Marijuana can also be known as pot, grass and weed but its formal name is actually cannabis. It comes from the leaves and flowers of the plant Cannabis sativa. It is considered an illegal substance in the US and many countries and possession of marijuana is a crime punishable by law. The FDA classifies marijuana as Schedule I, substances which have a really high possibility of abuse as well as have no proven medical use. Throughout the years several studies claim that some substances found in marijuana have medicinal use, especially in terminal diseases for example cancer and AIDS. This started a fierce debate over the positives and negatives of the use of medical marijuana. To settle this debate, the Institute of Medicine published the famous 1999 IOM report entitled Marijuana and Medicine: Assessing the Science Base. The report was comprehensive but did not give a clear cut yes or no answer. The opposite camps of the medical marijuana issue often cite part of the report in their advocacy arguments. On the other hand, although the report clarified many things, it never settled the controversy once and then for all.

Marijuana is a naturally occurring herb and it has been used from Latin America to Asia as an herbal medicine for millennia. Within this day and age in the event the all natural and organic are essential health buzzwords, a naturally occurring herb like marijuana might be more appealing to and safer for consumers than synthetic drugs.

Marijuana has strong therapeutic potential. Several studies, as summarized in the IOM report, have observed that cannabis may be used as analgesic, e.g. to treat pain. A couple of studies indicated that THC, a marijuana component is effective in treating chronic pain experienced by cancer patients. On the flip side, studies on acute pain for example those experienced during surgery and trauma have inconclusive reports. A number of studies, also summarized within the IOM report, have demonstrated that some marijuana components have antiemetic properties and are, because of this, effective against nausea and vomiting, which are common side-effects of cancer chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Some researchers are convinced that cannabis has some therapeutic potential against neurological diseases for example multiple sclerosis. Specific compounds extracted from marijuana have strong therapeutic potential. Cannobidiol (CBD), a serious component of marijuana, has been shown to have antipsychotic, anticancer and antioxidant properties. Other cannabinoids have been shown to avoid high intraocular pressure (IOP), an important risk factor for glaucoma. Drugs that contain active ingredients present in marijuana but are already synthetically produced in the laboratory are already approved through the US FDA. One example is Marinol, an antiemetic agent indicated for nausea and vomiting affiliated with cancer chemotherapy. Its active ingredient is dronabinol, a synthetic delta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

One of the major proponents of medical marijuana is the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP), a US-based organization. Many medical professional societies and organizations have expressed their support. As being an example, The American College of Physicians, recommended a re-evaluation of the Schedule I classification of marijuana in their 2008 position paper. ACP also expresses its strong support for Suggested Internet page research into the therapeutic role of marijuana as well as exemption from federal criminal prosecution; civil liability; or professional sanctioning for physicians who prescribe or dispense medical marijuana in accordance with state regulations. Similarly, protection from criminal or civil penalties for patients who use medical marijuana as permitted under state laws.

Medical marijuana is legally used in many developed countries The argument of if they can do it, why not us? is another strong point. Some countries, including Canada, Belgium, Austria, holland, the United Kingdom, Spain, Israel, and Finland have legalized the therapeutic use of marijuana under strict prescription control. Some states within the US also are allowing exemptions.

Clinical studies on marijuana are few and hard to conduct as a result of limited funding and strict regulations. Because of the complicated legalities involved, few pharmaceutical businesses are investing in cannabinoid research. In many cases, it's not clear the way to define medical marijuana as advocated and opposed by many groups. Does it only make reference to the usage of the botanical product marijuana or does it include synthetic cannabinoid components (e.g. THC and derivatives) as well? Synthetic cannabinoids (e.g. Marinol) obtainable in the market are extremely expensive, pushing people towards the better affordable cannabinoid in the type of marijuana. Bear in mind, the issue is further clouded by conspiracy theories involving the pharmaceutical industry and drug regulators.

The future is here. As well as for cannabis users, it can be alternative which is beginning to make sense. The e-liquids employed in e cigs can be replaced with cannabis oil within the cartridge which uses the same methodology. Some brands even let users grind flowers so it can be used in the heating chamber which heats up without burning it. This activates the main ingredient without damaging the device. It is a nerdy way of using herb. Understanding this technology, which isn't complicated through the way, for usage with marijuana was not meant for it in the first place. The classical way of using cannabis has seen a change and with vape pens, its set to go towards even the most unorthodox ways.