Why is Marijuana Legal in Some States But Not in Others?

The story of marijuana prohibition is a long one. At first, there was a stigma perpetuated by William Randolph Hearst in an effort to dissuade the use of hemp for paper products. However, the propaganda evolved and gained steam as folks characterized the plant as a catalyst for political opposition and societal unrest. The populace's general lack of knowledge regarding marijuana and its effects led them to believe outlandish claims like marijuana causes users to become criminally insane. The public’s naivety and blind trust in the government resulted in harsher and harsher restrictions until the enactment of the Controlled Substances Act in 1970, when marijuana’s widespread usage was seen as the perfect political instrument for the War on Drugs. The motivations behind this move were purely political, and the stigma was socially charged due to the gullibility of the average citizen. Marijuana's public image has endured a long uphill battle, but its benefits have remained evident despite the slanderous tales launched against it. With California leading the way in 1996, states began to legalize marijuana and investigate the flood of anecdotal claims proclaiming its benefits. To date, more than two-thirds of the country has legalized marijuana in a medical capacity, and more state laws are expected to legalize the use of marijuana in the near future.

What’s the Best Way to Ingest Marijuana?

The best way to ingest marijuana depends on the user's personal preferences, but the healthiest way to do it is indisputable. Traditionally, marijuana has been ingested by inhaling the smoke of burning cannabis flowers. However, the heat from smoke can cause damage to the throat and lungs after extended and heavy periods of use. Studies have yet to definitively state that marijuana smoke is as dangerous as cigarette smoke, but it's better to be safe than sorry. The safest delivery methods are either edibles or vapors. The variety of psychoactive effects edibles can induce lend it more toward home use, but regardless it retains nearly 100% bioavailability of the ingested THC. Since the edibles' effects can last for hours and vary in potency, vapor inhalation may be the more convenient choice. Its effects and benefits are identical to traditional smoke inhalation but it does not cause the same harmful consequences. Tinctures and topical lotions present another healthy way to absorb CBD and THC so you can enjoy the benefits of medical marijuana. Their reaction is quick and side effect-free, but these methods don't offer as much THC bioavailability when compared to inhalation or edibles. In addition, these products may not be legal in your home state. A combination of THC and CBD is recommended for maximum effect, but if you can't access that you can always seek out Delta 8 or CBD products.

Does Medical Marijuana Get You High?

Medical marijuana usually contains 15% to 40% concentration of THC. That means that, in every form, THC will get you high. This change in your state of consciousness occurs when THC binds to CB receptors throughout the body. Inhaling marijuana smoke or vapors delivers the THC directly to the bloodstream through absorption in the lungs. The effects are rapid and noticeable. Edibles will also get you high, but the effects are different. The chemical process of digestion creates a different reaction that is significantly more psychoactive and lasts for hours. Edibles are also more bioavailable than vapors, but they take longer to produce effects.

What are the Risks Associated with Medical Marijuana?

Overall, the adverse effects of medical marijuana are minimal. Some common side effects may include dry mouth and fatigue, and for certain people a large dose can induce anxiety or dizziness

Does Delta 8 Have THC?

Delta 8 actually is THC. Delta 8 is shorthand for delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, which is a less potent form of the more widely known delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the chemical used to measure the potency of marijuana strains. Delta 8 is found in marijuana strains, and it gained popularity due to its existence in marijuana’s fibrous cousin plant hemp. It has all of the same effects as Delta 9 THC and is considered legal across the United States since hemp is no longer prohibited by the Controlled Substances Act.

What Does the Future of Medical Marijuana Look Like?

With medical marijuana's wide variety of medical uses and treatments, the future of medical marijuana research and products is all but guaranteed to be revolutionary. Researchers have already started down numerous paths to discover every detail they can about the cannabinoids in marijuana. Now that they're a few years in, it won’t be long until we learn more about this wonderful plant.

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The Health Benefits of Medical Marijuana

Updated October 19, 2024

Clinical evidence has revealed that compounds naturally found within marijuana such as cannabidiol (CBD) and the psychoactive cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), provide remarkable health benefits for those diagnosed with a range of diseases and disorders. In light of these recent discoveries, the negative stigma surrounding marijuana use is beginning to fade. Medical marijuana is now legally available in 38 of the United States and is even legal for recreational use in 24 states.

If you live in one of the states where medical cannabis is legal, you can speak with one of the licensed medical marijuana doctors at The Sanctuary Wellness Institute. Our doctors can help you understand the benefits of medical cannabis and whether you qualify for a medical marijuana card. Check out our booking page to make an in-person or telehealth appointment.

