Trace The History Of Cannabis Use In Medicine For Treatment

Trace The History Of Cannabis Use In Medicine For The Treatment And Ma

Trace the history of cannabis use in medicine for the treatment and management of illness via nursing scholarly journal articles. Examine your sources for the following information below and describe the following: 1. Who are the stakeholders both in support of and in opposition to medicinal cannabis use? 2. What does current medical/nursing research say regarding the increasing use of medicinal cannabis? 3. What are the policy, legal and future practice implications based on the current prescribed rate of cannabis? Attached below is an additional resource that details current state medical marijuana laws: National Conference of State Legislatures- State Medical Marijuana Laws:

Paper For Above instruction

The history of cannabis use in medicine is an intriguing narrative that spans thousands of years and involves multiple cultures, medical paradigms, and legislative shifts. In contemporary times, understanding this evolution is essential to grasp the current debates surrounding medicinal cannabis. This paper examines the historical context, stakeholders’ perspectives, current nursing and medical research findings, and future policy implications related to the medical use of cannabis.

Historically, cannabis has been used medicinally since at least 2737 BCE in ancient China, where Emperor Shen Nung documented its therapeutic properties (Abel, 1980). Its use spread across Asia, the Middle East, and eventually Europe, where in the 19th century, cannabis extracts became common in Western medicine. During this period, it was employed for pain relief, muscle spasms, and various other ailments (Ware, 2015). However, the advent of synthetic pharmaceuticals and shifting legal policies led to a decline in medicinal cannabis use in much of the Western world by the mid-20th century, culminating in its designation as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 in the United States (Pacula & Sevigny, 2014).

In recent decades, a resurgence of interest in medicinal cannabis has emerged, driven by patient advocacy, growing scientific research, and changing legal landscapes. Stakeholders in support of medicinal cannabis include patients suffering from chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and cancer-related symptoms. Advocates argue that cannabis offers a safer alternative to opioids, with fewer adverse effects, and provides relief where traditional therapies have failed (Hill et al., 2017). Medical professionals and researchers who support its use cite evidence suggesting cannabinoids’ effectiveness in reducing seizure frequency, alleviating pain, and managing nausea in chemotherapy patients (Stockings et al., 2018).

Opposition to medicinal cannabis often stems from concerns about safety, dependency, and the potential for increased recreational use. Some policymakers and law enforcement officials argue that legalizing medical marijuana may act as a gateway to broader illicit drug use (Levin et al., 2019). Additionally, critics highlight the limited high-quality clinical trials, difficulty standardizing dosages, and the potential long-term adverse effects as barriers to its widespread medical use (Boffetta et al., 2017).

Current medical and nursing research predominantly indicates a cautious but positive outlook on medicinal cannabis. Recent systematic reviews point to promising evidence for its role in managing chronic pain, spasticity, and certain seizure disorders (NCSL, 2022). Nonetheless, these studies often emphasize the need for further rigorous research, standardized dosing, and long-term safety data. Nurses and healthcare providers are increasingly involved in patient education, managing administration, and monitoring outcomes, emphasizing an evidence-based approach aligned with evolving regulations (Bridgeman & Abazia, 2017).

Legislatively, the landscape is rapidly changing. As of 2023, twenty-one states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws permitting medical cannabis use, with varying regulatory requirements and approved conditions (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2023). These policies impact prescribing practices, healthcare provider training, and patient access. Legal implications include ongoing debates about federal versus state law conflicts, drug scheduling, and potential implications for healthcare reimbursement and liability. Future practices are likely to evolve toward integrating cannabis-derived pharmaceuticals into standard treatment protocols, with increased emphasis on clinical trials and regulatory oversight (Cuttler et al., 2021).

In conclusion, the history of medicinal cannabis reflects a complex interplay of cultural acceptance, scientific investigation, and legislative action. The stakeholders for and against its use include patients, healthcare providers, policymakers, law enforcement, and advocacy groups. Current research supports its potential benefits but underscores the need for more comprehensive studies. Policy developments continue to shape future practice, with ongoing debates about safety, efficacy, and regulation. As scientific evidence grows and legislative frameworks adapt, medicinal cannabis’s role in healthcare will likely expand, potentially transforming pain management and symptom control paradigms.

References

• Abel, E. L. (1980). Marihuana: The first twelve thousand years. Springer Science & Business Media.
• Boffetta, P., et al. (2017). Use of cannabis and cannabinoids in palliative medicine. European Journal of Internal Medicine, 36, 13-20.
• Bridgeman, M. M., & Abazia, D. T. (2017). Medicinal cannabis: History, pharmacology, and implications for the acute care pharmacist. Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 57(11), 1379-1389.
• Cuttler, C., et al. (2021). The impact of cannabis on pain management. International Journal of Drug Policy, 102, 103574.
• Hill, K. P., et al. (2017). Medical cannabis for chronic pain: a review of the evidence. Journal of Pain Research, 10, 467-479.
• Levin, M. E., et al. (2019). The intersection of federal and state cannabis laws. Public Health Reports, 134(2), 201-209.
• NCSL (2022). State Medical Marijuana Laws. National Conference of State Legislatures. Retrieved from https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-medical-marijuana-laws.aspx
• Pacula, R. L., & Sevigny, E. L. (2014). Marijuana liberalization policies: causes and consequences. Annual Review of Economics, 6, 413-443.
• Stockings, E., et al. (2018). Cannabis and cannabinoids for chronic non-cancer pain in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (3).
• Ware, M. A. (2015). Cannabis: The pharmacology of medicinal cannabis. British Journal of Pharmacology, 172(7), 1349-1363.