The Therapeutic Potential of Medical Marijuana

By Anna Matthews, RDH, MS and Sandra Stramoski, RDH, MSDH

Marijuana is classified by the United States Controlled Substances Act as a schedule I controlled substance, which means it is noted as having high abuse potential, no accepted medical use, and lacking any level of safety for use. However, many purport the medical benefits of marijuana use, and it has gained wide public acceptance. While cannabis remains illegal in the US according to federal law,¹ 26 states and the District of Columbia have approved the medical use of marijuana. Seven states and the District of Columbia allow recreational cannabis use.¹ There is evidence of effectiveness of cannabinoid-based drugs and plant-derived cannabis in the management of cancer, human immunodeficiency virus infection/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and chronic pain.^2,3 Further therapeutic potential in many other diseases and conditions explains the broad support for ongoing investigation and use by the medical community.⁴ Oral health professionals may expect an increase in the number of patients reporting medical or recreational cannabis use. Therefore, they should be prepared to evaluate adverse oral effects; provide counseling, education, and referrals; and ensure safe treatment outcomes while maintaining an ethical and compassionate professional approach.

* References can be found in the original article via the link below.
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