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Anxiety is the most common mental disorder. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders affect 40 million US adults aged 18 years and older every year. That translates to 18.1% of the American population.
Globally, anxiety disorders affect 7.3% of the population, which translates to one in 13 people. Anxiety disorders are treatable, but only 36.9% receive treatment. For example, generalized Anxiety Disorder affects 6.8 million US adults, yet only 43.2% receive treatment.
GET YOUR MEDICAL CARD ONLINE
If you live in California and suffer from anxiety disorders, there is some good news for you. With a California medical marijuana card, you can receive help for your anxiety.
Do Anxiety and Anxiety-Related Disorders Qualify for California Medical Marijuana Card?
If diagnosed with anxiety or anxiety-related disorders, you know how difficult it can be to deal with it. For starters, anxiety can make it difficult for you to perform even the simplest of activities.
What you need to know is that experiencing anxiety or some level of it is normal and healthy. For example, it’s normal to be nervous or experience fear now and then.
Anxiety and related disorders become a disability once it disrupts your ability to perform even the simplest of tasks. If anxiety disrupts your daily life, then you require medical attention.
Causes of anxiety include environmental factors, genetics, traumatic events, medical issues. Others include the use of an illicit substance and hormonal imbalance.
Common symptoms of anxiety include:
- Fatigue
- Sweating
- Headaches
- Jumpiness
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Tremors
- Muscle tension
- Difficulties with concentration
- Feelings of apprehension
- Restlessness
Dealing with anxiety and anxiety-related disorders can be tough. The good news is, there is an alternative solution to medical prescriptions.
So, does anxiety and anxiety-related disorders qualify for a California medical marijuana card?
Yes, anxiety and related disorders are among the health conditions that a medical marijuana recommendation is recommended for. Why you may ask. First, anxiety and associated conditions are treatable, and second, cannabis is an effective solution.
One of the most common forms of anxiety is GAD or Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Symptoms include chronic apprehension, irritability, and panic attacks. Doctors have always prescribed medication such as serotonin uptake inhibitors for GAD. But today, cannabis has proven to be an effective solution.
Other anxiety-related disorders that qualify for the medical card include:
- Social anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Specific phobias
- Selective mutism
- Separation anxiety
How Can Cannabis Help With Anxiety Disorders?
There is evidence that CBD contains anti-anxiety properties. This makes it a suitable solution for replacing known anti-anxiety medication. For example, doctors prescribe benzodiazepines to patients suffering from anxiety and anxiety-related disorder.
Benzodiazepines help to manage GABA, a neurotransmitter that balances your anxiety levels. The problem is, most patients who have taken this medication have ended up building tolerance quickly.
Besides building tolerance, this medication has resulted in several overdose deaths annually. Studies show that CBD affects GABA levels. In a 2019 study, researchers sought to find out the effects of CBD on brain excitation.
Thirty-four healthy men participated in the study. The researchers separated them as follows - 17 neurotypicals and 17 ASD. Each group received a single dose of 600 mg CBD. What researchers discovered is that CBD modulates the GABA system.
Another way CBD is effective against anxiety is by lowering your cortisol levels. Cortisol is the body’s main stress hormone. It works with different parts of your brain to control your motivation, fear, and mood.
Cortisol fuels your fight or flight response when in a crisis. In another 2019 study, researchers wanted to know if CBD can improve anxiety. The study involved 103 adults with anxiety and anxiety-related disorders.
After administering a dose of CBD to the patients, researchers noted that anxiety scores decreased.
What you need to know is that cortisol has other essential roles in the body.
- Regulates your blood pressure
- Keeps inflammation down
- Increases your blood sugar
- Boosts your energy levels
- Controls your sleep/wake cycle
If you have PTSD, cannabis is a holistic alternative with an effect on emotional regulation. In 2019, researchers undertook a study to determine if CBD can help in the treatment of PTSD. The study involved 11 adult patients with PTSD.
Each patient received an open-label flexible dosing regimen. Besides the dosing regimen, they received psychiatric care that included psychotherapy. After 8 weeks, researchers noted a decrease in PTSD symptom severity.
Also, CBD was well tolerated, and no patient discontinued the treatment during the study.
How to Obtain a California Medical Marijuana Card Online
In California, medical marijuana and cannabis dispensaries have become commonplace. The California Department of Public Health created the medical marijuana ID card or MMIC). This card helps patients to buy medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries.
It also helps officers recognize patients who carry the card as legal, medical marijuana patients. To obtain a California medical marijuana card online, you must discuss with your doctor to find out if your medical condition qualifies.
Besides making a physical visit to your doctors, you can do so via video chat through an official online recommendation program. To find local doctors in your area, we recommend making a quick search on Google or any other search engine.
Consultation with a doctor takes less than 5 minutes. If your doctor diagnoses you with anxiety or anxiety-related disorders, you qualify for a medical card. You will receive an official document to show that you’re eligible for the MMJ card.
You also have the opportunity of buying a photo ID card. It’s essential to keep the letter and photo ID card with you when visiting a marijuana dispensary. In case a law enforcement officer requests for proof, you can present it to the officer.
What you need to know is that the medical card online is valid for a year. Once it expires, you have to follow the same process to renew it.