Renowned Medical Expert Endorses Medical Marijuana for Pain Relief
Esteemed medical expert, Dr. Mehmet Oz, recently advocates for the use of medical marijuana for pain alleviation, particularly for older adults, in a recent health advice publication. Dr. Oz, in concert with co-author and aging specialist Dr. Michael Roizen, encourages patients to contemplate the implementation of their doctor’s suggestions on employing medical marijuana for pain relief, especially for those over 65.
Caution Against Broad Recreation Use
While endorsing the use of medical cannabis, Dr. Oz also caution against its broad recreation use due to possible health hazards. According to the renowned doctors, the act of smoking induces harmful inflammation throughout the body. This viewpoint is a result of ongoing and limited research on cannabinoids CBD and THC. Both physicians assent to the potential of CBD in suppressing seizures, and THC’s capacity to alleviate the nausea caused by cancer treatments. Yet, the effectiveness of marijuana in pain management has exhibited divergent outcomes in various studies.
Approach to Casual Cannabis Use
Drs. Oz and Roizen approach the subject of casual cannabis use, especially among young people, with caution amid its decriminalization. They claimed the misuse could result in several unwanted consequences. They controversially suggested that the inhalation of a cannabis joint could yield almost eight times as much harmful particulate matter for the lungs and brain compared to a factory-produced cigarette.
Potential Risks Associated with Long-term Usage
Furthermore, Dr. Oz associates long-term cannabis usage with respiratory issues, an enhanced risk of testicular cancer, anxiety, and depression. Demanding more research, he emphasized the need for more standardized products and comprehensive studies to assess potential risks and benefits.
Marijuana as a Safer Alternative
Dr. Oz, acutely aware of the opioid crisis, postulates that for the elderly, marijuana might serve as a safer alternative for pain relief compared to narcotics in many situations.
Advocacy for Policy Overhaul
In 2020, Dr. Oz openly endorsed a complete policy overhaul on marijuana, asserting its effectiveness. He stated, “I’ve seen it assist individuals with sleep disorders, definitely with pain issues, and many with serious medical complications finding relief—and the important point is, it’s not lethal,” indicating that there have been no reports of overdose deaths.
