In the United States, using marijuana for medical purposes has been more popular as an alternative to traditional pharmaceutical medications over the past few years.
Some may argue that pharmaceutical drugs are more effective than medical marijuana.
Here are the comparisons between prescription medicine and medical marijuana to help you consider which one is right for you.
Comparing Medical Marijuana vs Prescription Medications
Medical Marijuana Medications
Medical marijuana comes from the cannabis sativa plant and is used as a medicine. Studies show that marijuana has more than 100 active components, including key ones like cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chemical that gives marijuana smokers that ‘high’ feeling.
On the other side, CBD can help out with some health issues and has been shown to ease certain medical conditions. These conditions cover a range of issues like insomnia, spasticity, epilepsy, anxiety, chronic pain, and some mental health problems. More research shows that cannabinoids have neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving effects, which could lead to a better understanding of how they can be used in medicine.
Prescription Medications
Prescription medications are rigorously tested and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for specific conditions. These medications can only be prescribed or dispensed by a licensed healthcare professional.
Doctors often prescribe opioids such as oxycodone or hydrocodone to patients suffering from chronic pain. While these medications can offer relief, they usually have side effects like nausea, constipation, and drowsiness. Perhaps most troubling is the high chance that patients may become dependent or even addicted to the medication.
Benefits of Medical Marijuana Over Prescription Medications
Fewer Side Effects
One of the best things about medical marijuana, when compared to prescription medications, is that it often has fewer side effects. When you get a prescription from a doctor or a psychiatrist for something like Klonopin or Xanax, it can leave you sleepy, dizzy, nauseous, or even loopy.
Many patients find medical marijuana easier to tolerate than prescribed medicine. Okay, you might have the munchies or feel slightly lagged on the couch, but this usually is way less intense than, say, brain fog or an upset stomach some get when taking opioids or any other meds. Also, it’s natural, so you aren’t putting man-made stuff into your body that can knock you out of balance.
Improved Quality of Life for Patients
Another advantage of medical cannabis over prescription drugs is its ability to improve a patient’s quality of life significantly. Imagine being in chronic pain and having to rely on some powerful medications. These pills can alleviate physical discomfort, but they also induce a zombie state in which the person believes they are operating on autopilot.
What about medical marijuana, though? Medical marijuana can help to relieve pain or calm nerves, but it will not knock you out. People say they can enjoy things again, like hanging out with friends, eating a good meal, or chilling without that drug fog. It does not get you high, but it does help you relax and live a more fulfilling life. It’s so much nicer than simply sitting in that prescription haze.
Cost Comparison
Medical marijuana can be less expensive than prescription medications, according to research. The designer pills your doctor prescribes accumulate cost if you use them for an extended period of time. Additionally, most insurance does not cover them.
However, medical marijuana is often significantly less expensive. Depending on where you live, visiting a dispensary can save you money over paying for name-brand drugs every month.
Is Medical Marijuana More Effective Than Prescription Drugs?
Medical marijuana can be a complete game changer for any person suffering from chronic pain, anxiety, or even epilepsy. Studies show it can address symptoms naturally that synthetic medications occasionally cannot match.
It’s not just a band-aid solution. It works with your body to calm things down. Despite how helpful prescription drugs can be in the short term, some people report only experiencing side effects rather than the relief they seek.
Millions of patients report that marijuana improves their symptoms without the chemical castration effect. However, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Is it more effective? It all depends on the person.
How Medical Marijuana Works in the Body
In terms of treatment, medical marijuana functions similarly to pharmaceutical drugs in the body. According to research, medical marijuana affects the Endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS includes receptors in the brain and body that bind natural compounds together, as well as enzymes that break them down.
When the ECS system fails, the body can experience various health issues. Fortunately, medical marijuana can introduce several external cannabinoids to help restore the body’s balance and alleviate symptoms such as mood, pain, inflammation, and more.
Addressing Challenges and Perceptions
Many people still don’t really value marijuana’s medicinal properties, even though many have been using it for health purposes for ages. It remains restricted in many locations around the United States.
There are many false ideas and misconceptions surrounding medical marijuana. Perhaps the buzz around its psychoactive and recreational properties causes people to be somewhat dubious about its true efficacy.
Regardless, we need some consistent laws, improved education, and an emphasis on the advantages of marijuana, like its milder side effects compared to how prescription drugs are seen, to solve this problem.
Conclusion
For some, medical marijuana may provide relief from certain conditions. However, this is not always true for others. It is, therefore, essential to recognize your unique needs, which may require a combination of medical marijuana and prescription medication to manage your condition.
Get a Medical Marijuana Card With Elevate Holistics
Elevate Holistics offers medical marijuana cards for those with qualifying conditions, depending on their state. With over 150,000+ patients, we can get you a medical marijuana card in 15 minutes or less. Start by seeing if we’re available in your state and get your MMJ card risk-free with our money-back guarantee if you’re not approved.
