Medical Marijuana

Marijuana is one of the oldest medicines in human history. The plant Cannabis Sativa has been used for thousands of years in cultures all over the world including China, India, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe for a wide variety of conditions.

It was a very popular remedy in the 19th Century and early 20th Century. Queen Victoria used it for menstrual cramps. Pharmaceutical companies like Parke-Davis and Eli Lilly manufactured cannabis tinctures that were widely used by doctors until marijuana prohibition came into effect in the United States in 1937.

The plant was made illegal after an extensive "reefer madness" lobbying and propaganda campaign. Influential businessmen in the cotton, chemical, and tree pulp industries sought to block industrial hemp (which can be used to make fabric and paper, among other things) from competing with their products.

Today, the use of marijuana as medicine is being revived, as many studies show that the herbal remedy is still an effective course of treatment for many ailments. In Canada, medical marijuana is legal for selected conditions and eligible patients can download registration forms online.

Some of the conditions that marijuana therapy can be effective for include:

AIDS and HIV

Some AIDS patients use medical marijuana for help with pain, loss of appetite, and to deal with the side effects of their prescription medications.

Anxiety and Stress

Marijuana has a relaxing effect on the mind and body and can be used to curb feelings of anxiety and stress. Stress is cited as a factor in the severity of many common illnesses and can affect the immune system.

Arthritis

Most arthritis patients use aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs which can have severe side effects. Marijuana treatment has been shown to be an effective alternative for treating the pain and swelling of the disease in many cases.

Cancer

Studies show that some cancer patients can find relief from pain and the side effects of chemotherapy (such as nausea and vomiting) with marijuana. Promising animal research has shown marijuana therapy may also be able to reduce the size of tumors.

Chronic Pain

Cannabis can provide effective relief from chronic pain caused by illness or injury including muscle pain, back pain, nerve pain, and migraines.

Depression

Many clinically depressed people find marijuana treatment to help alleviate their symptoms without the side effects  of prescription antidepressants.

Epilepsy

Some epileptics find that marijuana helps reduce the number and severity of their seizures.

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Cannabis can help soothe pain, increase appetite, calm spasms, and improve digestive motility in patients with gastrointestinal diseases such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Crohn's disease, and Colitis.

Multiple Sclerosis

Marijuana can help with the pain, spasms, and tremors that often cripple MS patients.

Side Effects and Risks

As with all medicines, marijuana can be used in excess. Smoking marijuana can cause lung damage, however this can be avoided by ingesting marijuana in tincture form, in food, or as a vapour.

Some marijuana users experience other side effects including short term memory loss, food cravings, weakened balance, and loss of physical coordination.

Although the concept of medical marijuana is still controversial, the majority of doctors and nurses now believe it should be legally available as medicine.