November 27, 2007

Marijuana As Medicine (Pros And Cons)

Marijuana as medicine: Consider the pros and cons
Whether marijuana will relieve your side effects or symptoms is questionable. But the risks of smoking pot are clear. Examine the facts about marijuana before making your decision.
People have used marijuana as a medical treatment for thousands of years. Such uses extend even to modern America. Marijuana was listed by the U.S. Pharmacopeia, the organization that sets quality standards for approved drugs in the United States, until the 1940s, when political pressure against marijuana's recreational use triggered its removal.

Despite the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling that state laws allowing medicinal use of marijuana must bow to federal law banning it, proponents still tout this controversial plant's ability to treat pain, nausea and other uncomfortable side effects of medical treatment as well as some disease symptoms.

Marijuana 101: The plant and its components
Marijuana refers to the dried flowers, leaves, stems and seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant. These parts contain the compounds that produce the mind-altering effect that recreational users seek when smoking or ingesting the plant — but they also provide components with potential medical benefits.

Marijuana contains at least 60 chemicals called cannabinoids. Researchers are evaluating how effective some of these cannabinoids might be in controlling symptoms of certain medical conditions. For example:

THC. An abbreviation for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, THC is the main component responsible for marijuana's mind-altering effect. It also may help treat signs and symptoms such as nausea and vomiting that are associated with a number of medical conditions.
Cannabinol and cannabidiol. These compounds have some of the properties of THC, but cause less psychoactive effects — the high.
Dronabinol (Marinol). Dronabinol (dro-NAB-in-ol) is a man-made version of THC available by prescription. It's used to prevent nausea and vomiting after cancer chemotherapy when other medicines for these side effects don't work, and to increase appetite in people with AIDS.
How it works
When smoked or ingested, THC and other cannabinoids in marijuana attach to two types of receptors on cells in your body — like keys in a lock — affecting the cells, once attached.

CB1 is one such receptor. CB1 receptors are found mainly in your brain, especially in areas that control body movement, memory and vomiting. This helps explain why marijuana use affects balance and coordination and impairs short-term memory and learning, and why it can be useful in treating nausea, pain and loss of appetite.

The other type of receptor, CB2, is found in small numbers elsewhere in your body, mainly in tissue of the immune system, such as your spleen and lymph nodes. The function of these receptors is not well understood. They may serve as brakes on immune system function, which may help explain why marijuana suppresses your immune system.

After you smoke marijuana, its ingredients reach their peak levels in your body within minutes, and effects can last up to an hour and a half. When eaten — the plant is sometimes mixed with food — the ingredients can take several hours to reach their peak levels in your body, and their effects may last for hours.

The prescription drug dronabinol, which is taken as an oral capsule, takes effect in about 30 minutes and can continue to stimulate appetite for more than a day.

Possible medical uses
Scientists studying marijuana's potential medical uses have found that it may help treat a variety of conditions.

Nausea
One of THC's medical uses best supported by research is the treatment of nausea. It can improve mild to moderate nausea caused by cancer chemotherapy and help reduce nausea and weight loss in people with AIDS.

Younger people may find marijuana more useful as a treatment for nausea than do older people — who may not tolerate its mind-altering side effects as well. The prescription form, dronabinol, also may produce psychological side effects that make it inappropriate for some older people. Doctors generally prescribe several kinds of newer anti-nausea drugs with fewer side effects before resorting to dronabinol.

Glaucoma
This disease — the third-leading cause of blindness in the United States — is marked by increased pressure in the eyeball, which can lead to vision loss.

In the early 1970s, scientists discovered that smoking marijuana reduced pressure in the eyes. Exactly how the cannabinoids in marijuana produce this effect isn't known. Scientists have discovered CB1 receptors in the eyes, which may provide clues for future research on how marijuana affects glaucoma.

Your doctor can prescribe other medications to treat glaucoma, but these can lose their effectiveness over time. Researchers are working to develop medications containing cannabinoids that can be put directly on the eyes — to avoid the mind-altering side effects and other health consequences of smoking the plant.

Pain
People widely used marijuana for pain relief in the 1800s, and several studies have found that cannabinoids have analgesic effects. In fact, THC may work as well in treating cancer pain as codeine, a mild pain reliever. Cannabinoids also appear to enhance the effects of opiate pain medications to provide pain relief at lower dosages.

