Medical marijuana

As a medical practitioner, I have been asked over and over what is my position on the issue of legalizing marijuana in St Vincent and the Grenadines. My answer has always been that marijuana is an illegal drug and the issue of legalization must come from lawmakers, after having considered both sides of the argument to legalize or not to legalize. However, the questions then shift to the medical benefits of marijuana and I am always told of all the good that this magic herb possesses.{{more}}One thing that is evident is that most people do not understand the difference between legalizing marijuana for its indiscriminate use and the approval of marijuana to be used for medical purposes.

The term medical marijuana refers to using the whole unprocessed marijuana plant or its basic extracts to treat certain diseases or symptoms. It must be noted that although much debate exists on this topic, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), one of the world’s leading drug regulators, has not recognized or approved the marijuana plant as medicine.

However, scientific study of the chemicals in marijuana, called cannabinoids, has lead to two FDA-approved medications that contain cannabinoid chemicals in pill form. Continued research may lead to more medications in the not too distant future.

Because the marijuana plant contains chemicals that may help treat a range of diseases and symptoms, many people argue that it should be legal on the grounds of medical purpose. In fact, in the USA, a growing number of states have legalized marijuana for medical use. Jamaica earlier this year launched its first medical marijuana company, the first of its kind in the Caribbean.

Currently, the two main cannabinoids from the marijuana plant that are in medical treatment are THC and CBD. THC increases appetite and reduces nausea. It may also decrease pain, inflammation and muscle control problems.

CBD is a cannabinoid that does not affect the mind or behaviour. It may be useful in reducing pain and inflammation, controlling epileptic seizures, and possibly even treating mental illness and addictions.

Recent animal studies have shown that marijuana extracts may help kill certain cancer cells and reduce the size of others. Evidence from one cell culture study suggests that putrefied extracts from whole-plant marijuana can slow the growth of cancer cells from one of the most serious types of brain tumour.

It will therefore be encouraging if scientific debate on the medical benefits of this plant can continue in the region and in St. Vincent and the Grenadines so that there can be more understanding of the issue of medical marijuana.

Dr Rosmond Adams is a medical doctor and a public health specialist. He may be emailed at adamsrosmond@gmail.com