Walgreens has become one of the first major corporations from the health industry to release official comments on the benefits of medical marijuana. While the blog steers clear of any outright endorsement of medicinal cannabis, it does point out many of the benefits in a matter-of-fact presentation. In what essentially amounts to a FAQ, the Walgreens blog answers such questions as “How does medical marijuana work?” and “Why is the use of medical marijuana debated?” and “What are the potential side effects of marijuana?”
As nearly half of the states in the US have passed legislation to legalize medicinal marijuana — in spite of the fact that marijuana is still considered a schedule 1 drug alongside cocaine and heroin at the federal level — the fact that a mainstream, family-friendly business like Walgreens is posting unbiased information about medical pot is a sign that the stigma from the “Reefer Madness” days has all but subsided in popular American culture.
The blog — What is Medical Marijuana? Clarifying Clinical Cannabis — was written by Dahlia Sultan, a resident pharmacist at the University of Illinois at Chicago and Walgreens.
What did the Walgreens blog post say?
The post is purely informative, and reads like a college freshman-level research paper.
“When marijuana is smoked, its effects can kick in immediately. The THC chemicals quickly travel from your lungs into your bloodstream. Then, brain cells release the chemical dopamine, which creates physical effects. When marijuana is eaten however, it may take up to an hour for it to metabolize in the stomach and digestive system before being felt by the brain.”
The blog also explains the difference between cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and how the two different components of marijuana can be used for healing in different ways.
As a post meant to be unbiased and informative, the benefits that research seems to point to for medical marijuana are explained for the reader as well.
“Research on the health benefits of marijuana is ongoing, but current studies have proven that cannabinoid receptors play an important role in many body processes, including metabolic regulation, cravings, pain, anxiety, bone growth and immune function.”
To maintain a neutral position, the Walgreens blog also points out the potential side effects of medical cannabis, including dizziness, drowsiness, short-term memory loss and euphoria.
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The medical marijuana post is also very clear about the fact that the drug has only been legalized by some states. Since it has not been approved by the FDA, the use of medical pot is still highly debated in some circles.
“Though marijuana has been approved for medical use in many states, marijuana is not yet approved for national use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Research has indicated it may impair your lungs, memory and judgment.”
Even with the potential side effects, more and more research is showing that cannabis is a safer option to treat pain than many of the prescription pill options currently available.
“However, research has also shown marijuana provides pain relief in ways traditional pain medicines don’t. Medical marijuana can improve appetite and relieve nausea in those who have cancer and it may help relieve symptoms such as muscle stiffness in people who have multiple sclerosis.”
Assuming marijuana eventually becomes legal at the federal level, one has to believe that Walgreens would be very open to providing the medicine for its customers.
Medical marijuana laws in the United States
While only four states have legalized recreational marijuana (Colorado, Washington, Alaska and Oregon — plus Washington, D.C.), Pennsylvania recently became the 24th state to legalize medical marijuana.
The Walgreens post ends by explaining that patients who live in states where medical marijuana has been legalized can’t get the medicine through a traditional pharmacy. For those eligible and interested, Walgreens suggests they talk to their doctor and apply for a Medical Marijuana Identification Card.
[Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images]
Medical Marijuana Mainstream Acceptance on the Rise? Walgreens Blog Post Suggests So is an article from: The Inquisitr News
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