IA “FACT” already reported that on August 16, the law regulating the circulation of hemp plants for medical and industrial purposes, as well as in scientific and scientific and technical activities, entered into force.
Like any ambiguous innovation, the law legalizing a soft drug causes a number of conjectures, superstitions and fears in the mass consciousness. Many believe that this law allows the use of cannabis for any purpose, including recreational use. In fact, the legal use of cannabis is only permitted for medical purposes, as prescribed and under the strict supervision of a physician.
Myths about the negative consequences of cannabis legalization
There is a misconception that medical cannabis will be available in pharmacies without a prescription. Instead, only patients with appropriate medical indications and a doctor’s prescription will have access to it. Some fear that the legalization of this popular substance will lead to an increase in crime, as access to cannabis can facilitate its illegal circulation and use for non-medical purposes.
There is also a myth that even when legalized for medical purposes, cannabis can be misused, in excessive doses or without proper medical supervision, leading to adverse health effects.
Some particularly “vigilant” citizens believe that the legalization of cannabis will negatively affect the image of Ukraine in the international arena, as associations with countries such as the Netherlands, where “weed” is decriminalized for personal use, may arise. Some fear that medical staff may be unprepared to prescribe and monitor the use of medical cannabis, which could lead to medication errors.
Finally, the risk of stigmatization should be kept in mind. People who need treatment with medical cannabis often face judgment and misunderstanding from those around them. This can cause them to avoid seeking the help they need for fear of backlash or discrimination.
These concerns and the fear of stigmatization are understandable, as we have long been led to believe that medical cannabis is dangerous or socially unacceptable. Meanwhile, the Internet is awash with stories of how medical cannabis has helped palliative care patients: it eased their pain, reduced their anxiety, and greatly improved their quality of life in their final days.
The story of John, a war veteran
John suffered from an incurable form of cancer that caused excruciating pain and insomnia. Traditional pain relievers only provided temporary relief and had significant side effects such as nausea and hallucinations. His doctor recommended trying medical cannabis as part of palliative care.
With the initiation of cannabis treatment, John was able to reduce the dose of opioids he was taking and experienced significant pain relief. Cannabis also helped him calm down, which allowed him to sleep better and spend more time with his family. His last months of life were less painful, and the time spent with loved ones became more qualitative and emotionally rich.
The story of Maria, mother of two children
45-year-old Maria suffered from progressive amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Over time, her condition worsened and she slowly lost her productivity and required constant care. The disease was accompanied by severe muscle pain and spasms that could not be replicated by traditional drugs.
Doctors suggested the use of medical cannabis, which helped reduce muscle spasms, relieve pain and improve her appetite. Cannabis also had a calming effect, which allowed Maria to maintain her mental balance and accept her condition more calmly. Thanks to this, she was able to spend more time with her children, leaving them memories of the last days together, filled with love and warmth.
The experience of Sarah, a patient with pancreatic cancer
Sarah, 60, was in the final stages of an incurable disease with severe pain and constant nausea from chemotherapy. Her treatment was essentially to relieve her symptoms and provide as much comfort as possible.
Medical cannabis helped her reduce nausea and restore her appetite, which allowed her to eat better and get the energy she needed. It also provided effective pain relief without side effects such as dizziness or drowsiness, allowing Sarah to remain active and involved in her family’s life.
These stories show how medical cannabis can play an important role in palliative care, helping people die with dignity, without suffering, and leaving behind warm memories for loved ones.
The story of Svitlana, 72 years old, terminally ill with breast cancer
As often happens in domestic medical practice, a palliative patient with an inoperable form of breast cancer was discharged home to die. Experiencing severe pain throughout her body and longing in anticipation of a quick, inevitable death, the woman was doomed to spend the last weeks of her life in depression and depression, lashing out at her loved ones. But thanks to cannabioid palliative therapy, she was able to brighten her last days and die with dignity.
What diseases can be treated with medical cannabis
Research on medical cannabis continues, but so far drugs with active substances derived from cannabis have already proven their effectiveness. Yes, medical cannabis can help with bouts of chronic pain such as back pain, arthritis and neuropathic pain. It affects cannabinoid receptors in the nervous system, which can reduce inflammation and pain signals.
Cannabis is used to reduce nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing chemotherapy or suffering from other diseases. In patients with multiple sclerosis, medical cannabis can reduce muscle spasticity and improve mobility.
However, it should be noted that medical cannabis is not without its side effects, such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and psychoactive effects. Also, its effectiveness may vary depending on the individual characteristics of the patient. It is important to discuss the use of cannabis with a doctor and consider the pros and cons in each case.
Effects of medical cannabis on mental health
Chronic stress has become a proverb in tongues. Medical cannabis can also be a panacea for anxiety and stress attacks. Scientists from the University of Washington found a weakened response to stress in people who used medical cannabis.
Studies have shown that medical cannabis helps in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder, which is characterized by an increased level of anxiety and obsessive thoughts. Regular use of cannabis can improve understanding of the emotions of others and strengthen the neural connections associated with empathy.
These results open new perspectives on the potential positive effects of cannabis use on interpersonal relationships and mental health. Research results suggest that regular use of cannabis improves understanding of the emotions of others and strengthens neural connections in areas of the brain associated with empathy.
In general, I would like to metaphorically summarize the position regarding the fact and prospects of the legalization of medical cannabis. What would be a useful tool in skillful hands can turn out to be an instrument of murder in unskilled hands. We hope that the “magic herb” will find its place in medical practice, bringing only benefit and not harm.
Tatyana Morarash
