Though marijuana, or cannabis, is commonly known as a recreational drug, it has been used as a medicine for thousands of years. Today, cannabis is not legal in Guyana, and only a handful of countries are allowed to use cannabis.
The mind-altering ingredient in cannabis is THC, short for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. The amount of THC in cannabis varies, and has been steadily increasing over the past few decades.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the average THC content of confiscated samples was 3.7 percent in the 1990s. In 2013, it was 9.6 percent.
When THC enters the body, it attaches to, and stimulates, cannabinoid receptors in the brain. The stimulation of these receptors affects the body in various ways. Among its effects are reduced pain and inflammation, increased appetite, nausea, and insomnia.
Another chemical in marijuana that has beneficial health effects is CBD. This chemical is psychoactive, yet it’s non-impairing and non-euphoric, meaning it doesn’t produce the “high” that THC does.
In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Epidiolex, a cannabidiol-based (CDB-based) medication derived from the cannabis plant, to treat seizure disorders. It’s the first and only CBD medication to receive FDA approval.
CBD can also be turned into an oil for use as a healing salve. More research needs to be done into the effects of CBD.
Healthcare providers in Guyana can’t prescribe it, nor can they write recommendations or certify patients for its use.
MEDICAL USE OF MARIJUANA
Researchers continue to study the medical benefits of marijuana. It may be effective in treating:
• Chronic pain, due to its effect on the central nervous system
• Nausea
• Muscle spasms, especially those associated with certain conditions, such as multiple sclerosis
• Sleep issues
Cannabis may also be used to help treat these conditions:
• AIDS
• Anorexia
• Arthritis
• Cancer
• Chronic pain
• Glaucoma
• Migraine
• Any other chronic or persistent medical symptom that limits one’s ability to conduct major activities in life, or can cause serious harm to themselves if not relieved.
The use of cannabis can make persons hungry, making it useful in treating conditions or side effects of diseases that cause a loss of appetite, such as AIDS.
Medical marijuana is used to relieve symptoms, as well as to treat or cure diseases. Using it won’t change the outcome of a certain disease, but it can ease certain symptoms; make people feel better; and improve their quality of life.
RISKS OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA
One possible risk of cannabis use is addiction. The debate over whether cannabis is physically or psychologically addictive is ongoing.
NIDA cites research that suggests 30 percent of cannabis users may have a cannabis use disorder. The research also states that people who smoke cannabis before the age of 18 are four to seven times more likely to develop a cannabis use disorder than adults.
If persons do become dependent on cannabis, they may have withdrawal symptoms if they stop using the drug.
Withdrawal symptoms may include:
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Mood difficulties
• Decreased appetite
• Physical discomfort
• Nausea
• Restlessness
It is a known fact that smoking tobacco leads to both chronic obstructive lung disease and lung cancer. Researchers are split on whether smoking cannabis can lead to these diseases as well. Cannabis smoke does contain some of the same elements as tobacco smoke, and can cause chronic bronchitis and airway inflammation in people who use it regularly.
SIDE EFFECTS OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA USE
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), possible side effects of cannabis use include:
• Increased heart rate
• Low blood pressure
• Dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting
• Short-term reduced memory
• Short-term reduced attention span
• Decreased problem-solving skills
Cognitive side effects of cannabis use include impaired:
• Memory
• Sense of time
• Sensory perception
• Attention span
• Problem-solving
• Speaking
• Reaction time
• Motor control
Other side effects of cannabis use are:
• Lowered blood sugar levels
• Drowsiness
• Adverse interaction with others medications or herbs
• Dry eyes
• Dry mouth
• Anxiety
It’s important to know that these side effects are dose-dependent, and are more likely to occur with larger doses and with inexperienced cannabis users.
People with mental or emotional disorders may experience paranoia or hallucinations. It could also make their depression or mania worse.
