The Cannabis Dilemma: Exploring Medicinal Advancements, Social Debates, and Economic Implications

Context

Recently, researchers at the University of British Columbia in Canada floated a new clinical trial to examine whether cannabidiol could be used to treat bipolar depression.

Exploring Cannabis (Sativa): A Millennia-Old Herb with Medicinal and Recreational Significance

• It is an herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Cannabinaceae.
• It has been used by humans for over 5,000 years for medicinal and recreational uses, firstly in Central and Northeast Asia and subsequently spreading worldwide.
• Cannabis, or marijuana, is undoubtedly one of the most widely used illicit drugs.
• It has a complex chemical composition that includes cannabinoids which are a group of secondary metabolites, several of which are responsible for the psychotropic effects.

Cultural and Medicinal Significance of Cannabis: Medicinal Marvels in Pain Management and Neurological Conditions

• Reduction in Chronic Pain: Medical marijuana may be able to lessen discomfort and inflammation, particularly in cases of cancer and neuropathic pain.
• Vomiting and nausea: Medicinal cannabis may help avoid or lessen vomiting and nausea brought on by chemotherapy or other drugs.
• Treatment for Epilepsy: Medicinal cannabis may help lessen the frequency and intensity of seizures, particularly in cases of uncommon epilepsy like Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.
• Alzheimer’s disease: By decreasing the accumulation of amyloid plaques in the brain, medical cannabis may help slow down the disease’s progression.
• Multiple sclerosis: Medical marijuana may help lessen the pain, stiffness, and spasms in the muscles that are a part of the disease.
• Crohn’s disease: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss are just a few of the symptoms that medical cannabis may help with.
• Glaucoma: Medical marijuana may help reduce intraocular pressure in the eyes, preventing or postponing glaucoma-related visual loss.

Debate on Decriminalizing Cannabis in India

News Source: The Hindu

DOWNLOAD PDF