There is currently a raging controversy about legalizing marijuana, especially for medicinal purposes. A few states have recently legalized it, and several other states (including Minnesota) are considering it. This article will examine the potential benefits of marijuana for managing pain.
Marijuana Compounds & Ingredients
The active ingredients in marijuana are cannaboids, and there are at least 84 different ones present in the plant. There are also 483 known compounds in marijuana. The main compound is THC, which has psychoactive components. For medical purposes, it has been used and approved for glaucoma and poor appetite related to chemotherapy and cancer. Unfortunately, there are claims about the success of the plant for many other conditions, but very little scientific support to determine the reality of these claims.
Studies have shown that marijuana has psychoactive effects, some positive, and some negative. A few of the more common effects include:
- Heightened mood
- Relaxation, and euphoria
- Decreased short-term memory
- Impaired motor skills and judgment
- Anxiety and paranoia
Marijuana & Pain
Marijuana has been known to have some impact on pain. Some studies show its effectiveness in managing nerve pain such as:
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Headaches
- Cancer pain
- Glaucoma pain
Why it works it not understood, but there are multiple areas in pain pathways that it may modulate.
The Need for Better Research
The problem with marijuana is that there are many compounds in the plant when taken as a whole. Some of the chemicals may be beneficial, while others may cause problems. On a scientific basis, most medical doctors want to know the specific compounds that are effective for any condition and use just that compound. Marijuana has 483 different compounds and at least 84 cannaboids, and the whole plant is on the “Black List” – thought to be dangerous to society. In the United States, research on marijuana is strictly controlled. The variety of plants grown is extremely limited by the U.S. government and the restrictions on handling the plant make good research extremely difficult.
In reality, it is likely that there are beneficial cannaboids for a variety of painful conditions. Good research is needed to determine which compounds are effective for what conditions. The U.S. government needs to at least legalize marijuana for medical research, and get serious about determining the real safety issues with the various compounds. Control of marijuana for safety versus making it illegal on all fronts is wise.