Understanding the Legal Status of Medical Marijuana in PA
Marijuana has been illegal in the United States since it was criminalized in the 1930s. However, in recent years, several states have legalized marijuana for medical and/or recreational use. In Pennsylvania, medical marijuana has been legal since 2016, and it is available to patients who have a qualifying medical condition.
There are currently 23 qualifying medical conditions in Pennsylvania, including cancer, Crohn’s disease, epilepsy, glaucoma, and multiple sclerosis. Patients must have a certification from a qualified physician and a valid Medical Marijuana ID card to purchase medical marijuana from a dispensary.
It is important to note that even though medical marijuana is legal in Pennsylvania, smoking it is not. The law only permits the use of medical marijuana in the form of pills, oils, tinctures, liquid, and topical applications such as creams and ointments. Smoking marijuana, even for medicinal purposes, is illegal and can result in criminal charges.
The Benefits of Medical Marijuana
Medical marijuana has been shown to have several benefits for patients with qualifying medical conditions. It can help to alleviate chronic pain, reduce inflammation, and relieve nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. It has also been shown to improve appetite, promote sleep, and reduce anxiety and depression.
Medical marijuana contains compounds called cannabinoids, which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to produce these effects. The two main cannabinoids in marijuana are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana, while CBD is non-psychoactive and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and anti-seizure properties.
The Risks of Smoking Marijuana
While medical marijuana may provide relief for patients with certain medical conditions, smoking it can have negative health effects. Smoking marijuana can irritate the lungs and lead to respiratory problems, such as chronic bronchitis and lung infections. It can also increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Inhaling smoke from burning plant material can also expose users to toxins and carcinogens, which can increase the risk of cancer over time. Therefore, it is important for patients to consider alternative methods of using medical marijuana, such as edibles, oils, or vaporizers, which do not involve smoking.
Alternatives to Smoking Medical Marijuana
There are several alternative methods of using medical marijuana that do not involve smoking. These include:
- Edibles: Medical marijuana can be infused into foods such as cookies, candies, and chocolate bars. Edibles can take longer to take effect than smoking, but they can provide longer-lasting effects.
- Oils and Tinctures: Medical marijuana can be extracted into oils or tinctures, which can be taken orally or sublingually (under the tongue). These methods provide fast-acting effects and are easy to dose.
- Vaporizers: Medical marijuana can be vaporized and inhaled, which produces a vapor instead of smoke. Vaporizers are a good alternative to smoking because they do not produce the harmful by-products of combustion.
Conclusion
Medical marijuana is legal in Pennsylvania for patients with qualifying medical conditions. However, smoking it is illegal and can result in criminal charges. Patients should consider alternative methods of using medical marijuana, such as edibles, oils, or vaporizers, which do not involve smoking. Medical marijuana has been shown to have several benefits for patients with qualifying medical conditions, but it is important to weigh the potential risks and benefits before using it.
