Marijuana, medically termed as cannabis is a drug preparation from the plant Cannabis. Cannabis is primarily used as a psychoactive drug with combining effects as stimulant, hallucinogenic, and depressant. Marijuana is classified as a Schedule I drug which means that possession and illegal dispensing is prohibited by the law. Countless arguments, clashing opinions, and debates aroused for the legalization of the use of marijuana even though for therapeutic purposes.
But, because of the beneficial effects of this medical cannabis, California has made it lawful. This is in accordance with the Compassionate Use Act (CUA) passed in 1996. California is one of the earliest states to pass this kind of law. Moreover, among the 14 states that legalized the medical use of the drug, California is the only one who grants eligible patients to acquire marijuana through growing and dispensing cooperatives.
With the use of medical cannabis, California gives hope to several medically ill patients. Some of its marvellous effects are centred in the treatment of illnesses such as:
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• HIV/AIDS
• Glaucoma
• Cancer
• Muscle spasms in multiple sclerosis
• Analgesic effects in spastic and neurogenic pain
• Alleviation of nausea and vomiting
• Premenstrual syndrome
Synthetic preparations of the drug are available in the U.S. as well as in different countries. However, the all natural marijuana is more effective. The only problem with medical cannabis is the lack of research that will provide a solid evidence of its advantageous effects.
The administration of the drug by vaporization has shown decreased side effects than that of smoking and eating marijuana. Eating it increases the possibility of consuming large amounts. Among the adverse effects of medical cannabis are seen as psycho-physiologic manifestations:
• Distorted perception
• Impaired thinking and judgement
• Delusions
• Hallucinations
• Increases heart rate and is therefore contraindicated in people with heart attack.
