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Marijuana’s medical history dates back eons, with historians noting the plant’s existence and use around 400 AD.
Now, medical marijuana is legal in 33 states as well as the District of Columbia—most states requiring serious regulation. At the same time, a major public debate continues surrounding hemp’s medicinal use.
Want to make up your mind for yourself? You’re in the right place! We’ve compiled some of the most significant medical marijuana pros and cons that you should know about.
Keep reading to make an informed opinion
Pro: Marijuana Helps Cancer Patients
Chemotherapy is one of the most common and effective treatment options for cancer patients. However, it comes with some nasty side effects like a loss of appetite, severe nausea, and pain.
The American Cancer Society suggests that marijuana can be an effective means of combatting these negative side effects, regulating patients’ pain and hunger levels.
If you’re interested in learning more about how marijuana can help cancer patients, check out these benefits.
Con: It’s Too Easy to Get a Cannabis Card
Though doctors must sign off before a patient can acquire medicinal cannabis, some doctors are all too willing to give the green light, requiring little to no proof of a patient’s symptoms.
Patients can walk into a doctor’s office and claim to struggle with glaucoma, sleep issues, anxiety, or any other myriad of issues. Moments later, they can leave the office with a medical marijuana card.
Pro: Fewer Side Effects Than Many Medications
If you’ve ever seen a commercial for prescription medication, you know how long and outlandish the list of side effects can be.
Yet marijuana features almost no side effects. And those side effects it does produce are mild at best, like hunger or sleepiness.
Con: Regular Use Can Impact Cognitive Function
As wonderful as medical marijuana can be for many patients, research shows that marijuana impacts the brain’s cortico-striatal networks which are responsible for motor functions.
This is particularly troublesome for anyone who ingests marijuana and drives as their defensive driving skills will be lessened.
Pro: Marijuana Positively Effects Mental Health
On the other hand, THC is known to boost moods. This presents some interesting psychological arguments in favor of medical marijuana.
Marijuana can be effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, or depression.
Con: Consumption Can Lower Sperm Count
Are you looking to start a family? Well, medical marijuana might not be for you.
Though there’s some debate on this topic, some critics worry that regular marijuana usage hurts sperm count. By the same token, it’s worth noting that there are no lasting effects on fertility.
Medical Marijuana Pros and Cons: Looking Toward the Future
Whether you love it or hate it, it seems as though medical marijuana is here to stay. As research continues, expect to see more studies that give us a definitive answer as to how effective medical marijuana can be.
Did you enjoy learning about these medical marijuana pros and cons? Then make sure you check out the rest of our blog where we bring you the latest and most important information on all things health and wellness.