Researchers currently are developing new medications based on cannabis to treat pain.

Multiple sclerosis
Research results on the effectiveness of cannabinoids in the treatment of the tremors, muscle spasms and pain of multiple sclerosis (MS) — a disease of the nervous system that can cause muscle pain — are mixed. A 2003 study found that cannabinoids significantly reduced pain in people with multiple sclerosis.

Some scientists feel that more research may show cannabinoids useful in treating MS. Marijuana may protect nerves from the kind of damage that occurs during the disease. They also suggest that animal study results, knowledge of CB1 receptors in the brain and users' reports of decreased symptoms after using marijuana support this possibility. However, others advise caution in using marijuana to treat MS, given the modest therapeutic effects cannabinoids have demonstrated so far and the potential of long-term adverse side effects.


MORE ON THIS TOPIC
HIV/AIDS
Chemotherapy nausea and vomiting: Prevention is best defense
Glaucoma
Multiple sclerosis

Not without risks
Though some doctors and patients suggest marijuana has a legitimate use, the United States government disagrees. Federal law recognizes marijuana as a Schedule I drug, which classifies it as one of "the most dangerous drugs that have no recognized medical use." If law-enforcement officers find you with the drug in your possession, the penalty can range from a small fine to a prison sentence.

Along with the legal implications, smoking marijuana poses several health risks, including:

Impairment of thinking, problem-solving skills and memory
Reduced balance and coordination
Increased risk of heart attack
Heightened risk of chronic cough and respiratory infections
Potential for hallucinations and withdrawal symptoms
Also, marijuana smoke contains 50 percent to 70 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than does tobacco smoke and has the potential to cause cancer of the lungs and respiratory tract. Marijuana smoke is commonly inhaled deeper and held longer than is tobacco smoke, increasing the lungs' exposure to carcinogens.

These risks should be taken into account when considering the use of marijuana for medical purposes. If you are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms or side effects of medical treatment, especially pain and nausea, talk to your doctor about all your options before trying marijuana.

30 comments:

Anonymous said...

viagra rx viagra herb alternative viagra paypal pfizer viagra bad side effects of viagra viagra pills make your own viagra viagra uk cost pill over the counter viagra viagra oral viagra 100mg viagra online uk women does viagra work free viagra in the uk

Anonymous said...

dringleweed.blogspot.com is very informative. The article is very professionally written. I enjoy reading dringleweed.blogspot.com every day.
payday cash loan
payday loans canada

Anonymous said...

http://markonzo.edu http://blog.bakililar.az/metronidazole/ http://blog.bakililar.az/prilosecs/ riza http://riderx.info/members/aricept-5mg-aricept-generic.aspx http://www.netknowledgenow.com/members/zetia-side-effects.aspx http://blog.bakililar.az/flagyl/ januarybring aver

Anonymous said...

Hi, as you can see this is my first post here.
I will be glad to receive any help at the beginning.
Thanks in advance and good luck! :)

Anonymous said...

Hello,
I have developed a new clean web 2.0 wordpress theme.

Has 2 colours silver and blue, has custom header(colour or image).
I am curently working on it, so if you have suggestions let me know.

You can view live demo and download from here www.getbelle.com
If you found bug reports or you have suggestions pm me.
Wish you a happing using.

many thanks to [url=http://www.usainstantpayday.com/]USAInstantPayDay.com[/url] for paying the hosting and developement of the theme

Teenogopfarge

Anonymous said...

Hey guys,

I've been trying to locate Some patches pretty much like these [url=http://www.embroideredpatchesplus.com/]embroidered patches[/url] to have sewn onto my motorcycle club vest and it would be nice to get a recommendation for a place to buy them from.

Anonymous said...

xanax price buy xanax american express - causes xanax withdrawal xanax withdrawal

Anonymous said...

We provide all kinds of excessive property s that come in a variety of styles,[url=http://www.safeandsoon.com/]wedding dresses[/url]
colors and sizes at wholesale price.All are sale-priced with up to the minute styles compound apparels including designer combining scold, coast wedding dresses, connubial gowns, bridesmaids dresses, prom outfits, bourgeon young lady dresses & nurse dresses.Even we can supply the services of open area customization and loose together with size Shop affordable astounding wedding dresses in the present climate!make use of searing shopping, put on one's sunday best clothes to the letter destined for the whacking big juncture with the labourers of G-marry bridal.


http://www.safeandsoon.com/

Anonymous said...

srg cialis coupon , cialis for women , cheap cialis , sildenafil viagra , generic viagra online , free viagra samples

Anonymous said...

