There is no universal consensus on the legality of medical cannabis since it highly depends on the regulation implied by the country in which it is being used. Some completely rule it out as illegal, while others have restrictions and specific provisions that allow the use of the plant to a certain extent.
In The United States
In 1978, New Mexico legally acknowledged that cannabis chemicals have the potential to be a medical solution for a number of health conditions. The Controlled Substances Therapeutic Research Act recognized cannabis’s potential health benefit, which helped push more attention to marijuana use.
The first two U.S. states to allow cannabis for recreational purposes was Washington and Colorado, and, soon after, more states followed in amending their laws to allow marijuana use. Although U.S. states have varying policies and restrictions, the use of cannabis has become increasingly popular and more accepted by the public.
Some states will require a doctor’s prescription before going on the internet and looking for weed for sale, and doses are also strictly regulated. But, overall, purchasing marijuana for medical purposes has become easier. The plant is believed to help alleviate several health conditions, such as chronic pain, anxiety and depression, and some types of epilepsy, which make it increasingly popular among patients who suffer from these ailments.
There are dedicated distributors, such as recreational and medical dispensaries, regulated by the local government to supply marijuana products legally. Aside from dispensaries, seed banks, like Seed Supreme, also sell seeds of different marijuana strains to those who wish to grow their own plant.
Status Of Medical Marijuana Around The World
Other countries also started legalizing the use of medical marijuana, with varying degrees of restrictions.
Marijuana has been medically legalized in Australia, Chile, Columbia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Israel, Italy, Macedonia, Puerto Rico, and Turkey.
Meanwhile, Jamaica passed an amendment to the Dangerous Drugs Act in February of 2015 to make minor possession of marijuana a civil penalty, opening a door for a regulated system to permit the use of the cannabis plant for both medical and therapeutic reasons.
Poland, on the other hand, still prohibits the use of cannabis. However, reimbursements can be issued by health authorities for medical marijuana purchases.
In Uruguay, cannabis is legalized in all forms, with some policies in place for its consumers. Only Uruguay residents who are registered with federal authorities and are 18 years or older are allowed to purchase and use marijuana. In addition, the federal government is the one responsible for producing the cannabis sold in the country.
What Can Medical Marijuana Treat?
Marijuana and its isolated chemical compounds, like CBD, are believed to help ease certain medical conditions.
The most common illness that cannabis is believed to help alleviate is chronic pain. The active substances found in marijuana can induce a feeling of relief and relaxation, which helps with the symptoms experienced by patients with chronic pain.
Those who experience anxiety, depression, joint pain, insomnia, and migraines may also benefit from the effects of marijuana use.
Conclusion
There are countries in the world that are still evaluating the potential benefits of medical marijuana. There is still much more research and tests needed to be done to fully understand all the potential health benefits of the cannabis plant. Until the day that the extent of marijuana’s benefits is discovered, marijuana use will remain under strict scrutiny and monitoring.
