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The Medical "Benefits" of Smoking Marijuana (Cannabis): a Review of the Current Scientific Literature
by Rich Deem
Introduction
Marijuana (cannabis) is the most widely used illegal drug in many developed countries.1 Medical studies have shown that the active ingredient in marijuana, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), might provide some medical benefits in some patients. Under the impression that these benefits were substantial, voters in California and Arizona approved initiatives allowing the use of "medical" marijuana by patients under certain circumstances. This paper represents a current review of the medical literature regarding the benefits and drawbacks of using marijuana for medical or recreational purposes. A companion paper examines the moral and biblical questions about the Christian's use of marijuana.
Medical benefits of marijuana
Anecdotal evidence for the beneficial effects of marijuana eventually led to the design of controlled scientific studies to examine the benefits of marijuana compared to other treatments. A 1997 review of 6059 marijuana-related articles in the medical literature revealed 194 titles on antiemetic properties, 56 on glaucoma, 10 on multiple sclerosis, 23 on appetite, and 11 on palliative or terminal care.2 Numerous studies have been performed since that time, with most concentrating on the analgesic properties of cannabis and its derivatives.