What Is Medical Marijuana?

Medical Marijuana is the use of cannabis as a physician-recommended form of medicine

.

Cannabis has a long history of medicinal use. The plant was cultivated in China for therapy over 4,700 years ago. European visitors wrote of the physician Hoa-tho in the early 2nd century and his use of a cannabis extract in surgical anesthesia. Cannabis-based medications were commonly available in the U.S. until 1942, when cannabis was removed from the U.S. Pharmacopeia. And, the U.S. Government even collected tax on it!

Medical marijuana has recently become more popular. Basically, you need a recommendation from a physician for a medical marijuana qualifying ailment, a medical marijuana caregiver, and a medical marijuana registry card. Then you will be allowed to carry and use small amounts of MMJ. Check out any article entitled, "How to get a medical marijuana card in Colorado." The process is similar in the 14 states that authorize medical marijuana.

Here are three facts you need to know:

1. Fourteen states and the District of Columbia have legalized medical marijuana: Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.

Patients in these states still face federal prosecution for using it-or for growing or possessing pot for medical purposes. Clearly an over reaching federal government abuse of the 10th Amendment.

2. Federal law prohibits physicians from prescribing or otherwise actively supplying patients with the drug. Cannabis is still a Schedule 1 drug, and cannot be prescribed, However, in 2002 the U.S. Supreme Court backed an appellate court ruling that physicians who discuss it with patients, or provide oral or written recommendations, are protected.

Marinol, a synthetic drug made from cannabis, is listed as a Schedule 3 drug. Why the difference? Simple. Another example of the Federal Government bureaucracy that is bloated and over reaching.

3. The plant has nearly 500 chemical compounds, more than 60 of which are called cannabinoids. The role of cannabis and cannabinoids in pain management is well understood, as is the use of MMJ for treating other ailments.

What Is Medical Marijuana?

By: R. Millard Hume

POST COMMENT

The Amazing Effects Of Ayurveda Medicine Psychiatry - Medical Specialty Devoted To Treatment Of Mental Disorder Gaining Financial Security With A Medical Transcription Degree Ayurveda - A Time Tested Medical Science The Importance Of Medical Alarms For Senior Citizen. Medical Malpractice - How To Choose The Best Lawyer The medical marijuana debate The Pros And Cons Of Group Medical Plans Medical alarm systems- you really need them Must-take Precautions While Using Medical Disposable Supplies Tips For Buying Medical Diagnostic Products Purchase Muscle Relaxers medicine with overnight delivery at MuscleRelaxers.biz Learn What Are The Best Drug Addiction Centers In The Southwest United States?