Friday, October 25, 2013

Do health insurance companies cover the use of medical marijuana?

Medical marijuana can be used to treat many illness due to some of the positive effects it can have on the body. Marijuana contains THC. THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects the marijuana has. Marijuana is a mild analgesic. Therefore, it affects parts of the brain that play a role in memory, sleep, and pain sensation. It can also help with nausea and lower eye pressure (to help with glaucoma). In addition, the National Institute of Health has said the medical marijuana seems to have significant anti-tumor, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory effects. For these reasons, medical marijuana has been legalized in 21 states in the United States.
However, Health Insurance companies do not cover the use of medical marijuana. This is mainly due to the lack of approval from the FDA. The FDA has not approved the use of medical marijuana due to the many reported negative side effects it causes.
Chronic marijuana use can have many negative effects. It can impair coordination, learning, problem-solving, memory, and cognitive abilities. Marijuana can also raise the heart rate by 20-100 percent, increasing the risk of heart attack. Smoking marijuana can cause respiratory problems similar to those who smoke cigarettes. This includes cough, chest illness, and an increased risk of lung infections.
Medical marijuana is not covered by insurance companies, however, it is cheaper than many prescription medications, making it accessible.

Sources:


Sarah LH

No comments:

Post a Comment