Health have failed. The most common use of the drug is for pain. Marijuana has more than 100 different components, of which cannabidiol (CBD), the prescribed component of the hemp plant for pain and other conditions, does not have the addictive or psychic “high” that results in the components containing tetrahydrocannabidiol (THC), when marijuana is used for recreational purposes. Other conditions in which its use benefits some patients are insomnia, the pain and spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis, muscle spasms, tremors in Parkinson’s disease, fibromyalgia, endometriosis and cystitis. Some who have glaucoma, PTSD, HIV, Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome also experience relief. Patients are becoming more knowledgeable about howmedical marijuana may help their particular condition and replacement with CBD may allow for the cessation of sedating or addictive drugs, such as opioids. Doctors, initially quite skeptical over its use, are becoming more educated and willing to use it when indicated and continue it where benefits are proven. When prescribed, physicians must follow the patients to be assured that there has been improvement in the patient’s pain level, function or quality of life and that there are no significant adverse effects, including misuse or harm. Without large-scale studies, the long-term effects of the drug are not well documented. There is strong evidence that it has the potential to damage the developing brain. As with alcohol, the minimum legal age for its recreational use is determined by each province, but there are many who fear that it will result in expanded use among minors because of its easy availability. Although most of us will not be using marijuana for medical or recreational use, now that the legal use of it throughout Canada is in place, some of our friends or family may. We will have to keep vigilant on all issues related to cannabis use and, if we are prescribed it for medical reasons, we should be especially careful about side-effects and rules about travelling and possession outside of Canada. 40 | www.snowbirds.org
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