Marijuana is also called 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 in the US and lots of 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 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 included in the report in their advocacy arguments. On the flip side, however the report clarified many things, it never settled the controversy once and then for all.

Marijuana is a naturally occurring herb and has been used from South America to Asia as an herbal medicine for millennia. Within this day and age when 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 within the IOM report, have observed that cannabis can be used as analgesic, e.g. to treat pain. A few studies demonstrated that THC, a marijuana component is effective in treating chronic pain experienced by cancer patients. On the flip side, studies on acute pain such as those experienced during surgery and trauma have inconclusive reports. A couple of studies, also summarized in the IOM report, have demonstrated that some marijuana components have antiemetic properties and are, because of this, 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 are already shown to stop high intraocular pressure (IOP), an important risk factor for glaucoma. Drugs that contain active ingredients present in marijuana but have been synthetically produced in the laboratory happen to be approved through 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 is 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 in to 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 law. Similarly, protection new content from gotartwork.com 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 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 in the US will also be 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 several cases, it is not clear just how to define medical marijuana as advocated and opposed by many groups. Does it only make reference to the use 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 better affordable cannabinoid in the form of marijuana. Remember, 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 employed in e cigs may be replaced with cannabis oil in 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'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.