10 Facts About Medical Marijuana

What is Medical Marijuana? Medical marijuana is any part of the plant that is used to treat health problems in order for patients to get relief from their symptoms instead of getting high. Most marijuana is sold illegally as medicine just like the same ingredients used to get pleasure. Some medical marijuana is grown to have less chemicals to cause feelings of euphoria. Ingredients in Medical Marijuana There are hundreds of chemicals in medical marijuana called cannabinoids. The two main ingredients are THC and CBD. THC gives the user pleasurable effects the pot smoker craves, but it also has the same effects to treat medical problems. On the other hand, research says that CBD may be helpful to treat health issues and doesn't cause users to get high. How Marijuana Works on the Brain Users who smoke marijuana feel the effects of faster than those who eat it, possibly taking up to an hour to feel the effects. When users smoke marijuana, the THC goes to the lungs, to the bloodstream, which causes the brain cells to release a chemical called dopamine, causing the feeling of being high. While less is known about CBD works, it may work with THC sometimes; and other times it may work on its own to have an effect on the brain. Use for Medical Marijuana Medical marijuana is used to ease pain, nausea, loss of appetite in those who have cancer and HIV; though not much is known through research. Research says that medical marijuana may cut down seizures in people with epilepsy and some studies say it may ease symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis like stiffness, spasm of pain, and frequent urination. Short-Term Side Effects Marijuana is used to change mood, making the user feel happy, relaxed, sleepy, or anxious. It can also disrupt short-term memory and decision-making ability. The effects can last as long as 1 - 3 hours. Marajuana in large doses may make users experience hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia. And research says it may make breathing problems like bronchitis worse. Long-Term Side Effects Regular smokers of marijuana may have respiratory problems causing a daily cough and a higher risk of lung infections. And studies have linked marijuana use to mental illness, depressions, anxiety, less motivation, and suicidal thoughts in young people. If used during pregnancy, it may raise the risk of health problems in babies, resulting in addiction. Drugs Made from Marijuana The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two drugs that include two ingredients found in marijuana. One is Dronabinol has THC used to treat nausea caused from chemotherapy and extreme weight loss in HIV patients. The other is Nibilone is used for the same reasons but is made of less chemicals which is similar to THC. Forms of Medical Marijuana Users of Medical Marijuana smoke it in paper-rolled cigaretters or pipes, brew it into a beverage, eat ot in cooked foods, or take in pill form. The effects are strong and long-lasting; although it may be hard to predict the affects in each user. It can also be inhaled through vaporizers. Where Is Medical Marijuana Legal? California voters were the first to legalize medical marijuana in 1996. Now, it is legal in almost half of the U.S. states. If you live in a state where it is legal and your doctor has given you a prescription, you can buy it from any authorized seller called a dispensary. Some users of medical marijuana can also legally grow their own medical marijuana. Medical Marijuana for Children Studies say medical marijuana may give relief to children who suffer seizures with hard-to-treat epilepsy. It is a type known as "Charlotte's WEb"; a high strain with very little THC that doesn't allow children the feelings of getting high. Source www.webmd.com/brain/ss/slideshow-medical-marijuana.