Glaucoma is a group of eye disorders that involves damage to the optic nerve.
This initially impairs peripheral vision and ultimately leads to complete blindness.
Although several medications and surgical treatments are available for Glaucoma, many patients inquire about marijuana for Glaucoma.
In this article, we will discuss whether marijuana is helpful in treating Glaucoma and its potential risks in the long-term treatment of Glaucoma.<\/p>\n\n\n
Marijuana is made up of dried flowering leaves and tips of the plant Cannabis sativa. While THC decreases eye pressure<\/a> only briefly, Glaucoma patients must maintain low eye pressure<\/a> throughout the day to prevent long-term ocular damage.
It contains two important components: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD).
Marijuana has been legal for medicinal or recreational use in several states of the U.S. and Canada.
Lately, it has gained increasing attention and discussion as a potential therapy for numerous health issues, including Glaucoma<\/a>.
People with Glaucoma may find marijuana useful because TCH, the main component of marijuana, reduces eye pressure<\/a> (Intraocular Pressure).
However, the impact of a single dose only lasts for eight hours.
THC can reduce intraocular pressure by up to 40%<\/a> for around eight hours. <\/p>\n\n\n
To achieve maximum effectiveness, one has to rely on the long-term use of marijuana.
You would need to consume between 18 and 20 mg of THC six to eight times daily to noticeably lower intraocular pressure and keep it down.
Consuming excessive marijuana would profoundly impact your mood, mental clarity, and (if smoked) lung health.
On the other hand, CBD offers no significant benefit in treating Glaucoma.
Several research comparing the effects of THC and CBD on intraocular pressure have been conducted between 2006 and the present.
CBD repeatedly demonstrated that it does not impact the eyes at low dosages.
But it raised retinal pressure at high dosages (40 mcg<\/a>).
Due to this, marijuana is a less effective Glaucoma treatment than alternate options like traditional medications and surgery.
Although marijuana has gained a lot of popularity as a cure to treat Glaucoma, it can not be used as the primary treatment method for Glaucoma.
Marijuana still needs further study and has a long way to go before it gets approved as an effective medicine to treat Glaucoma<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n