Marijuana and its derivatives have been used to treat a wide variety of conditions for about 4,000 years. It was considered herbal therapy for the pain of childbirth, migraines and hemorrhaging. The United States Pharmacopeia listed cannabis as a medicine from 1859-1942.

Patients who use cannabis for medicinal reasons must have a prescription for a specific condition or disease. These include epilepsy, cancer, multiple sclerosis, nausea, HIV, AIDS, glaucoma
and cachexia. Although twelve states allow the use of marijuana and its derivatives to be used, the Federal Government can override that decision. In some states, people are allowed to grow six to seven plants and possess one ounce of usable marijuana. The FDA does not affirm the
use of smoked cannabis. There are respiratory risks and fears of dependency. It is considered a safety risk for anyone driving after ingesting or smoking marijuana. Some experts say that most patients who drive under the influence are more aware and drive more carefully.

Research has found that cannabinoids reduce the aggressiveness and invasiveness of breast cancer by restricting tumor growth via cutting off the blood supply to the tumor. As a neuro-protective antioxidant, it is often used for stroke patients and those with spastic diseases. It is also helpful in treating mental illnesses such as depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. As a bronchodilator, it is beneficial to asthmatics. Most people know that severe nausea and loss of appetite during an illness such as HIV, AIDS and cancer treatments can be treated with marijuana taken as a tea or in foods. Medicinal marijuana was the primary pain reliever until the discovery of aspirin. Synthetic forms of cannabinoids have been developed and have proven successful in treating a wide number of physical and mental ailments.