For decades cannabis for the use of healing has been a controversial topic. Between unsupervised recreational use, drug dealers and crime, cannabis has received bad name. The undeniable fact is that cannabis CAN heal a plethora of ailments. It’s no longer speculation. There are cold hard facts that show the improvement in patients taking the drug. Although the US federal government has done everything in their power to keep cannabis from being studied, other countries have been working with chemists, scientists, and doctors in confirming this theory.
The fear mostly lies in the thought that you will lose mental control on marijuana. Contrary to popular belief medical marijuana is not considered psychoactive. In other words, it does not get you “high”. You can legally be prescribed medical marijuana for certain ailments. The below is a list of medical uses for the drug.
- Chemotherapy, by reducing nausea
- Treatment for Chronic Pain
- Treatment for Anxiety
- Improving Appetite in People with HIV/AIDS
- Seizure disorders
- Crohn’s disease
- Emotional disorders
Today in 18 out of 50 states, you can get a medical marijuana card. This card allows you to buy your cannabis from an approved dispensary. You will need to be prescribed a card from a medical doctor. Below is the most recent list of approved states.
- Alaska
- Michigan
- Arizona
- Montana
- California
- Nevada
- Colorado
- New Jersey
- Connecticut
- New Mexico
- District of Columbia
- Oregon
- Delaware
- Rhode Island
- Hawaii
- Vermont
- Maine
- Washington
- Massachusetts
Critics warn users of the possibility of long-term effects, as well the theory that cannabis is a gateway drug. Although many say, the same thing can be said about over the counter medication. As a matter of fact, millions of people are hospitalized for liver damage yearly from the acetaminophen in Tylenol. Not to mention the long list of side effect warnings provided with prescription medication. Where many describe the possible loss of eyesight, organ failure and even death.
So why is the government keeping cannabis away from the people? This is also a controversial topic. Many say it’s because the FDA controls the pharmaceutical companies that bring in over $300 billion a year. Others use the fear of the unknown. So why legalize it? Cannabis has been around for thousands of years. Experts say pharmaceutical companies are realizing that chemicals kill and want to somehow cash in on legalization. The fact remains that people should educate themselves and speak up for what they believe is the best thing for their own health.
