Marijuana: Why Now?

Why Medical Marijuana? Why now? Unless you have been living under a rock, you could not have missed the amount of media coverage medical marijuana has got this last year. While they say timing is everything, it is important to reflect on the question of why now? Fruits and Vegetables are essential for our health, we have known this for a long time. Marijuana seeds (hemp seeds) also have been confirmed to hold high nutritional value. Marijuana leaves, seeds and buds have been used as a medicine for centuries to treat a variety of symptoms including nausea, depression and pain. It seems, though, around the same time Americans got overwhelmed with choices on processed foods and supplements we also got distracted with choices for processed medicines. Historically, and now according to Dr. Oz, natural herbs such as aloe, ginger and mint, have offered both relief for pain and nausea. Many of these plants and herbs were a source for development of some of our most widely used pharmaceuticals today. However, with advancements in robotics and bioinfomatics (and all the other fancy tools those wicked smart people use to make prescription pills) our scientists some how seem to have moved away from use of natural substances and instead focused on manipulation of molecular modeling. Additionally, we seem to have been simply distracted when the government proclaimed marijuana no longer had medicinal value, classifying it federally as a Schedule I drug. Over the last decade there has been a growing interest in organic foods and natural consumer products. It is of no surprise or coincidence that in this point in time we would also step back to reconsider the choice of natural vs. synthetic medicines. Homeopaths, Naturpopaths and Osteopaths are not new practices but the recent surge in support for medical marijuana (MMJ) is no doubt associated with a new level of awareness about our health in America and our choices as consumers. Researchers have shown a connection between our over exposure to chemicals, and the rise in autoimmune diseases and cancers. As more research shows the short and long term health of mixing pharmaceuticals it is no wonder many are choosing a safer, less invasive, less expensive and natural approach to medicine. The growing popularity of natural wellness and whole health solutions has also likely contributed to the increased interest in research of Medical Marijuana. Some studies have focused on marijuana as a treatment for symptoms such as nausea associated with cancer or AIDS. The American Medical Association (AMA) has published findings of great potential for Cannabis as an alternative treatment for patients with pain associated with diabetes, HIV/AIDS, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis and certain types of toxins. Scripps Research Institute is amongst the many research facilities who have found promise in medical cannabis use to treat physical and behavioral symptoms associated with Dementia and specifically Alzheimer’s Disease. Mayo Clinic describes MMJ has “good scientific evidence for [use in treatment of chronic pain]. One study by researchers at Harvard University has reported that THC (tetrahydocannabinol), the active ingredient in marijuana, could reduce tumor growth in common lung cancer and significantly reduces the ability of cancer to spread. While many pharmaceuticals now report warnings of harmful side effects like risk of heart attach, permanent loss of vision and/or the potential to make unicorns cry; no harmful long term side effects of marijuana have been confirmed. Although possible short term side effects do include the potential for uncontrollable laughter and euphoria. As more research is done on Cannabioids and more patients are replacing prescription drugs, such as narcotics, with marijuana. Health care providers and public figures like Dr. Sanjay Gupta are accepting the reality of what always has been medical marijuana. It is no coincidence that the growing support from American’s for MMJ legalization and regulation is coming at the same time as the upsurge of GMO Labeling Laws and increase in demand for organic products. It has become evident American’s do not appreciate being overwhelmed with chemically enriched products, distracted from the truth or doped up on a pharmaceutical cocktail. We are becoming more involved with our decisions in our own health care, as we should be. As polls show that the majority of American’s support Medical Marijuana, laws have begun to reflect this consensus. Many State Licensed Dispensaries are focused on participating in the whole health approach. SWC is working closely with doctors, patients, caregivers and the community to provide not only medical marijuana and botanicals, but also keeping a focus on whole health solutions such as promoting good diets for health and well being, preventing disease, helping to cure illnesses and preserving the environment. It is exciting to see a change in laws focused on the development of our health care. As we have made many mistakes as a society pertaining to choices of what we put in to our bodies and how we treat our bodies, it will take a long time to undo the many misunderstandings. But looking to the future of medical research and whole health, marijuana provides hope and promise. So, we may not have yet concluded that an apple a day will keep the doctor away, but we must remember that we do have natural options for medications.