Marijuana is additionally referred to as pot, grass and weed but its formal name is really cannabis. It comes from the leaves and flowers of the plant Cannabis sativa. It really is considered an illegal substance in the US and several countries and possession of marijuana is a crime punishable by law. The FDA classifies marijuana as Schedule I, substances that have a really high potential for abuse as well as have no proven medical use. Over time 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 usage 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 a division of the report in their advocacy arguments. On the contrary, although the report clarified several things, it never settled the controversy once and for all.

Marijuana is a naturally occurring herb and it has been used from South America to Asia as being an herbal medicine for millennia. In this particular day and age in the event the all natural and organic are important health buzzwords, a naturally occurring herb like marijuana may 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. Several studies demonstrated that THC, a marijuana component is effective in treating chronic pain experienced by cancer patients. Conversely, studies on acute pain for example those experienced during surgery and trauma have inconclusive reports. A number of studies, also summarized in the IOM report, have demonstrated that some marijuana components have antiemetic properties and are, as a result, effective against nausea and vomiting, that are common side-effects of cancer chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Some researchers are convinced that cannabis carts has some therapeutic potential against neurological diseases for example multiple sclerosis. Specific compounds extracted from marijuana have strong therapeutic potential. Cannobidiol (CBD), a significant component of marijuana, has been shown to have antipsychotic, anticancer and antioxidant properties. Other cannabinoids are already shown to stop high intraocular pressure (IOP), an important risk factor for glaucoma. Drugs that contain active ingredients present in marijuana but are already synthetically produced within the laboratory happen to be approved by the US FDA. One example is Marinol, an antiemetic agent indicated for nausea and vomiting linked to cancer chemotherapy. Its active ingredient is dronabinol, a synthetic delta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Among the major proponents of medical marijuana will be the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP), a US-based organization. Many medical professional societies and organizations have expressed their support. As 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 research in to the therapeutic role of marijuana and additionally exemption from federal criminal prosecution; civil liability; or professional sanctioning for physicians who prescribe or dispense medical marijuana in accordance with state law. Similarly, protection from criminal or civil penalties for patients who use medical marijuana as permitted under state laws.

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

Clinical studies on marijuana are few and hard to conduct due to limited funding and strict regulations. As a result of the complicated legalities involved, very few pharmaceutical companies are investing in cannabinoid research. In many cases, it is not clear just how to define medical marijuana as advocated and opposed by many groups. Does it only refer to the utilization of the botanical product marijuana or does it include synthetic cannabinoid components (e.g. THC and derivatives) also? Synthetic cannabinoids (e.g. Marinol) available in the market are extremely expensive, pushing people towards the better affordable cannabinoid within the form of marijuana. As always, the issue is further clouded by conspiracy theories involving the pharmaceutical industry and drug regulators.

The future is here. And for cannabis users, it's an alternative which is beginning to make sense. The e-liquids used in e cigs may be replaced with cannabis oil within the cartridge which uses the exact 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.