Cannabis Legalisation: Where is Medicinal Cannabis Legal in the World?
Medicinal cannabis is extracted from the cannabis Sativa plant. Ever since cannabis is found to have medical benefits, it is researched worldwide to explore its potential. Today, it is prescribed to relieve the symptoms of some medical conditions. They are available as a pill, oil, nasal spray, or other cannabis plant extract. Despite the proven medicinal use of cannabis throughout the world, more than a hundred countries still have banned the usage of cannabis. The reason for declaring medicinal cannabis as an illegal product varies from country to country.
Common misconceptions about cannabis
Regardless of so many
advanced researches, several myths and misconceptions persist regarding
cannabis. The stories are based particularly on the plant's association with
'weed' or 'marijuana.' When it comes to the recreational use of cannabis, a
fatal marijuana dose can result in death. Besides considering it as a gateway
drug, it is believed that all medicinal cannabis products can get you high.
However, the truth is that cannabis refers to a group of three plants with psychoactive
properties. They are known as Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Indica, and Cannabis
Ruderalis. Each of the plants has different stains in varying ratios of
compounds known as cannabinoids. THC is the most common chemical compound known
for its psychoactive properties. Simultaneously, CBD compounds have gained
popularity throughout the world for its potential wellness and therapeutic
properties.
The legal position of recreational cannabis
If you look at the medical cannabis legalisation
worldwide, you will find that almost 150 countries have strict rules and
prohibition laws. Even some of the leading progressive Western countries like
Sweden and Iceland are against legalisation. On the other hand, the UK has
approved medical cannabis as legal with a few conditions since 2018. Likewise,
France has also legalised the medical use of some cannabinoid-based drugs since
2013. However, the stance on this issue is not clear with the European Union
members. Some are ensuring to take steps to validate the use of medicinal
cannabis. But others are not showing much interest in following the flow.
Experts say that
the reason medical cannabis is illegal in many countries is multifactorial. It
includes the fact that medical research is slow, the local political landscape
is involved, and the legal position of recreational cannabis isn't determined.
It is high time that nations realise that they might miss out on a huge
opportunity. Cannabis is a decisive factor for treating some life-threatening
diseases or mitigating side effects of medical treatments.
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