During the early decades of the 21st century, scientists and physicians explored the cannabis plant to find out its medicinal value. They found out that marijuana has various compounds that work similarly to other drugs for treating a range of medical conditions. It is, therefore, essential to seek clarification from a medical marijuana doctor near me.
Doctors have backed up this theory with studies that have shown just how effective the herb is in treating patients with dilapidated medical issues. Their breakthroughs have contributed a lot to the legalization of medical marijuana in many states in America and other world regions.
However, if you want to benefit from the medicinal value of cannabis, you need to understand that not all medical conditions qualify. In many states, several medical conditions are deemed as qualifying for patients who want to benefit from medical cannabis. In this, we shall discuss these qualifying medical conditions to help you know which patients can be eligible for medical marijuana.
Which medical conditions can marijuana treat?
When you go online and search for a medical marijuana doctor near me, you will realize that there are over 200 different kinds of medical conditions that are treatable by medical marijuana. These conditions are broken further broken down into these broad categories:
- Antispasmodic and anti-convulsant
- Anti-nauseant and appetite stimulant
- Anti-inflammatory and immune system modulator
- Analgesic (pain reliever)
- Antidepressant for mood disorders and anxiolytic (anxiety reliever)
- Alternative for harm reduction drugs such as opiates, alcohol, and other dangerous drugs
It is important to mention that cannabis or marijuana has not yet been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for treating any medical condition. However, you can still get a medical marijuana doctor near me to get prescription medication for treating certain medical conditions that include but are not limited to:
- Multiple sclerosis
- Glaucoma
- Chronic pain
- Nausea (including nausea associated with chemotherapy)
- HIV
- IBS
Possible Harmful Effects of Medical Marijuana
Using medical marijuana has several possible harmful side effects that have been identified by scientists and doctors. They include the following:
1. Cardiovascular issues
Using medical marijuana may cause cardiovascular problems that may include blood pressure and heartbeat complications.
2. Risk of injury
Another possible side effect of using medical marijuana in older adults is the risk of injury. With frequent use, cannabis can cause severe mental illness.
In patients who have preexisting medical issues that have affected the heart, regular use of medical cannabis may increase the heart rate due to intoxication. Even if you don’t have any preexisting medical condition, you first need to discuss the risk and benefits of using medical marijuana with your physician before using it.
If you are a common user of medical cannabis, you may experience faintness when you stand up abruptly. This condition is known as postural hypotension. A patient suffering from this condition may injure himself or herself by passing out. If you intend to use medical marijuana, you first need to discuss it with a medical marijuana doctor near me because the effects of cannabis on blood pressure is unpredictable.
Is medical marijuana fit for pregnant women?
If a woman is pregnant or lactating, there is no known level of exposure. Studies have, however, indicated that if a pregnant woman uses medical marijuana regularly, she risks giving birth to an underweight baby. Other studies have shown that the drug can cause severe neurological damage to the unborn child, or the mother keeps cannabis regularly. However, these studies may also suggest that the activities that a pregnant mother subjects herself to under the influence of the drug, such as smoking or alcohol consumption, may put the baby at risk, not necessarily the cannabis.
All in all, doctors need to express their concerns about the effects of cannabis on pregnant women. You need to understand that cannabis is fat-soluble. This means that it can easily cross the blood-brain and the placental barrier. The baby’s brain or tissues key accumulate marijuana, causing some serious neuro damage. Marijuana also has the potential to affect other brain functions such as motor control and memory.
There is also a significant risk of increased anencephaly. This is a serious birth defect that causes a baby to be born without parts of the skull or the brain. This condition usually occurs when the unborn baby is exposed to cannabis from the mother in the first month of gestation.
Even though many states in America have legalized medical marijuana, many of those who use cannabis do it without following the laid down criteria and conditions set by the state. Cannabis is still a controlled drug that needs to be regulated. Failure to follow the laid down laws by states that have legalized medical marijuana may cause legal action against the patient.
If you are suffering from any sickness that causes dilapidating symptoms, you need to consult your physician to determine if it is a qualifying medical condition that requires medical cannabis. Once you are registered as an MMJ patient, you will have to apply for a medical marijuana card before you are allowed to access medical cannabis.
A state-licensed medical marijuana doctor near me will evaluate your medical condition. If it falls under the list of qualifying medical conditions, they will fill out a recommendation form and submit it to the State Department of Health. The recommendation form needs to be submitted together with the patient’s application form. You will need to wait for a few weeks to know whether your MMJ application was accepted or rejected.
Conclusion
Patients need to confirm first whether their medical conditions are qualifying or not. Suppose you are not sure about your medical condition. In that case, you can inquire from a state-licensed physician who will explain everything to you concerning applying for a medical marijuana card in any State you reside in. The laws put in place to govern the use of medical marijuana vary in different states in America, and it is, therefore, essential to understanding the state laws governing the use of marijuana.