Medical marijuana is more and more popular for a good reason – it is being used as an alternative treatment method for many diseases. Its therapeutic potential and benefits have become the subject of intense scientific research. For some time now, we have been observing a great interest in medical marijuana – and this is because many of our clients are looking for a high-quality vaporizer for using cannabis prescribed by a doctor 😎 That’s why we decided to prepare this article. If you’re looking for a concise compendium of knowledge it’s a must-read!
What will you learn from this article?
👉 How does medical marijuana work?
👉 What diseases can medical cannabis help with?
👉 What are the factors that oppose the use of medical marijuana?
👉 Vaporization is the best method of using medical marijuana. Check out why!
Table of contents:
- The impact of medical marijuana on health
- How does medical marijuana work?
- Application of medical marijuana
- Contraindications for using medical marijuana
- Side effects during the use of medical marijuana
- Ways to use medical marijuana
- Vaporization – the best method of using medical marijuana!
- Summary
😷 The impact of medical marijuana on health
Medical marijuana is a topic that is increasingly popular in the world of medicine. Its impact on health has become the subject of numerous studies and debates. Medical marijuana contains chemical compounds, such as cannabinoids, which have therapeutic potential and can provide relief for various diseases.
Studies have shown that medical marijuana can help alleviate pain, especially in patients suffering from chronic conditions. Cannabinoids that are present in marijuana, such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, they can be an effective means of pain therapy, especially for people with diseases such as fibromyalgia or multiple sclerosis.
Moreover, medical marijuana can have a positive impact on mental health. Some studies suggest that cannabinoids can help alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Of course, further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms of medical marijuana in these cases, as well as its effectiveness. However, we hope that further studies will only confirm the positive impact of cannabis on mental health!
How does medical marijuana work? 🤓
Medical marijuana contains many chemical compounds, known as cannabinoids, that affect the human body. The two most well-known cannabinoids are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).
THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana, causing feelings of euphoria and changes in perception. It also has pain-relieving, antiemetic, and anti-inflammatory properties. CBD, on the other hand, does not have psychoactive effects but possesses pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and anxiolytic properties.
Cannabinoids interact with cannabinoid receptors in the brain and other parts of the body, affecting various physiological functions. They influence the endocannabinoid system, which regulates many processes in the body, such as sleep, appetite, mood, immune functions, and pain.
In the case of medical marijuana, cannabinoids interact with these receptors, leading to various therapeutic effects and symptom relief for various diseases.
Application of medical marijuana
Medical marijuana can be used in various medical cases. Its therapeutic potential is particularly useful in certain diseases. Here are a few conditions where medical marijuana can provide relief:
1️⃣ Chronic pain
Medical marijuana can be an effective means of alleviating chronic pain, such as pain caused by fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, or post-traumatic pain. Pain conditions significantly lower the quality of life, and often the solution is medical marijuana!
2️⃣ Various forms of cancer
Medical marijuana can help reduce nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, as well as relieve pain and improve appetite in cancer patients [1].
3️⃣ Mental disorders
Medical marijuana works well for patients suffering from depression, anxiety, or PTSD [2]. More and more doctors decide to use medical cannabis in therapy – with excellent effects.
4️⃣ Neurological disorders
Patients with neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis or epilepsy, can benefit from medical marijuana in alleviating symptoms and improving quality of life [3].
5️⃣ Gastrointestinal diseases
People with gastrointestinal diseases, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, may find relief through the use of medical marijuana [4].
However, it should be remembered that medical marijuana is not the right medicine for all patients and should be consulted with a doctor before use.
Contraindications for using medical marijuana
As with other medications, medical marijuana also has certain contraindications. Some people may be at greater risk of side effects or adverse reactions. The contraindications for the use of medical marijuana primarily concern the following patient groups:
👉 Pregnant and breastfeeding women
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid using medical marijuana, as its impact on fetal and infant development has not been fully studied.
👉 People with a history of mental illnesses
Individuals with mental illnesses, such as psychosis or schizophrenia, may be more susceptible to the adverse effects of marijuana, especially THC.
👉 People with heart diseases
People with significant heart diseases should consult a doctor before starting the use of medical marijuana, as some of its components may affect the cardiovascular system.
👉 People with lung diseases
Smoking marijuana can have a negative impact on the respiratory system, so people with lung diseases, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, should consider other methods of cannabis use.
