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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