Is the world changing its mind on cannabis – to be more specific, medical cannabis? In reality, medical cannabis has always been there and its properties have been established for generations and generations. Before we delve into the benefits of modern medical marijuana, let us take a trip to the past and chart a short history of this wonder plant.
Medically Recognized For Thousands Of Years
Much maligned in more recent years, cannabis has always been known for its medicinal properties and has had an important place in traditional medical practices for centuries. So while many people might be swayed by the more one-sided political representation of cannabis, there is proof throughout human history that people have been enjoying the medical benefits in many ways.
Medical Use Of Marijuana In History
One of the earliest Chinese Emperors, Fu Hsi (2900 BC), mentioned the healing properties of cannabis – it was referred to as a plant which possessed both yin and yang. Along with ginseng and ephedra, cannabis grew into a staple in the medical preparations of that golden age.
When we fast forward more than a thousand years, there is historical proof that the later Egyptian dynasties used cannabis for ailments such as glaucoma and it was also used as an enema. Arguably, the most famous example of cannabis use from early history comes from the Indian sub-continent, where bhang, a liquid preparation was used as an anesthetic agent.
India’s Ayurvedic system of medical treatment is an ancient one and very vast. Significant Ayurvedic texts mention the anti-phlegmatic properties of marijuana and its role in treating leprosy patients. Marijuana finds a place in Persian history too – the founder of the Zoroastrian religion mentions cannabis as the most prominent of medicinal plants.
There are many more examples from ancient Asia but the use of cannabis wasn’t restricted to the Oriental world. In the middle ages, you would find hemp in most of the herbalists’ collections. Hemp traveled to the New World with the settlers of Jamestown and the English publication
The History Of Marijuana And Mental Health
The Anatomy of Melancholy, known as one of the earliest books on mental health, recommends cannabis to negotiate depression. Another interesting historical anecdote comes from the founders of the nation!
George Washington mentions hemp growing in his diary and across the pond in the eighteenth century, Napoleon’s armies introduced hemp to France – it was used as a pain reliever and its sedative effects were rather welcome for those who were injured or suffering from various ailments.
Closer to our present, the leading medical journals of the world in the late nineteenth century – the Lancet – declared medical marijuana as a treatment for ex-opium users who are suffering from withdrawals.
Twentieth Century – Turmoil And Turnaround
The twentieth century saw a lot of policymaking that restricted the usage of marijuana, and unfortunately, due to a lack of understanding and a conservative bias towards the plant, it was outlawed in many regions.
Gross misrepresentations like the movie Reefer Madness certainly didn’t help and one can also blame the media exploitation of the culture around marijuana – which in reality is just a small slice in what really is history as long and varied as that of the human population.
But things are slowly changing and medical cannabis is gaining its rightful place again. You can walk into a San Francisco Dispensary and find out how your life can benefit from medical marijuana.
Some Of The Major Benefits
CBD can fight cancer: Cancer-prevention studies have been observing many properties of cannabis and the signs are encouraging. A seminal 2007 study showed that cannabidiol (CBD) acted on the cancers that had a significant level of the Id-1 gene. This reduces the spread of cancer.
Treatment for glaucoma: Medical marijuana has always been mentioned as a treatment for glaucoma for centuries and modern medicine is also agreeing with this historically prevalent practice. The marijuana when smoked reduces the pressure in the eye offering relief to glaucoma patients.
Neurological properties of medical cannabis: Medical cannabis has also been researched for its properties that help neutralize or ease neurological disorders – specifically conditions like multiple sclerosis. A study done on a group of multiple sclerosis patients suggested that medical marijuana eases the painful symptoms of the condition.
Medical marijuana has also been observed to reduce the tremors of those suffering from Parkinson’s disease. It was also observed that this led to increased efficiency of motor skills – an aspect of patients that get affected gravely by the ailment.
Medical cannabis for epilepsy and seizure symptoms: The THC in medical cannabis acts on brain cells responsible for seizures. It regulates relaxation and reduces the symptoms of seizures, commonly found in conditions like epilepsy. CNN’s medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta has used medical marijuana to treat seizures that are major symptoms of Dravet’s Syndrome.
Other conditions where medical cannabis can reduce extreme and uncomfortable symptoms include nausea, arthritis, muscle spasms, anorexia, AIDs, and more.
Basic Medical Cannabis Rules And Regulations
These are some of the major benefits that are being uncovered by multiple and independent teams of well-equipped researchers. And there are lots more uses of medical cannabis that are supported by qualified medical practitioners and those involved in alternative medicines. Medical cannabis is a product that can change lives and help hundreds of thousands of people across the country. It helps to be aware of the rules and regulations around this product.
In the state of California, for example, you are allowed to possess and transport medical marijuana and you can give away up to an ounce of cannabis. However, you need to be above 21 years old to avail the benefits of medical cannabis and you cannot use it at home or at the workplace if your landlord or employer prohibits its usage. The Adult Use of Marijuana Act of 2016 allows you to use cannabis recreationally and supporters of medical marijuana expect more positive policies in the future.
Cannabis is a culturally relevant and important product and it has a long list of proven benefits. We need to be responsible with how we use it. Make sure you follow the rules and you do not abuse your right to use medical cannabis.
