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As with any substance that has mind altering properties associated with it, marijuana is controversial. In this country there are only three non-regulated mind altering drugs that are available legally; alcohol, nicotine and caffeine. Caffeine is the only one without age constraints for its use and it is often combined with large amounts of sugar making it a particular health risk.
Marijuana has 450 chemical constituents including it various cannabinoids. The one that garners most of the attention is THC (delta-9 tetrahydocannabinol). This is the constituent that produces the altered mental states. Sophisticated cultivation techniques have increased the concentration of THC in medicinal plants from the previous 2-4% to the current 20% strains. The other cannabinoid of interest is CBD (cannabidiol) that is showing promising effects on cancer. Some plants are cultivated for their fiber and contain only trace amounts of THC. They are usually referred to by their general name “hemp.”
Some common uses for marijuana in the medical community include the control of nausea and vomiting due to the side effects of chemotherapy drugs, the stimulation of appetite in patients wasting away from cancer or AIDS, the decrease of intraocular pressure from glaucoma, pain relief, and as a mood elevator, as well as the CBD’s use for the treatment of cancer. The Federal Drug Administration has approved THC use in the form of a drug called Marinol for the control of side effects from chemotherapy and AIDS.
“Medical Marijuana,” as designated in those states that have legalized it, similarly restrict its use to patients with cancer, AIDS, hepatitis, and chronic pain. Some states have recently approved marijuana for recreational use without stipulation for its medical use.
The active mind altering constituents in marijuana, cannabinoids, are at least as effective as some conventional medications for nausea. Some of these conventional medications are Compazine, Reglan, and Torecan. Cannabinoids from marijuana also appear to be similar to codeine for the treatment of pain. However, extreme sleepiness and other central nervous system effects made cannabinoids undesirable as painkillers.
Recent strains of marijuana have been developed with different effects on alertness. For example, sativa plants increase alertness whereas indica plants decrease alertness. Today’s market contains over a hundred strains with distinct effects and applications.
To investigate CNS effects of frequent marijuana use, brain tissue volume and composition were measured using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 18 current, frequent, young adult marijuana users and 13 comparable, non-using controls. Automated image analysis techniques were used to measure global and regional brain volumes, including, for most regions, separate measures of gray and white matter. The marijuana users showed no evidence of cerebral atrophy or global or regional changes in tissue volumes. Volumes of ventricular CSF were not higher in marijuana users than controls, but were, in fact, lower. There were no clinically significant abnormalities in any subject’s MRI. Sex differences were detected in several global volume measures.NeuroReport
As with any herb (plant), marijuana contains constituents (ingredients) that can be useful to living creatures. It is currently being offered in many forms. It can be eaten as brownies, cookies, etc. as well as smoked. It is possible to combine it with other medicinal herbs to address specific needs. We live in a time when many useful plants are being regulated by powers with less than forthright intentions. Our recourse is to participate in open forthright discourse.
Dr. Michael Miles is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in psychology and pre-med, he completed his studies in medicine at the highly regarded Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington. Dr. Miles offers a holistic, integrative general practice, which focuses on treating chronic and degenerative diseases, digestive disorders and hormonal imbalances, as well as allergies and infections of all kinds. He holds a special interest in chelation therapy used in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. He is also very active in cancer research. He prefers non-toxic treatment techniques that include botanical medicine, clinical nutrition and homeopathy, but will offer pharmaceutical remedies when appropriate. You will find Dr. Miles to be compassionate, sincere and a strong advocate for your health. He is opening a new office in Catalina in June of 2014 which will feature hyperbaric oxygen therapy in addition to his normal services. www.catalinaclinic.com
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