• Studies show that many patients suffering with HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, cancer and chemotherapy, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and other debilitating illnesses find that marijuana provides relief from their symptoms.

• “Nausea, appetite loss, pain and anxiety are all afflictions of wasting and can be mitigated by marijuana.” — Institute of Medicine, Marijuana and Medicine: “Assessing the Science Base,” 1999

• “ACP urges an evidence-based review of marijuana’s status as a Schedule I controlled substance to determine whether it should be reclassified to a different schedule. … ACP strongly supports exemption from federal criminal prosecution; civil liability; or professional sanctioning, such as loss of licensure or credentialing, for physicians who prescribe or dispense medical marijuana in accordance with state law. Similarly, ACP strongly urges protection from criminal or civil penalties for patients who use medical marijuana as permitted under state laws. … Evidence not only supports the use of medical marijuana in certain conditions but also suggests numerous indications for cannabinoids.”
— American College of Physicians, “Supporting Research into the Therapeutic Role of Marijuana,” 2008

• Available prescription drugs often come with far more serious side effects than marijuana, and many patients who find relief from marijuana simply do not respond to prescription medications. Smoking or vaporizing marijuana are much more effective delivery methods than pills for many patients: The drug works instantly, the dosage may be controlled by the patient, and there is no problem “keeping it down” since it cannot be vomited back up.

Types of Marijuana

The plant types are Sativa and Indica.  The benefits of one type of plant may better treat a particular medical condition than another.  There are over 60 cannabinoids found in the plant, the most prevalent being Tetrohydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidol (CBD), and cannabinol (CBN).  The strains of sativa contains more THC, and indica more CBD, meaning different cannabinoids provide different benefits to patients.

Sativa – The sativa strain is recommended for patients with pain, nausea, depression, and migraine headaches.  This strain has an analgesic and neuroprotective effect which is why it is associated with reduction of pain.

Indica – The indica strain is has sedative and calming effects.  This strain is ideal for people who experience muscle spasms, spasticity, pain and inflammation.  It is most often used as a way to relieve high levels of stress and reduce anxiety levels.