There are pioneers in every field, including the Marijuana field (pun intended!), and the earliest record of cannabis being used as a treatment goes back to China in 28 BC. Emperor Shen-Nung prescribed cannabis for: beriberi, constipation, female weakness, gout, malaria, rheumatism, and absent-mindedness.
Further historical uses include:
Eight-hundred years later, in Ancient Egypt, we have records suggesting that cannabis was used to treat sore eyes.
In the tenth century BC, a cannabis preparation known as bhang was used as an anaesthetic in India.
It is thought that the religious use of the plant predated the medical use. In fact, cannabis is still used in Hindu and Sikh temples, as well as at Mohammedan shrines, to aid meditation. In rituals where food and water are disallowed, it is also used to overcome hunger and thirst, although how this squares with the well-documented munchies is difficult to say.
Back to China, but fast forward to the 2nd century AD, and we find that cannabis was used as an analgesic in surgical procedures.
There are many more historical incidences of marijuana use but to list them all might have you clicking off to another site! Suffice it say that weed, pot, or whatever else you wish to call it, has historically been used in the treatment of these medical conditions:
tetanus
rabies
delirium tremens (DTs)
infantile convulsions
nerve pain
cholera,
very heavy periods
rheumatism
hay fever
asthma
skin diseases
prolonged labour in childbirth
Astoundingly, despite the hoard of cannabis detractors, tests were undertaken in the mid-20th century (so about 40 years ago), which proved that cannabis sativa is effective as an antibiotic for local infections. Given the crisis in hospital acquired infections that are resistant to current antibiotics, surely, this use of the evil weed is one worth exploring.
The following list of ailments against which cannabis is thought to be effective was published in a House of Lords report, The Therapeutic Uses of Cannabis – Second Report, 2001:
AIDS Wasting Syndrome
Arthritis
Brain Injury/Stroke
Multiple Sclerosis
nausea associated with cancer Chemotherapy
Anti-Tumour Effects
Asthma
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
Schizophrenia
General Pain
Migraine
Eating Disorders
Please let us know whether you have used marijuana to improve your health.
[...] debate about medical marijuana use takes us down many [...]
I began using marijuana for pain management approximately 10 years ago. I was born with structural birth defects to the lower half of my body; I also have a rare genetic blood disorder that essentially makes me allergic to ALL forms of chemical narcotics and highly sensitive to things as simple as Tylenol.
Without marijuana, I cannot move, sleep or eat due to the constant high level of pain I experience daily. I am educated with an extensive medical background, specialized in anatomy and physiology, and have a broad knowledge base in homeopathic medicine.
I am not a criminal; in fact at one time I wore a uniform and took oaths to uphold the law. But laws instituted in the United States make it Ok that I should suffer needlessly because the pain relief I so desperately require does not come from the pharmacy, it grows out of the ground. Where are my rights? Why don’t I count? I am angry.
[...] Cannabis for medical use in Oregon was approved via Ballot Measure 67 by 55% of voters on Nov. 3, 1998, finally becoming effective on December 3, 1998 [...]
[...] Cannabis for medical use in New Mexico was approved via Senate Bill 523 “The Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act” on Mar. 13, 2007. The law became effective on July 1, 2007. [...]
[...] Cannabis for medical use in Montana was approved via Ballot Question 9 on November 7, 2000 by 62% of voters. The bill was amended to include the need for compulsory registration via Assembly Bill 453 and finally became effective on October 1, 2001. [...]
My dad is perscribed to marijuana, his doctor gave him it for his chronic back and neck pain, but I noticed that when he don’t smoke his personality completely changes from Mr. nice guy to an absolute rage driven maniac. He’s don’t even act angry its full blown RAGE. I was wondering if marijuana can treat a mental conditions such as constant rage, bipolar symtoms, or split personalties?
[...] Cannabis for medical use in Montana was approved by 62% of voters on November 2, 2004 and became effective the same date via Initiative 148. The law allows certain patients with specific medical conditions to alleviate their symptoms through the limited use of marijuana under medical supervision. It also allows qualified patients and their caregivers to grow and/or possess a restricted number of marijuana plants. [...]
[...] Cannabis for medical use in Michigan was approved by 63% of voters on November 4, 2008 and became effective on December 4, 2008. Full details are contained in the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act. [...]
[...] Cannabis for medical use was approved on November 2, 1999 by 61% of voters and became effective on December 22, 1999 [...]
[...] Cannabis for medical use was signed into law in Hawaii by Gov. Ben Cayetano on June 14, 2000 and the law became effective on December 28, 2000. [...]
Hey folks I’m just catching up on the post. Yes I have used marijuana for medical reasons. I’m a cronic suffer of Migraines. Marijuana regardless of its strength did not supress it in anyway and I’m not talking about a week or two basis. I’m talking months of practical use. However, I will say that my joint pains in my knee and sholders went away.
There is NO do it all miracule pill cure. It’s a balance. I do not want to take multiple perscriptions fro pain. My doctor calls pills posion. I have no issues with folks using for medical reasons. I really do not see why folks get so upset.
ok marissa when someone in your family starts doing dope or h or oc or any of that, you’ll wish maybe you had some pot for them. Believe me, i know an 18 year olds brain isn’t quite developed properly but come on man! Why are you wasting your time here?
[...] States is illegal under federal law, despite the fact that some states have created exemptions for medical cannabis [...]
I have went to my med. Dr. and have got my papers. Done.
I have epilepsy, seizers & migraines. I was told by all of my docs. that they felt it was fine to smoke and that does include my surgens all agreing it was fine for me to do that. But at the time it was still illegal for me to have. Now it is leagle, What do i need to do? My doc wasn’t sure what needs to be done. He gave me a writen perscription saying he feels it right for me to do this. but, i’m sure i will need some other papers to fill out. Please help me find what i need to do. Some place to get the court papers or something!