The Devil's Lettuce: Blessing or Curse?

Marijuana use is a topic that is hotly contested around the world. With it becoming legalized across many states in the United States it poses a question: What is the practicality of recreational and medical marijuana use?

Cannabis and cannabinoids have been used to treat chronic back pain. In fact, 87% of people seeking medical marijuana cite chronic pain as their main cause for their pursuit of cannabis. In fact, there is evidence that people are using cannabis as an alternative to opiates. Opioid use in America is a crisis with it being a leading cause of homelessness as well as being highly addictive. With opioid overdoses killing over 100,000 Americans a year and the number of painkiller abuse rapidly increasing, a pain killing alternative is incredibly important. 64% of cannabis users have stopped their use of opiates for their chronic pain, supplementing it for marijuana. Cannabis is far less addictive and dangerous than most prescription painkillers making it a viable option to combat the opioid crisis.

The active ingredients in marijuana are THC and CBD which both serve different purposes. Cbd is shown to have therapeutic processes that counter feelings of anxiety and depression leading to a feeling of tranquility in the user. The THC in Cannabis binds to CB1 receptors in the brain releases dopamine and other pleasure causing chemicals. It also helps combat pain in the body.

With the plethora of positive effects associated with responsible cannabis use, clinical trials are currently being conducted to measure the effectiveness of marijuana on other diseases. One promising area of research regards the use of cannabis to combat cancer. A 2014 study studied 16 cancer patients who were administered medical marijuana. In all 16 cases, antitumor effects were found.

As marijuana use continues to be studied and more clinical trials are conducted, we may see a surge in the use of cannabinoids to treat diseases which may be a big step forward in combating opioid abuse and finding ways to minimize both mental and physical pain/distress.