History of Medical Marijuana

Marijuana leaves, seeds and buds have been used for over 3,000 years as medicine. Until 1942, marijuana (cannabis) could be found in the US pharmacopoeia where it was promoted for sedative, anti-inflammatory and anticonvulsant effects. The American Medical Association (AMA) not only acknowledged the great potential of medical marijuana to ease pain and nausea but supported its’ use, encouraged research and even publicly opposed the 1937 Marijuana Tax Act which forced great restrictions on physicians prescribing Cannabis. In 1970, marijuana was classified by Congressional vote as a schedule I drug categorizing it with heroin and LSD claiming it had no medicinal value. Despite legalization issues, exploring the history of medical marijuana shows research has continued worldwide and pharmaceutical companies, both domestically and abroad, have tried to capitalize on the medicinal cannibinoids found in marijuana.

THE MEDICINE

Plants and herbs of many species have been used as medicine and have contributed to the development of a large percent of our prescription medicines today. Despite restrictions by the federal government, research of marijuana as medicine has flourished over the last two decades. Recent studies show great potential for Medicinal Cannabis as an alternative treatment for patients with symptoms associated with HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, cancer, and other conditions. Some studies have reported that tetrahydocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient in marijuana, could reduce tumor growth in common lung cancer and significantly reduces the ability of cancer to spread. Scripps Research Institute is among the many research facilities who have found promise in medical cannabis use to treat physical and behavioral symptoms associated with Dementia and specifically Alzheimer’s Disease.  While many pharmaceuticals now carry required warnings, of harmful side effects, no harmful long term side effects of marijuana have been confirmed.

IN MASSACHUSETTS

On November 6, 2012, 63% of Bay State voters approved Question 3, making our state the 18th to enact a compassionate medical marijuana program. Qualifying conditions in Massachusetts include cancer, glaucoma, positive status for human immunodeficiency virus, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), hepatitis C, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and other conditions as determined in writing by a qualifying  patient’s physician. For details on the Massachusetts Marijuana for Medical Use Program, click here. Stay tuned to this blog for additional information about the medicinal benefits of marijuana.