Cannabis is an illegal drug in the U.S. and most places around the world, but some medical doctors promote the legal use of the drug, known as medical marijuana, to help patients suffering the intense pain of incurable diseases, such as AIDS, cancer and multiple sclerosis. Patients are attracted to medical marijuana due to the pain-reducing effect of the drug as well its relativelly mild side effects compared to traditional medications. However, the lack of research and political polarization of this issue still leave many unknowns about the long-term health effects of cannabis.
Ancient History
Cannabis has a long history of medical use. Based on archaeological evidence, marijuana was used in Europe as early as 1400 B.C., to relieve the pain of childbirth and disease, according to a referenced historical timeline put together by Procon.org, a public charity that tackles controversial subjects. The drug was used throughout the Golden Age of Greek and Roman culture as well.
19th and 20th Century
In the U.S., marijuana was used in tonics for pain control until the 1850s, when opiates came into favor. Cannabis was still in the United States pharmacopoeia until 1941, when it was removed because doctors had difficulty prescribing the drug after the passing of the Marihuana Tax Act, according to the medical marijuana advocacy group National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. The American Medical Association was originally against the ban.
The Science of Pain
The main active ingredient in cannabis is tetrahydrocannibanol, or THC. Research supported by the Drug Enforcement Administration found that synthesized THC reduces nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy treatments. In 1992, the reason that THC receptors exist in the brain was discovered to be the body's own natural endorphine, called anandamide, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Besides pain relief and nausea, some peer-reviewed research cited by NORML supports the use of cannabis for glaucoma, spasticity and movement disorders. On the other hand, the DEA cites research that cannabis does not reduce nausea as well as other well-established medications.
Smoked Cannabis Controversy
A 2007 research paper cited by the Washington Post found that study participants experienced significantly less pain after smoking cannabis cigarettes compared to "placebo pot" that had all the active THC removed. Barbara T. Roberts, a former high-level employee of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, said, "This should be a wake-up call for Congress to hold hearings to investigate the therapeutic use of cannabis and to encourage more research." In any case, the DEA does not support the use of smoked cannabis as medicine, as the smoke of burning cannabis is in itself harmful, as it contains carcinogens and other chemicals known to cause cancer.
End of Life Controversy
Another aspect of the debate about the people who use medical marijuana concerns those who are dying of incurable diseases, including AIDS and certain cancers. The short-term benefits of pain reduction are more important to this vocal group than any ill from long-term smoking.