If scoliosis is caught at the very early signs, then it can easily be prevented from going further, even reversed, with homeopathic medicines generic lumigan The first will be the daily log
Now it was mentioned that there are herbs for anxiety that you can use to accompany your meditations and the list of said herbs are quite vast and easily available generic cymbalta Antidepressants cause weight gain. Scientists know it, researchers know it, & your doctor better know it.
Flushing out sodium will reduce blood pressure which is also good for dealing with tinnitus viagra for women It is believed that because anxiety disorder symptoms are lessened by the use of medication that are used to alter the levels of chemical within the brain
Unfortunately, that doesn't make them any less intolerable purchase iressa Wakefulness or insomnia might be caused by pressure, untoward way of life practices such as irregular sleeping time or might be the uses of stimulants like caffeine and tobacco prior to the bedtime
Start your day with a glass of water since the most common time to get dehydrated is after a night of sleeping Neem no membership The first thing is to do a lot of cardiovascular workouts which are very essential to build those sexy abs

Anonymous said...

JJ Watt Authentic Jersey

One of my African Greys loves to play catch with a wadded up piece of paperLaugh a little - no, a lot! Most people are just too serious Once you have grasped the idea that life is an occurrence that you are in control of, and you grow to understand that you are not in school to learn anything, you will begin to look farther ahead to greater awareness with the knowledge that the spirit is eternal and cannot be destroyed This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask

Texans JJ Watt Jersey

So far, so good, right? Well, that's only if you remember that in reality your puppy has the brain of a little kidOwning your own business is part of the American DreamAnd you can sweep problems under the carpet or run away from them Then see if everyone wakes up just before they go off

Broncos Von Miller Jersey

Anonymous said...

top [url=http://www.001casino.com/]casino games[/url] coincide the latest [url=http://www.realcazinoz.com/]realcazinoz[/url] autonomous no consign perk at the best [url=http://www.baywatchcasino.com/]bay take note of casino
[/url].

Anonymous said...

интим сайт для девушек

в [url=http://goooogl]Gooogle[/url] знакомства только секс Красный Холм
секс интим порно ебля зрелых тетак

Anonymous said...

through and thгough this, few of thе horticulture are vеrу monеtaгy standarԁ and tenԁ to be useԁ by be aѕkeԁ tо set hіs οr heг іntent fοr anу healing they ωould liκe tо
геceive. The coat is comраct and clouԁy Ζur�ckweіsungen , dіе οft zu еіner k�rperlісh-energеtischen Schutzhaltung f�hгt, аus der Frau sіch alleіnе nur mehг schωer befreien kann.


My weblog :: homepage

Anonymous said...

Did you [url=http://www.onlinecasinos.gd]casino games[/url] cognizant of that you can rhyme Revolving Citadel unswervingly from your mobile? We obtain a horizontal unfixed casino within reach after iPhone, iPad, Android, Blackberry, Windows 7 and Smartphone users. Melody in agreement's hands on your gaming with you and be a conqueror [url=http://www.adults.gd]buy vibrators online[/url] wherever you go.

Anonymous said...

sdg viagra pills viagra,cheap viagra viagra, viagra online viagra,cheap cialis viagra
http://cheapviagrapillsesl.com#viagra http://cheapviagrapillsvivt.com#cheap viagra http://viagraonlinegenericth.com#generic viagra http://cheapcialisgenericsybf.com#generic cialis

Anonymous said...

sdg viagra pills viagra,cheap viagra viagra, viagra online viagra,cheap cialis viagra
http://cheapviagrapillsesl.com#viagra http://cheapviagrapillsvivt.com#cheap viagra http://viagraonlinegenericth.com#generic viagra http://cheapcialisgenericsybf.com#generic cialis

Anonymous said...

sdg viagra pills viagra,cheap viagra viagra, viagra online viagra,cheap cialis viagra
http://cheapviagrapillsesl.com#viagra http://cheapviagrapillsvivt.com#cheap viagra http://viagraonlinegenericth.com#generic viagra http://cheapcialisgenericsybf.com#generic cialis

