Millions of people suffer daily from incurable diseases. The reality for a person affected by an incurable disease is that from the moment they are diagnosed and even before that back to the moment they experienced their first symptom, they will have their disease. While these diseases do not have a cure, treatments do exist to manage the symptoms. Often, the prescription drugs available to sufferers of these painful, sometimes life-threatening ailments are expensive and carry side effects of their own. A remedy used for treatment of many of these symptoms and side effects, historically dating back to as early as the 2700’s B.C. has, within the last 20 years, begun its re-ascent into medical potential. Cannabis was first documented in medical …show more content…
“The disease is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body (“What Is MS?”).” A multitude of symptoms present and progress from the disease, the most common of which is spasticity or muscle stiffness, spasms, and pain which affect approximately eighty percent of patients (Friedel). Many studies have been and are being done on the use of cannabis to treat spasticity. One such study resulted in reduction of spasms by fifty-seven percent within the first ten days of cannabis use (Koehler, et al.). This same study has provided data on 1,200 patient trials and established efficacy as well as safety in the use of cannabis for treatment of multiple sclerosis related spasticity (Koehler, et al.). Another study also produced results in the reduction of spasticity as well as enabled the patients involved to maintaining the ability to drive while suffering moderate to severe symptoms of multiple sclerosis (Friedel). The prescription drugs used to treat multiple sclerosis can be expensive and the more symptoms present, the more drugs a patient requires. In addition to spasticity, cannabis has proven successful in treating many of the other symptoms such as pain, some vision issues, and emotional troubles (“What …show more content…
The first and possibly most important fact to which many people are uneducated is the idea that users of medical cannabis are “getting stoned,” but the reality is that scientists are capable of modifying strains of cannabis used medically to contain low amounts of the intoxicant, tetrahydrocannabiniol, more commonly known as THC, and higher amounts of cannabidiol (Coulter and Jenewein). In most cases medical cannabis is not ingested as an inhalant but instead as an orally administered oil. Another common argument against cannabis is damage caused to the hippocampus which can cause short and long term memory impairment, very real side effects that should be considered and monitored for carefully, but studies have discovered the potential to combat these issues with the use of “non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Welberg).” While there is still much to learn about the use of cannabis medically, it should be remembered that there is still much to learn about many medical treatments and options but unlike cannabis, other treatments do not have an accompanying stereotype to
Just as important of a medical issue as glaucoma, More than 300,000 Americans have multiple sclerosis, in which the body attacks myelin, the sheath that insulates nerve fibers. That can produce tremors, stiffness, paralysis, loss vision, numbness and pain. “Multiple sclerosis is the leading cause of neurological disability amount young and middle aged adults in the United States” (MPP, 2004 author page # title). Through years of study, the cause of multiple sclerosis is still unknown and still no cure has been produced for the disease. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the usefulness of marijuana is stated throughout, and is said to be used for symptom management in multiple sclerosis (MS). Marijuana is substituted for the use of pain control, which also eases tremors and spasticity. (Marijuana, NMSS)
Chronic pain is a tremendous public health problem, and a costly one. As health care advances and the need for palliative care rises, patients and health care providers are constantly investigating alternative methods of pain treatment and management. Questioning and challenging traditional health policies and practices has created a curiosity in the use of cannabis as an alternative option to standard opioids, for the management of chronic pain. Cannabis, is a leafy green plant consisting of buds and leaves of the cannabis sativa forma indica plants. Marijuana has been used in holistic solutions for hundreds of years; it has also been especially prevalent among terminally ill patients, who have been reported using it to alleviate symptoms like chronic pain, nausea and depression.
Medical marijuana, also known as cannabis, is a controversial topic because many find it beneficial as others find the usage to be recreational. Throughout the years, medical marijuana has gone through periods of times in which it was legal and illegal. Over the years laws have been developed in order to try and regulate the usage of the drug. Studies have shown many the benefits of treating diseases and symptoms. Today it is used in treatment with many different diseases and disorders such as cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder, and multiple sclerosis. As medical marijuana has different species and uses of the product, it is important to depict where the drug can be used for treatment. The usage of this drug enables patients to have a more positive and livable outcome with treatments.
In the 19th century, the medical profession used cannabis preparations to treat multiple symptoms. Some including pain, convulsions, spasm, and nausea, and induce sleep (1). Soon, with the arrival of analgesics, came the decline in the medical use of cannabis. Therefore, cannabis was classified as
In the United States, marijuana for medical purposes has gained more prevalence in current political discourse than in previous years. Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is a flowering plant that originally came from South and Central Asia. For centuries, the cannabis plant has been used for many natural products such as seed oils, seed, fiber that is used to make hemp products and contains over four hundred chemicals, some of which have an antibiotic like effect (Nordqvist, 2013). Studies have shown that two of the chemicals, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD), have a positive effect on humans for mild to moderate painkilling effects and sedative effects (Nordqvist, 2013). The purpose of this paper is
"Various forms of medicinal cannabis have provided mostly positive responses for patients with different types of pain: Neuropathic, chronic, postoperative, and that related to fibromyalgia, rhematoid arthritis, mutiple sclerosis and cancer" (Borgelt, Franson, & Nussbaum, 2013). In a study outlined in the article The Pharmacologic and Clinical Effects of Medical Cannabis, which evaluated smoked cannabis compared to placebo, significant improvements in pain were observed. The study included 56 patients and used cigarettes wtih varying THC contents. In general, a higher THC content (up to 9.4%) appears to be more effective for pain relief (Borgelt, Franson, & Nussbaum, 2013).
