by Debbie Lester

Created on: September 21, 2009   Last Updated: October 29, 2009

Looking in the medicine cabinet for something to ease a backache? Marijuana probably would not be your first choice. However, many people in the United States as well as other countries are turning to Marijuana as a source of relief from acute and chronic pain. Though largely considered a recreational drug, Marijuana has been shown to reduce pain associated with several medical conditions including chronic back and neck pain, Glaucoma and several forms of Cancer.

History

Marijuana has been used for over 4,000 years for medicinal purposes. It has a long history which includes the treatment of insomnia, headaches, gastrointestinal or stomach problems and as an effective pain reliever during childbirth. It has been reportedly used in China in the form of a tea and in India as well as other countries in pre-biblical times.

Research

Research facilities like the UC Center of Medicinal Cannabis Research in San Diego conduct and coordinate studies that test the safety and effectiveness of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) the primary active ingredient in Marijuana. It is not fully understood how Marijuana works in reliving pain. It is believed to produce chemical combinations that effectively reduce pain signals that travel to the brain.

Marijuana is usually prescribed by doctors to treat two types of pain, visceral pain associated in diseases affecting the internal organs and neuropathic pain involving injuries or dysfunction in the nervous system. Doctors and patients must consider carefully all the options before choosing Marijuana as part of pain treatment plan due to Federal government regulations. There are some risks associated with it's use.

Marijuana has been illegal in the United States since 1937. However, 13 states have passed laws relating to the use of medical Marijuana. Doctors who make these recommendations usually provide the patient with a card that shows they are allowed to be in possession of this Schedule 1 drug. Each state has a different requirements about the amount of possession which can be confusing. It is risky also, should patients be traveling with Marijuana to states where it cannot be prescribed or used legally.

Risks

According to the Mayo Clinic at Riverside, there are also medical risks that patients must consider as well. Marijuana does cause thinking impairment, a reduction in balance and coordination. It increases the risk of heart attack, causes chronic cough and respiratory infections and can cause hallucinations and withdrawal symptoms

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