9781422276969

Introduction There’s nothing new about medical marijuana. As far as we know, it’s been recognized for its medicinal properties since 2900 B.C. In ancient writings, the Chinese Emperor Fu Hsi noted its popularity. He called it a powerful medicine. The Chinese believed that marijuana possessed both yin and yang. In ancient Chinese medicine, these two properties were thought to bring wellness of mind and body when properly balanced. The ancient Egyptians used the pollen of the cannabis (marijuana) flower to treat many diseases. They treated everything from glaucoma (an eye disease) to inflammation. They were so fond of it, in fact, that archaeologists found it buried with the mummy of Pharaoh Ramses II. Around 1000 BC, the people of India began making a drink out of cannabis and milk to use as a mild anes- thetic and cure-all. But not until very recently has modern science begun to recognize and research the potential health benefits of this plant.

Today, some believe that medical mari- juana could be the answer for many people who are suffering from terrible diseases. Others see cannabis as a dangerous drug. To them, it’s not unlike heroin or inappropriately-used painkillers such as oxycodone. You may have your own beliefs about medical marijuana. You may have heard about it from friends, on TV, or on the internet. But what do you really know about this drug? Is it medicine? Is it a dangerous drug? Should medical marijuana be legal? We won’t answer these questions for you. Instead, you’ll use your own brain and you’ll decide. In this book, we’ll explore the research and debate around medical cannabis. We’ll look at the studies together and separate some of the myths from what science has actually found. You’ll begin by looking at what medical marijuana is. You’ll delve into how it’s used and what

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