Chronic pain is a tremendous public health problem, and a costly one. As health care advances and the need for palliative care rises, patients and health care providers are constantly investigating alternative methods of pain treatment and management. Questioning and challenging traditional health policies and practices has created an interest in the use of cannabis as an alternative option to standard opioids, for the management of chronic pain. Cannabis, or marijuana, is a leafy green plant consisting of buds and leaves of the cannabis sativa forma indica plants. Marijuana has been used in holistic solutions for hundreds of years; it has also been especially prevalent among terminally ill cancer patients, who have been reported using it to alleviate symptoms like chronic pain, nausea and depression.
Marijuana is a drug that divides people. Some people claim it as the wonder drug of the '90s, capable of relieving the symptoms of many serious illnesses. Others curse the day the cannabis plant was ever discovered. From pain relief to stimulating the appetites of patients on chemotherapy, marijuana seems to have plenty going for it as a medicine. The legalization of marijuana is a large controversy in many parts of the world today, but the obvious negative effects that the drug induces has kept it from being legalized. Many researchers have a strong positive attitude towards marijuana. It has been said that the drug is “worth investigating and even providing as a medicine for pain relief, severe
Medical marijuana can ease the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, such as muscle cramping, according to a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. THC binds to the receptors of nerves and skeletal muscles to relieve
Marijuana is the most essential and therapeutically active substance that has been discovered by man. Therefore, medical cannabis refers to the use of the cannabis drug as recommended herbal therapy by physicians. This is mostly known as antiemetic. The experimental demonstration of marijuana’s significant properties thousands of years ago proves that it is one of the most essential substances that can be used in manufacturing drugs (Minamide). As provided from the ancient Indians, its psychoactive properties were realized which triggered its use by doctors to treat a variety of ailments and illnesses. This argument has been supported by the modern scientific experiment in the United States. Researchers have found that marijuana was greatly important in treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, headaches, pain reliever mostly in childbirth. In addition, they also found out that smoking marijuana reduces pain, especially with patients suffering from cancer, glaucoma, and chemotherapy (Minamide). In the recent past, marijuana has been found to be an important substance on AIDs patients where it reduces nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss. Moreover, it was recognized as a significant substance in relieving glaucoma eye pressure. It was also shown that it plays a vital role in Multiple Sclerosis. It reduces muscle pain, spasticity, and reduces diseases that cause body tremors. Epilepsy,
Cannabinoid medicines have had a wavering reputation mainly due to its relation to the cannabis plant or marijuana, a common slang term. Marijuana is commonly used as an illicit drug in the United States. Many proponents suggest that marijuana is innocuous and may even be a beneficial medical substance. However, even after its legalization in some states, some medical practitioners and lawmakers continue to advocate against its use. Three viewpoints take on the challenge of debating this issue. Of those viewpoints is one made by Bill McCarberg who declares that cannabinoids have been proven to work, but the effects rely on the delivery route or intake of the medication. Similarly, David Bearman urges that marijuana has proved that it effectively treats several noted medical conditions, and has improved the life quality of those who are diagnosed with illnesses and diseases. In the third viewpoint, the article “Marijuana’s Dangers Makes It a Poor Candidate for Medicine” it is perceived, through various side effects, that it is a choice that may jeopardize the lives of patients.
People are afraid of the unknown, that is a fact. That is why people are so afraid of what Marijuana can do and what it is in general. Although the results of marijuana as a medicine have been seen, and they are remarkable results, people still fear of what this plant can and can’t do. Throughout this paper, there will be a highly debatable advocacy for the use of Cannabis in the medical field. Both sides of the coin will be shown, but the pro’s will outweigh the Con’s by a significant amount. Marijuana is significantly less harmful than many other prescription drugs and has the same result, if not better. It is also natural and has been proven that it is impossible to overdose on it. Medical
Cannabis (or marijuana) is a common drug that is derived from a plant that has been around for centuries. Many argue that cannabis can be used for medicinal purposes. Thus, many researchers believe it is important to begin studying the effects that cannabis has on people. While this drug has been deemed to having both beneficial and detrimental side effects, many individuals are still weary as to what this drug may bring forth in terms of future medical discoveries, as well as other issues that may come along with it. Therefore, findings and new developments of medications for various types of diseases are being studied very closely in hopes of finding something that may create a huge impact in the world of medicine once again. So, studies over marijuana for medicinal use has become prevalent. With each new study there arises new questions as to whether marijuana would have a positive or negative impact for certain medical issues in patients. Likewise, the question as to whether this may negatively impact communities also comes in to play in regards to recreational use and abuse.
An incurable disease, other times referred to as a chronic or terminal illness, is a disease that does not have the ability of being cured, however can be managed through various forms of medication and treatment. Along with agonizing physical impacts, incurable diseases have a subset of just as excruciating mental and social impacts, but they don't always come directly from the disease itself. Instead, these effects come from different disorders that all impact each other, the most common among patients being depression, anxiety, insomnia, and prolonged grief disorder.
Medical Cannabis, although opposed by the majority of national governments around the globe, has many well documented medicinal benefits. An example of the use of cannabis in medicine is the treatment of Alzheimer’s patients. As shown by the research conducted by National Center for Biotechnology Information, THC, which is the active