Medical Marijuana - Past and Future Directions

Course Summary

Cannabis species and subspecies have been used medicinally for thousands of years. In the United States, the regulation of cannabis as a Schedule I drug has hampered the study of cannabis and its medicinal uses. The legalization of marijuana in California was followed by more states including the District of Columbia. A brief history of cannabis and it’s botanical chemistry and physiological effects in some controlled trials and medical studies related to various human conditions and diseases are raised. The recent research studies related to marijuana use focus specifically on whether cannabis is effective for medicinal purposes, such as the treatment of nausea and vomiting, pain, chronic diseases and appetite stimulation, as well as other health conditions. Not enough is said in the literature on the legal aspects of medical marijuana relative to certain populations and certain individuals serving prison parole terms. This would require a more in depth study, especially with regard to conditions of parole involving co-occurring substance use disorders and rehabilitation.