Blazing Up For Better Vision: Marijuana As A Glaucoma Treatment

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The possession and use of marijuana is considered a federal crime; however, many believe that the drug is helpful in treating glaucoma. Is the use of medical marijuana really effective or is it just an excuse for drug use?

How can marijuana be used to treat glaucoma?

Glaucoma, an eye disease resulting from optic nerve damage, is often connected to elevated eye pressure. It is believed that this pressure causes a gradual loss of vision. Some studies show evidence that the use of marijuana, either through consumption or inhalation, can lower the pressure in the eye, making it a viable glaucoma treatment.

Side Effects to Marijuana Use for Glaucoma

Marijuana is used as a recreational drug because of the euphoric feeling, or high, that it produces. This high can be a dangerous side effect, hindering a person's ability to drive, operate machinery, or perform other routine daily tasks. Other side effects include a drop in blood pressure, dry eye, and redness of the eyes. Because there have not been any studies on the long-term use of marijuana for glaucoma, the long-term effects of this treatment have not been determined.

Advantages of Marijuana over Other Treatments

Although marijuana appears to be effective in reducing eye pressure in glaucoma patients, there is no evidence that this treatment is better than other glaucoma treatments. The lack of research into marijuana's use to treat glaucoma makes it difficult to compare it to other treatments.

Legality of Medical Marijuana

The regulation of marijuana and other drugs falls to the federal government; however, some states, including California and Arizona, have laws permitting the use of marijuana for medical treatments. Because the federal government classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, the legality of the state laws is still unclear. Even though the state may consider it legal to use medical marijuana for glaucoma treatment, use and possession of marijuana for any reason may still be considered a federal crime.


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