Medical Marijuana Clinical Applications

Medical marijuana has been the subject of many scientific and medical studies as well as being the center of many heated arguments. Although controversy still surrounds its efficacy, many are impressed with ongoing studies that demonstrate its effectiveness. Some people are against the legalization of marijuana for any reason, but others, including many in the medical community, are encouraged by its usefulness. Another name for it is medical cannabis. Marijuana comes from the hemp plant.

Some of the medicinal uses include aiding in problems related to nausea, vomiting and PMS. Lack of appetite, asthma, movement problems such as spasticity, and glaucoma all showed improvement with it, as well. Intestinal and digestive ills such as inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis were improved with the use of cannabis drug derivatives in early studies.

The list of maladies that are improved with its use has been increasing. This list of health ills helped with cannabis now includes Alzheimer’s disease, brain cancer, lung cancer, HIV/AIDS and alleviating addiction issues related to alcohol abuse and opiate dependency.

Research with Alzheimer’s disease has discovered that THC, the chemical ingredient in cannabis, is able to block the deposit of internal bodily secretions which are attributed to accelerating the progression of Alzheimer’s. THC’s presence has been shown to slow down deteriorating memory loss that is associated with this disease.

Studies that have been performed on laboratory rats and mice have shown promising results in terms of lung cancer tumors. The tumors were reported to shrink as much as 50% after being treated with THC. Brain cancer tumor studies in both mice and humans have shown favorable results with this cannabis chemical ingredient, as well.

In HIV/AIDS patients, medical marijuana was quite helpful in reduction of pain. Lack of appetite and nausea issues are common difficult side effects of the HIV/AIDS virus. These conditions were alleviated substantially after ingesting the plant.

Addicts who were weaning off alcohol and opiates were able to ease their discomfort by ingesting it. Anxiety and bi-polar disorder also may be helped in some cases.

Many more studies are ongoing in order to learn about its clinical applications. Thirteen states have approved the use of this drug and more are investigating whether this would be a viable option. Although many people are in favor, there are multitudes that are dead set against its legalization. What many don’t realize is that cannabis as a medication has been around for eons.