What is medical marijuana used for?

Explore Some Conditions that medical marijuana is used for?

Medical marijuana is a term used when the marijuana plant is used to treat different illnesses or health-related disorders. It is the same product as recreational marijuana. However, the difference lies in the fact that recreational marijuana is the pot that is used without medical justification, whereas medical marijuana is used for medicinal purposes. Another difference is that recreational marijuana has a more Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC content, which produces the euphoria that is associated with recreational marijuana.

In other words, medical marijuana is the whole, unprocessed plant or the chemicals present within it to reduce the symptoms of specific ailments or diseases. The marijuana plant consists of over a hundred chemicals, which are called as cannabinoids, and each of these has different effects on our body. There are two main chemicals used in the preparation of medical marijuana:

1. Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, a psychoactive compound that produces the euphoria or “high” in consumers.
2. Cannabidiol or CBD, which does not produce any euphoria or psychoactive effects.

Medical marijuana contains high amounts of Cannabidiol or CBD, which is the reason why a person does not feel a higher level of euphoria.

What is medical marijuana used for?

Medical marijuana is being used in the health department for decades in several different conditions:

Chronic Pain

Many people turn to marijuana to get relief from chronic pain, and there is substantial scientific proof for its effectiveness. According to a report by NASEM in 2017, medical marijuana reduced the pain by 40 percent in people who had health issues such as peripheral neuropathy, spinal cord injury, HIV or complex regional pain syndrome, cancer, chemotherapy, muscle and joint problems, sports related injuries, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Moreover, according to a recent Canadian study, marijuana even helped soothe arthritic lab rats. 

Muscle Relaxant

Medical marijuana helps calm muscle spasticity. Some people who have muscle spasms use medical marijuana as an alternative treatment. Cannabis has been known to provide relief for muscle spasms with less dangerous side effects than other muscle relaxants. According to research, it gives just as much relief from muscle spasms as prescription drugs.

Moreover, since muscle spasms usually have an underlying condition, medical marijuana can double-pay for some people. Besides muscle spasms, cannabis can help treat pain, nausea, insomnia and more. Therefore, using medical marijuana allows us to manage fewer medications and worry less regarding drug interactions.

Depression, anxiety and PTSD:

Over 350 million people across the globe suffer from depression. This disorder is the most significant cause of disability worldwide. Several different medications are used to treat this disorder. Nowadays, medical marijuana is also being explored by researchers for the treatment of depression, and it has proven effective in many cases.

Endocannabinoids have naturally produced compounds in the human brain. They perform their function in motor control, cognition, emotions, and behaviour. They have a chemical makeup which is similar to that of marijuana. According to recent researches, it has been discovered that chronic stress may suppress the brain’s production of endocannabinoids. It can lead to depression-like behaviour. Introducing medical marijuana into the system can help restore normal levels and function, therefore easing the symptoms of depression.

Post-traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD, is an anxiety disorder resulting from some traumatic events such as car accidents or abuse. A person has PTSD if the initial reaction to a traumatic event includes fear, nausea, dizziness, depression and sleep disturbances that can last for several weeks or even year Nightmaresaracterized by:

- Nightmares.

- Increased arousal, a state of hyper-vigilance. 

- Paranoia.

- Sleeplessness.

- Anger issues.

- Avoidance of activities that were once common.

- Sabotage of relationships.

- Self-medication.

Medical marijuana potentially reduces PTSD symptoms. Therapeutic use of medical marijuana can excessively improve the quality of life of both PTSD sufferers as well as their families. Medical marijuana is not a cure. But when the plant activates the body’s cannabinoid receptors, it provides exceptional relief for a few of the worst symptoms associated with the disorder. There have been indications that medical marijuana or some of its chemicals, primarily THC and CBD, suppress particular symptoms of PTSD. For example, in a small study, 5 mg of THC twice a day as an add-on treatment enhanced sleep and reduced nightmares frequency, which are quite frequent in PTSD.

Insomnia:

Medical marijuana helps with sleep-associated problems like insomnia. It relieves many symptoms that people with insomnia experience, such as:

- Daytime sleepiness.

