This entry is part 8 of 77 in the series Othello

Studies have been going on to find out what exactly medical marijuana can be used to treat, and the effectiveness of such treatment. One study looked at the effects of medical marijuana on various neurological disorders. They found that oral cannabis extract (OCE) was an effective treatment against spasticity (when muscles are continually contracted), and nabiximols (a specific cannabis extract) was effective in treating bladder issues. 

Another study looked at the effects of medical marijuana as treatment for chronic pain, neuropathic pain, and spasticity specifically caused by multiple sclerosis. The project covered “six trials that included 325 patients examined chronic pain, 6 trials that included 396 patients investigated neuropathic pain, and 12 trials that included 1600 patients focused on multiple sclerosis.” The article concluded that while medical marijuana did seem to help the ailments tested, many other ailments are unaffected by marijuana and more testing on a variety of conditions is needed.

A different study done by Penny F. Whiting and others, looked at the effects of medical marijuana on “nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, appetite stimulation in HIV/AIDS, chronic pain, spasticity due to multiple sclerosis or paraplegia, depression, anxiety disorder, sleep disorder, psychosis, glaucoma, or Tourette syndrome.” They cited 28 databases from “inception to April 2015”, and found that cannabinoids were most effective in treating chronic pain and spasticity. They found less evidence showing that marijuana was effective in treating nausea associated with chemotherapy, weight gain in HIV cases, Tourettes syndrome and sleep disorders. They also found evidence that cannabinoids increased chances of short term adverse effects, such as dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, loss of balance, and confusion.

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Gwendolyn
October 26, 2018 8:27 pm

What a fascinating piece Sera!
I think that the articles you chose are very relevant to the upcoming election in which people will be voting on Marijuana. I liked how you described all of the medical conditions that it treats and mentioned that it does not treat others. This helps people to have a less biased view. I think that this article (https://www.thegrowthop.com/life/relationships/marijuana-and-the-pain-in-the-neck/wcm/1a4f02de-21c4-4fc7-b3db-913a62f8b156) could allow you to share more about one specific person and her experience with medical marijuana. Your post reminded me of a video we watched in A.P. Government. I think that adding something on the legal repercussions for breaking federal law could be something to include if you ever write a broader paper about the pros and cons of medical marijuana. Thank you for writing this informative post Sera! I would love to see you write about more topics that are coming up in the election. I would be interested to read about your view on Medicare expansion.

Thanks again!

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