There has been enough research to lead the FDA to approve cannabinoids which are chemicals that are in marijuana. There are currently two FDA approved medications that contain cannabinoids (Merino). The two cannabinoids that are heavily researched are THC and CBD. THC can increase appetite and reduce nausea which is great for patients undergoing chemotherapy. It also can decrease pain, inflammation, and problems with muscle control, like Parkinson’s disease or Tourette’s (Merino). CBD doesn’t control the mind or behavior or give a sense of euphoria. It has been found to help reduce pain and inflammation, control seizures caused by epilepsy, mental illness and addiction (Merino). These two cannabinoids alone could give many patients relief and for some, a whole new life. There are clinical trials underway that are testing marijuana to treat autoimmune diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, inflammation, pain, seizures, addiction, as well as mental disorders (Merino). If these clinical trials show marijuana could even slightly improve these terrible symptoms and conditions it could be revolutionary in changing the lives of patients who are suffering in the United States. There is much question about which forms of marijuana should be used for medicinal purposes. Dr. Kathryn Villano of Miami said, “I think marijuana has been shown to be very safe, particularly if it’s not smoked.” (Ostrowski). Thankfully, there are many ways to use marijuana for medicinal purposes without smoking it. There are concentrated oils, sprays that can be applied to the mucous membranes, and pills containing cannabinoids. Medicinal marijuana is a wonderful asset to the healthcare community and with more research there could be a cure to many more illnesses than we
There has been enough research to lead the FDA to approve cannabinoids which are chemicals that are in marijuana. There are currently two FDA approved medications that contain cannabinoids (Merino). The two cannabinoids that are heavily researched are THC and CBD. THC can increase appetite and reduce nausea which is great for patients undergoing chemotherapy. It also can decrease pain, inflammation, and problems with muscle control, like Parkinson’s disease or Tourette’s (Merino). CBD doesn’t control the mind or behavior or give a sense of euphoria. It has been found to help reduce pain and inflammation, control seizures caused by epilepsy, mental illness and addiction (Merino). These two cannabinoids alone could give many patients relief and for some, a whole new life. There are clinical trials underway that are testing marijuana to treat autoimmune diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, inflammation, pain, seizures, addiction, as well as mental disorders (Merino). If these clinical trials show marijuana could even slightly improve these terrible symptoms and conditions it could be revolutionary in changing the lives of patients who are suffering in the United States. There is much question about which forms of marijuana should be used for medicinal purposes. Dr. Kathryn Villano of Miami said, “I think marijuana has been shown to be very safe, particularly if it’s not smoked.” (Ostrowski). Thankfully, there are many ways to use marijuana for medicinal purposes without smoking it. There are concentrated oils, sprays that can be applied to the mucous membranes, and pills containing cannabinoids. Medicinal marijuana is a wonderful asset to the healthcare community and with more research there could be a cure to many more illnesses than we