Medical Marijuana
For questions about Medical Marijuana that we are not qualified to answer. You can find helpful links to those more knowledgable in the medical field.
Medical Marijuana & Cannabis Resource Links:
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Disclaimer:
The information contained in this website is not intended to recommend the self management of health problems or wellness. It is not intended to endorse or recommend any particular type of medical treatment. Should any reader have any health care related questions, promptly call or consult your physician or healthcare provider. No information contained in this website should be used by any reader to disregard medical and/or health related advice or provide a basis to delay consultation with a physician or a qualified healthcare provider. See our health information disclaimer.
This page was last updated August 28, 2019.
What is Medical Marijuana?
The term medical marijuana refers to using the natural marijuana plant or its basic extracts to treat the symptoms of illness and other conditions. The United States (U.S.) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the marijuana plant also known as Cannabis for the use as medicine. However, the (FDA) has recognized its potential medicinal benefits, and have made it possible for researchers to do extensive clinical tests for a better understanding of the resulting symptoms of Medicinal Marijuana use.
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Medical Marijuana is essentially the same product as Recreational Marijuana, but is taken for medicinal purposes. It is a quality-controlled product with labelled levels of cannabinoids (THC & CBD). Also referred to as Cannabis, this plant product is widely used across the world, and has been legalized for recreational use in some areas of the United States.
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The marijuana plant contains over 400 chemicals of which more than 60 are cannabinoid compounds. Each one has a different effect on the body, some of them with opposing effects. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the main chemicals components used in medicine. THC known for its psychoactive properties, also produces the "high" sensation people feel when they consume marijuana in its basic plant or chemical form.
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Due to the marijuana plant containing chemicals that may help with the treatment of a range of illnesses and symptoms, there has been great debate on whether the cannabis should be legal for medicinal purposes. It is believed that the true evidence of medical marijuana's therapeutic effects, can be noticed in the plants ability to reduce chronic pain, nausea, vomiting due to chemotherapy, and spasticity. In fact, a growing number of states have now legalized marijuana for medicinal use.
What is Medical Marijuana Used For?
Medical marijuana is used in the treatment of numerous different conditions, such as:
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What are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are chemicals related to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary mind-altering ingredient in Cannabis that creates a "high" sensation in the people that consume the plant or its extracts. The marijuana plant contains more than 100 cannabinoids.
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Cannabinoids, the active chemicals in medical marijuana are also produced by the human body, and play a role in regulating pleasure, memory, thinking, concentration, time awareness, appetite, movement of the body, pain, and the senses of taste, touch, smell, hearing, and sight.
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Research suggests cannabinoids might:
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Reduce anxiety
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Control nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy
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Relieve pain and reduce inflammation
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Kill cancer cells and slow tumor growth
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Stimulate appetite and improve weight gain
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Relax tight muscles caused by Multiple sclerosis
What are Terpenes?
Terpenes are aromatic oils secrreted from the same glands that produce the THC and CBD cannabinoids in Marijuana plants. Terpenes color cannabis plant varieties with distinctive flavors such as citrus, lemon, berry, mint, pine, etc.
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There are many factors that influence a plant’s development of terpenes, such as climate, weather, age and maturation, soil type, and fertilizers. The development of terpenes are even affected by the time of day.
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There are more than 100 different types of identified terpenes in cannabis plants. Each strain of the cannabis plant leans toward a unique composition of terpenes. This results in the plant having attributed characteristics from the unique composition of terpenes.
It is believed that terpenes play a major role in differentiating the effects of varied cannabis strains.
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Each developed terpene has its unique associated effects. Some promote relaxation and stress-relief, others promote focus and acuteness.
The effects of each terpene changes in the presence of other compounds. The synergistic effects as a result of the harmonious combination of terpenes is known as the entourage effect.
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The differences among terpene types can be subtle, but add great depth to the art of cultivation and terpene development for the connoisseurship of cannabis by stoners and other patients of Medical Marijuana.
Terpenes may also offer medicnial value to patients, as they mediate interactions of the human body with therapeutic cannabinoids.
How is Medical Marijuana Used?
Medical Marijuana also referred to as Cannabis comes in a variety of forms and can be smoked, vaporized, or eaten when mixed with food. The effects of cannabis vary significantly depending on how it is consumed.
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Marijuana/Cannabis/Weed − the dried leaves and flowers, also referred to as the "buds" of the cannabis plant that are smoked.​
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Concentrates – extracts (dabs, wax or shatter) often vaporized in small quantities due to the high THC content.
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Hash oil – the liquid that is used sparingly due to its high level of potency. Hash oil is often added to the tip of a joint and smoked.
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The effects of Medical Marijuana can be immediately felt when smoked or vaporized.