Cannabis, often known as the ‘Forbidden Flower,” is recognized to possess remarkable therapeutic and healing properties. For this reason, historically, it has been employed in various cultures and civilizations. The use of Marijuana in medicine has its roots in ancient times. Ancient civilizations used to employ marijuana in pain-relieving practices. In China, around 2737 BCE, Cannabis infused tea was prescribed to treat various illnesses. In ancient India, Ayurveda suggested the use of a range of afflictions. This practice also made its way to Africa and the Middle East in medieval times.
At the moment, modern medicine has started to recognize the healing and pain reliever properties of marijuana, and it is being prescribed to treat various conditions.
Modern Research
In recent years, a lot of research has been conducted on the cannabis plant, especially for its healing and therapeutic properties. Although research is still ongoing, strong facts back up the claim that when used medically, marijuana can be very efficient in treating different types of ailments. The presence of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) makes it an excellent pain alleviator.
Therefore, it is used to treat a number of conditions, and its legalization has brought a novel practice in the field of medicine.
The Selection of Qualifying Medical Conditions
The state’s legislative and regulatory bodies typically select a list of qualifying Medical Conditions for medical marijuana programs. Scientific research, medical expertise, patient needs, public opinion, etc., backs these decisions up. Click here to see the eligibility criteria.
In West Virginia, the qualifying Medical conditions were determined through the West Virginia Medical Cannabis Act, passed by the state legislature. The people having these conditions are eligible for medical marijuana treatment.
Conditions Eligible for Medical Marijuana Treatment in West Virginia
A comprehensive list of different conditions is determined that qualify patients for medical marijuana treatment in West Virginia:
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is pain that persists for a long period of time, usually from three months to six months. However, people can suffer from chronic pain for a much longer period. It can occur due to injuries, medical conditions, inflammation, and terminal diseases.
Marijuana is primarily used as a pain reliever. Although it is not enough to be used solely to treat the pain caused by injuries or broken bones and fractures, it is largely used to treat chronic pain. A lot of Americans suffer from chronic pain, especially as they age.
It Is also prescribed to patients with neurotic pain and pain associated with cancer. Cannabinoids like THC and CBD play a role in regulating pain perception. Hence, the medical use of Marijuana can be life-saving in these conditions.
Cancer
Patients who suffer from cancer often experience unbearable pain for most of their lives. Especially when undergoing treatment, I.e., chemotherapy. They have to endure severe pain, nausea, and loss of appetite is experienced. Medical Marijuana can do wonders for these patients thanks to its pain-relieving and appetite-stimulating properties. Although it does not completely heal the patients, their lives are improved drastically.
As Medical Marijuana is increasingly becoming legal, its use for pediatric patients with cancer is increasing, too. Medical Marijuana is prescribed to minors under their caregivers, who are their legal guardians or appointed by their legal guardians.
HIV/AIDS
AIDS is an incurable condition that often comes with numerous health challenges, such as appetite loss, chronic pain, and wasting syndrome, which is the common name for “cachexia.” Cachexia refers to a complex and severe condition marked by weight loss, weakness, and muscle shrinkage. The living quality of individuals has become really low. Here, medical marijuana comes to the rescue with its more than 100 chemicals that can be used for treating different conditions.
Marijuana effectively mitigates these symptoms caused by HIV and improves the lives of people who live with HIV.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Multiple Sclerosis is a condition that can potentially damage our central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord, hindering mobility, vision, and balance. Other symptoms are fatigue, exhaustion, numbness or tingling, and bladder and bowel dysfunction.
Its treatment involves a combination of techniques. It includes managing symptoms and slowing down the progression of the disease.
Medical Marijuana usage can improve the condition due to its muscle relaxing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Some people have claimed that medical marijuana helped to alleviate some of the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis.
Parkinson’s Disease
People with Parkinson’s disease suffer from uncontrolled and sudden movements, such as stiffness and problems in balance and movement. It is a brain disorder, and along with the traditional treatments, medical marijuana is also prescribed to treat Parkinson’s disease due to its neuroprotective properties. Medical Marijuana can improve the lives of individuals living with Parkinson’s disease.
Crohn’s Disease
Individuals who have Crohn’s Disease are also eligible for Medical Marijuana Treatment. It is an inflammatory bowel disease. The symptoms of Crohn’s disease include severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, exhaustion, and fatigue, which can eventually lead to malnutrition. Chronic inflammation in the GI tract also comes along. Medical Marijuana is used for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects and can soothe the symptoms of Crohn’s disease.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Another condition that makes one qualified for Medical Marijuana Treatment Is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It is a mental health condition that can develop due to traumatic experiences. It can give you scary flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety for a long time after the traumatic incident. Patients also suffer from insomnia due to Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. Medical Marijuana can help to ameliorate anxiety and can make insomnia better.
Conclusion
Marijuana is famed for its remedial and restorative effects. Throughout history, it has been employed as a pain reliever and a medicinal herb. Ongoing research also signifies the importance of medical marijuana in the alleviation of symptoms of different conditions. Although it contains more than 100 chemicals called cannabinoids, two of them are the most important in the field of medicine. These are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol ) and CBD (cannabidiol). These two cannabinoids are extremely effective in treating and alleviating chronic pain and the symptoms of different conditions like epilepsy, cancer, Parkinson’s disease, etc.
Virginia acknowledges the possible benefits of Medical Marijuana in treating several ailments. Giving access to medical marijuana to individuals with different requirements, especially those who suffer from chronic pain, can result in the improvement of lives of a lot of people.
