Medical Marijuana  http://learntruehealth.com/medical-marijuana/ Reaping The Benefits Of Medical Marijuana  We have heard many benefits of medical marijuana. However, there are still some skeptics regarding the effectiveness of this plant, and many others still regard marijuana as an illegal drug. My guest today, Dr. Karen Munkacy, will shed light on why medical marijuana is better than conventional medicine. Breast Cancer Survivor Dr. Karen Munkacy is a breast cancer survivor. Upon being diagnosed at the age of 40, she has undergone 28 radiation sessions and a double mastectomy. During the four months that she was undergoing aggressive chemotherapy treatments, a friend suggested taking medical marijuana. Munkacy also heard about medical marijuana’s benefits. But not wanting to break the law, Munkacy refused the treatment. Although Munkacy is grateful to be in remission, going through a plethora of surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy treatments were not easy. Hence, Munkacy resolved to find ways to help other cancer patients ease their pain and suffering. Medical Marijuana Research Not forgetting her friend’s recommendation to use medical marijuana, Munkacy researched about the medicinal benefits of cannabis supported by scientific evidence and medical support. Her medical background gave her the perspective to assess her findings. Munkacy also began to began to speak publicly about her experience with cancer. This way, it could encourage lawmakers and health care professionals to support legislation, allowing the use of medical marijuana to alleviate patient pain and discomfort. Passing the Bill Eventually, Munkacy was able to get the medical marijuana bill passed in Massachusetts in November 2012. The bill passed with 63% votes. That encouraged Munkacy to lead an organization creating the best medical marijuana medicines. With a pioneer staff of 16 employees, Munkacy’s primary aim was to uphold the highest standards to cultivate medical marijuana and educate patients as well. Investing a lot in lab equipment also assures patients that the extractions and dosings of the medical marijuana are exact. Primary Benefits There are many other benefits of medical marijuana. Aside from the alleviation of pain and discomfort, medical marijuana also works for nausea. “It’s the only anti-nausea medication that also stimulates appetite. It works for anxiety, depression, and inability to sleep,” said Munkacy. “Medical marijuana is very safe with no side effects. Hence, it is the perfect medication for people in hospice care.” Unfortunately, some hospitals remain to be hesitant in the use of medical marijuana. Munkacy recalls a female patient wherein using medical marijuana significantly eased her pain, anxiety, and depression. That patient was able to sleep at night, had an appetite, and her nausea decreased. However, when the hospice found out that she was using medical marijuana, she was forced to leave. Consequently, her family had no choice but to take over and oversee her treatment. Father of Medical Marijuana Dr. Raphael Mechoulam is known as, “The Father of Medical Marijuana.” The title was given to Mechoulam after he discovered the endocannabinoid system. Consequently, studies show that medical marijuana inhibits the vascularization of tumors. It binds to receptors in our digestive tract. Hence, it can help with inflammatory diseases and problems like Chron’s disease. Despite that, Munkacy acknowledges that it is still hard for doctors to write recommendations. Consequently, doctors rely on top medical literature to declare effectivity of a drug or treatment before recommending it to patients. However, Israel has a different take on medical marijuana. Munkacy reveals that the Ministry of Defense in Israel pays for soldiers with PSTD to get medical marijuana. Unfortunately, for those in the United States, medical marijuana is not readily available for American soldiers with PSTD. Indeed a sad plight for people who serve our countr