- Difficulty sleeping at night.

- Lack of concentration.

- Headache.

- Anxiety or depression. 

Many pieces of research show the effectiveness of medical marijuana when it comes to improving sleep. Anecdotal evidence from individuals has shown promising results when using cannabis to enhance the quality of sleep.

Medical marijuana is an advantageous alternative option for the treatment of patients who have insomnia. Many people report that, compared to conventional sleep medications, medical marijuana works far better, is not habit-forming and leaves them feeling exceptionally well the next day.

Multiple sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis or MS is an ailment that affects your brain, spinal cord, and nerves. The marijuana plant, or Cannabis sativa, has hundreds of chemicals that can help in this condition.

Several recent studies have concluded that medical marijuana, also known as medical cannabis, has proven to ease the stiffness and muscle spasms associated with Multiple Sclerosis.

Some evidence also suggests that medical marijuana or its active chemicals, called cannabinoids, ease sleep-related problems in some patients with multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, and various other medical conditions.

Cancer pain

Medical marijuana is highly effective for cancer pain and the side effects of cancer treatment such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and weight loss. For cancer patients, in particular, medical marijuana may provide an effective symptom management option. Cancer patients who use medical cannabis say that it benefits them in several ways by: 

- Quelling nausea.

- Suppressing vomiting.

- Increasing appetite.

- Relieving pain.

- And soothing anxiety.

However, it should be kept in mind that medical marijuana is not a cure for cancer.

Other health conditions 

People are also using medical marijuana for hundreds of other health-related conditions such as migraines, fibromyalgia, symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Crohn’s disease and glaucoma. Medical marijuana has proven to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines in one study. However, experts say that when it comes to glaucoma, do not rely on marijuana. It’s essential to stick with recommended treatments like eye drops. 

Cannabis Cures:

Cannabis is found in various forms, and the health benefits of cannabis are ever-growing. Some of these health benefits include:

• Improves lung capacity
• Help lose weight
• Regulates and prevents diabetes
• Promising results in autism.
• Controls seizures.
• Deals with pain linked to arthritis.
• Reduces side effects related to hepatitis C
• Relieves pain in chronic bowel diseases
• Treats tremors associated with Parkinson’s disease
• Helps with alcoholism

What are the side effects of medical marijuana?

Despite all the health benefits, there are specific side effects of medical marijuana. The drug can affect judgment and coordination, which can cause accidents and injuries. If used during the teenage years, marijuana might affect IQ and thinking abilities when the brain is still developing. Some other reported side effects of marijuana include:

• Bloodshot eyes
• Depression
• Dizziness
• Fast heartbeat
• Hallucinations
• Low blood pressure
• Psychosis
• Euphoria 

MMJ HEALTH:

MMJ Health is a premier Medical Marijuana clinic in Florida. They are known to have uncountable success stories with medical marijuana and their patients. Patients receive medical marijuana treatment for various health issues, including chronic non-malignant pain or terminal conditions. MMJ Health is committed to fostering patients during this journey. Patients can schedule an appointment with a marijuana doctor at MMJ Health by following three steps:

1. Use their patient qualification system to see if you qualify for medical marijuana.
2. See one of our qualified physicians at one of our many locations in Florida.
3. Get their card. You will be able to visit and get delivery from any dispensary in Florida.

Do I qualify for medical marijuana?

Medical marijuana is an effective alternative in the treatment of certain severe conditions. Below is a list of the qualifying conditions that medical marijuana can be used to treat.

How do you take it?

Cannabis can be utilized in a number of different ways:

-          Hand pipes.

-          Water pipes.

-          Rolling papers.

-          Vaporization.

-          Ingestible oils.

-          Tinctures.

-          Edibles.

-          Topical delivery methods.

-          Smoking.

-          Vaping.

-          Dabbing.

-          Gravity bongs.

Medical marijuana has proven to be effective in treating different health issues. However, you should always consult a doctor about the right strain and dose of medical marijuana before switching the treatment methods.

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