Essay about Medical Attributes of Cannabis sativa -...

Medical Attributes of Cannabis sativa - Marijuana Cannabis sativa is an erect herb commonly known as hemp or marijuana, or by vernacular names such as grass, weed, refer, and pot. C. sativa is a member of the Cannabinaceae or hemp family. Marijuana can be cultivated illegally in eastern and central North America. Marijuana was legal in the United States for industrial, recreational and medicinal uses until 1937 (Anon., 1996a). C. sativa contains about sixty various psychoactive chemicals called cannabinoids. The most active component in C. sativa is tetrahydrocannabinol or THC which is found in greatest concentrations in the flowering tops and leaves of the hemp plants. The word marijuana refers to the whole plant and the resin†¦show more content†¦Chronic use did not produce serious, harmful effects in humans and a general medical examination showed no abnormalities. The researchers also concluded that marijuana can act as a hypotensive and reduce blood sugar, which is useful for treating hypertension, especially diabetic hypertension (Singh et al., 1981). Marijuana alleviates nausea, vomiting, and the loss of appetite which results from the chemotherapy treatment (Anon., 1996a). A study conducted on cancer patients found that 14 out 20 patients exposed to THC showed an antiemetic effect. In comparison, patients exposed to the placebo or a marijuana-like drug showed no antiemetic effect (Sallan et al., 1975). The study concluded that THC is an effective antiemetic for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in a dosage of 10 mg per square meter per dose every four hours for at least three doses (Sallan et al., 1975). Also smoking the marijuana shows a stimulation of increase in appetite and it is starting to be used to treat anorexia and other eating disorders (Anon. 1996b). A survey of oncologists found that 48% would prescribe marijuana to some patients if it was legal. Also, of these oncologists, 44% have recommended the illegal use of marijuana to patients to alleviate nausea and vomiting (Doblin and Kleiman, 1991). Another study found that smoking marijuana rather than ingesting marijuana orally resulted in 72% reduction in nausea and vomiting (Chang, et al, 1979). In the 19th century,Show MoreRelatedThe Legalization Of Marijuan Marijuana1097 Words   |  5 PagesDECRIMINALIZATION OF MARIJUANA The decriminalization of marijuana refers to removing drug offences concerning marijuana from criminal law rather than completely legalizing and allowing public use of the drug whether regulated or not. The legalization of Marijuana has been a hot political issue for decades due to its potential medical uses and industrial properties. It is a very important and controversial issue in society today. 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