Common Uses of Medical Marijuana
You may have heard about medical marijuana in the news recently. As many states begin to change their laws about how medical marijuana St Augustine FL can be used, and what sorts of illnesses it can be used to treat, news coverage has increased dramatically.
Currently, there are multiple options available for ingesting medical marijuana. The substance is most commonly smoked, but can also be inhaled through a vaporizer, eaten, applied to the skin in a lotion, or cream, or swallowed as a liquid. Each form of ingestion appears to be effective.
How Medical Marijuana Works
The chemicals you absorb when you ingest medical marijuana are known as cannabinoids. These active chemicals are similar to other bodily chemicals that are associated with pain, memory, appetite, and even movement.
Current research suggests that medical marijuana works by doing the following:
- Reducing inflammation
- Relieving pain
- Stimulating appetite, which can improve weight gain
- Destroy cancer cells, slowing down the growth of tumors
- Reducing nausea and vomiting
- Reducing muscle tightness
- Reducing anxiety
The Illnesses Medical Marijuana Can Treat
As research into medical marijuana increases, the list of illnesses that marijuana is able to treat is likely to grow longer. At this point, however, we can say that medical marijuana can be used as a treatment for the following conditions:
- Anorexia and other eating disorders
- Crohn’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Glaucoma
- Schizophrenia
- PTSD
- Cancer
- Alzheimer’s disease
Along with these specific illnesses, medical marijuana can also be used to treat more generalized conditions, such as pain, loss of appetite, nausea, and muscle spasms.
Potential Side Effects
So far, researchers have noted a few potential side effects caused by medical marijuana. These side effects may include bloodshot eyes, low blood pressure, and dizziness.
As with all medical treatments, consultation with a medical professional is recommended prior to beginning treatment.