If you’re feeling tired, sluggish, or unmotivated and are exploring the benefits of medical marijuana for energy, you’re not alone. Many people are turning to medical marijuana as a natural way to combat fatigue.
In this post, we will explore:
- managing debilitating medical conditions with medical marijuana
- how medical marijuana for energy works
- what are the best strains for energy
- how to get a medical marijuana card in Florida
- if medical marijuana is right for you
Managing Debilitating Conditions with Medical Marijuana
To qualify for medical marijuana in Florida, a potential medical marijuana patient has to have one of the qualifying conditions. While this list is very specific, it also includes a broader category for other similar debilitating conditions. This helpfully expands eligibility for medical marijuana uses.
Medical marijuana may help manage symptoms linked to fatigue and low mood, often triggered by various life events that can lead to a range of mental and physical health challenges.
Let’s look at them in turn and then at how medical marijuana for energy might work to help relieve your problem.
Chronic stress
While stress is a healthy response to challenging situations, it can take a toll on your health when it becomes chronic. Chronic means it’s ongoing and perhaps more than a situation justifies. We know it’s hard to draw the line when your life is stressed out daily! But chronic stress can cause fatigue, insomnia, headaches, digestive problems, and weaken your immune system. It can also trigger or worsen depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. So, it’s worth considering how medical marijuana might relieve chronic stress and bring your stress response back to normal.
Hormonal changes
Hormonal changes can occur due to aging, pregnancy, menopause, or medical conditions, and can cause fatigue, weight gain or loss, sleep problems, and mood swings. These changes can also increase the risk of depression, especially in women. Since this can lead to a downward spiral, it’s also a good plan to consider when and how you might gain from using medical marijuana for energy. It might break the vicious circle so you can then consider, for example, hormone replacement therapy.
Grief and loss
Grief is a natural reaction to loss. It can cause sadness, anger, guilt, and denial, and it can also affect your physical health, causing fatigue, appetite changes, insomnia, and pain. Grief can sometimes lead to depression, especially if the loss is sudden, traumatic, or unresolved. While you need to work through grief naturally and come out on the other side, it’s not wrong to look for a remedy in the meantime that can help you have the energy to get through each day.
How Does Medical Marijuana for Energy Issues Work?
The cannabinoids, the active compounds in cannabis, can bind to your endocannabinoid system (ECS) receptors and modulate their activity. The most well-known cannabinoids are:
- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): psychoactive component with a stimulating effect in low doses but a sedating effect in high doses
- cannabidiol (CBD): non-psychoactive component with calming properties that can counteract some of the adverse effects of THC
The impact of cannabis is also influenced by terpenes – compounds that provide unique scent and flavor – that can also have various effects:
- anti-inflammatory
- antidepressant
- anticonvulsant
- uplifting and energizing
- relaxing and calming
What Are the Best Strains for Energy?
When thinking about medical marijuana for energy, you need to consider the main difference between Sativa and Indica strains – which lies in their cannabinoid and terpene profiles:
- Sativa strains often have higher levels of THC and lower levels of CBD, resulting in a more energetic, stimulating, and cerebral effect.
- Indica strains, on the other hand, often have higher levels of CBD and lower levels of THC, producing more physical, relaxing, and sedating effects.
The best strains for energy are usually those that belong to the cannabis sativa species or have a sativa-dominant genetic profile. However, this is not a hard and fast rule, as different strains can have different effects depending on their chemical composition and the individual user’s response. Your body will have a unique response.
Some of the most popular sativa strains for energy are:
Sour Diesel
This strain has a pungent, diesel-like aroma and a high THC content. It can produce a fast-acting and invigorating effect that can help with stress, depression, and pain.
Jack Herer
Jack Here has a spicy, piney, and citrusy aroma and a balanced THC-to-CBD ratio. It can produce a clear-headed, uplifting, and creative effect that can help with fatigue, anxiety, and mood disorders.
Green Crack
This strain has a fruity, tangy, earthy aroma and a high THC content. It can produce a sharp, energetic, and focused effect that can help with depression, ADHD, and appetite loss.
Durban Poison
This strain originates from South Africa and has a sweet, piney, and licorice-like aroma. It has a high THC content and a rich terpene profile. It can produce a happy and stimulating effect that can help with depression, nausea, and pain.
Super Lemon Haze
This strain has a zesty, lemony, and candy-like aroma and a high THC content. It can produce a lively, social, and creative effect that can help with stress, depression, and fatigue.
XJ-13
This sativa-dominant strain allows clear-headed functionality and can act as a strong mood enhancer.
Super Silver Haze
This strain has a spicy, citrusy aroma and is known for its long-lasting, energetic effects. Due to its uplifting properties, it is often used by those seeking relief from stress, depression, and fatigue.
How Do You Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Florida for Fatigue?
If the above leads you to think that medical marijuana for energy issues is what you need, you have to meet the Florida medical marijuana qualifications:
- Be 18 or older or have parental consent if you are a minor
- Have a qualifying medical condition or similar debilitating condition like we outlined above
- Have a written certification from a qualified physician
- Apply for a medical marijuana card online via the Office of Medical Marijuana Use website and pay a $75 fee
Will Medical Marijuana for Energy Work for Me?
Medical marijuana is not a cure for fatigue and depression, and it may not work for everyone. Depending on the strain, dose, method of consumption, and your response to treatment, it may also have some side effects, such as:
- increased heart rate
- drowsiness and dizziness
- impaired concentration and memory
- addiction
You should always consult with your doctor before using medical marijuana and use it as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and social support.
Start Your Journey to Higher Energy at Emerald Medical
If you’re interested in trying medical marijuana for energy, Emerald Medical in Sarasota can help you get your medical marijuana card in Florida and guide you through the process of finding the best strains and products for your needs. We offer personalized care. Why not contact us today to discuss your energy needs? Let’s talk!