What is Medical Marijuana?
HISTORY
Marijuana leaves, seeds and buds have been used for over 3,000 years as medicine. Until 1942, marijuana (cannabis) could be found in the US pharmacopoeia where it was promoted for sedative, anti-inflammatory and anticonvulsant effects. The American Medical Association (AMA) not only acknowledged its great potential to ease pain and nausea but supported its’ use, encouraged research and even publicly opposed the 1937 Marijuana Tax Act which forced great restrictions on physicians prescribing Cannabis. In 1970, marijuana was classified by Congressional vote as a Schedule I drug categorizing it with heroin and LSD claiming it had no medicinal value. Despite legalization issues, research on medical marijuana has continued worldwide and pharmaceutical companies, both domestically and abroad, have tried to capitalize on the medicinal cannibinoids found in marijuana.THE MEDICINE
Plants and herbs of many species have been used as medicine and have contributed to the development of a large percent of our prescription medicines today. Despite restrictions by the federal government, research of marijuana as medicine has flourished over the last two decades. Recent studies show great potential for Medicinal Cannabis as an alternative treatment for patients with serious pain associated with HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, autoimmune disease, diabetes, spinal cord injuries, cancer, and other conditions. Some studies have reported that tetrahydocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient in marijuana, could reduce tumor growth in common lung cancer and significantly reduces the ability of cancer to spread. Scripps Research Institute is among 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. While many pharmaceuticals now carry required warnings, of harmful side effects, no harmful long term side effects of marijuana have been confirmed.THE SCIENCE
The most famous compound found in Cannabis (marijuana) is THC. THC was identified by researchers in the 1960’s which led to the discovery of what scientists now call the EndoCannabinoid System. Our bodies produce endogenous cannabinoids which play a key role in brain functions like memory, mood and our reward system as well as functions of our immune system. Our bodies have a natural network that responds to the compounds found in marijuana plants, phytocannabinoids, like THC. Many different cannabinoids have been isolated from the cannabis plants. THC (tetrahydocannabinol) is the best known cannabinoid. It occurs naturally in the plant primarily as THCA, however some THC is present. As the primary psychoactive compound, it is responsible for the effect most patients are familiar with. CBD (cannabidiol) is the second most prominent compound found in the cannabis plant. Many of the medical benefits of cannabis are attributed to the CBD content of the medicine. It has been found to have strong anti-inflammatory and anti-convulsive properties. By focusing on plant genetics, marijuana can be grown to be richer in THC or CBD. A greater understanding of the difference in genetics of Cannabis, including plant types indica or sativa, allows growers and patients to select strain types that will give them very specific effects. Please stay tuned for future articles about the history, medicine, and science of MMJ. We are committed to delivering up to date information and research to benefit our patients and the medical marijuana movement.How Medical Marijuana Saved My Life
Indica vs Sativa vs Hybrid: Which Strain is For Me?
To many people, deciding to medicate with medical marijuana can be an easy decision, but many patients can have trouble deciding what kind of cannabis to use. With thousands of strains available, it can become confusing or even overwhelming for patients to figure out which strain is right for them.
Comparing Sativa vs. Indica vs. Hybrid Cannabis Strains
Sativa and Indica are the two main species of cannabis, which have thousands of subspecies, or strains. Sativas contain more THC than CBD/CBN, While Indicas contain more CBD/CBN than THC. THC, CBD, and CBN are all cannabinoids, the beneficial compounds in marijuana that produce medical and psychoactive effects. Each strain has its own effect, such as Sour Diesel, a Sativa which can relieve symptoms of depression, ADHD, and PTSD, or Granddaddy purple, an Indica which relieves stress, pain, and insomnia. Patients can easily use online resources or consult with specialists to find out whether Sativa vs Indica strains suit them the best.
Sativa Cannabis Strains
Sativas are skinny plants that can reach up to 20 feet tall. They’re well known for their ability to relieve symptoms, while still allowing the patient to go about their daily life without feeling too tired or “couch-locked.” Sativa strains are known to alleviate many of symptoms for diseases and disorders such as:
- Nausea
- Depression
- Low/no appetite
- Glaucoma/Intro-ocular disorders
- HIV/AIDS
- Headaches/Migraines
- Chronic pain
Indica Cannabis Strains
Indica plants grow wide, dense, and are generally much shorter than Sativa plants. Indicas are known to have more a sedative effect on the patient. Indica strains are ideal for alleviating the symptoms of patients suffering from insomnia and pain, but they also can alleviate symptoms of other diseases and disorders, such as:
- Anxiety
- Arthritis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinsons
- Panic attacks
- Chronic Pain
Hybrid Cannabis Strains
Hybrid strains are the best of both worlds for many patients. Hybrid strains are a cross of two or more strains of cannabis, allowing the patient to get the desired effects of both Indica and sativa strains in one hybrid strain. For example, let’s say a patient has arthritis pain but needs to medicate before work each day. A hybrid strain would allow him to reap the benefits of Indica’s pain relief without becoming too drowsy.
Unique Cannabis Strains in Prescott, AZ from SWC Arizona
Choosing the right strain of cannabis is most effective when the patient uses a process of trial and error. Most dispensaries like SWC Arizona have a knowledgeable staff that can help patients pick what is right for their symptoms. Websites like Leafly and Weedmaps to read up on marijuana strain genetics and effects. Our staff would be happy to help you explore the right strains for you.