Many patients in the United States today are considering or already using medical marijuana to help control the symptoms of various diseases. They are finding relief from physical and mental illnesses that do not always respond well to traditional treatments. Medical marijuana also offers the benefits of fewer side effects and often lower costs than many prescription medications.
In this article, we will cover four points on how medical marijuana works. First, we will go over what medical marijuana is. Secondly, we will discuss the uses of medical marijuana. Next, we'll talk about the risks and side effects of medical marijuana. Lastly, we'll cover how to get and use medical marijuana.
1
What Is Medical Marijuana?
Medical marijuana contains over 100 cannabinoids or chemicals that the body uses to regulate functions for physical and mental well-being. Cannabinoids in the human body are related to THC or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the active ingredient in marijuana that produces the feeling of being high. The body's endocannabinoid system uses these chemicals to regulate memory, thinking, pleasure, movement, appetite, and pain.
In some states, doctors can recommend and certify patients to use medical marijuana. Patients are given a certification card or permit that allows them to purchase and use marijuana for medical reasons legally. Certain states also allow the use of marijuana for recreational purposes without certification or medical reasons. For patients using medical marijuana, the goal is to relieve symptoms, not to get high.
In states that allow medical marijuana use, a doctor must recommend a patient for certification. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants are not allowed to make a recommendation. Each state has a list of approved medical conditions for medical marijuana use. Patients must have one or more of these conditions to obtain a certification.
Unlike medical marijuana, CBD oil from hemp plants does not contain any THC. It does have an effect on the endocannabinoid system that may have health benefits. The 2018 Farm Act made CBD legal in all 50 states. CBD is sometimes combined with medical marijuana for additional symptom relief.
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Uses Of Medical Marijuana
Each state has a different list of medical conditions for allowing medical marijuana use. Some of the most common are cancer, AIDS, seizures, Parkinson's disease, ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, multiple sclerosis, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), glaucoma, digestive diseases (Crohn's and ulcerative colitis), severe pain, diseases that cause severe nausea or body wasting, and terminal illnesses. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two medications containing THC: dronabinol and nabilone.
They are used for treating nausea caused by chemotherapy and for increasing appetite in patients with extreme weight loss caused by AIDS. The FDA has also approved Epidiolex. It is a CBD medication for certain seizure disorders that does not contain THC.
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Risks And Side Effects Of Medical Marijuana
The National Cancer Institute states that medical marijuana can have some side effects. The side effects could be increased heart rate, low blood pressure, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting, short-term reduced memory, short-term reduced attention span, decreased problem-solving skills, lowered blood sugar levels, drowsiness, adverse interaction with other medications or herbs, dry eyes, dry mouth, and anxiety. Medical marijuana can also cause an impaired sense of time, sensory perception, speech, reaction time, and motor control.
The National Institute for Drug Abuse states that 30% of marijuana users, in general, may have an addiction problem. For people who become addicted to marijuana, withdrawal symptoms may include irritability, insomnia, mood difficulties, decreased appetite, physical discomfort, nausea, and restlessness. Some medical marijuana users smoke the compound. This can cause chronic bronchitis and airway inflammation. Scientists have not yet determined if smoking medical marijuana is like cigarette smoking that can lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).
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How To Get And Use Medical Marijuana
Once a patient has obtained a medical marijuana certification card in a participating state, they can purchase medical marijuana at retail marijuana dispensaries. For privacy reasons, only one customer is allowed to shop at a time. Staff at medical dispensaries are required to have the training, attend seminars, and have certifications to sell medical marijuana.
In states where both medical and recreational marijuana is legal, medical marijuana users often pay fewer taxes or surcharges than recreation users. Quality control for medical marijuana is stricter than those of recreational marijuana as well. Medical marijuana is usually grown indoors under tighter controls and with fewer pesticides than recreational marijuana.
Medical marijuana is most often smoked but can also be found in edible products, like cookies and candies. It can also be used as an oil that can be added to water or other drinks or placed under the tongue. It is also sold in the form of pills, patches, and topical ointments.
In this article, we covered four points on how medical marijuana works. First, we went over what medical marijuana is. Secondly, we discussed the uses of medical marijuana. Next, we talked about the risks and side effects of medical marijuana. Lastly, we covered how to get and use medical marijuana.
Medical marijuana isn't legal everywhere in the United States, but in places where it is, it is offered to patients for help with a variety of medical conditions. If your state allows medical marijuana use, you will first need to see a doctor for a recommendation and a certification card. Then, you will be allowed to purchase medical marijuana from a dispensary store.
