Marijuana For Migranes Essay, Research Paper
1) Russo, Ethan M.D. (1998). Cannabis for migraine treatment. Pain, 76, 3 8.
This particular journal entry is actually a historic review on the benefits of utilizing cannabis for the medicinal use of relieving migraines. In an attempt to find a journal that might actually have a case study or something on the affects of marijuana on a human, I forgot that there probably would not be many studies done due to the hazardous impact that comes with inhaling marijuana smoke. Although I am a proponent of the legalization of marijuana, I believe that precautions must be addressed in order to smoothly acclimate the drug into the society. This means that there must be studies done that actually use human subjects. There were studies done before cannabis was banned in 1937, showing that cannabis had a positive effect on people with chronic migraines, mental fatigue, fits of depression and so on. William Osler, the acknowledged father of modern medicine, stated of migraine treatment, Cannabis indica is probably the most satisfactory remedy (Russo, 1998).
The best way to describe a study like this is historical. Many of the historical uses of marijuana may have contemporary relevance. As I stated before, there are very few ways to study something that the society feels is harmful to the subject. This is exactly what the research is pointing out by voicing the words of our ancestors. This historical point-of-view allows our conscience to be at ease so that accurate tests can be performed to conclude a up to the date analysis. For so long marijuana has received criticism due to the abuse it took in the sixties and seventies. During the generation drought of knowledge of the subject, we have become ignorant to the fact that it may actually possess positive qualities. It has not been until recently that we have actually begun to take steps in understanding the capacity that marijuana may affect some illnesses. In 1974 the first direct study of pain relief from chronic headaches by the use of cannabis. All of the subjects agreed that the relief was comparable or superior to that of other pain relievers.
The research indicates that the resurgence of medicinal marijuana use is not only viable, but practical. Some of the conclusions that were stated include: a history of safe and effective use in the treatment of migraines, the addictive qualities are minute, if inhaled is rapid acting, etc. Even though there are many reasons outside these that would set a basis for the legalization of marijuana, it is still a drug(i.e. nicotine, caffeine, alcohol). This means that it should be taken in moderation and/or under the care of a physician. The research brings up the point about it being very useful while under the supervision of a doctor. Once this occurs, it will start a chain reaction, which will allow people under the influence of marijuana to be evaluated by doctors as to come up with some truth, I use that word lightly, about the effects of marijuana on a human as it pertains to the society. So, in my opinion, this study was very effective in stating points that may lead to some clinical studies of the drug. How long will it take the government to pass an amendment that will allow every migraine suffer to be able to receive the best medication possible? What is the major argument against the use of medicinal use? And how does it play a role in this research?
The strength of the paper lies in its ability to utilize many of the ideas that were passed on from our forefathers and use them as arguments for the use of cannabis as a reliever of migraine headaches. Without these arguments there would be no direction in the research. It was beneficial for the study to show that there has always been a use and a need for it. There can be no progress in the direction of studying the effects unless there is a basis for the study. On the other hand, one of the weaknesses of the study was that there was no hard data. If there can be no clinical studies done because we are unable to test humans for whatever reasons then we must find reasons that are applicable in this situation. I have come to the conclusion that there will be a lot of bureaucratic BS involved before there is actually any studying done.