Medical marijuana or medical cannabis refers to using the marijuana plant and its active compounds to treat various diseases or conditions. Cannabis has over 100 different cannabinoids that affect our bodies differently. The main chemicals with a medicinal impact are THC, or Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, and CBD, or cannabidiol. While the latter compound is strictly therapeutic, THC is a psychoactive compound known for producing a euphoric high. With 33 US states now legalizing medical marijuana, it's worth exploring whether it's right for you. Visit this website to know more about the benefits of medical marijuana.

Even though more than 2/3^rd of the US have legalized medical marijuana, it's worth noting that more research is still needed to determine how it can be used most effectively. Unfortunately, current US federal law still classifies cannabis as a Schedule I drug, which means there are no currently accepted medical uses in the eyes of the law. As a result, conducting research on cannabis and its medical applications only happens under strict guidelines, if it all. Some progress, however, is still being made.

In 2018, for example, the FDA approved a cannabidiol that goes by the pharmaceutical name "Epidiolex." The FDA approved Epidiolex for treating seizures that result from Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndrome, two uncommon but relentless forms of epilepsy. Moreover, two synthetic cannabinoids called "dronabinol" and "nabilone" were also approved by the FDA. These synthetic cannabinoids, which go by the pharmaceutical names "Marinol" and "Cesamet," respectively, are used to alleviate chemotherapy's side effects, such as nausea and vomiting.

Despite the DEA categorizing marijuana as a Schedule I drug, it has proven to have practical medicinal uses. Even with strict guidelines suppressing research, new studies are being launched that investigate the therapeutic application of cannabis in a number of conditions, including Alzheimer's, cancer, HIV/AIDS, MS, epilepsy, glaucoma, PTSD, muscle spasms, pain, and cachexia to name a few. While the results are inconclusive at this time, the evidence so far supports the proposition that medical marijuana is best suited for reducing chronic pain, treating stiff muscles, and alleviating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

If you are interested in using cannabis to treat one of your medical conditions, you first need to check your state and local laws to confirm whether medical cannabis is legal in your area. If so, consult a licensed doctor who will qualify your condition and provide a written recommendation to obtain an ID card for purchasing medical-grade cannabis at a licensed dispensary.

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