In the legal arena, medical marijuana is a complex issue in the United States. Although many states allow its use for treating various conditions, federal law still prohibits its use. This situation creates confusion and challenges for both users and producers/distributors.
The medicinal use of cannabis presents a lesser-known dimension:
In the United States, despite federal marijuana prohibition, several states have legalized its use for medicinal purposes to treat symptoms such as pain and nausea.
Medical marijuana, also known as medicinal cannabis, refers to derivatives of the Cannabis sativa plant used to relieve symptoms related to various medical conditions.
The plant contains several active compounds, including THC and CBD, with THC being responsible for the characteristic psychoactive effects of cannabis.
At the federal level, the use of cannabis and its derivatives is prohibited, although CBD derived from hemp (with low THC content) is legal. However, state laws may allow THC for therapeutic purposes, though federal laws prevail.
Eligibility for medical marijuana treatment varies by state and the medical conditions covered in their regulations.
While medical marijuana has been observed to have benefits for certain conditions, further research is needed to determine its safety. Possible side effects include changes in heart rate, dizziness, and cognitive alterations, among others.
Although not approved by the FDA for any medical condition, there are FDA-approved cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (Epidiolex) and dronabinol (Marinol, Syndros) for treating certain conditions.
Medical marijuana comes in various forms such as pills, liquids, oils, powders, and dried leaves, and its acquisition and use vary by state. In institutions like the Mayo Clinic, in states like Minnesota, some healthcare providers may authorize medical marijuana use for patients meeting state-established requirements. However, in other Mayo Clinic locations, such as in Arizona and Florida, medical marijuana use is not permitted.
