What is medical marijuana?
Medical marijuana is a plant-based medicine that is growing in popularity as a treatment for numerous conditions and symptoms as its use becomes legal in more and more states. It comes from the two forms of the cannabis plant: Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa.
The effects that medical marijuana has on your brain and body come from two components within the plant:
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects you feel after using medical marijuana. Commonly, people take THC to reduce some of the negative side effects of chemotherapy, like nausea and vomiting.
Cannabidiol (CBD)
CBD is not as psychoactive as THC. It’s responsible for the majority of medical marijuana’s benefits, like treating seizures or inflammation. It also has fewer side effects than THC, often making it a preferable option.
What can medical marijuana help treat?
The team at InCare considers medical marijuana as a treatment option for numerous conditions, symptoms, and side effects. Your provider decides which component of medical marijuana (THC or CBD) to emphasize in your treatment based on the symptoms and complications you exhibit.
We commonly prescribe medical marijuana as part of treatment for:
- Cancer
- Epilepsy and seizures
- Glaucoma
- HIV and AIDS
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Crohn’s Disease
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Terminal Illnesses
- Chronic pain
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Endometriosis
- Inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Autoimmune diseases
- Sleep Disorders
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Neuropathy
- Migraines
If your provider believes that taking medical marijuana will benefit your wellness, we help you choose a preferred way to take the medication. Medical marijuana is available in many forms, including oils, extracts, and inhalants. You must fill your prescription at a medical marijuana dispensary.
Is medical marijuana safe?
While studies are ongoing about the long-term effects of medical marijuana, medical marijuana is generally very safe.
However, it can cause side effects like dry mouth, fatigue, and paranoia for some people. If you get side effects from your medical marijuana that concern you, our team can reevaluate your treatment plan.
It’s also worth considering that medical marijuana can serve as a safer alternative to prescription opioids, which are highly addictive. Research shows that medical marijuana carries a low risk of addiction. Additionally, your provider prescribes a low, therapeutic dosage that is even more unlikely to cause complications or a dependence.
To get more information about medical marijuana and find out if it can treat your symptoms, call InCare for an appointment today or book online at your convenience.
