Medical marijuana has been getting a lot of attention over the last few years. Some good news. And some bad news.
Because street use of marijuana is illegal, there are many misconceptions about the use of Cannabis as a medicinal. Let’s clear up misconceptions and get down to the facts.
What Is It?
We use marijuana (Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica) to treat or relieve symptoms of diseases and conditions medically. And when we use it in this fashion, we call it medical marijuana.
So, this plant-based medicine has three major active compounds:
- THC
- CBD
- CBN
What Is It Used For?
Practitioners use medical marijuana most commonly to treat health issues related to:
- Pain
- Muscle spasm
- Anorexia
- Nausea associated with chemotherapy
Also, practitioners prescribe it for patients with:
What Are the Side Effects Associated Use?
Research shows the side effects of medical marijuana use are minimal when patients take it in low doses. These effects may include:
Furthermore, when patients use it in higher doses, side effects may include:
- Paranoia
- Dizziness
- Psychoactive effects, including hallucinations and mood changes
Also, concerns about the use of Cannabis in adolescents is a concern. Adolescent brains and neurological systems are still developing. Thereby, increasing the:
- Side effect risks
- Onset of schizophrenia
- Loss IQ loss
Is It Legal?
It depends on the state. Because medical marijuana is classified as a Schedule I substance by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), it is illegal at the Federal level. Still, a majority of states have fully legalized or medically legalized it.
Laws are consistently changing around the legalization. And each state has its restrictions. In most states with legal medicinal marijuana, the state issues a card or license to those who have:
- An authorization
- A prescription
- A medical recommendation
Also, how patients get medical marijuana cards varies by state.
Where Do You Get It?
So, if you live in a state where medical marijuana is legal, you can find stores, often called dispensaries. Dispensaries sell marijuana products in various forms including:
- Edibles
- Oils
- Extracts
- The plant
Who Regulates It?
The FDA does not regulate medical marijuana. States monitor and govern marijuana sales.
However, since they often don’t have the resources to do a thorough job, the strength of ingredients in medical marijuana may differ depending on where you purchase it.
Is It Addictive?
Research is split on this issue. And some research suggests when taken in low therapeutic doses recommended by a health professional, the risk of becoming addicted to medical marijuana is very low.
However, practitioners have raised concerns about psychological dependence in heavy users and whether this constitutes marijuana abuse.
Call Us Today
Medical marijuana is a hot topic that stirs up all kinds of controversy. Lastly, all politics aside, many patients find it to be an effective treatment for their health issues. Above all, if you think it could help you with yours, reach out to us today!