~ by Angie Baack, New Opportunities prevention consultant
Marijuana is a growing part of our culture. Popular musical artists incorporate usage into lyrics, Facebook is inundated with opinions about marijuana usage, and as of the November 8th election, more states have decriminalized recreational use and other states have included medicinal use. Now more than ever, we need to separate fact from fiction regarding the medicinal use of marijuana and its components.
Currently, in order for prescription medication to go from invention to market, it must go through a 12 step approval process (fda.gov), which can take up to 12 years, if the medicine even makes it through the process (medicinenet.com). This method has been used and strengthened since 1938 (fda.gov) and has proven to be the only way to ensure the medications on the market are safe and effective. In addition, the process establishes the therapeutic level, or dosage, of each medication.
Marijuana, however, is in a unique class. It is the only federally illegal “medicine” on the market that did not first go through the FDA safety and efficacy process. In addition, it is the only prescription medication that is not required to be dispensed by a licensed medical professional.
The study of marijuana in its unaltered form is in its infancy. To date, its safety, efficacy, and therapeutic dosage has not been definitely proven. Preliminary research has garnered some information, however. For instance, several studies published in the Journal of Pain indicates low doses (1.29- 3.5 percent) of the mind-altering component tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) “demonstrated an analgesic response … and was efficacious in reducing neuropathic pain of diverse causes” (medicalmarijuana.procon.org). However, newly popular methods of smoking or eating THC-rich hash oil extracted from the marijuana plant (a practice called “dabbing”) delivers very high levels of THC to the user. The average marijuana extract contains over 50 percent THC, with some samples exceeding 80%, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). These high doses reach far beyond the therapeutic level and, as with too much of any drug, unpleasant side effects occur. Specifically, some users experience anxiety, fear, distrust, panic, or acute psychosis, which includes hallucinations, delusions, and a loss of the sense of personal identity (NIDA).
Another component of the marijuana plant, called cannabidiol (CBD) has also been studied for medicinal use. Unlike THC-the psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana- CBD does not produce euphoria or intoxication (NIDA). In other words, it does not make you feel high. Rigorous clinical studies are still needed to evaluate the medicinal potential of CBD for specific conditions. However, pre-clinical research has shown CBD to have a range of effects that may be therapeutically useful, including anti-seizure, antioxidant, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-tumor, anti-psychotic, and anti-anxiety properties (NIDA).
Is marijuana the panacea for our ailments? We simply do not definitively know at this time. What we do know thus far, is the act of getting high has no medical benefit. However, CBD, or the part of the plant that does not have mind-altering effects, does preliminarily show some promise for aiding limited medical conditions. We will likely see changes in the future regarding the use of CBD. However, right now, marijuana is federally illegal, it has not completed the required and proven FDA process, we do not yet know the optimal dosage for efficacy, and it is doled out by dispensary business owners or illegal dealers, not medical professionals. So, how can we call marijuana “medicine”?
New Opportunities Substance Abuse Treatment and Prevention Departments offer information, education, and consultation services to schools, businesses and community based groups, many of which are free of charge. If you are interested in learning more on this or other substance abuse topics, please contact Angie Baack, Prevention Consultant, at abaack@newopp.org or call 712-792-9266.
