Day 98
Medical marijuana – most people have an opinion on the pros and cons of this controversial drug. For many people, the mention of this subject conjures images of stoners abusing the system in order to get high legally. Over the years an increasing number of states have legalized cannabiss for medical use, which indicates that the public is beginning to recognize this as a legitimate option.
Regardless of opinions, my goal here is to present the documented information and facts in order to help others who may find much-needed relief through the healing powers of marijuana. Only through knowledge and understanding are we able to make well-informed choices that we can be comfortable with.
When I first began to investigate the use of cannabis for medical purposes, I was surprised to learn that there are strains that do not produce the euphoric effect that most people associate with this substance. How is this possible?
Components
Marijuana contains 2 main components; THC and CBD. Each has its own medical benefits. When used together, THC and CBD complement one another and create the most beneficial results.
THC
It’s the THC that creates a temporary intoxication when consumed. Along with creating this high, this cannabinoid is know to:
- Decrease pain
- Decease inflammation
- Reduce nausea
- Stimulate appetite
- Decrease muscle control problems
CBD
CDB has no psychoactive effects, and is safe for use in children along with anyone who has objections to the intoxicating effects of THC. It creates the following effects:
- Decreases pain
- Decreases inflammation
- Controls epileptic seizures
- Decreases anxiety
- May be helpful in the treatment of mental illness and addictions
The U.S. government holds a patent #66,30,507 for CBD, which states that:
“No signs of toxicity or serious side effects have been observed following chronic administration of cannabidiol to healthy volunteers, even in large doses of 700 mg per day”.
Strains
There are hundreds of strains available, ranging from those with high THC/low CDB levels, to high CBD/low THC levels. Many states mandate the percentages of THC and CBD that are allowed by law, and some do not allow any trace of THC. Due to the potential to help children and those who are in objection to the use of THC, many growers are focusing on producing plants with high CBC/low to 0% THC content.
The CNN video below is one of the many videos available that document the vast number of benefits derived from using cannabis to treat a wide range of issues. As seen in this video, it has proven highly effective even for use in children.
Again, the synergistic effect of using a strain with both elements, when possible, produces the best results. Medical marijuana can be ingested through a variety of methods, including smoking, vaping, consuming in food, and through ingesting cannabis oil.
Medical Ramifications
Given the wide range of ailments that can be relieved through this drug, it’s clear that marijuana could be helpful to those who are suffering from many serious medical and psychological issues. The medical community is in agreement that inflammation alone can be linked to rheumatoid arthritis and other auto-immune diseases, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, colitis, Chron’s disease, and many other medical problems. They (including 4 of my doctors that I asked) are in agreement that cannabis use is effective in reducing inflammation.
I’ll discuss legal issues in another post, but want to impart one important piece of information to you now. Currently, 29 states (and DC) have legalized medical marijuana. Each of these states has issued their own guidelines, and most include a list of qualifying diseases. What I’ve found interesting are the wide range of diseases and issues that are qualifying factors, including (varying by state):
- Aids
- Epilepsy/seizure disorders
- Parkinson’s disease
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- MS
- Severe pain
- Severe nausea
- Chron’s disease
- Headaches, glaucoma, nerve disorders
- PTSD
Important Issues
As with all legal drugs (especially opioids and narcotics), there are issues that must be considered in making the decision whether or not to use, and when to use. Some of these include:
- Pregnancy, nursing
- Employment-related regulations
- Use while driving, operating machinery, etc.
- Tolerance level
- Potential for addiction, especially in those who have experienced substance abuse issues
Can Marijuana Cure Cancer?
Recent studies and clinical trials have indicated that medical marijuana may also be effective in:
- Killing some cancer cells
- Decreasing the size of some cancer cells
- Impeding the growth of some cancer cells
Am I Embracing Medical Marijuana to Keep me Cancer-Free?
The information I’ve presented may lead you to wonder if I’ve gone through the process of obtaining a medical marijuana card, which is legal in the state of Florida for patients with cancer. You may recall that in an earlier post I shared some advice given to me by a doctor, who suggested that I use marijuana every day because it’s been shown to kill cancer cells.
You may be surprised to learn that for the time being, I’ve decided against going this route. My experience has taught me that there are countless forms of cancer, each with its own unique set of variables and treatment options. When I educated myself in regards to what’s going on in MY body, my personal decision was based on several factors, including:
My prognosis
My cancer was level 1, with a very small tumor that was completely removed. There was no cancer found in the surrounding lymph nodes….. praise Jesus!
My treatment plan
My surgeon has assured me that he “got it all”. My oncologist assures me that my chance of reoccurrence is being greatly diminished through the chemo I’m receiving, the radiation I will receive, and the infusion and drug therapies that will begin when the chemo is done. I sometimes wonder if I made a rash decision moving forward with chemo and drug therapies, but my test results indicated that the type of cancer I had was very aggressive, and this proactive approach would give me a far greater chance of remaining cancer free in the future. I never would have predicted that I would have made this decision, but it’s one of those things that, when it becomes real in your life, can change the way you look at things.
The commitment
I’ve read (but have not substantiated) that in order to kill cancer cells through medical marijuana, patients must sustain a daily regimen. I’m not prepared to use this drug on a daily basis.
The side effects
Especially the “munchies” I already battle with sugar, which is known to feed cancer. I feel that daily consumption of weed would further complicate this issue, and create weight gain that would be problematic for me.
The cost
In Florida, the cost of obtaining and maintaining a medical marijuana card starts at around $500 per year. This does not include the cost of the product, which is not covered by insurance.
Lack of Proof
There’s a great deal of documented proof that cannabis is effective in the treatment and management of many medical issues. In my opinion, however, there isn’t enough evidence that it can kill cancer cells. I’m not saying that I don’t believe this is possible, only that at this point I’m not willing to put my future health in jeopardy by forgoing traditional treatment methods in favor of this option.
Conclusion
I know this is a lot of information, and apologize for the length of this post – but there are many facts that must go into consideration when making this type of decision. I will be adding posts that focus on legal issues and other matters in regards to medical marijuana. In the meantime I hope that you’ll share this information with others, and help to educate those whose lives could be impacted in a positive way.
Be Well,
Data Sources:
https://www.drugabuse.gov
http://www.mebmd.com
I was just having a conversation about this with a doctor that was on a hike last week. He was telling me about all kinds of amazing things that it does for all kinds of illnesses. I’m all for whatever works.
Love you Kathy! Love your courage and your willingness to share all t hat you know. You are an inspiration!