Minnesota has just added ‘intractable pain’ to the list of conditions that can be treated with medical marijuana. This involves injuries from car accidents or pain from conditions like multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic abdominal conditions or daily migraine headaches.
Weed Has Many Health Benefits
Weed is often used recreationally and medically to ease basic pains. THC has the ability to relax muscles and give users a feeling of ease. Minnesota’s medical marijuana program is scheduled to start August 2016. Many modifications have been made to the program as it grows and develops. Due to the nature of the program, it is bound to change often and adjust to the needs of patients.
Pain is Subjective
The 2014 Minnesota Medical Cannabis Law defines intractable pain as pain that cannot be treated and no solution has been found for it. This is a vague definition, as rate and intensity of pain is very subjective. This is why the Minnesota Department of Health clarifies that whether or not medical marijuana is prescribed is up to the doctor and their patient.
Medical Marijuana Can Also Do Significant Damage
Medical weed has been shown to have health benefits, but there are some drawbacks to its use. Cannabis slows down synapse processes in the brain. It can even cause paranoia and more stress in some people.
In addition, a recent study from Kings College revealed that people who used a large amount of weed had a smaller amount of white matter in their corpus callosum. This is a sign of brain damage, as the white matter enables the brain to function without disruptions. While this is great news for Minnesota, everything should be followed up with caution.
