More unbiased, publicly available scientific research has been done in regard to the benefits of medical marijuana in the last decade in the United States than has been done in the plant’s history. Government red-tape has always made research into the illegal substance expensive and difficult, but perseverance and public support has helped to shed light on the plant’s many benefits. This information has become more readily available to both counter-culture supporters and the general public, resulting in an impressive 46% of the States adopting medical marijuana laws. At the current rate of increase, this number is set to gain traction every year. So let’s nip propaganda in the bud and reveal the burning truth in regards to marijuana’s potential benefits.
We’ll start with one of the most commonly expressed medical uses, the treatment of glaucoma. Of course, when you first stumbled on your grandparents stash, they may have told you that it was to treat their glaucoma—and whether their statement was falsified or not is up to debate—but how much truth is there to the treatment itself? Let’s start with the basics. Glaucoma is an eye disease which increases intra-ocular pressure (IOP), which can cause damage and even loss of vision. Marijuana use can decrease this pressure substantially, leading to an increase in eye-health and a decrease in the disease’s damage creating potential.
However, the biggest issue with marijuana as a treatment is the duration of decreased pressure, which lasts only a couple of hours during and after consuming THC. This would mean that for proper treatment, you would need to smoke every couple of hours, which may or may not be realistic for any given situation. This limits marijuana’s potential as a treatment, but it is still a viable option for those who react adversely to current medications on the market. According to the American Glaucoma Society, there is evidence that local administration (eye drops) containing marijuana’s active components could be effective, and even possibly protect nerve cells, but further research is needed.
Slowing the Progression of Alzheimers
A particularly interesting medicinal purpose for marijuana is that of slowing, or perhaps even stopping Alzheimer’s in its tracks. One of the effects of the disease, which diminishes mental capacity and degrades the mind, is that it creates a buildup of a specific protein, beta-amyloid, which becomes a plaque-like formation in the brain. A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease indicates that THC may slow down the production of this protein. In low doses, marijuana’s active ingredient can prove to be an invaluable ally in the fight against the symptoms and advancements of Alzheimer’s. This is a low-risk high-reward treatment, and we can only hope that advancements in research and implementation can help to fight the disease which currently affects over five million Americans ages 65 and older.
Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder is an extreme anxiety condition created due to traumatic experiences, such as war or sexual assault. The symptoms often include flashbacks, nightmares, emotional disconnect or extreme emotion, increased anxiety, isolation, and avoidance. Researchers at the University of Haifa in Israel ran tests using a synthetic compound very similar to cannabis called WIN 55,212-2. Researchers administered electrical jolts to a group of rats as a simulation of trauma. One group of rats was then exposed to the synthetic compound, while another group was not. When both groups were shown reminders of the traumatic experience, those exposed to WIN 55,212-2 showed fewer signs of anxiety and pain recognition when compared to the other group. While this research is both preliminary and on non-human subjects, it does show an intriguing basis for further investigation of cannabinoids to treat traumatic experiences.
Just as important as the long-term benefits marijuana may pose for PTSD, it can also provide symptomatological relief. The Veterans for Medical Cannabis Access, through their work with those afflicted by PTSD, state that cannabis has greatly improved the quality of life for those who suffer daily battles inflicted by the PTSD. Naturally occurring cannabinoids help to regulate the brain functions that cause anxiety and fear, and it is thought that additional intake of similar cannabinoids can help to relieve many associated symptoms. Due to the lack of research done on humans, evidence is mostly anecdotal, but marijuana has been shown to provide a relief for the anxiety associated with the illness (and anxieties in general) and does so with fewer side effects than any other available medications.
Stopping the Spread of Cancer Cells
Cancer and marijuana use is a widespread topic of much debate, with more and more research coming to light every day. According to Cancer.gov, “Cannabinoids may cause antitumor effects by various mechanisms, including induction of cell death, inhibition of cell growth, and inhibition of tumor angiogenesis invasion and metastasis.” Molecular biologist Pierre Desprez and researcher Sean McAllister have done tests involving cannabidiol (a compound in marijuana) in which they mixed the compound with cells containing large amounts of 1D-1, the cancer spreading gene. The result was that the cells returned to normal, and the spread of 1D-1 was halted. Their intriguing research has concluded laboratory and animal testing, all of which reflected the above exciting results. The next step, human testing, has not been able to proceed as of yet due to government regulations, but the duo is hopeful that they can push forward in their research in the near future.
Reducing the Side Effects of Chemotherapy
While on the subject of the potential uses for marijuana and the treatment of cancer, we need to take a look at what it is doing for those who currently have the disease and are undergoing chemotherapy treatment. The benefits that marijuana can provide for the chemotherapy patient are vast. Chemotherapy is known to cause intense nausea, which marijuana use is able to calm. Marijuana is able to alleviate the pain associated with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is known to decrease appetite, and marijuana can counteract this by increasing metabolism and stimulating one’s want for food (marijuana can also be used as an edible). Marijuana is able to do all of this without the side effects of additional medication, pills which a cancer patient has already been overwhelmed with. I have seen firsthand how the quality of life is greatly improved when marijuana is used to counteract the effects of chemotherapy. More importantly, the medical community’s research has shown that treating chemotherapy’s side effects is one of marijuana’s greatest uses.
Treatment of Epileptic Seizures
Unfortunately, as has been true in regard to cancer research and PTSD research, seizure research has been greatly limited by government restrictions. However, research that has been possible has been centered on cannabidiol (the marijuana compound that may also stop the spread of cancer cells) which has shown great potential. One report explored the compound’s potential with children who had treatment-resistant epilepsy. According to the report, Sixteen (84%) of the 19 parents reported a reduction in their child's seizure frequency while taking cannabidiol-enriched cannabis. Of these, two (11%) reported complete seizure freedom, eight (42%) reported a greater than 80% reduction in seizure frequency, and six (32%) reported a 25-60% seizure reduction. While this small sample size limits the effectiveness of this study, the percentages are certainly astounding, and the results should motivate additional research.
Speak up (and don’t forget to vaporize and make edibles for added health benefits)
All of these medical benefits raise one glaring issue—that medical marijuana research is being inhibited by federal restrictions. Twenty-three states, thus far, have medical marijuana laws. With support, that number will continue to rise, and eventually marijuana will be federally recognized. Of course, medical marijuana performs better, and with fewer side effects, than many of its pharmaceutical counterparts. Because of this, there will always be opponents whose interests do not align with medical marijuana, and it is up to the people to make their voices heard. With uninhibited research, many of the above medical uses will become much more than simple potential, to the benefit of everyone.