Medical marijuana has been used for centuries to treat a variety of medical conditions, and recent scientific research has shown that marijuana contains compounds that offer a range of health benefits. In the United States, medical marijuana has been legalized in many states, including Florida. In fact, Florida legalized medical marijuana in 2016, allowing qualified patients to have access to the treatment of certain medical conditions.
Today, medical marijuana is used to treat a wide range of conditions and here, we will delve into the different ways to take medical marijuana, the benefits of different strains, and the medical conditions that can be treated with medical marijuana.
How to Take Medical Marijuana
Medical marijuana can be consumed in various forms, and each form has its own advantages and disadvantages. The common ways to take medical marijuana are:
Smoking: the most common way to take medical marijuana. The effects are felt almost immediately, and it is easy to control the dosage.
Vaporization: involves heating the marijuana without burning it, and the vapor is inhaled. This method is less harmful to the lungs than smoking.
Edibles: food products that contain marijuana. They take longer to take effect, but the effects can last longer than smoking or vaporization.
Tinctures & Sprays: liquid forms of marijuana that are taken orally. They are easy to use and have a fast onset of action.
Topicals: marijuana in the form of creams or ointments that are applied to the skin. They are used to treat localized pain and inflammation.
Overview and benefits of different strains:
Medical marijuana comes in many different strains, each with its own unique set of effects and benefits. Indica strains, for example, are known for their relaxing properties and are commonly used to treat conditions such as pain, anxiety, and insomnia. These strains have a higher concentration of CBD (cannabidiol), a non-psychoactive compound known for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Indica strains are often recommended for nighttime use due to their sedative effects.
On the other hand, Sativa strains are known for their energizing and uplifting effects, and they are commonly used to treat conditions such as depression, fatigue, and mood disorders. These strains have a higher concentration of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound responsible for the euphoric high associated with marijuana use. Sativa strains are often recommended for daytime use due to their stimulating effects.
Hybrid strains are a combination of Indica and Sativa strains and offer a balance of effects. They are commonly used to treat a range of medical conditions and can provide a tailored experience based on the specific needs of the patient. Hybrid strains can have varying ratios of THC to CBD, allowing patients to find the strain that best suits their individual needs.
Medical Conditions Treated with Marijuana
As more research is conducted, the benefits of medical marijuana for treating certain conditions are becoming more apparent. Here are some conditions that are proven to be effective when treated with medical marijuana:
Chronic pain is one of the most common medical conditions treated with marijuana. Studies have shown that it can help to alleviate chronic pain caused by conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and migraines. The active compounds in marijuana, particularly THC and CBD, can interact with the body's endocannabinoid system to reduce inflammation and pain perception.
Marijuana can help to reduce the side effects of cancer treatment, particularly chemotherapy, by alleviating common symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. In addition, marijuana helps stimulate appetite in cancer patients, which is beneficial in preventing malnutrition and maintaining body weight.
Glaucoma is a condition that affects the eyes and can lead to blindness if left untreated. But with Marijuana, intraocular pressure in people with glaucoma can be reduced, which is essential to prevent damage to the optic nerve. However, it should be noted that the effects of marijuana on intraocular pressure are temporary, and the effects may wear off quickly.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the nervous system. It can cause muscle spasticity, pain, and other symptoms. Research shows that marijuana, specifically the CBD found in it, can help reduce muscle spasticity and pain in people with MS. The CBD in marijuana interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a significant role in regulating, inflammation, and muscle control.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that is characterized by recurrent seizures. Some studies have shown that marijuana can help to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in people with epilepsy. The CBD and THC extracts in marijuana help regulate brain activity and reduce the likelihood of seizures.
Anxiety and depression are common mental health conditions that can be treated with medical marijuana. According to a study, cannabis can reduce self-reported levels of anxiety, depression, and stress in the short term. Additionally, CBD may be helpful in treating anxiety, specifically social anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can occur after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Studies show that marijuana may be beneficial in lowering the symptoms of PTSD, such as anxiety and insomnia. Marijuana’s active components, THC and CBD, have the ability to engage with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for regulating anxiety, stress, and mood.
While it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using medical marijuana, it is clear that it has the potential to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life for those suffering from chronic pain and cancer-related symptoms to anxiety and depression. As more research is conducted, it is likely that even more therapeutic uses for medical marijuana will be discovered.
Other benefits of Medical Marijuana
Medical marijuana has been found to have potential benefits for various medical conditions, but it also has additional uses that can be beneficial for some individuals.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is one such condition where medical marijuana has been found to play a significant role in reducing inflammation and other symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Another condition where medical marijuana has shown potential is Alzheimer's disease. Research shows that medical marijuana may be able to reduce inflammation in the brain, which is a key feature of Alzheimer's disease.
Medical marijuana may also be helpful for people with Parkinson's disease, as some studies have suggested that it can reduce tremors and other symptoms associated with the condition.
Overall, while medical marijuana is most commonly used to treat specific medical conditions, it also has other potential benefits worth exploring.
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Medical marijuana can offer a range of health benefits, and it is becoming increasingly popular as a holistic treatment for various medical conditions that can be used in conjunction with other therapies, such as physical therapy or counseling. For example, it may be used to manage chronic pain while a patient is undergoing physical therapy to help strengthen muscles and improve range of motion. By using medical marijuana as part of a larger treatment plan, patients may be able to achieve better outcomes and improve their overall quality of life.
If you think medical marijuana may be a good treatment option for you or if you want to learn more about getting approved for a medical marijuana card in Florida, our team can help. Our experienced physicians will determine if medical marijuana is right for you and guide you through the entire process. Visit our website to learn more and schedule your appointment today!