining traction as a medical treatment option.

I remeber taking a class at the local community college around 2005. I was working toward an Associates degree in psychology and the class was about statistical analysis and how it was used in psychology. Almost one whole day of that class was about marijuana studies, or rather the lack of them. I am fairly certain that wasn't the plan for the day but a fellow student brought it up and nearly everyone in the class had something to say about it.

From what I remember the professor was trying to be neutral, on the topic but the gist of what my professor had to say was that due to the laws against marijuana there was virtually no funding going toward medical marijuana studies and even less private studies being done.

One of the most well-known claimed benefits of using marijuana for medicinal purposes is its ability to alleviate pain. And not just any pain, chronic pain that can seriously impact the quality of life for people with medical conditions such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

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Another claimed upside to marijuana is that it possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can be helpful for people with inflammatory conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Marijuana may have antipsychotic effects that can assist individuals with mental health conditions like schizophrenia and PTSD.

However, as with any medicine there are risks to consider when it comes to using marijuana for medical purposes. One significant concern is the possibility of interactions with other medications. Marijuana can interact with a wide range of medications including blood thinners, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety medications which can result in hazardous side effects. So it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using marijuana for medical purposes.

Another issue to consider is the likelihood of abuse and addiction. Although the risk of addiction may be relatively low for medicinal use it is still a concern that must be taken seriously.

So while marijuana can offer relief for individuals with various medical conditions it is important to weigh the potential risks against its benefits. Prior to using marijuana for medicinal purposes it is crucial to carefully consider these risks and speak to a healthcare professional.