Introduction
The use of marijuana in the medical sphere is a highly debated and discussed topic. In several states, it is illegal to purchase and consume marijuana for both therapeutic and recreational purposes. There is a plethora of arguments pro and against marijuana use for patients with such diseases as cancer, epilepsy, and AIDS (Karst, 2018). Despite the fact that the use of marijuana and its specific effects in medicine requires additional investigation, the benefits are undeniable.
Benefits of Marijuana
Medical marijuana provides relief mainly in the way of combating chronic pain and nausea and improving appetite. For example, patients with cancer have reported significant improvement in physical pain after marijuana consumption (Pawasarat et al., 2020). Despite the lack of research in this field, many people with epilepsy claim that the use of marijuana has helped them with their condition (MacCarald, 2019). For example, it can prevent seizures and act as a relaxant.
The situation with AIDS treatment and medical marijuana use looks more promising. It has been documented that marijuana can ease the side effects of AIDS medication, for example, nausea, vomiting, and weakness (MacCarald, 2019). As in the case of cancer, AIDS patients can benefit from the relief of pain that marijuana use provides. Overall, medical marijuana is favored as a support medication rather than a means to annihilate diseases.
Medical Marijuana Risks
Despite personal testimonies and proven pain relief benefits, medical marijuana has its set of risks. Among its side effects there are such conditions as weakness, disorientation, tiredness, agitation, problems with balance, hallucinations, xerostomia, paranoia, frenzy, sleepiness, and stomach aches (Karst, 2018). In addition, there is a significant lack of research regarding the actual benefits of marijuana among epileptics. These mixed features of marijuana use create a gray area with its medical application.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the risks and benefits of marijuana use are vast and extensive; however, they require further research. Patients with cancer and AIDS certainly benefit from pain relief and marijuana’s nausea-combatting properties. Patients with epilepsy claim that the use of marijuana prevents seizures and provides immense relief. More generally, marijuana is used to ease medical conditions and does not act as its optimal treatment.
References
Karst, A. (2018). Weighing the benefits and risks of medical marijuana use: A brief review. Pharmacy, 6(4), 128.
MacCarald, C. (2019). Marijuana. The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.
Pawasarat, I. M., Schultz, E. M., Frisby, J. C., Mehta, S., Angelo, M. A., Hardy, S. S., & Kim, T. W. B. (2020). The efficacy of medical marijuana in the treatment of cancer-related pain. Journal of Palliative Medicine, 23(6), 809–816.