We often think of substance abuse or drugs when we hear the word ‘marijuana’ or ‘weed.’ It can’t be blamed that people still harbor ill will against the substance due to its negative effects. But medical marijuana is entirely different; it wouldn’t be too far-fetched to say that it’s protecting lives!
Medical marijuana has plenty of benefits, such as treating epilepsy and anxiety and providing pain relief. It has also been legalized in major states, including Pennsylvania. Its legalization is purely based on medical purposes and improving the quality of life of patients.
People still hold grudges against the substance. This article is here to debunk some of the common myths pertaining to medical marijuana and give you proof that it is a game changer in the field of medicine.
Myth #1: Medical Marijuana Gets You ‘High’
This is an overstatement, as no study has backed it up. Medical marijuana is carefully administered and manufactured in a controlled environment. The majority of medical cannabis has low THC and high CBD content where the former is responsible for getting you ‘high’.
CBD does not interact as strongly with your brain’s receptors as THC. This results in plenty of medical advantages, with no chance of it messing up with your brain. But it does hold psychoactive properties, which can make you tired. That is understandable, as it is used to administer HIV/AIDS, cancer, and epileptic patients.
Myth #2: Medical Marijuana Causes Pain
There is no such thing as ‘pain induced by medical cannabis. In reality, it is used to provide pain relief. Opiates and cannabinoids interact with the peripheral nerve, where plenty of cannabinoid receptors are present.
Medical marijuana is also pretty famous for treating chronic pain in cancer patients. Cancer patients feel pain in the form of inflammation and the invasion of tumors in bones and tissues. Opiates tend to be resistive after some time. So, medical marijuana is a doorway to providing relief to such patients.
Myth #3: Medical Marijuana Causes Liver Damage
Medical cannabis is in fact used to minimize the effects of liver diseases! It has anti-inflammatory properties that minimize the side effects of inflammation in such patients.
Health practitioners can prescribe medical cannabis based on a patient’s condition. More importantly, it has been found to be prevalence in handling Cirrhosis patients. There are other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite associated with liver diseases that medical cannabis can provide relief from.
Myth #4: Medical Marijuana Leads To Substance Abuse
Marijuana has negative connotations attached to it, which makes people believe that it is the ‘source of all evil’. But that’s not the case with medical marijuana. If taken in the prescribed amount and according to the directives of a physician, you can unlock its positive aspects.
There is no positive relationship found between the use of medical marijuana and other substances. Cannabis has been frequently used as a substitute for opioids and to counter nicotine and alcohol abuse.
Myth #5: Medical Marijuana Causes Cancer
The substance has been used to treat cancer patients. A person undergoing chemotherapy is bound to experience nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and pain. Medical marijuana comes in handy to cater to such patients.
Medical marijuana has become beneficial for patients undergoing weight loss as a side effect of chemotherapy and AIDS. Cannabinoids have major anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, making them an alternative treatment for such symptoms.
Myth #6: You Have To Smoke Medical Marijuana
Medical Marijuana comes in various forms, such as oils, liquids, powders, and pills. You don’t have to smoke it to get medical benefits necessarily.
But each mode will affect the onset of the drug. Smoking will show immediate effects, while pills may take several hours. It all depends on what kind of form the doctor has prescribed you.
Myth #7: Medical Marijuana Can Make You Depressed
Medical marijuana is used to manage depression. It interacts with your brain receptors, which makes you feel relaxed and calm. It is a misunderstanding if you think that the substance can cause any kind of mood disorder.
It is effective in providing short-term relief from depression and anxiety. Research suggests that medical cannabis may reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms in clinically depressed people. However, more research is required to know its full effect when it comes to mood disorders.
Myth #8: Medical Marijuana Causes Diabetes
Another general misconception is that marijuana leads to diabetes. In fact, a study suggests that the substance can lower blood glucose levels and increase insulin in people with type 2 diabetes.
Another risk associated with diabetes is weight loss. This can be easily administered with medical marijuana. Diabetic patients are also prone to experiencing nausea, fatigue, and vomiting, making medical marijuana an important substance to curtail such effects.
Myth #9: Medical Marijuana Causes Tiredness
It depends on the strain. Indica strains usually have high CBD and low THC, which normally makes you tired. That is why it is used by people experiencing Insomnia. Whereas Sativa strains have high THC and low CBD, which makes you active and energized. Check out Elevate Holistics for more details.
Bottom Line
Medical marijuana has made a huge impact in the world of medicine. It’s quite beneficial for administering to patients suffering from cancer and epilepsy. Even though there will always be negative perceptions attached to it, the substance continues to garner attention when it comes to treating serious illnesses.
