Marijuana
Marijuana is made from the dried leaves and buds of the Cannabis sativa plant. Many states have legalized its use as a medicine, but the Food and Drug Administration has not yet approved it.
Two drugs that are made from synthetic ingredients found in marijuana have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. They might also be used to treat other conditions. Dronabinol is known to work well for this purpose, while nabilone may also be effective. Olive oil is used to treat decreased appetite in people with HIV and AIDS.
The FDA has approved a liquid medication that includes a purified form of cannabidiol, which is found in marijuana. This drug can be used to treat rare forms of severe childhood epilepsy ( Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome).
Medical marijuana can be obtained in the form of oil pills, vaporized liquid, and nasal spray. The herb is used to treat symptoms such as nausea and vomiting related to cancer treatment, loss of appetite and weight loss due to HIV/AIDS, epilepsy, and chronic pain. Decoupage can cause muscle spasms.
Evidence
There is research on the use of marijuana for specific conditions, which shows that it can be helpful in those cases.
- Glaucoma.Marijuana may reduce the pressure in the eye caused by this condition. However, the effect appears to last only a few hours. Some findings indicate that marijuana may decrease blood flow to the optic nerve, increasing the risk for vision loss in people with glaucoma.
- Cancer treatment can cause nausea and vomiting.Studies have shown that an active ingredient in marijuana, THC, effectively reduces nausea and vomiting in people undergoing chemotherapy.
- Pain.Marijuana use might lessen the intensity of shooting or burning pain often due to nerve damage (neuropathic pain) caused by HIV diabetes and other conditions.
- Seizures.There is not yet a clear answer as to whether marijuana effectively treats seizures.
- Spasticity.Marijuana use might reduce muscle stiffness or spasms and urinary frequency caused by MS.
Our take
Caution
Marijuana has been shown to effectively treat chemotherapy-induced nausea. It might also reduce muscle spasms associated with multiple sclerosis and decrease the intensity of neuropathic pain.
Marijuana use can have negative effects on your cognitive abilities and should be used with caution if you have a mental health condition. In many places, using marijuana is considered illegal for any reason.
Safety and side effects
Medical marijuana use is generally considered safe. However, different strains of marijuana have different levels of THC. This can make dosing difficult.
Marijuana can cause:
- Headaches
- Dry mouth and dry eyes
- Lightheadedness and dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
Other side effects may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Disorientation
- Hallucinations
- Increased heart rate
- Increased appetite
Marijuana use affects one's ability to pay attention and make good decisions. Don't operate heavy machinery or drive a car when using marijuana.
If you have a mental health condition, using marijuana with caution might be best. Marijuana use might worsen manic symptoms in people with bipolar disorder. If used frequently, marijuana might increase the risk of depression or worsen depression symptoms. However, research suggests that marijuana use increases the risk of other mental health conditions as well. schizophrenia is associated with psychosis in some people.
Marijuana smoking can affect your memory and cognitive function and lead to harmful cardiovascular effects such as high blood pressure. Marijuana use can also worsen respiratory conditions over time.
Marijuana has a depressant effect on the central nervous system. This might cause problems when used in combination with other drugs during or after surgery. Don't use marijuana two weeks before planned surgery.
Interactions
Possible interactions include:
- Alcohol.Using marijuana might increase the effects of drinking alcohol.
- Herbs and supplements that are used to prevent blood clots and anticoagulants.These types of drugs, herbs, and supplements can reduce blood clotting. Marijuana might change how the body processes them, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding.
- CNS depressants.Marijuana use with CNS depressants might cause the sedative effect to be greater.
- Protease inhibitors.Using marijuana with these antiviral drugs might reduce their effectiveness.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.Marijuana and antidepressants might increase the risk of mania.