Marijuana, or Cannabis Sativa by its Latin name, is becoming more accepted as an alternative medicine treatment to relieve the suffering of many cancer patients as well as those suffering from other serious diseases including AIDS. Though still considered a narcotic and therefore illegal in the USA, other countries are beginning to allow use of “the weed” to help relieve pain and nausea for patients who are in constant pain. This also is true for those suffering from uncomfortable side effects, such as nausea, from chemotherapy and other treatments.
Marijuana contains a chemical called Tetrahydrocannabiol (THC) that is been found to be beneficial for cancer patients and AIDS patients suffering from severe depression. And scientists in Italy have found that another marijuana derivative, Cannabidiol has been found to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in animals. American medical drug control organizations, such as the Food and Drug Administration, have noted that the plants chemical components, especially cannabinoids, could possibly have some therapeutic effects on humans, and this applies to elderly patients suffering from conditions such as Alzheimers disease; as well as from people suffering from glaucoma by reducing inner optic pressure in the eyeball.
But by far, the main therapeutic benefit from marijuana is as an analgesic to treat various forms of pain. It has also been found to be very beneficial in treating muscle spasms caused by multiple sclerosis. A synthesized version of THC is currently being offered in a capsule drug called Dronabinol in many countries under special controlled prescription use.
Some countries, including Canada and the Netherlands are liberalizing their legislation and allowing more usage of marijuana among the general public. Other countries however, especially some in Asia, have very strict penalties for possession and especially the sale of marijuana and its derivatives. In countries like Thailand and Malaysia, these penalties can result in life imprisonment and even death.
While growing the plant at home at home is also illegal, the cannabis plant is basically very hardy and can be grown in a variety of climates ranging for tropical to near frigid.. It is expected that as more therapeutic uses for the plant are found, laws forbidding its usage will be liberalized to allow people suffering for aforesaid medical conditions to have more access to it.