Marijuana has been used as an herb for many centuries now. Scientists have been able to identify cannabinoids, active components in marijuana. The most well-knownelements being cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The use of marijuana for treatment of medical conditions is legal in many states, even though the US FDA does not approve of the use of crude or whole marijuana.
A brief overview of marijuana
Different components of marijuana seem to have different effects on the body.CBD helps in the treatment of anxiety, paranoia, and seizures and counteract hallucinations by THC.The impact of marijuana on the body depends on the mode of intake. When marijuana is vaporized, THC enters the bloodstream and reaches the brain quickly. The second psychoactive component is produced in minute amounts and as fewer effects on the body. When consumed orally, THC makes take hours to be absorbed. It is then processed by the liver that affects the brain.
Affects Cancer Symptoms
Smoked marijuana can help in the treatment of nausea arising from cancer chemotherapy.Vaporized cannabishas been found to be beneficial in treating neuropathic pain.Such an intake of marijuana can improve food intake in HIV patients.Researchers have found that people in clinical trials who took marijuana needed fewer painkillers. Some lab and animal studies have shown that THC and other cannabinoids such as CBD destroy cancer cells or slow growth or reduce the spread of cancer. More reviews are underway about the role of cannabis in the treatment of cancer in humans. However, it should be mentioned that solely relying oncannabis-based treatment and avoiding conventional medical care can be detrimental.
Use of Cannabinoid drugs
Studies have shown that dronabinol can reduce vomiting resulting from chemotherapy. It prevents weight loss in patients with HIV. Rick Simpson oil for cancer administered rectally can benefit patients suffering from cancer. Nabiximols has been found to relieve patients of cancer pain when other painkillers have failed.
View of American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society emphasizes the need for effective therapies that can help overcome the side effects of cancer and its treatment on patients. The Society is against the Classification of marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance deters scientific study on cannabinoids. However, they have not taken any stand for its legalization because the medical benefits and harm of marijuana has not yet been ascertained.
