Science investigates the ancient benefits of medical marijuana
Posted 03-25-2015 at 10:52 AM by info4yourlife2015
The popularity of cannabis as medicine seems like a modern discovery, but the benefits of the cannabis plant have a long history dating back thousands of years.
It can be found referenced in ancient Chinese writings as a treatment for many ailments including gout, rheumatism and absent-mindedness. The ancient Egyptians used cannabis for relieving hemorrhoid pain, and in ancient India it is documented to have been used for treating insomnia, pain and during childbirth.
While millions of people have benefited from this therapy, there is not yet an established library of scientific data to substantiate the treatment. Medical cannabis has yet to be studied under the same microscope as the traditional pain relievers that a doctor may prescribe.
All of this is changing, however, as a result of Health Canada's new medical marijuana program. Physicians are looking for specific guidelines and Canada's licensed producers are following through by initiating trials that will help guide prescribing.
“We are very pleased to have been the first licensed producer to have a clinical trial approved by Health Canada,” says Brent Zettl, the CEO of CanniMed Ltd. “There is no question that the science of cannabis needs to catch up to the anecdotal evidence, and our clinical trial, which looks at several ratios of cannabinoids on the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis of the knee, will help in this regard.”
It can be found referenced in ancient Chinese writings as a treatment for many ailments including gout, rheumatism and absent-mindedness. The ancient Egyptians used cannabis for relieving hemorrhoid pain, and in ancient India it is documented to have been used for treating insomnia, pain and during childbirth.
While millions of people have benefited from this therapy, there is not yet an established library of scientific data to substantiate the treatment. Medical cannabis has yet to be studied under the same microscope as the traditional pain relievers that a doctor may prescribe.
All of this is changing, however, as a result of Health Canada's new medical marijuana program. Physicians are looking for specific guidelines and Canada's licensed producers are following through by initiating trials that will help guide prescribing.
“We are very pleased to have been the first licensed producer to have a clinical trial approved by Health Canada,” says Brent Zettl, the CEO of CanniMed Ltd. “There is no question that the science of cannabis needs to catch up to the anecdotal evidence, and our clinical trial, which looks at several ratios of cannabinoids on the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis of the knee, will help in this regard.”
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