Recently, the use of medical marijuana has become increasingly important. Cannabis oils and cosmetics are gaining more popularity day by day. Medical weed in Florida is in demand not only among the local population, but also among residents of other American states. What is so interesting about this plant? How this medicinal product differs from other substances and what impact medicinal cannabis can have on the pharmacological industry.
Table of Contents
What is marijuana?
These are dried inflorescences of plants of the Cannabis sativa species with a possible admixture of leaves. People have used it for many years as a relaxing and pain reliever. By the way, the opinion that the substance causes physical dependence does not find scientific confirmation.
There are two main types of cannabis with psychoactive properties: sativa and indica, which are slightly different in their effect on the human body. The sativa variety has higher dimensions. It causes a stimulating and exciting effect, improves mood and increases appetite. The indica is shorter and thicker. The variety evokes a certain calmness.
What else is hidden in marijuana?
Cannabinoids are not the only substances in marijuana that affect the human body. Hundreds of substances have already been identified in these plants. Among these pharmacologically active are the so-called terpenes, as well as flavonoids. Interestingly, some of them can change the action of cannabinoids by directly interacting with them. In particular, terpenes can enhance the effect.They are often found in essential oils. Therefore, the positive therapeutic effects of medicinal cannabis can be different.
How is medical cannabis different from non-medical cannabis?
Each marijuana plant contains a certain amount of cannabinoids, so it can have a therapeutic effect. However, in order to achieve the desired result, experts choose certain varieties. Growing conditions and the process of obtaining raw materials are strictly controlled. Extracts are standardized according to the content of the main substances. Therefore, it is possible to predict what will be the ratio of the desired substances in the dried state.
Do not forget that in some diseases, tetrahydrocannabinol may be more important, and in others, cannabidiol. The doctor determines the ratio of multiple compounds that will be most effective for treating the patient. Also, the doctor selects the type of drug, its dosage and frequency of use.
Smoking is the most common recreational use of marijuana. Drugs can also be used in other forms. For example, there are drugs on the market in the form of tablets or oils. Often, experts recommend vaporization. With this method, the main components of marijuana begin to act at elevated temperatures.
The dry material is heated to a temperature at which the active substances pass into a gaseous state, but do not yet burn out. It allows substances to be inhaled in the form of vapors without inhaling unwanted smoke. It is not recommended, for example, for pulmonary diseases.The process is possible using special devices. Today, a vivid example of such items is an electronic cigarette.
What can be achieved with medical marijuana?
Unfortunately, today in medicine there are no effective and efficient medicines for many diseases. Treatment often consists of managing symptoms or slowing the progression of the disease. Sometimes the medications used are associated with a risk of serious or multiple side effects. One of the main advantages of medicinal cannabis is that the drug does not cause serious side effects that can adversely affect the body.
Sometimes a substance has a positive effect where other drugs are not very effective. In addition, medical marijuana can improve the condition of the patient, acting in combination with other drugs. Due to this interaction, it is possible to regulate the dosage of several drugs at once.
Doctors are already achieving results that clearly show the medical benefits of using marijuana for many conditions. Some positive effects have already been confirmed in clinical trials, others are observed in small groups of patients. Some of the abilities of medical marijuana are being studied in medical laboratories. All this confirms the fact that work in this direction is continuing. On the contrary, many pharmaceutical companies, together with the medical community, are looking for new benefits of substances.
Marijuana is not a cure for every disease. However, this substance has its great advantages. Medical cannabis can be used where other drugs fail. Medical marijuana is not addictive and is difficult to overdose on. After all, it is medical control that makes such a development of events trustworthy.
It is likely that many patients with medical marijuana will be able to increase the comfort of their lives in case of severe chronic diseases. Of course, further clinical trials will be required to determine those dosages and prescriptions for specific indications, possible side effects and potential interactions with other medications.
However, the medical field does not stop there and continues to look for possible applications for medical cannabis. In any case, the prescription of medical marijuana is a responsible process, and the doctor can advise this substance only after consultation and the necessary analysis of the medical history.
