Imagine that someone you know, perhaps a relative or friend, is undergoing treatment for cancer. When chemotherapy begins, the person becomes thinner and weaker day by day due to severe nausea and loss of appetite . Sometimes it is difficult to control these conditions with the medications prescribed by doctors. At a time like this, what would you think if someone said, "If you use a little marijuana , the nausea and loss of appetite will go away?" On the one hand, the suffering that person is going through, and on the other hand, 'marijuana' is something that is prohibited by law and seen as a bad thing by many people in society. This is the most complex aspect of the topic we are talking about today, ' Medical Marijuana '.
Simply put, what is this 'medical cannabis'?
'Medical cannabis' refers to the use of the cannabis plant, or its chemical compounds , for medical purposes to relieve the symptoms of a medical condition. This may involve the use of the entire plant or specific chemicals isolated from the plant.
Cannabinoids are the main chemical group in the cannabis plant that affects our bodies. Of these, the main chemical you've probably heard of is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) . This is what's mainly responsible for the 'high' that occurs when using cannabis. But THC can also have effects like reducing pain, nausea, and increasing appetite .
Does this really help? What is science?
There has been a lot of research around the world to determine whether this is just a rumor or if it has a scientific basis. Let's simply look at what has been found in studies conducted on this topic by institutions such as the Institute of Medicine in America.
According to their reports, there is evidence that cannabis use can provide some relief for some medical conditions, but not all of them are the same.
| Medical condition | Level of scientific evidence | Simple explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea and pain in cancer and AIDS patients | It is in good condition. | There is evidence that it can help control severe nausea and pain caused by chemotherapy, and help AIDS patients lose their appetite and maintain body weight. |
| Muscle stiffness (Spasticity) - e.g. Multiple Sclerosis | It is at a moderate level. | It has been shown to be somewhat helpful in relieving painful muscle spasms caused by some neurological diseases. |
| Glaucoma and Epilepsy | Evidence is weak/inconclusive | There is not yet sufficient, solid scientific evidence to suggest that cannabis has any significant benefit for these conditions. |
But what these same scientists say is very important, the health risks of
(smoking)marijuana. It can damage the lungs . So they say it should be considered a last resort , not a first-line treatment.
So why doesn't everyone agree with this? The opposing view
While there is a good side to this, there are also strong arguments against it.
The first argument is that there are already other legally approved drugs that can provide these alleged benefits of cannabis. For example, in some countries, a pill called ``Marinol``, which is made from only the chemical THC found in cannabis, can be legally prescribed by a doctor. So when such a drug is available, they ask the question: should we allow the use of the dangerous cannabis plant itself?
The second and strongest argument is that legalizing cannabis for medical purposes could send the wrong message to society, especially the younger generation .
"The main fear of those opposed to this is that if this is allowed for medical use, young people will start to think, 'Ganja is not so dangerous and harmful.' This could lead to an increase in illegal recreational use of cannabis."
What is the argument from the patients' side?
On the other hand, patients and their families suffering from serious illnesses see this differently.
They say that even though there are legal pills like `Marinol`, they cause side effects like dizziness and excessive drowsiness . Also, once you take a pill, it takes time for its effects to take effect, and it is difficult to control the effects.
But they say that a person who inhales cannabis smoke can control the effects by using the amount they need little by little . Their experience is that it can quickly eliminate things like nausea.
And a sensitive question they ask is, "Is it any use telling a patient who is in severe pain and suffering today, and who may have a limited time to live, 'I'll develop a better, safer drug in ten years'?"
How is the situation in Sri Lanka?
This is the most important thing we all need to know. Although some countries and states around the world have relaxed the laws on the use of medical cannabis, in Sri Lanka the possession, transportation, sale and use of cannabis for recreational purposes is completely illegal. It is a punishable offense under the 'Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance'.
Although hemp is used for certain medicinal purposes in Ayurvedic medicine, it is done under a very strict legal framework and control. An ordinary person is not allowed to use it in any way.
Therefore, whether you read this article or hear it somewhere else, do not use cannabis as an illegal treatment for any reason. In addition to harming your health, it could also lead to legal action.
If you or someone you know has a medical condition, the best and only thing you can do is to see a qualified medical professional, that is, your doctor, and talk about it.
Take-Home Message
- 'Medical cannabis' is a very complex topic. While there is evidence that it can provide some relief for very specific symptoms, such as nausea during cancer treatment, it also has health risks and side effects.
- Smoking marijuana can damage the lungs, and scientists are trying to find safer methods, such as inhalers.
- The use and possession of cannabis is illegal in Sri Lanka. Never attempt to use it for medical purposes on your own.
- The best advice and treatment for any medical condition you or someone you know may have is from your doctor . Do not base your decisions on what you hear on the internet or from hearsay.
Medical marijuana, medical cannabis, cancer treatment, AIDS, pain management, THC, cannabinoids, Sri Lankan law
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