There are many drugs in the world which make you sometimes feel like there are more medicines than diseases. While you can buy some medications at pharmacies others require a doctor’s prescription. However, most people don’t know what drugs can be used for medical reasons. In this article, we will focus on drugs and the ones suitable for medical purposes.

What are medicines?

Medicines are chemicals or compounds that can cure halt or prevent disease. Medications can also help to ease symptoms. Technological advancements in medicines give access to doctors to cure many diseases and save lives.

Nowadays you can find medicines from a variety of sources. The drugs used for medical reasons were developed from natural substances including plants. While some medications result from mixing together several chemicals, others are byproducts of organisms such as fungus. Furthermore, medications are even biologically engineered by inserting genes into bacteria to make them produce the desired substance.

Classes of drugs

Schedule 1 drugs lack a legitimate medical purpose. These drugs are strictly controlled and are only available with a special license. Drugs in this category include cannabis, ecstasy, LSD, and raw opium.

Schedule 2 drugs fall under prescription drugs. Doctors can give a prescription for these drugs and patients can legally possess them with a prescription. These drugs include amfetamines, cocaine, dihydrocodeine, heroin, methadone, morphine, and more. Pharmacies always keep these drugs in a special section due to their vulnerability.

Schedule 3 drugs can also be prescribed legally. These types of medications include groups of medicines known as barbiturates and benzodiazepines. Only special individuals get prescriptions for such medications.

Schedule 4 drugs include drugs such as minor tranquilizers and anabolic steroids. They are legal for prescription by doctors. However, it’s illegal to have them without a doctor’s prescription.

Schedule 5 drugs are drugs with a low potential for abuse. Individuals can possess these drugs without a prescription. While you can possess these drugs, it’s illegal to sell them to other people. These types of drugs include cough medicines and mild painkillers.

Drugs that are good for medical reasons

Over the last couple of years, research into the potential medicinal benefits of certain drugs is on the rise. The reason why these medications are illegal is to prevent susceptible people from self-harm and drug abuse. There is an ongoing debate about legalizing some of these drugs and researchers are digging into how these substances could be useful. But what drugs can be used for medical reasons? Here are several drugs that have been investigated for medical benefits.

• Cocaine

Cocaine is a common illegal stimulant. However, studies note that this drug is a popular topical anesthetic in the Andean tribal communities of South America. Cocaine may also treat irritable bowel disease and other intestinal dysfunctions. Research notes that cocaine can alleviate headaches.

• Cannabis

Cannabis or marijuana is a popular medication for pain and chronic illnesses. Marijuana may also help with PTSD symptoms, nausea, and symptoms related to glaucoma. In Canada, patients can get a prescription to use cannabis for different ailments.

Bottom line

To know what drugs can be used for medical reasons it’s good to consult your local physician. Also depending on your condition, you may qualify to use these drugs for treatment.