The medical benefits of Marijuana

Marijuana has been a topic of heated debates for many years. Across the world, there are many different laws and regulations around the use of marijuana, and it has been researched. Recent research conducted at Harvard University estimated that around 7.5% of people in the US aged 12 or over were users of the drug.

While many people are attracted to the drug because of its effects that include a ‘rush’ or a ‘high’ there are also many medical professionals who argue that the medical benefits of the plant far out-weight the negatives and should be used for pain relief and other health problems.

The arguments against cannabis use include the concerns around the paranoia and anxiety that have linked to frequent, heavy usage. Like smoking cigarettes, smoking cannabis also poses a danger of lung cancer and other problems related to breathing. The Harvard study suggests that the biggest impact regarding health risks affect teenagers whose brains are still developing. They also found that there was a link between using marijuana and developing certain mental illnesses.

In the United States, laws have been ratified by seven states that legalize marijuana for recreational use. In California, adults aged over 21 are allowed to grow cannabis plants in their home. A total of 26 states legalize marijuana for medical purposes, but it is still illegal by federal law. Take a look at the legality breakdown of states on this heat map.

So it is very clear that there are split opinions on whether it should completely legalized in the United States. It is impossible to predict the future decisions, as it will be reliant on further research studies.

The medical benefits are well documented. In some countries, it is used to treat multiple sclerosis and cancer-related pain. Marijuana doctors are confident that the medical benefits should be legalized at a federal level. Some doctors prescribe it for a long list of symptoms such as chronic pain, headaches, depression, back pain, arthritis and insomnia.

Marijuana use will continue to be the subject of many medical arguments until more conclusive research is available to add evidence to the theories. It is legal to possess a small amount of the drug in some American states and the Netherlands in Europe. While not many countries enforce the law for small amounts of possession, there are stricter penalties applied in African countries and many Asian countries.

If you are somebody who would benefit from the pain relief or other medical benefits of marijuana, then you are probably hoping that the more relaxed laws will be agreed in your area of the world. In the UK, cannabis is graded as a Class B drug and possession can result in up to 5 years imprisonment. If cannabis is illegal in your country, then make sure you are aware of the laws and penalties before you use marijuana, and if you are travelling, you should make sure that you are educated about the laws of the country that you visit.