Medical marijuana (cannabis) is defined as the use of the whole, unprocessed marijuana plant or its extracts for medicinal purposes. Therefore in most medical instances synthetic versions of marijuana are not even considered. However, for educational purposes it might be wise for the patient to be aware of the difference in effects on the body.
This study points out that these synthetic drugs induce more severe adverse events including: respiratory difficulties, hypertension, tachycardia, chest pain, muscle twitches, acute renal failure, anxiety, agitation, psychosis, suicidal ideation, and cognitive impairment.
Chronic use of these synthetic drugs have been associated with serious psychiatric and medical conditions and even death.
Many are interested in marijuana as a natural alternative to other medications. It seems that the literature supports keeping the natural component in natural medicine.
