The federal government has been arguing against recognizing the medical value of marijuana, claiming it is a dangerous drug. However, it is already patenting marijuana extracts for health-related uses and is set to grant a license to GW Pharmaceuticals for the cannabinoid-based drug, Epidiolex, for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. This situation highlights the hypocrisy of the government. While millions of citizens are subjected to force medication via the fluoride and chlorine in their drinking water, and establishment medicine pushes mass vaccinations, the personal use of marijuana is a federal crime with stiff penalties. Meanwhile, subsidized tobacco is sold and toxic soft drinks are marketed as health or energy drinks.
The federal law currently prevents the discussion of health benefits for natural products and foods, regardless of any scientific studies or real-world experience that proves their effectiveness or value. Government agencies like the US attorney’s office and Obama’s Justice Department classify marijuana as a Schedule One drug, placing it in the same category as heroine, LSD, and ecstasy – substances considered to have a high potential for abuse and no safe medical use. To equate marijuana with these hard drugs or controlled substances is a propaganda tactic aimed at creating negative public opinion, preventing logical discussion about its medical uses.
However, Epidiolex, which has been used in clinical trials for months, has already shown promise in the treatment of neurological disorders like epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is aware that cannabinoids can have antioxidant properties in the treatment and prophylaxis of ischemic, age-related, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, cannabinoids are found to have neuroprotective applications in limiting neurological damage following stroke and trauma, and in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and HIV-related dementia. These statements are drawn directly from the US government patent 6630507, titled “Cannabinoids as antioxidants and neuroprotectants.”
Medicinal cannabis medications have been safely used for the treatment of various health problems including asthma, glaucoma, nausea, tumors, epilepsy, infection, stress, migraines, anorexia, depression, rheumatism, and arthritis. Pressed hemp seed as food contains some of the highest amounts of essential fatty acids in the plant kingdom. These essential oils are responsible for the immune responses and clearing the arteries of cholesterol and plaque. Yet, despite all this readily available evidence, the federal government and most of the Republican-elected class continue to actively resist the use of cannabinoids for health reasons.
The benefits of cannabinoids
Cannabinoids, chemical compounds found in the marijuana plant, can provide a range of benefits and have the potential to treat various medical conditions. Some of the known benefits include:
- Pain relief and inflammation reduction: Studies have shown that cannabinoids can reduce pain by modulating the pain signals sent to the brain. This ability to impact the body’s perception of pain makes cannabinoids effective in treating chronic pain conditions like arthritis and multiple sclerosis for many patients.
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Control of nausea and vomiting: Cannabinoids have been found to have strong antiemetic properties and can be effective as a treatment for nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. Some researchers believe that this is due to indirect activation of the somatodendritic 5HT1A receptors in the dorsal raphe nucleus, which regulates the vomiting reflex.
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Appetite stimulation: One of the more widely known benefits of cannabinoids is appetite stimulation, which is particularly useful for patients struggling with weight loss due to illnesses such as cancer and HIV/AIDS.
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Reduced muscle spasms: Cannabinoids have been found to reduce muscle spasms, particularly in conditions like multiple sclerosis. This is because they have an effect on the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is involved in regulating muscle control.
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Neuroprotective effects: Cannabinoids show potential in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s disease by protecting neurons from damage and promoting the growth of new brain cells. Their antioxidant properties also mean that they could have a role in preventing the oxidative stress that contributes to these diseases.
In conclusion, while the federal government continues to argue against the medical benefits of marijuana, there is a growing body of evidence supporting its use for a range of medical conditions. Society must shake off the negative connotations associated with marijuana and embrace its potential to improve individuals’ health and overall well-being. If we don’t, we’re advocating against our own betterment.
