Beyond the Buzz: Understanding Marijuana’s Medical Uses and Harms After Reclassification

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday. The order reclassified marijuana. It moved from a Schedule I controlled substance to a Schedule III substance. This new classification acknowledges its “legitimate medical uses.”

Marijuana is also known as cannabis. It comes from the dried leaves and buds of the Cannabis sativa plant.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) previously did not approve the cannabis plant as a medicine. However, many states have legalized its use. People sometimes use it for therapeutic purposes. This is known as medical marijuana.

More than 100 Active Compounds

Marijuana contains over 100 active chemical compounds. These compounds are called cannabinoids. Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the most common cannabinoids.

THC in marijuana can alter a person’s thoughts and feelings. This effect is known as a psychoactive response. The plant contains many other minor cannabinoids. Researchers are studying these for potential medical use, according to Mayo Clinic.

The FDA has approved three medications containing marijuana-derived chemicals. Dronabinol (Marinol) and Nabilone (Cesamet) are among these. Doctors prescribe them to manage severe nausea and vomiting. These symptoms often result from chemotherapy for cancer. Some individuals with poor appetite may also take Dronabinol. It helps stimulate hunger.

The FDA also approved Epidiolex. This is a purified liquid form of cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is a chemical compound found in the marijuana plant. Doctors prescribe Epidiolex to treat rare seizure disorders in children. These include Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.

Medical marijuana can be administered in several ways. People can inhale it or take it orally. It is also available as a tincture. Application to the skin is another option. This includes using transdermal patches.

Treating Nausea, Vomiting, Appetite Loss, and Epilepsy

Marijuana may help some patients manage specific conditions. It can alleviate nausea and vomiting from cancer chemotherapy. It also addresses appetite loss, epilepsy, and chronic pain. Some studies suggest benefits for sleep problems and muscle spasms in multiple sclerosis patients. However, no large-scale studies confirm its efficacy in treating cancer itself. More research is necessary.

Marijuana’s overall effectiveness for seizure control remains unclear. However, a prescription form of cannabidiol (CBD) is available. Children with specific seizure disorders, like Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome, may take it orally. This treats their epileptic seizures.

Harms of Marijuana

Research indicates that marijuana use for specific health conditions may lead to certain diseases. Glaucoma is a prominent concern. Some studies show marijuana reduces blood flow to the optic nerve. This reduction could increase the risk of glaucoma, an eye disease damaging optic nerves.

Marijuana use can impact a person’s thinking and feeling processes. Individuals with mental health disorders should use it cautiously. It carries a potential risk of addiction.

Marijuana use disorder describes marijuana use that causes daily life problems. These issues can affect work, school, or home life. Regular users may experience withdrawal symptoms. These include insomnia, sweating, abdominal pain, anger, or mood swings.

Pregnant women face specific risks from marijuana use. It may lead to premature birth or low birth weight in infants. Pregnant individuals might also experience changes in heart rate or blood pressure, according to Mayo Clinic.

Consuming CBD doses exceeding 300 milligrams daily can cause adverse effects. These include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and liver problems. Marijuana impacts concentration, motor control, and clear thinking. It can also induce irritability, agitation, and racing thoughts, known as mania. Frequent use may increase depression risk or worsen existing symptoms. It can also heighten the risk of detachment from reality, or psychosis. Marijuana slows signal transmission in the central nervous system (CNS). This involves the brain and spinal cord. Its use affects thought processes and emotions. Some individuals may experience cardiac changes, including elevated blood pressure. Years of repeated marijuana use can worsen lung diseases. It also causes severe, recurrent vomiting, a condition called hyperemesis syndrome.

Side Effects of Marijuana:

Common side effects of marijuana use include headaches and dry mouth. Users may experience red, dry eyes. Dizziness and an increased risk of falls are also reported. Drowsiness, including difficulty concentrating, is common. Other effects include fatigue, coughing, and wheezing. Nausea and vomiting can occur. Anxiety is a possible side effect. Some individuals report hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or smelling things not present) and psychosis. Memory problems, rapid heart rate, and irregular heart rhythms are also noted.