Think you know it all about medical marijuana? You might be surprised to learn it’s already legal in 15 states. If you live in AK, CA, CO, HI, MI, MT, NV, NJ, NM, OR, RI, VT, VI, WA — with the proper permit, of course — you can smoke away what ails you. Find out five things you probably don’t know about the medicinal form of the herb after the jump.
1. A POT PILL EXISTS
There is a pill called Marinol, available by prescription throughout the U.S., which contains a synthetic form of THC (the psychoactive substance in marijuana). It may be prescribed to relieve nausea and vomiting associated with cancer or appetite loss associated with AIDS.
2. THERAPEUTIC POWERS OF POT
Cannabis contains hundreds of therapeutic compounds. At least 66 of these are cannabinoids, which are the basis for medical and scientific use of cannabis. Cannabinoids can serve as appetite stimulants, antiemetics, antispasmodics, and have some analgesic effects.
3. MDs APPROVE!
A national survey found that nearly 50% of physicians support legalizing medical marijuana.
4. WHAT IT HELPS
Marijuana may have beneficial effects for those with glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, cancer, arthritis, HIV, Tourette’s syndrome, gastrointestinal disorders, and Alzheimer’s disease, among other conditions.
5. MAKES A PROFIT!!
Medical marijuana is big business. California’s medical marijuana industry raked in $2 billion in 2008 and generated $100 million in state sales taxes. Dispensaries, wellness clinics and delivery services all play a role in this booming biz.
