Medical cannabis, or medical weed, is a plant-based or botanical substance. It history dates back to ancient times. A lot has been written about the evidence that it was used in what is now Romanian more than 5,000 years ago.
Tetrahydrocannabinol [6-THC] in ashes is the sole direct source of proof. That prescribe medicinal cannabis was initially used medicinally in about 400 AD.
Most products suggested by medical cannabis doctor were widely used as patent medicine in Australia. It was used during the late 19th and early 20th century. It was first mentioned in the Australia Pharmacopoeia in 1850.
The Medicinal Cannabis Tax Act, passed in 1937. It was the first federal law to disallow the use of cannabis plant.
After the act of 1937, cannabis was banned in Australia in 1942. Possession-related fines increased in 1951 and 1956 with the passage of the Boggs and Narcotic Control Acts. Finally, the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 made cannabis illegal under federal law.
These legal moves, which restricted the purchase of cannabis for academic reasons. It also helped to curtail research by making it an offence.
THE MEDICINAL CANNABIS DEBATE
Changing from a demonised substance to one with therapeutic benefits has been contentious. This is because prescribing medicinal cannabis is a Schedule I controlled substance.
With no recognised medical use, high abuse potential, dependence concerns. And a lack of accepted safety for use while under medical supervision.
Additionally, a national stigma surrounds harms of cannabis use as a gateway drug to other substances.
The Australia Pharmacopoeia has thought about the challenges of regulating this plant-based medicine.
It also includes the multiple chemicals and intricate interactions between substances in this product. And how it might fit into the country’s current drug governing system.
Many believe the rise in interest in legal medicinal cannabis products is a side effect of the opioid epidemic.
The way the public perceives the use of medicinal cannabis suggests that it is seen as little different from a botanical drug product. Or supplement used for health or symptom relief if the disease persists.
However, therapeutic cannabis may also carry health dangers. This includes psychotropic, intoxicating, and weakening effects. That have not fully been understood via clinical research. This is true of various herbal formulations or supplements as well.
Advocates claim that there is evidence to support the use of discuss medicinal cannabis in the treatment of a number of conditions. Especially when symptoms are resistant to other treatments;
that there are beneficial cannabinoids. That medicinal cannabis product dispensed is generally safe. That patients can self-titrate their treatment; and that therapy is reliable.
The FDA licensing procedure has not been rigorously applied to medicinal cannabis use. According to opponents of the practice.
They also claim no consistency in the potency of pharmacologically active ingredients.
The potential for dependence, addiction, and abuse; there is a risk of abuse. There is no standardisation for product packaging. Also, for controls to prevent accidental use by minors or pets.
The adverse health effects are not just related to smoking cannabis. But also reveal mental health disorders, impair coordination, and affect judgement.
Clinicians need to be aware of these implications. They should be informed about how this therapy may influence practice in a variety of healthcare settings. Including acute care, regardless of personal views and perceptions.
It is irresponsible to deny or disregard the effects of using this substance on patient health. and also the framework of the healthcare system.
ADVANTAGES OF MEDICAL CANNABIS
Cannabis is a complex, multifaceted, and sometimes contentious plant. Cannabis has entered a wide range of sectors and goods thanks to its adaptability and utility. Specially in the medical sector.
Cancer treatment
In addition to being used to reduce the side effects of medicine. Research have revealed that CBD has a number of anti-cancer substances. That can prevent a wide range of cancers, treat tumours, and strengthen the immune system.
It has also been shown to stop cell development. And also induce cell death in cervical cancer cell lines.
Many more advantages beyond these seven are presently being studied and appraised. We anticipate that participants in our brand-new Cannabis Entrepreneurship program. This will be crucial in shaping the direction of this sector.
Lowering blood pressure
In a 2017 JCI Insight study, participants’ blood pressure was found to be reduced by CBD. It decreased their blood pressure both at rest and after stressful exercises. Including mental arithmetic, isometric training, and the cold pressor test.
Preventing drug and alcohol addiction relapse
According to a 2018 study, CBD can be helpful for those who struggle with drug and alcohol addiction. CBD decreased the stress-related cravings, anxiety, smoked cannabis. Also, lack of impulse control that frequently lead to relapse. According to a preclinical trial with lab rats.
Inflammation reduction
According to the Institute of Medical Research, inflammation may be reduced by CBD.
Digestive problem treatment
According to a new study, GI diseases like IBS, IBD, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.
Others can be effectively prevented and treated with CBD and other non-psychoactive cannabinoids. The anti-exciting effects of CBD are essential for treating and avoiding symptoms.
Preventing seizures
The use of CBD to treat epilepsy and other seizure syndromes has been studied for many years. Recent study found that it can be effective in symptom reduction. Also, seizure frequency reduction.
Treating anxiety disorders
Some of the most frequent medical conditions for which people use CBD is anxiety. A preclinical study revealed that it might be helpful in treating various anxiety disorders.
These include generalised anxiety disorder, fear disorder. It also includes post-traumatic stress disorder, and social anxiety disorder.
Final Thought
Although a lot of science is involved in comprehending cannabis. We’ve attempted to make it as simple as possible. There are more than 120 cannabinoids—components of different medicinal cannabis products—in all
The two most well-known and extensively studied cannabinoids. They are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
THC causes the “high” that many people identify with cannabis. Still, CBD, which you may have seen in the form of oils, candies, beverages. It include other products for medical use, is a non-intoxicating, non-euphoric component.
More to read: Can CBD Really Help Treat Chronic Pain?