Health Benefits of Cannabis

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the cannabinoids and terpenes found in marijuana can have numerous therapeutic effects. These cannabinoids and terpenes act on our natural endocannabinoid system to relax the body and promote balance among the immune and nervous systems. Additionally, the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of medical cannabis have profound and fast-acting positive health effects for patients with a wide variety of health conditions.

Here are some of the many health benefits medical marijuana can provide:

1. Decreases Anxiety

Research has indicated that using marijuana may help treat certain mental health conditions, including social anxiety. Using marijuana can improve the user’s mood and may act as a sedative. Cannabinoids have neuroprotective properties that can help control fear and anxiety within the brain and promote general well-being.

See more from The Sanctuary about marijuana as a treatment for anxiety:

2. Helps with PTSD

Medical marijuana has been approved in some states to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In a study by The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, cannabis users experienced significant reduction of PTSD symptoms after using cannabis over the course of a year. This is just one example of the evidence supporting marijuana’s use in treating PTSD.

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3. Lowers Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of heart disease and can lead to stroke or heart attack. Some researchers believe that cannabinoids may offer a protective role for the body by decreasing blood pressure.

This has shown to be especially true for older adults. People aged 60 and older with hypertension were evaluated after using cannabis, and recent studies found that their blood pressure decreased within hours after use.

See more from The Sanctuary about marijuana as a treatment for high blood pressure:

High Blood Pressure And Marijuana

4. Alleviates Depression

Besides helping decrease anxiety, cannabis can also be a treatment option for depression. Multiple studies have found that the endocannabinoid compounds in cannabis can help stabilize one’s mood and relieve stress.

Chronic stress can reduce the production of endocannabinoids, which can lead to depression. Cannabis helps supplement those endocannabinoids and therefore reduce depression.

See more from The Sanctuary about marijuana as a treatment for depression:

Does Marijuana Help with Depression?

5. Helps with Alcoholism

No drug is completely risk-free, including marijuana. But the risks associated with marijuana use are much more tame than the risks of alcohol use. Alcohol users may be able to help curb their intake by consuming low doses of cannabis instead. Cannabis can also act as a better sleep aid than alcohol.

See more from The Sanctuary about marijuana and alcoholism:

Can Medical Marijuana Treat Alcoholism?

6. Reduces Nausea

One of the most commonly-known uses for cannabis is its ability to help reduce nausea. This is especially common for people undergoing chemotherapy treatment. But, nausea of any source, whether it’s a chronic illness, digestive distress, or eating certain foods, can be treated with marijuana.

Cannabis can help regulate the body’s metabolism and slow down the digestive process. Marijuana also acts as a pain reliever that helps relieve the painful feeling associated with nausea.

Cannabis can also help stimulate appetite and treat other gastrointestinal symptoms, including irritable bowel syndrome, heartburn, and inflammatory bowel disease.

See more from The Sanctuary about marijuana as a treatment for nausea:

Does Marijuana Help Nausea?

7. Relief for Chronic Pain

According to Harvard Health, Americans primarily use medical marijuana to treat pain. While medical marijuana isn't strong enough for very severe pain (such as post-surgery pain), research has shown that both cannabinoids–CBD and THC–can alleviate pain. Trauma-induced injury pains, arthritis pains, and even some cancer-related pains can be effectively managed with medical marijuana products.

Chronic pain is a leading cause of pain medication prescriptions, often leading to addiction, especially with opioids. Medical marijuana offers effective pain relief without the addiction risk. Studies show cannabis, alone or with other medications, significantly reduces pain and improves quality of life.

THC is cited as being most useful for neuropathic pain, while CBD is cited as being best for inflammatory pain. Medical marijuana helps alleviate pain thanks to its effect on neurotransmitters on cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2.

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8. Regulates Metabolism and Facilitates Weight Loss

Studies have shown that cannabis can help regulate the body’s metabolism as well as managing its caloric intake. This can lead to a lower average BMI for cannabis users and a reduced likelihood of obesity.

People who use cannabis say that it can help them focus better, resulting in better athletic performances and a more active lifestyle.

See more from The Sanctuary about marijuana as an aid to weight loss:

Does Weed Make You Lose Weight?

9. Prevents Diabetes

Cannabis has been linked to aiding the regulation of insulin. In addition to its effects regarding lower blood pressure and weight loss, cannabis has also been shown to stabilize blood sugar levels.