Anonymous said...

sdg viagra pills viagra,cheap viagra viagra, viagra online viagra,cheap cialis viagra
http://cheapviagrapillsesl.com#viagra http://cheapviagrapillsvivt.com#cheap viagra http://viagraonlinegenericth.com#generic viagra http://cheapcialisgenericsybf.com#generic cialis

Anonymous said...

sdg viagra pills viagra,cheap viagra viagra, viagra online viagra,cheap cialis viagra
http://cheapviagrapillsesl.com#viagra http://cheapviagrapillsvivt.com#cheap viagra http://viagraonlinegenericth.com#generic viagra http://cheapcialisgenericsybf.com#generic cialis

Anonymous said...

sdg viagra pills viagra,cheap viagra viagra, viagra online viagra,cheap cialis viagra
http://cheapviagrapillsesl.com#viagra http://cheapviagrapillsvivt.com#cheap viagra http://viagraonlinegenericth.com#generic viagra http://cheapcialisgenericsybf.com#generic cialis

Anonymous said...

tg viagra pills viagra,cheap viagra viagra, viagra online viagra pills,cialis cheap viagra
http://cheapviagrapillsesl.com#viagra pills http://cheapviagrapillsvivt.com#viagra http://viagraonlinegenericth.com#generic viagra http://cheapcialisgenericsybf.com#cialis

Anonymous said...

tg viagra pills viagra,cheap viagra viagra, viagra online viagra pills,cialis cheap viagra
http://cheapviagrapillsesl.com#viagra pills http://cheapviagrapillsvivt.com#viagra http://viagraonlinegenericth.com#generic viagra http://cheapcialisgenericsybf.com#cialis

Anonymous said...

It's actually quite simple - Internet porn can become an addiction, and with all addictions the brain changes, or adapts. It does not matter if the addiction is to a substance or whether it is a behavioural addiction, the same brain changes result. cialis cialis,cialis online generic cialis, cheap viagra cialis,cialis cialis online
http://genericcialisonlinevsdk.com#cialis http://cialisonlinepricesrj.com#cialis online http://cheapviagrapillsesf.com#viagra pills http://genericcialisonlinevsdt.com#cialis online

Anonymous said...

It's actually quite simple - Internet porn can become an addiction, and with all addictions the brain changes, or adapts. It does not matter if the addiction is to a substance or whether it is a behavioural addiction, the same brain changes result. cialis cialis,cialis online generic cialis, cheap viagra cialis,cialis cialis online
http://genericcialisonlinevsdk.com#cialis http://cialisonlinepricesrj.com#cialis online http://cheapviagrapillsesf.com#viagra pills http://genericcialisonlinevsdt.com#cialis online

Anonymous said...

It's actually quite simple - Internet porn can become an addiction, and with all addictions the brain changes, or adapts. It does not matter if the addiction is to a substance or whether it is a behavioural addiction, the same brain changes result. cialis cialis,cialis online generic cialis, cheap viagra cialis,cialis cialis online
http://genericcialisonlinevsdk.com#cialis http://cialisonlinepricesrj.com#cialis online http://cheapviagrapillsesf.com#viagra pills http://genericcialisonlinevsdt.com#cialis online

Anonymous said...

I cialis cialis,generic viagra cialis price, buy viagra cialis,viagra price cialis price
http://cialisonlinepricesrg.com#generic viagra http://viagraonlinegenerictsf.com#viagra http://buyviagraonlinewrv.com#buy viagra http://genericviagrapricevth.com#viagra price

Anonymous said...

I cialis cialis,generic viagra cialis price, buy viagra cialis,viagra price cialis price
http://cialisonlinepricesrg.com#generic viagra http://viagraonlinegenerictsf.com#viagra http://buyviagraonlinewrv.com#buy viagra http://genericviagrapricevth.com#viagra price

Anonymous said...

I cialis cialis,generic viagra cialis price, buy viagra cialis,viagra price cialis price
http://cialisonlinepricesrg.com#generic viagra http://viagraonlinegenerictsf.com#viagra http://buyviagraonlinewrv.com#buy viagra http://genericviagrapricevth.com#viagra price

Anonymous said...

I like [url=http://www.nikeshop.ca/]Nike[/url] and http://www.nikeshop.ca/3cpwalyy