The history of cannabis predates the modern world and extends as far as the pre-Neolithic period in Japan where they cultivated help for its fibre, as a food source, and possibly for its drug benefits. The marijuana plant is native to both Central and South Asia and has been used for millennia in a variety of ways. Restrictions on marijuana began in the Islamic world in the 1300s, then in the 1800s by colonial powers around the globe, and finally, sweeping anti-drug and marijuana measures were instituted internationally in the mid 20th century. With such a universal push against marijuana, it is surprising that the pushback has gained enough ground that as of October 17, 2018, in Canada marijuana will be legalized recreationally, though medical marijuana has been legal in Canada since 2001. So with so many divided camps on weed, is it good or bad?
The Good
There are a ton of benefits to consuming marijuana outside of recreational or religious purposes. Marijuana can help treat and control symptoms for a wide variety of medical conditions, giving relief to patients from many walks of life.
Chronic Pain
The chemical CBD in marijuana is a proven pain reliever and can help people with chronic pain take control of their symptoms and get back to the activities they were unable to perform due to their pain. With limited side effects and considering it is non-addictive marijuana is one of the best pain relievers on the market.
Depression, Social Anxiety, and PTSD
There are published scientific reviews that show that marijuana can treat symptoms of certain mental illnesses. Marijuana use can help relieve symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can also help relieve social anxiety, but there is contradictory evidence that found it can sometimes increase social anxiety as well. Marijuana treatment for mental illnesses must be considered carefully, however, because it can exacerbate both bipolar disorder and psychosis, including schizophrenia. It is not an appropriate treatment for people who have those conditions or who have a family history of those conditions.
Cancer
Not a cure for cancer, but smoking marijuana can help alleviate nausea and vomiting that is experienced by patients undergoing chemotherapy. It also can help stimulate the appetite, which for some, becomes non-existent.
Multiple Sclerosis
Oral cannabinoids can modestly help improve spasticity symptoms in people who have multiple sclerosis.
Epilepsy
There are two types of epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome – both of which are medication resistant, that can be treated effectively with CBD. CBD is not the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, and when people who suffer from these conditions take either CBD oil or pills, they experience, on average a 39% reduction in seizure occurrence. There are side effects for children who take this medicine, including vomiting, fatigue, and fever, and more rarely liver damage, sedation, and suicidality, but considering that 1 in 5 children who have Dravet syndrome do not live to see 20 this is a huge breakthrough.
The Bad
There are health risks associated with marijuana use. For those who have bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, psychosis, or suicidal thoughts, they can experience an increase in symptoms. There is also some evidence that suggests there is an increased risk in one specific type of slow-growing testicular cancer. Those who smoke marijuana rather than take oils, edibles and other methods of ingesting it can also suffer respiratory disease.
The Good from My Green Solution
Marijuana use, medically speaking, is overwhelmingly positive. Like everything else in life, moderation is key, as is using the appropriate product for you and your needs. At My Green Solution, we have a wide variety of products that can help with a variety of needs and you can order weed online in Canada from us from the comfort of your own home. Contact us today and sign up for our free trial.