Marijuana is the dried flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant that contains psychoactive compounds like tetrahydrocannabinol and CBD. The primary purpose of medical marijuana is to relieve pain, improve function, and enhance the overall quality of life. Due to its anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties, Marijuana is considered as a modern treatment for several medical conditions.
• Depression and Anxiety: Cannabis is effective in improving the mental and emotional health of a person. Studies indicate that its stimulant and sedative properties can dramatically ease the symptoms of PTSD. Therefore, inhaling marijuana can significantly reduce the short-term levels of depression, anxiety, and stress.
• Insomnia: Chronic conditions like insomnia can adversely affect the physical function, pain perception, the emotional and mental health of the patient. Medical marijuana has become an ideal alternative to conventional treatments for insomnia. It is helpful in restoring the natural sleep cycle, inducing drowsiness, improving sleep latency, decreasing rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, and increasing deep, slow-wave sleep.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Affecting more than a million people around the world, IBD causes inflammation of the digestive tract, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. However, recent studies show that chemicals found within marijuana can regulate inflammation in the gut and treat serious IBDs issues. Additionally, due to its effective medicinal properties, it promotes several other gastrointestinal benefits such as:
◦ Relaxation of the oesophageal sphincter
◦ Reduction in visceral pain and gastric motility
◦ Increased bowel motility and secretions.
• Spinal Cord Injury: Mainly caused by trauma or degeneration, spinal cord injury can lead to total function loss in body parts. And, cannabis is effective in treating symptoms of spinal cord injury like chronic pain and muscle spasms. The medicinal extracts of marijuana can improve neurogenic symptoms that are generally unresponsive to standard treatments.
• Other Medical Conditions: Marijuana is helpful in several other conditions like:
1. It can improve many HIV-related symptoms including anorexia, weight loss, and severe nausea.
2. It is very effective in reducing the frequency and severity of epilepsy seizures.
3. Due to its ability to reduce anxiety and stimulate appetite, Marijuana can also treat eating disorders.
4. It can reverse the carcinogenic effects of tobacco and thereby improves lung health.
The potential medicinal properties of marijuana and its derivatives have been the subject of research and debate. With the proper approach and legalization, it is sure to do wonders in the medical field.
