Marijuana can also be referred to 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's considered an illegal substance within the US and several countries and possession of marijuana is sneak a peek here crime punishable by law. The FDA classifies marijuana as Schedule I, substances that have a very high prospect of abuse and have no proven medical use. In the past 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 advantages and disadvantages 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 involved in the report in their advocacy arguments. Alternatively, although the report clarified numerous things, it never settled the controversy once as well as 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 the day and age when 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 can be used as analgesic, e.g. to treat pain. Several studies established 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 number of studies, also summarized within the IOM report, have demonstrated that some marijuana components have antiemetic properties and also are, therefore, effective against nausea and vomiting, that 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), an important component of marijuana, has been shown to have antipsychotic, anticancer and antioxidant properties. Other cannabinoids have been shown to avoid high intraocular pressure (IOP), a significant risk factor for glaucoma. Drugs that contain active ingredients present in marijuana but have been synthetically produced in the laboratory have been 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 health care 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 into 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 used in many developed countries The argument of should 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 usage of marijuana under strict prescription control. Some states within the US will also be allowing exemptions.

Clinical studies on marijuana are few and hard to conduct because of limited funding and strict regulations. Because of the complicated legalities involved, few pharmaceutical businesses are investing in cannabinoid research. In lots of cases, it's not clear the best way to define medical marijuana as advocated and opposed by many groups. Does it only make reference 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. Of course, 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 utilized in e cigs can be replaced with cannabis oil in the cartridge which uses the exact same methodology. Some brands even let users grind flowers so it may 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 within 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.