Cannabis as intoxicant or medicine
Cannabis, also known as marijuana or weed, is used both as an intoxicant and in medicine. In Germany, the use of cannabis as an intoxicant is prohibited under the German Narcotics Act (BtMG). The medical use of medicinal cannabis, has been allowed under the BtMG since 2017. Medical cannabis must be produced under strict supervision of a so-called cannabis agency. The existing requirements are identical worldwide and ensure, among other things, the quality. In the case of medical use, the German Medicines Act (AMG) and the German Drug Advertising Act (HWG) also apply.
How cannabis affects the body
Cannabis affects the human body through interaction with the endocannabinoid system, which plays an important role in regulating pain, inflammation, appetite, mood, and other bodily functions. The main active ingredients of cannabis are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). These so-called cannabinoids have different effects on the body and can be used medicinally in different situations. THC has, among other things, psychoactive properties, while CBD has no intoxicating effect and is sometimes used alone in medicine.
Cannabis in medicine
Medical cannabis, which undergoes thorough qualitative testing, has many potential uses in medicine, especially in the treatment of chronic pain, nausea and vomiting resulting from chemotherapy, as well as spastic movement disorders in multiple sclerosis and other neurological diseases. Since 2017, medical cannabis has been available on prescription in Germany for patients with serious medical conditions. The decision to prescribe medical cannabis is always made by the treating physician, taking into account the individual needs of the patient while carefully weighing the benefits and risks. It is important that research continues in this area to determine the full range of applications in medicine and to establish high quality cannabis as an integral part of medical care.
What are the symptoms of the disease for which medical cannabis is prescribed
Medical cannabis is often prescribed for the treatment of symptoms such as chronic pain, nausea and vomiting, spastic movement disorders. It may also be used for some patients with epilepsy, glaucoma, Crohn’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other severe conditions, depending on the situation. The treating physician decides whether the treatment is appropriate for each patient individually.
How long cannabis remains in the blood
The length of time cannabis is detectable in the blood depends on several factors, such as the amount and frequency of use, the individual’s metabolism, and the type of test performed. In general, THC can be detected in the blood for several hours to several days after use, while it can even be detectable in the hair for several months.
Cannabis as an intoxicant
Although marijuana is considered less dangerous compared to other intoxicants, its use is not without risks. Long-term use of cannabis as an intoxicant can lead to dependence, psychological problems and impairment of lung function. It is known that early and especially regular cannabis use leads to massive damage to the brain and, as a consequence, to massive permanent neurological and psychiatric impairments. Furthermore, the use of marijuana during pregnancy can have negative effects on the unborn child.
Conclusion
Cannabis is used as an intoxicant. In the meantime, it finds numerous uses in medicine. In Germany, there is a clear distinction between the medical and non-medical use of cannabis, which is defined by various legal regulations. The medical use of cannabis is regulated by the Narcotics Act and the Medicines Act. Cannabis is subject to strict quality controls to ensure safe and effective use. In contrast, recreational use of cannabis as an intoxicant is illegal status quo in Germany. Recreational use of cannabis as an intoxicant carries significant risks. Its medical use through medical prescription is a therapeutic option for the treatment of numerous conditions and can be very beneficial for patients.
FAQ
How is cannabis regulated as an intoxicant and in medicine in Germany?
The use of cannabis as a narcotic in Germany is regulated by the Narcotics Act (BtMG). Currently, the use of cannabis as a narcotic is subject to the BtMG and is therefore illegal. The medical use of cannabis is subject to the regulations of the BtMG, the German Medicines Act (AMG) and the German Narcotics Prescription Regulation (BtMVV). The use of pure cannabidiol (CBD) falls under the AMG and the Medicinal Products Prescription Regulation. If prescription drugs are involved, the Heilmittelwerbegesetz (HWG) must also be observed. The use of cannabis products such as CBD for medicinal purposes falls under the AMG and the HWG.
How does cannabis affect the human body?
Cannabis affects the human body by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, which plays an important role in regulating pain, inflammation, appetite, mood, and other bodily functions.
What is medical cannabis prescribed for?
Medical cannabis is commonly used for chronic pain, nausea and vomiting, spastic movement disorders, loss of appetite, sleep disorders, and other serious conditions such as epilepsy, glaucoma, and Crohn’s disease.
How long is cannabis detectable in the blood?
The duration for which cannabis is detectable in the blood depends on various factors. In general, THC can be detected in the blood for several hours to several days after consumption, while it can even be detectable in the hair for several months.
How safe is it to use marijuana?
The use of marijuana is not without risks. Long-term use can lead to addiction, psychological problems and impaired lung function, and severe impairment of brain function with lifelong neurological and psychiatric problems. It is important to limit the use of marijuana to what is medically necessary and to follow your doctor’s instructions closely.
What is the difference between THC and CBD?
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) has psychoactive properties and causes a state of intoxication, while CBD (cannabidiol) has no intoxicating effect and is used in medicine. THC (and cannabis) are subject to the regulations of the BtMG, CBD to those of the AMG.
Is it safe to use marijuana during pregnancy?
The use of marijuana during pregnancy can have negative effects on the unborn child and should be avoided at all costs. It leads to the change in the brain development of the growing child.
