The use of Cannabis for medicinal purposes is under-going somewhat of a revolution. Leading medicinal practitioners in this field testify that the controlled use of Cannabis can be affective in alleviating and, in some cases, reducing completely, a number of health conditions. These include tumors, mestasis, glaucoma, Multiple Scleroses, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), Chrons Disease, Epilepsy, HIV and Aids. Smoking Cannabis for medicinal purposes is not necessarily recommended. Applying heat can enhance psychoactive symptoms. Cannabis can be ingested in its rawest form, applied topically to ease achy joints and muscles and taken in a tincture as an alternative to Opiate based painkillers. Research in the use of Cannabis for medicinal purposes is increasing. The US now has Medical Cannabis Programs in 22 states.

Clearing Up the Confusion

Cannabis is 100 times more potent than Hemp. Cannabis contains Cannabidiols which have medicinal properties, medicinal Terpenes and Flavanoids, and THC. It is the Cannabidiols that are most beneficial to our bodies. We actually have them in our bodies. They are very effective at regulating our immune systems, nerve and bone functions. Introducing additional Cannabidiol to our system can boost our natural Cannabidiol system and help bring things back into balance. Many of the current advocates for using Cannabis for medicinal purposes believe that our ancestors would have consumed the raw leaves as part of their diet. This would have helped keep them healthy and free from some of the modern day diseases and inflictions that plague us today. Part of the confusion around the use of Cannabis for medicinal purposes, is because of its reputation as a psychedelic, and hence, recreational drug. For the purposes of medicinal use, the majority of patients do not wish to get high, they long for the alleviation of their symptoms and to be able to live normal, functional lives. It is the ingredient THC in Cannabis which is responsible for the psychosomatic effects. Those working in the field of Cannabis for medicinal purposes are now re-cultivating strains of Cannabis which are rich in CBDs and less so in THC. These are the strains that would have been familiar to our ancestors; more so than those rich in THC.

Ive heard Cannabis is a Gateway Drug and can be Addictive?

Even though there are now Cannabis Medicinal Centers in the US and not for profit organizations producing the medicinal plant, Cannabis is still a Class 1 drug under Federal Law. It is classified as a Class B illegal substance in the UK and although efforts are focused mainly on harm minimization in Australia it is also an illegal substance there. With such widespread law enforcement it is unsurprising if we are concerned about the harm Cannabis could cause us. There is much controversy, however, about Cannabis as an illegal substance and thought can be divided loosely into two camps. Those who think it should be illegal and those who seek to legalize it. So why is it considered dangerous enough for it to remain illegal? The first argument is that Cannabis acts as a gateway drug and that those that experiment with Cannabis have an increased likelihood of going on to take harder drugs such as Heroin and Crack Cocaine. Whereas there may be a correlation between those who use Cannabis and those who go onto take harder drugs, there is nothing that suggests that this wouldnt have been the case anyway. There is no conclusive evidence that Cannabis was the actual trigger for further drug use. Additionally, recent research shows that alcohol use could precipitate further drug use in just the same way that was previously assumed of Cannabis use. Regarding the addictive nature of Cannabis, although Cannabis use may become slightly addictive in some, it does not carry the same risk of addiction as many prescribed, or over the counter, painkillers and tranquilizers. There are millions of people worldwide addicted to these drugs; significantly higher amounts than those addicted to illegal drugs.

So How Do I Take Cannabis for Medicinal Purposes?

Obviously, if you are lucky enough to live in one of the states where there is a Centre for Cannabis for Medicinal Purposes, then a referral from your doctor is recommended. You will benefit from the advice and regulation of experienced practitioners. In raw form, the leaves and buds contain CBD which is anti-inflammatory, an anti-oxidant and non psychoactive. This can help to prevent and reverse disease, normalize bodily functional systems and improve immune function. Eating raw will lessen the chances of any psychoactive symptoms. Heating will stimulate the release of THC and reduce its medicinal purposes. Dosing will need to be experimented with as it can take two hours after ingestion to feel the healing effects of Cannabis. Do some proper research as to how high a dose you may need. Juicing is a great way of ingesting the recommended dose of raw leaves.