Medical Use of Marijuanas: Pros and Cons

Marijuana has been illegal for many years. Recently, some states finally began allowing it, but firstly it was just for medical use. In this article, we will delve into medical marijuanas and their pros and cons. Are you interested? Then read on.

The origins of medical use of marijuanas

The pros of medical use of marijuanas have been discovered many years ago. It was in 1841 when William Brooke O’Shaughnessy found out the medical properties of cannabis and popularized them in Northern America. In his writings, he advocated many positive uses of marijuana: as a pain reliever, a remedy for baby convulsions and spasm related to illnesses such as tetanus and rabies.

If this paragraph intrigued you, read more about the history of marijuana in the US.

Medical use of marijuanas: pros

The use of medical marijuanas has a plethora of advantages. Cannabis may be used for treating a wide variety of medical conditions, and used for:

• Pain relief and management – Cannabis is well-known for alleviating pain. Therefore, it is often used in reducing chronic pain associated with diseases such as arthritis, neuropathy or even cancer. It is so because the cannabinoids react with the pain regulating system in our bodies.
• Reducing anxiety – There are many natural substances in cannabis that can affect your well-being. For instance, Delta 8 can help with anxiety. The feeling that you get after smoking or consuming it, will release you from your stress and anxious thoughts. What is more, it will also fight off your negative feelings – this is why it’s often used as an antidepressant.
• Appetite stimulation – If you have ever smoked marijuana, you probably realize how hungry you become afterward. This might be a huge benefit for those suffering from eating disorders. The pro of using medical marijuana for them is an enhanced appetite, and thus more food eaten.
• Nausea and vomiting relief – THC is capable of reducing the feeling of nausea and the urge to vomit. It is particularly helpful for patients undergoing chemo, of which nausea and vomiting are the two most common side effects.

Medical use of marijuanas: cons

Like everything, the medical use of marijuanas has both pros and cons. The latter are also connected with cannabis being a Schedule I controlled substance. Thus, it should be not surprising that the drawbacks include:

• Psychoactive effects – Altering perception, coordination and cognitive abilities. This is especially problematic when you need to drive a lot or perform tasks that require full focus.
• Addictiveness – Marijuana is addictive. Using medical cannabis might become a must for a person. One may find it difficult to give up on marijuana after the treatment.
• Respiratory risks – Smoking is generally negative, so even if it is marijuana, it might pose a threat for those with respiratory issues.
• Legality – Medical marijuana is not legal everywhere. This means that you need to pay attention while traveling – you might be unable to maintain your treatment in certain states.

The takeaway

Using cannabis for your treatments has its advantages and downsides. The pros and cons of medical marijuana use include:

• Pain relief,

• Anxiety and depression reduction,

• Increased appetite,

• Nausea relief,

• Addiction likelihood,

• Respiratory risks,

• Legal issues,

• Hindering your cognitive abilities.

Thus, you need to choose wisely whether you want to use marijuana for medical purposes or not – even if your physician suggests it.

You might also like to read: What Are the Benefits of Delta 8?