Cannabis indica, cannabis sativa and marijuana – all refer to the same plant. Medical Cannabis has been used to treat pain, nausea and vomiting effects of chemotherapy and people with AIDS. The roots of its use go back to as far as ancient Chinese medicine when it was considered a ‘magical’ herb. According to Mark Ware, MD, assistant professor of anesthesia and family medicine at McGill University in Montreal, “About 10% to 15% of patients attending a chronic pain clinic use cannabis as part of their pain strategy”.
However, only a doctor or a nurse practitioner can write a prescription to obtain this controlled substance. Medical marijuana is available in pill forms, called Dronabinol/Marinol or Nabilone/Cesamet, as well as cigarettes that contain THC, the active ingredient in it.
Is Marijuana Really Medicine?
Do you support the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes? Growing up in the “Just Say No” generation, I’ll have to admit that it took a lot of un-brainwashing before my mind opened to many of the taboos of my childhood.
When used properly, the natural high that marijuana provides, offers Chemotherapy patients a sense of relaxation, pain management and increased appetite. At times, it can be the saving grace that allows people to rebuild immunity by simply eating.
However, physicians caution that there are side effects associated to consumption of marijuana that include dizziness, drowsiness and short-term memory loss among others.
Perhaps There is a Time and Place for it
Traditional Chinese medicine has a long association with cannabis and it is considered one of the 50 fundamental herbs. It is called “má”, that means hemp, cannabis or numbness in Chinese language. It was first used as a medicine by an Emperor called Shen Nung, who was also a pharmacologist. He also wrote a book on treatment methods involving marijuana as far back as in 2737 B.C.
Chinese medicine teaches that every herb or food has the potential to heal or harm. Gaining benefit from an herb like marijuana would mean taking it at the right time, in the right amount and combining it properly with other foods or herbs.
Will Pot Alleviate ADD and ADHD Symptoms in Children?
Already, companies such as Toronto-based MediJean have applied for licences to produce medical marijuana similar to Charlotte’s Web, a high-CBD strain bred by the Stanley brothers of Colorado and named for a young epileptic patient named Charlotte.
“We will be creating a special formulation for children,” said MediJean’s chief strategy officer, Anton Mattadeen. Children will use the product in a vaporizer instead of smoking the plant, Mattadeen said.
Is medical marijuana safe for kids? – Adriana Barton (The Globe and Mail)
So, do we give medical marijuana to children? I’d say that if a child’s condition could be benefited by it, I may consider it. I think it’s worth considering because of marijuana’s healing ability and by using it respectfully.
Unfortunately, I believe that giving it to children with this condition only allows them to mellow out and perhaps sneak deeper inside themselves. So, maybe it keeps them quiet for class or decreases tantrums, but it seems like a weak way out. A way that only benefits teachers and parents who’ve got headaches!
Gina Laverde is a Chicago-based writer and researcher whose expertise in natural health stems from her experiences with Body Ecology Diet, Blood Type Diet and homeopathic remedies. Gina believes that we’re in the midst of a serious world health crisis, and that the key to survival lies within our guts.
Peter G says
With no letters after your name, I’m assuming you’re not exactly an expert. That being said you make interesting points.
As the woman said, she has anecdotal evidence that using cannabis works for this ailment. What this would indicate is that real research is warranted. Ritalin apparently has adverse long term effects on the developing child’s brain. Not that cannabis wouldn’t, but the question is: what are those effects?
Since the late 70’s until recently, there has been pathetic little research into the medicinal uses of cannabis. However the more we research, the more uses and benefits we find.
The point here is that instead of an all-out dismissal, more research, more research, more research.
And keep fighting that conditioning!
Gina Laverde says
Peter, I agree that more rsearch may need to be done on this particular subject. But who’s to really say that the experts are right anyway? I don’t believe in “one size fits all” medicine. I do believe that any organic natral herb or food can potentially heal us or harm us. In the case of ADD, we often find underlying food allergies and toxic reactions that cause children to have problems with focus and hyper activity. While marijuana may ot be the worst thing for them — it also may not be the best. The herb is known ot have mmune supressing effects.
I am a parent of a 3 year old son, and I know how it is to deal with tantrums and focus problems. I can see how marijuana can alleviate that. But, i don’t believe it is aimed at curing the disorder (rather, just holding it at bay).
Thanks
Gina
Peter G says
Not sure about the herb’s immune suppressing effects, there’s a lot of misinformation out there. They wouldn’t give it to cancer patients if the immune effects were too severe. That said you did make one point, the difference between alleviation and cure. The “cure” definitely starts with diet. Kids are exposed to so much sugar, and that’s not to mention pesticides and plastics with endocrine disruptors and estrogen mimickers that can drastically effect a child’s hormone levels.
As far as your 3yr old, tantrums and lack of attention sound normal to me (been around a LOT of 3yr olds). I wouldn’t recommend cannabis for a 3yr old (though maybe at tiny dosage in certain forms (infused in butter or ghee) but then again 3yrs old is way too early to diagnose someone with a learning/attention disorder. If you’re concerned about your child, I would reccommend seeing a naturopath and taking a hard look at your child’s diet. Cut out all sugar, including juices, and many fruits. Also monitor television watching, that flickering scree will drive anyone crazy.
I appreciate the change to dialogue and good luck.
Patrick M says
yeah you say weed is weak way out. I agree but at least it is much better than ritalin or any off the other crap they give us these days.
Patrick M says
also, another thing that may strenghten ADD is the chemicals in most mainstream foods like pop tarts and soda and tampered oils and spices.
Gina says
Hippie Mom, that’s really interesting, and it makes sense to me, in a way. I do wonder if they suggest smoking it or eating? of course, the dosage plays a role too. I’m curious where you found this information as it actually pertains to some issues I’m dealing with, with my own son.
Gina
Mike says
great resource thanks