I have been a medical marijuana user for about two years now . . . by way of my gastroenterologist for my Crohn's (it helps with cramping, nausea, etc.) I am contemplating asking my neurologist to also counsel on the use, so I have back-up medical, and because about 75% of my current use is to alleviate the pain and spasms in my feet and legs.

Marijuana does have some side effects that can be troublesome:

• It can increase appetite, and if you are not having appetite issues, the munchies can lead to weight gain, but with a little discipline this can be controlled. This is one reason it is used for chemo patients, Crohn's patients, etc.
• Some users experience increased paranoia. I used to think this was related to the fact that one was using an illegal substance, but I sometimes experience this, and I am not paranoid about being "found out' or "caught!" If you tend to worry and dwell on things, this may be an issue for you. Or you can learn to recognize these thoughts as a side effect and learn to deal with it. (A personal example is I sometimes worry more than is reasonable about when the next earthquake with hit the Seattle area, and where I will be when it hits . . . something reasonable to plan for, but not necessarily when trying to fall asleep at night!!!)
• It can induce some short-term memory loss. And along with this side-effect, it can be found by some to reduce their motivation, hence the term "pot head" or "stoner" to describe someone who appears to have lost their ability to function. THIS CAN BE CONTROLLED by paying attention to levels needed for personal pain/symptom relief, and not exceeding them.
• Because the substance in marijuana (THC) is a good muscle relaxer and pain reliever, it can make some people sleepier. The two types of marijuana (sativa and indica) have different effects on the body and the mind, and most dispensaries or co-ops will be able to direct to you those with the desired effects.

Some things marijuana DOES NOT DO, but that have been used for decades to demonize this useful "drug":
• It does not make one violent, leading to abuse of loved ones or perpetration of violent crimes. Alcohol can, but among marijuana users the response to this allegation is usually "it tends to relax you, disabling you from doing harm."
• It can impair driving, because when you are more relaxed your response time may be lengthened, so users are warned to not drive until they know how they manage tasks while using. Attention span can also be affect . . . so it is wise to heed the cautions about driving. Some people can titrate their medical use to the point that they can be productive, alert and more able to complete tasks because underlying symptoms are no longer interfering with their lives. I always tell my partner if I feel I have reached the point where I should not drive, or handle credit cards near a bakery counter! IT DOES NOT CAUSE ONE TO BREAK LAWS ONE NORMALLY WOULD OBSERVE AND UPHOLD, NOR DOES IT CAUSE AGGRESSION.
• It is not a "gateway" drug, leading you deeper into use of illegal substances. In fact, some patients are able to discontinue many prescription drugs that are commonly abused because their use is no longer necessary.
• It does not lead to a life of crime, becoming a "dealer" or the street trade where the product you buy may not be of the quality you need. If you are a legal medical marijuana patient in a state where it is legal, you will be able to obtain your supply from a dispensary or through a patient co-op.

Medical marijuana is not a cheap solution to chronic pain, but it is often a safer way to relieve symptoms without side effects or toxicity issues.

This is a list of drugs that can cause liver damage on which I do not see medical cannabis. However there is a caution that it can contribute to liver fibrosis in those with chronic Hepatitis-C. Like any drug (and THC is a drug, even though it is also a natural substance found in the body), it is wise to be sure you do not have any medical contraindications to its use.

There are many resources on the internet for further investigation. This one is all about Medical Marijuana and the states in which one may legally use it at this time.

I am not an expert, by any means, on the subject of medical marijuana, and I posted this solely for the purpose of encouraging each patient to further explore this as a possibility for specific symptoms. And regardless of legalization for medical use state-by-state, the federal government still prohibits the growing, sale and distribution of marijuana . . . yes, you can still get busted! However, in the right state with proper documentation, you now have a defense.

And maybe someday it will no longer be criminal to use this less harmful pain killer and muscle relaxer . . . because sufficient research data will have been collected to support its legalized use, and to refute the old claims made popular in the movie "Reefer Madness."