General Information
The following is a discussion about marijuana, which is from the Cannabis marijuana plant. It is not the same as CBD (cannabidiol), which is usually from hemp plants (although occasionally it can come from a marijuana plant that has very low THC). Marijuana is from the marijuana plant. The difference between CBD and marijuana is the amount of THC Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) - the psychoactive component. CBD - from the hemp plant - has <0.3% of THC; marijuana has >0.3% of THC.
According to an NIH publication, "Marijuana is the most used drug in the world".
OTHER NAMES: Cannabis. There are actually over a thousand names and slang terms for 2300 different strains. Two of the most common types are Sativa and Indica, and both have different properties, as discussed below.
HISTORY: The medicinal use of marijuana dates back to ancient China (2700 BC) and India (1000 BC). Currently, marijuana is widely used both recreationally and medicinally. The US federal government has deemed marijuana illegal; however, some states have legalized both recreational and medical marijuana. Other states have only legalized medicinal marijuana. And still, other states consider both medicinal and recreational uses "illegal' (although even some of those states have decriminalized possession of a small amount). Although they clash with the federal government in terms of marijuana use, states usually follow their own state rules.
Wikipedia (True, they are not considered an evidence based resource but are pretty good)has an up-to-date, comprehensive, detailed breakdown of state laws.
In the states where it is medically legal, it is considered a Schedule I medication, which means that the DEA controls it, and a healthcare provider needs to have a special license to prescribe it. WebMD has a concise list of those conditions. The FDA has not approved the use of the cannabis plant; however, they have approved the use of a synthetic pharmaceutical product with similar properties. Because marijuana is an herb, it is questionable whether the FDA will ever do research into its efficacy.
While federal law deems marijuana illegal, various states have allowed the use of medical marijuana for different conditions. The breakdown below includes these in pink. Again, just because certain states will enable the use of medical marijuana for these conditions does not mean that it is necessarily effective for the condition.
PROPERTIES: Analgesic (indica), antiemetic, antioxidant
Considered Uses
Eyes: Decreases eye pressure in glaucoma
Gastrointestinal: Antiemetic - nausea and vomiting secondary to chemotherapy, modulates effects of hepatitis C, Crohn's, ulcerative colitis, severe and excessive weight loss (appetite stimulant), IBS
Genitourinary: N/A
Musculoskeletal: Chronic pain (indica), possibly helps heal bones, arthritis, MS pain and muscle spasms, RA
Neurologic: Antiseizure, slows Alzheimer's, energizing (sativa)-usually has more THC), relaxation (indica), insomnia, neuropathy, anxiety, Parkinson's, diabetic neuropathy, ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), PTSD, TICS
Mental Health: Antidepressant, autism, ADD, ADHD, anxiety, PTSD, alcoholism
Skin: May help itching and local inflammation
Glucose: Helps regulate sugar
Cancer: Helps with side effects of chemotherapy
Infectious Disease: HIV/AIDS
Other: Chronic and Serious pain, terminal illness
* * *
SIDE EFFECTS: Balance problem (elderly), sleepiness, GI disturbance, increased heart rate
alteration of senses (smells, spatial, colors), dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, hunger, slower reaction time, paranoia, panic, hallucinations (rare), euphoria, with regular and long-term use can cause mood and mental health disorders (depression, anxiety, psychosis), apathy, severe vomiting, frequent long-term use: chronic lung disease
CAUTION/CONTRAINDICATIONS: Preexisting psychosis, stroke, heart disease, lung disease
FORMS: Weed, vaping, smoking, eating, lotion, spray, cream, oils, hashish, suppository, patches, gels
Recommended Brands
No recommended brands available at this time.
Dosage
As directed on the product label.
The only FDA‑approved THC‑related medications are dronabinol (Marinol®, Syndros®) and nabilone (Cesamet®). These are pharmaceutically produced synthetic THC products authorized for specific uses such as supporting appetite in individuals with HIV and managing nausea and vomiting related to certain medical treatments. These prescription products must be used exactly as directed by a qualified professional.
No general over‑the‑counter dosage recommendations are available.
Check your state laws if you are seeking medication for the conditions listed above, as regulations vary widely.
There is no Epocrates herbal monograph for non-synthetic/medicinal cannabis.
How People Commonly Prepare It
Traditional preparation methods varied by region and purpose. Historically, people used:
Herbal preparations such as teas or infusions made from leaves or flowers
Topical applications like salves or poultices
Smoke or vapor forms in cultural or ceremonial contexts
Modern commercial products vary widely and should be used only as directed on their packaging or by a qualified professional.
Safety Notes
Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless advised by a qualified professional
Avoid if you have known allergies to this plant family
May cause drowsiness or altered perception
Keep out of reach of children
Follow all local and state regulations regarding possession and use
*Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure a condition. The uses listed above are tentative; some have or are undergoing research trials, but many are not FDA-approved. It is essential that you investigate these supplements further before deciding to use them. Check interactions and contraindications on sites like Drugs.com or WebMD. Do not attempt to treat a serious condition like liver, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart, cancer, diabetes, or thyroid issues without discussing it with a healthcare provider first. If you are pregnant, do not use supplements without discussing it with your healthcare provider.