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 several countries and possession of marijuana is a crime punishable by law. The FDA classifies marijuana as Schedule I, substances which have an extremely high possibility of abuse and have no proven medical use. In recent times several studies claim that some substances found in marijuana have medicinal use, especially in terminal diseases such as cancer and AIDS. This started a fierce debate over the positives and negatives of click through the up coming website page 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 a part of the report in their advocacy arguments. However, 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 Latin America to Asia as an herbal medicine for millennia. In this day and age when the all natural and organic are essential health buzzwords, a naturally occurring herb like marijuana may very well be more appealing to and safer for consumers than synthetic drugs.

Marijuana has strong therapeutic potential. Several studies, as summarized within the IOM report, have observed that cannabis can 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. However, studies on acute pain such as those experienced during surgery and trauma have inconclusive reports. A couple of studies, also summarized within the IOM report, have demonstrated that some marijuana components have antiemetic properties and are, for this reason, 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 such as multiple sclerosis. Specific compounds extracted from marijuana have strong therapeutic potential. Cannobidiol (CBD), a major component of marijuana, has been shown to have antipsychotic, anticancer and antioxidant properties. Other cannabinoids have been shown to prevent high intraocular pressure (IOP), a major risk factor for glaucoma. Drugs that contain active ingredients present in marijuana but happen to be synthetically produced in the laboratory are already approved by the US FDA. One example is Marinol, an antiemetic agent indicated for nausea and vomiting related to cancer chemotherapy. Its active ingredient is dronabinol, a synthetic delta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

One of 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 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 yet another strong point. Some countries, including Canada, Belgium, Austria, the netherlands, the United Kingdom, Spain, Israel, and Finland have legalized the therapeutic usage of marijuana under strict prescription control. Some states within the US are also allowing exemptions.

Clinical studies on marijuana are few and difficult to conduct due to limited funding and strict regulations. Due to the complicated legalities involved, few pharmaceutical businesses are investing in cannabinoid research. In many cases, it's not clear how you can define medical marijuana as advocated and opposed by many groups. Does it only refer 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) available in the market are extremely expensive, pushing people towards the greater affordable cannabinoid within the type of marijuana. Keep in mind, the issue is further clouded by conspiracy theories involving the pharmaceutical industry and drug regulators.

The future is here. And for cannabis users, it is an alternative which is beginning to make sense. The e-liquids used in e cigs may be replaced with cannabis oil in the cartridge which uses the same methodology. Some brands even let users grind flowers so it may be utilized in the heating chamber which heats up without burning it. This activates the main ingredient without damaging the device. It's a nerdy way of using herb. Understanding this technology, which is not complicated by 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.