Everything You Need To Know About Medical Marijuana

Medical marijuana has helped treat the symptoms of many diseases as well as side effects for medications. Despite its usefulness, many patients are confused from misinformation and misconceptions. They are unsure whether medical marijuana is right for them. Here is a guide on everything you need to know about medical marijuana:

Medical Marijuana Uses

Despite the fact that many doctors prescribe it for their patients, the FDA has not approved marijuana for medical purposes. Your doctor will give you information on medical marijuana so you can decide if it's best for you. Medical marijuana typically doesn't cure or treat diseases, only relieves symptoms. Here are many of the purposes for medical marijuana:

Pain from migraines and chronic headaches
Pain from cancer, as well as chemotherapy side effects including nausea and loss of appetite
Pain and muscle spasms from neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis
Loss of appetite, weight loss, and nerve pain associated with HIV
Seizures
Pain, weight loss, and nausea due to Crohn's disease

How Medical Marijuana Works

Medical marijuana is smoked, inhaled, or eaten, upon which a substance called cannabinoid gets distributed throughout your body. These cannabinoids bind to cannabinoid receptors. These receptors are found in the brain and nervous system. Once the substance binds to the receptors, the way your body regulates pain, anxiety, and metabolic function changes. Depending on how your body reacts, your pain may decrease, your appetite may increase, and your anxiety can increase or decrease.

Possible Side Effects of Medical Marijuana

Just like any other medication, medical marijuana has side effects. Here are the side effects you may experience:

Difficulty learning
Problems with memory
Loss of coordination
Rapid heart rate
Increased anxiety in some people
Red eyes
Dry mouth
Increased appetite

How to Apply for Medical Marijuana

Medical marijuana is legal in 24 states. If you live in one of these states, you may receive a prescription from your doctor for medical marijuana. In order to fill your prescription, you need a medical marijuana card. Here are the steps on how to apply for medical marijuana:

Be diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition. Qualifying medical conditions vary by state. Once you've been diagnosed, your doctor will determine if medical marijuana is right for you.
If your doctor is licensed to prescribe medical marijuana, they will write you a prescription. If not, he or she will refer you to a doctor who is.
Once you receive your prescription, you fill out an application provided by the state and submit it to your local or state health department.
If your application is approved, you may need to pay fees in order to get your card.
Submit proof of identity and residence to the department for your card.
If your application, fees, and proof are accepted, you will receive a medical marijuana card.

For more information, contact Best 420 Health and Wellness or a similar organization.

Share