MEDICAL CANNABIS
Marijuana as Medicine
Medical marijuana laws differ widely from state to state. Marijuana is not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat any medical condition. A drug must be carefully studied in many people before it can be approved by the FDA. There have not been enough large studies of marijuana to definitively show that it is a safe and effective drug.
But scientific study of the medical uses of marijuana is ongoing. So far, evidence suggests that marijuana may be an effective treatment for chronic pain, neuropathic (nerve) pain, and muscle spasms due to multiple sclerosis or paraplegia. In most states with medical marijuana laws, marijuana can be used to treat severe or chronic pain and severe or persistent muscle spasms.
Some states allow marijuana to be used to treat other conditions, such as glaucoma, seizures, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Every state with medical marijuana laws has its own list of ap- proved conditions.
The active ingredients in marijuana are chemicals called cannabinoids. Marijuana preparations differ in their cannabinoid composition and consequently in their effectiveness. Two syn- thetic cannabinoids, dronabinol and nabilone, are available in pill form. These drugs are FDA approved and available by prescription. They are used in some patients to treat nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy. Dronabinol is also used to treat loss of appetite and weight loss in patients with HIV/AIDS or cancer.
CBD : THC
The ratio of CBD to THC in medical marijuana relieves pain and symptoms without a high.
THC has a stimulating effect
Sativa vs. Indica
When a medical patient is using cannabis to treat symptoms and conditions, they may also consider a strain’s classification. A patient suffering from fatigue or depression may use a sativa during the day, and another treating pain and insomnia will likely choose an indica strain at nighttime. High-CBD strains, which are preferred by patients treating seizures, anxiety, pain, and a few other conditions – may be of either category, but offer little to no psychoactive effects.
SATIVA STRAINS:
Higher THC : CBD ratio, Stimulating Relief, Daytime use
Sativa
Sativa marijuana strains tend to be more invigorating than Indicas. People sometimes use these when they want to be more creative, socialize and be physically active.
Sativa is often used to treat behavioral and mental issues such as ADHD and depression. Like Indica, it stimulates hunger, which makes it very useful if you have been diagnosed with certain forms of cancer, anorexia or HIV/AIDS. Effects of marijuana can include reduction in pain, nausea, vomiting, and muscle spasms as well as increased appetite.
Common side effects include dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, disorientation, euphoria, confusion, and sedation. Although Sativas are useful when you need an energy boost, they can make you feel "high." Also, some users may experience panic attacks, paranoia and anxiety when taking a Sativa strain. These should be avoided if you have social anxiety.
INDICA STRAINS
-Higher CBD:THC ratio
-Relaxing Relief
-Evening Use
INDICA STRAINS:
Higher CBD : THC ratio, Relaxing
Relief, evening use
Indica
Indica is the preferred choice when you want to relax or to sleep better at night. Medically speaking, if you’re in a lot of pain or suffer from muscle spasms, Cannabis Indica enables you to be more restful and recuperate.
Since Indicas produce an intense and relaxing full-body experience, they’re often used to relieve sleeping disorders, body pain and general anxiety. Indica relieves the following symptoms You may feel you’re sedated when taking it and should never ingest Indica when you need to be alert.
Although they offer a significant physical high that’s useful for battling pain, Indica strains can have depressive qualities and may make you feel unmotivated. If you suffer from low mood or depression, speak to a knowledgeable tender before buying.
Certification & Use
Under federal law, marijuana has no currently accepted medical use and has a high potential for abuse. For these reasons, doctors can- not prescribe marijuana. In a state that allows the use of marijuana to treat medical conditions, however, a doctor may be able to certify its use. Your state may require you to apply for a state-issued identification card to use medical marijuana.
Marijuana can be used in different ways. It can be smoked, mixed into foods, and brewed as tea. Dosing of marijuana is not straight- forward and depends on the patient, the preparation, and the way the drug is used. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about using medical marijuana.
Smoke-Free Delivery
Even though there are a number of different ways you can consume cannabis that have evolved over the years, you may be looking for a more health-conscious option. Here are some suggestions for a smoke-free cannabis experience.
Topicals
Vapor
Edibles
Oil Capsules
Tincture
Effects & Risks
Cannabinoids affect areas throughout the body, but they mostly affect the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). The main chemical in marijuana that causes intoxication is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Another cannabinoid of medical interest is cannabidiol (CBD), which does not cause intoxication.
Effects of marijuana can include reduction in pain, nausea, vomiting, and muscle spasms as well as increased appetite. Common side effects include dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, disorientation, euphoria, confusion, and sedation.
Marijuana, like all drugs, has potential risks. It causes an increase in heart rate, which may increase the chance of heart attack in people who are already at risk. Regular smoking of marijuana is associated with breathing problems such as cough and increased risk of lung infections. It can also be addicting and can interfere with work, school, and relationships.