Medicines often come to the rescue when individuals face problems like muscle spasms, PTSD, chronic illness, sleeping disorders, and other issues like these. Medical marijuana and prescription medicines are the two types of medicines available, but they differ in important ways. Medical Marijuana vs. Prescription Drugs: Which is best for you? This article will discuss medical marijuana and prescription drugs. We will examine their benefits, side effects, the law, etc. Most importantly, you’ll learn which is right for your condition or symptoms.
Understanding Medical Marijuana & Its Relation to Prescription Drugs
From treating anxiety to dealing with pain, medicine can treat lots of health problems. Using medical marijuana or prescription drugs is very common among those looking for relief. Prescription drugs are more renowned among people, though the use of medical marijuana is picking up in recent times. But is one better than the other? Or do they serve the same purpose?
A doctor uses prescription drugs to fulfil a specific ailment in a patient. Like all other medicines, prescription drugs are tried and tested thoroughly. Medical marijuana comes from the cannabis plant and has been used for centuries. Only recent studies suggested medical marijuana for treatment.
Both prescription drugs and medical marijuana are useful in their ways. Some people prefer medical marijuana due to its organic nature, while others readily back prescription drugs due to it being sanctioned by the health regulators.
Understanding Medical Marijuana
What is Medical Marijuana?
Medical marijuana refers to cannabis that is used to attend to particular health issues. Its source is the marijuana plant, from which oils from the flower are extracted for medical purposes instead of recreational ones. Its use is multi-faceted and varies with people, but it is commonly used as a natural remedy for pain relief, stress, and other ailments. Medical marijuana can be smoked or consumed orally and is often used for chronic pain, battling anxiety, and chronic nausea after getting a medical marijuana card from state regulatory.
Medical marijuana can only be given legally by a qualified healthcare professional, which differentiates it from recreational marijuana, which can be used freely. Traditional medicines, aka prescription drugs, can be purchased easily through a pharmacy. No medical card is required.
Benefits of Medical Marijuana
Where prescription drugs failed to help with chronic pain, cancer, and many surgical procedures having serious outcomes, medical marijuana can prove to be helpful. One of the foremost medical innovations recently is that medical marijuana can reduce pain, especially when used in conjunction with other pain medications like morphine and fentanyl. It can also relieve pain caused by arthritis, backache, and even cancer for those undergoing chemotherapy.
In this manner, medical marijuana can aid with pain management without the troubling adverse side effects.
Medical marijuana has been shown to improve mental health conditions like anxiety or depression. It appears that stressed individuals use marijuana as a means to elevate their mood. Those on medical chemotherapy have also benefitted from medical marijuana in reducing their nausea symptoms.
Prescribed Drugs Summary
What Are Prescribed Medicines?
A prescription drug is a medicine that can only be dispensed against a medical prescription. Buying non-prescription drugs does not require restriction. This regulation exists because drugs prescribed can easily be misused, for instance, abused or taken without proper qualifications. Different countries have different rules on what non-prescription medicines are.
Prescription medicines, caregiven upon request from authorized medical personnel, go under stricter consideration than non prescription, which can be bought freely. This means a doctor has determined the medication best suitable for you and depends on your conditions.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Prescribed Medication
Prescription medication is crucial for a person who suffers from chronic issues such as infections. These include antibiotics, which treat diseases, and painkillers, which dull the pain. Generally, the acquisition of these medicines from non-medical staff, such as pharmacies or convenience stores, is regulated by major health institutions such as the FDA, making it trustworthy.
But there are expected consequences, like feeling nauseous, lightheaded, or having a headache. In some situations, an individual can become addicted to a certain prescription, such as an opioid, if it is not managed appropriately.
Comparison Between Medical Marijuana and Traditional Medicines
Degree of Helpfulness
Both prescription drugs and medical marijuana serve useful purposes. There is a range of people who have used prescription drugs and managed pain, but those medicines don’t work for everyone. For example, a medication prescribed to help someone with pain may not benefit someone who experiences chronic pain.
The same goes for medical marijuana; some people believe that it may be beneficial for pain as well as anxiety. Others think it is more effective than traditional medications, while others feel that they are much safer.
Comparison of Side Effects
All non-prescription medicines come with some form of side effect, and so does medical marijuana. And some people are more than willing to tolerate the side effects because medical marijuana has been proven to have positive impacts on them.
The side effects of medical marijuana can include slightly feeling faint or fatigued. However, these seem worth it for many people because the benefits outweigh the disadvantages.
Legal and Regulatory Considerations
Legal Status of Medical Marijuana
One of the clearest differences between medical marijuana and prescription drugs is the law. Doctors can prescribe any prescription drugs according to your symptoms and needs without you having a medical card. However, for medical marijuana, you must have a medical marijuana card to use it. Even if it is legal in your state, you cannot use medical marijuana without an MMJ card; there are still many places where marijuana is illegal, which makes it difficult for people to access it.
Prescription drugs, on the other hand, are legal everywhere as long as a doctor has prescribed them. It is vital to understand the rules in your region before considering the usage of medical marijuana.
Navigating Prescription Drug Regulations
Health authorities have specific interdiction for prescription drugs because of the sensitive nature of the drugs. Prescribers and pharmacists must observe these rules when issuing and dispensing the medication. This prevents abuse and ensures the patient receives the appropriate care.
Patient Experiences and Testimonials
Success Stories with Medical Marijuana
Most patients who have gone through the procedures involving legal medical marijuana have positive outcomes. Some say it helps reduce their pain, and others report relief from anxiety leading to better sleep. It works towards improving the overall quality of life.
Obstacles Encountered by Users of Prescription Drugs
Patients using prescription drugs sometimes have side effects or dependency issues. Pain relief medicines are very helpful; however, they can lead to addiction. For instance, these patients might feel disoriented or fatigued. This side effect can result in non-adherence to medication.
Making a Choice
Deciding whether to use medical marijuana or prescription drugs requires a lot of thought. Talk to a physician about your condition to help you reach the best conclusion possible. If a patient is experiencing chronic pain, they might want to use medical marijuana seasonally. However, if they require more severe treatment, they might have to take prescription medications.
Conclusion
Just like prescription medications, medical marijuana has its benefits and downsides. We have seen that pain and anxiety can be alleviated with the use of medical marijuana. Prescription drugs are also tested and readily available. However, they are not perfect either. What works best for you depends on your conditions and symptoms. Always consider the pros and cons of each option. Your physician’s input is crucial before making decisions regarding your health.
