Marijuana has been used for medicinal, spiritual and recreational purposes dating as far back as before Christ. California was the first state to decriminalize marijuana and recognize it as a drug used to treat several ailments. Thirteen other states have followed suit, most recently New Jersey in 2010. The most active ingredient found in marijuana is THC. It has psychoactive and physiological properties, which can alleviate symptoms of many conditions and diseases. When a patient exhibits specific symptoms and is a resident in a state that has legalized marijuana, he can obtain the drug with a doctor's prescription.
Nausea And Vomiting
When a patient is experiencing nausea and vomiting, marijuana can be prescribed. The patient must have a disease or be undergoing a treatment with such side effects that would cause nausea and vomiting. When a patient is diagnosed with cancer, the most common treatment is chemotherapy. Many doctors prescribe marijuana to relieve the nausea and vomiting associated with treatment. According to Cancer.org, the cannabinoid drug THC has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, for use in relieving nausea and vomiting and increasing appetite in people with cancer.
Pain
Marijuana is used in patients with chronic pain. Multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and arthritis are just a few conditions that can cause unbearable pain. According to the National Pain Foundation, numerous studies have now established that cannabinoids help lessen pain and affect a wide range of symptoms and bodily functions. THC is just one of the cannabinoids found in marijuana.
Increased Intraocular Pressure
Increased intraocular pressure is a side effect associated with glaucoma. According to Glaucoma.org, no studies have shown that marijuana can safely and effectively lower intraocular pressure better than the variety of drugs currently on the market. Despite this, many doctors still prescribe marijuana for this use. Marijuana decreases blood pressure, therefore it is thought to decrease pressure in the eye.