It is important to consult a doctor before starting medical marijuana treatment. Only a certified medical professional can thoroughly assess the benefits and risks for the patient.
Side effects during the use of medical marijuana
Certain side effects may occur during the use of medical marijuana. Some of the most commonly reported side effects include:
- dry mouth (the so-called cotton mouth) – marijuana can cause a sensation of dryness in the mouth, which is a common symptom.
- drowsiness and fatigue – some patients may experience drowsiness or fatigue after using medical marijuana, especially at higher doses.
- memory and concentration disorders – THC, the main psychoactive component of marijuana, can affect cognitive abilities, such as memory and concentration.
- mood changes – in some patients, the use of marijuana can lead to mood changes, such as elevated mood or feelings of anxiety.
It is important to remember that side effects may vary depending on the individual’s reaction [5]. Therefore, it is important to monitor one’s well-being and consult a doctor in case of negative symptoms.
Ways to use medical marijuana
The way of using medical marijuana may vary depending on the patient’s preferences and the availability of products. The most common methods of use include:
- smoking – the dry herb of medical marijuana can be consumed by smoking, similar to traditional recreational marijuana. However, smoking can have a very negative impact on the respiratory tract and is the least preferred method;
- vaporization – inhaling medical marijuana using a special device – a vaporizer, is a popular way of consumption. This method allows for quick absorption of active substances through the lungs.
Vaporization is the key to the effective use of medical marijuana, combining safety with dosage precision.
Lucas Cysewski – CEO and founder of VapeFully
Vaporization – the best method of using medical marijuana! 👩⚕️
Vaporization is considered one of the safest and most effective forms of using medical marijuana [6].
During vaporization, the dry herb of medical marijuana is heated to the appropriate temperature, which is sufficient to release cannabinoids and other active substances, but not high enough to cause combustion. As a result of this process, vapor is produced, which contains beneficial chemical compounds present in marijuana.
Vaporization has many advantages compared to the traditional way of smoking marijuana. Here are a few reasons why vaporization is considered the best method of using medical marijuana:
✅ Lower risk of inhaling harmful substances
When smoking marijuana, harmful substances are produced, such as tar and toxins. Vaporization minimizes exposure to these substances because the herb is heated only to the point where the active substances evaporate – this being said, they don’t burn.
✅ Precise dosage control
Vaporizers are equipped with temperature settings that allow precise control of the cannabinoid dose. This enables the dosage to be tailored to the individual needs of the patient and provides greater control of the therapeutic effects.
✅ Respiratory-safe method
Vaporization is less irritating to the respiratory tract compared to smoking. The vapor produced during vaporization is gentler on the throat and lungs, which is beneficial for patients with sensitive respiratory tracts.
✅ Better efficiency
Vaporization allows for the use of a greater amount of active substances contained in marijuana. Unlike smoking, where some compounds are lost in the smoke, vaporization focuses on releasing pure cannabinoids, leading to better therapeutic efficiency.
Vaporization is one of the recommended methods for using medical marijuana, due to its effectiveness, safety, and dosage control. However, before starting vaporization, it is always important to consult with a doctor to get the appropriate guidance and recommendations for using medical marijuana.
Summary
Medical marijuana opens new perspectives for patients seeking alternative treatment methods. However, further research and legal regulations are still needed to ensure the safe and effective use of medical marijuana.
Bibliography:
- Smith LA, Azariah F, Lavender VTC, et al. Cannabinoids for nausea and vomiting in adults with cancer receiving chemotherapy. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26561338/
- Blessing EM, Steenkamp MM, Manzanares J, Marmar CR. Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders. Neurotherapeutics. 2015. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/
- Koppel BS, Brust JCM, Fife T, et al. Systematic review: Efficacy and safety of medical marijuana in selected neurologic disorders: Report of the Guideline Development Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology. 2014. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4011465/
- Naftali T, Mechulam R, Lev LB, Konikoff FM. Cannabis for inflammatory bowel disease. Dig Dis. 2014. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24969296/
- Wang T, Collet J-P, Shapiro S, Ware MA. Adverse effects of medical cannabinoids: a systematic review. CMAJ. 2008;178(13):1669-1678. doi:10.1503/cmaj.071178 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2413308/
- Hazekamp A, Ruhaak R, Zuurman L, van Gerven J, Verpoorte R. Evaluation of a vaporizing device (Volcano®) for the pulmonary administration of tetrahydrocannabinol. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16637053/