by Karyn B Jules

Created on: September 20, 2009   Last Updated: June 08, 2010

Pain is a debilitating symptom of numerous diseases such as fybromyalgia, cancer and AIDS. Even when no other symptoms are apparent, the presence of chronic pain has been known to render its victims incapable of carrying out normal everyday activities, causing a distinct lack in quality of life. Ongoing pain can be difficult to treat, sometimes being entirely unresponsive to prescribed medications. When all mainstream treatments for chronic pain are exhausted, with no substantial improvement, a desperate search for other means of relief has led some chronic pain sufferers to turn to marijuana, often with unexpected success.

Advocates of medical marijuana have reported significant pain relief in conditions ranging from migraine and chronic back pain to abdominal pain and nausea caused by chemotherapy. The typical limb pain experienced in multiple sclerosis and even phantom limb pain felt by some paraplegics and quadriplegics has also reportedly responded well to marijuana. Undoubtedly though, the most common use of medical marijuana is among those suffering from AIDS.

Marijuana, also known as Cannabis, contains over sixty active cannabinoids including Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the psychoactive substance responsible for the "high" associated with its use. According to Marijuana and Medicine, published by the Institute of Medicine in 1999 following their ground breaking study of the same name, a potential therapeutic value of cannabinoid drugs in pain relief is certainly indicated.

Although the IOM's study was inconclusive in some areas, cannabiniods, which are also produced within the body, were found to act on certain pain receptors, reducing pain in various situations and conditions. Chronic pain responded well in most cases whereas acute pain tended to become more severe and longer lasting. In conclusion it was noted that more extensive research and testing would be required to ascertain marijuana's true potential as a viable pain medication. However, due to the legal status of marijuana, further testing and human trials present difficulties which slow the process considerably.

Marijuana faces many challenges along the path towards becoming a widely accepted form of pain relief. Not the least of these are the risks involved in its use. Cannabis is an addictive drug which lends itself to dependence and/or abuse if not carefully and professionally monitored. As a mind altering substance it has, in some instances brought about psychological disorders in users

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