See more from The Sanctuary about marijuana and diabetes:

Medical Marijuana for Diabetes

10. Slows and Stops Spread of Cancer Cells

The American Association for Cancer Research believes that marijuana can be used to slow the spread of certain kinds of cancers, including brain cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancers.

Studies have shown that cannabidiol can turn off a gene called Id-1. Id-1 promotes the spread of cancer, and treating it with cannabis can prevent the formation of cancer cells and strengthen the immune system.

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11. Supports Chemotherapy

Oral cannabidiol is an effective treatment for the nausea and vomiting that are often associated with chemotherapy. Other side effects such as pain and loss of appetite can also be alleviated with marijuana use.

12. Prevents Alzheimer’s

Some studies suggest that THC can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease. THC can slow or block the progression of amyloid plaques, which reduce cognitive function and kill brain cells.

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13. Helps with Parkinson’s

Besides being a treatment for chronic pain and a sleep aid for those with Parkinson’s Disease, marijuana can also be used to help reduce tremors and improve fine motor skills.

See more from The Sanctuary about marijuana and Parkinson’s:

Parkinson’s And Marijuanas

14. Relieves Arthritis

Pain associated with arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis, is often resistant to treatment. But studies within the past several years have shown that people with arthritis who use cannabis-infused topical creams and gels have experienced reduced inflammation and reduced pain.

See more from The Sanctuary about marijuana as a treatment for Arthritis:

Marijuana For Arthritis

15. Helps with Seizures

CBD, one of the cannabinoids found in cannabis, has been found to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. Studies and research on how the drug can be used to control seizures are ongoing, but current evidence has shown that there can be up to a 51% decrease in seizures for patients who use medical marijuana.

16. Controls Epilepsy

Epidiolex is a CBD-based drug that can treat Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome, which are rare and severe forms of epilepsy. The use of cannabis to treat seizures is among the few FDA-approved medical uses of cannabis.

Marijuana has been found to reduce seizures in epileptics. Quick-acting applications like topical medical marijuana lotions may even stop seizures as they occur. While doctors haven’t pinpointed the exact causes behind these solutions, CBD and THC are given most of the credit. CBD-only products are known to help with epileptic symptoms, but the most effective solutions combine both THC and CBD.

See more from The Sanctuary about marijuana as a treatment for Epilepsy:

Medical Marijuana for Epilepsy & Seizures

17. Protects Brain After a Stroke

Cannabis research indicates that the drug may be used by stroke victims to reduce the size of the area affected by the stroke. Cannabis can also protect nerve damage by activating the endocannabinoid system to release 5HT1A and cannabinoid receptors.

See more from The Sanctuary about marijuana as a treatment for Brain After a Stroke:

18. Relieves Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms

Early research indicates that cannabis can reduce the autoimmune attacks responsible for the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system disorder with intermittent symptoms like muscle spasticity, intense pain, spasms, and loss of muscle function. Abnormal immune activity causes inflammation and myelin destruction in the brain and spinal cord, putting pressure on nerve endings and worsening symptoms.

Medical marijuana helps reduce this inflammation and decrease the frequency of spastic episodes by preventing pressure from affecting the nervous system. Many MS patients claim that marijuana has a profound effect in treating the muscle spasms, balance, bladder control, tremors, speech, and eyesight issues caused by their condition. Some wheelchair-bound MS patients even say they can walk unaided thanks to their marijuana use.

See more from The Sanctuary about marijuana as a treatment for Multiple Sclerosis:

Medical Marijuana And Multiple Sclerosis

19. Relieves Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease

Research shows that cannabis can provide relief from Crohn’s symptoms. Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Cannabis might help reduce flare-ups, provide pain relief, increase appetite, reduce nausea, and more.

See more from The Sanctuary about marijuana as a treatment for Crohn’s Disease:

20. Help with Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a disease associated with peripheral vision loss caused by optic nerve damage due to increased intraocular pressure. Some studies suggest that marijuana can reduce intraocular pressure, thus slowing or preventing blindness.

See more from The Sanctuary about marijuana as a treatment for Glaucoma:

Does Weed Help Glaucoma?

Conclusion

In conclusion, the health benefits of medical marijuana are supported by substantial clinical evidence, highlighting the therapeutic potential of its compounds like CBD and THC. If you live in a state where medical marijuana is legal, consider consulting with a licensed medical marijuana doctor at The Sanctuary Wellness Institute to explore whether medical cannabis is right for you. Book an appointment today to learn more about the potential benefits and obtain a medical marijuana card if you qualify.