Marijuana can also be 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's considered an illegal substance within the US and lots of 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 also 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 pros and cons 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 a division of the report in their advocacy arguments. On the other hand, however the report clarified numerous things, it never settled the controversy once and for all.

Marijuana is a naturally occurring herb and has been used from Latin America to Asia as an herbal medicine for millennia. Inside this day and age in the event the all natural and organic are important 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 may be used as analgesic, e.g. to treat pain. A number of studies demonstrated that THC, a marijuana component is effective in treating chronic pain experienced by cancer patients. In contrast, studies on acute pain for example 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 also are, therefore, 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), an important component of marijuana, has been shown to have antipsychotic, anticancer and antioxidant properties. Other cannabinoids happen to be 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 within the laboratory are already approved through 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 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 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 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 see page difficult to conduct due to limited funding and strict regulations. Due to the complicated legalities involved, very few pharmaceutical companies are investing in cannabinoid research. In lots of cases, it really is not clear the 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) as well? Synthetic cannabinoids (e.g. Marinol) accessible in the market are extremely expensive, pushing people towards the greater affordable cannabinoid within the form 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 utilized 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 may be used in the heating chamber which heats up without burning it. This activates the main ingredient without damaging the device. It really 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.