There has been an ongoing controversy about the use of marijuana for medical purposes. Research studies have been conducted and the discussion continues on whether or not marijuana should be at the forefront of treatment for individuals living with chronic illness. Over 23 states have approved medical marijuana for treatment. It is relevant to discuss the options that people may have when thinking about this treatment option.
There are over 60 different cannabinoids being used pharmacologically (Wright et.al., 2016). However, the most common forms are THC and CBD. “THC produces the euphoria for which recreational marijuana is known, but can also induce psychosis. CBD is not psychoactive and is thought to have antianxiety and possibly antipsychotic properties” (Wright et. l., 2016). CBD in particular has been showing up in local pharmacies, grocery and health food stores in its different forms. Medical marijuana is not only consumed through smoking or inhalation of the flower it can also be used topically, with food, or tea.
There have been a wide range of studies to discover how medical marijuana treatment can help individuals with different medical and psychological conditions. Neuropathic pain, CNCP, arthritis, or fibromyalgia were found to be relieved by those who experienced moderate to severe pain about 29% and 18% of the time respectively (Stockings et.al., 2018). For individuals have tried many different alternative pharmaceutical medications, medical marijuana can serve as another possibilities to relieve pain.
Metts, J., Wright, S., Sundaram, J., & Hashemi, N. (2016). Medical marijuana: A treatment worth trying? The Journal of Family Practice, 65(3), 178-85.
Stockings, E., Campbell, G., Hall, W., Nielsen, S., Zagic, D., Rahman, R., . . . Degenhardt, L. (2018). Cannabis and cannabinoids for the treatment of people with chronic noncancer pain conditions: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled and observational studies. Pain, 159(10), 1932-1954.
Stigma and Acceptance of Marijuana by society
Benac, N. (2013). US becoming more accepting of medical marijuana. Canadian Medical Association Journal., 185(16), 6.
Kazemi, H., Rahgozar, M., Speckmann, E., & Gorji, A. (2012). Effect of cannabinoid receptor activation on spreading depression. Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, 15(4), 926-936.
Shah, Craner, & Cunningham. (2017). Medical cannabis use among patients with chronic pain in an interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation program: Characterization and treatment outcomes. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 77, 95-100.
Medical Marijuana as a Treatment for Anxiety and Depression
Bahorik, Sterling, Campbell, Weisner, Ramo, & Satre. (2018). Medical and non-medical marijuana use in depression: Longitudinal associations with suicidal ideation, everyday functioning, and psychiatry service utilization. Journal of Affective Disorders, 241, 8-14.
Sarvet, Wall, Keyes, Olfson, Cerdá, & Hasin. (2018). Self-medication of mood and anxiety disorders with marijuana: Higher in states with medical marijuana laws. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 186, 10-15.
Sutherland, Nicholls, Bao, & Clarke. (2018). Overlaps in pharmacology for the treatment of chronic pain and mental health disorders. Progress in Neuropsychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry, 87(Pt B), 290-297.
