Glaucoma is an eye infection that is frequently linked with raised eye pressure in which harm to the optic nerve can lead to loss of eyesight and even myopia. Several drugs are available to lower eye pressure but sometimes they are not effective or have unbearable side effects for some patients and can lose effectiveness with persistent administration. Cannabis can be used to treat glaucoma by reducing eye pressure. This article focuses on Cannabis use to treat glaucoma skunk’s oasis.
People have been arguing that smoking cannabis can lower eye pressure in people that suffer from glaucoma. Some studies show that people who are not tolerant to typical glaucoma medications can use cannabis to successfully lower their eye pressure. According to scientists cannabis use to treat glaucoma can be administered in the following ways.
Firstly, cannabis can be smoked. Smoking cannabis lowers eye pressure but the results last only for about three to four hours. This means that for cannabis to lower eye pressure effectively, it must be smoked after every three hours.
Secondly, Cannabis can be administered through eye drops. Doctors can dissolve the active ingredient in cannabis that is Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in water and administer it to the eye of the patient. The eye drops lower the pressure of the eye and this makes glaucoma not to progress.
Thirdly, patients can ingest Tetrahydrocannabinol through oral method. In this method the ingredient is placed under the tongue and the patient slowly swallows it with saliva. The substance dissolves in saliva as the patient swallows it.
Cannabis use to treat glaucoma can lead to the following effects
Firstly cannabis can worsen glaucoma by reducing the flow of blood to the optic nerve. Cannabis reduces blood pressure and low blood pressure leads to optic nerves receiving less blood flow and hence worsening glaucoma.
Secondly Cannabis contain harmful chemicals such as tar and carbon monoxide. This chemicals can lead to damage of lungs and bronchial tubes.
Thirdly cannabis can lead to reduced muscle coordination. Most people affected by glaucoma have 60 years and above. The mood changing state associated with cannabis can put individuals at this age group at a high risk of accidents.
In conclusion cannabis use to treat glaucoma has recorded both positive and negative effects. On a positive note cannabis can effectively treat glaucoma. Regardless of being useful, Cannabis has not been legalized in most countries. As cannabis is being administered, it may not be an ideal treatment for glaucoma. Even if it is not an ideal treatment for glaucoma there are people who still use and believe in it. Studies should be made to determine the effectiveness of cannabis use to treat glaucoma and how the effectiveness can increased. If there is need scientists can advise governments to legalize it for medicinal purposes.