What is Medical Cannabis?

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What is Medical Cannabis?

Many people often ask, “Where does cannabis come from?” Marijuana or cannabis is a plant which constitutes biologically active substances in its buds, flowers, leaves, and their extracts such as oil and concentrates. It can either be used for recreational or medical purposes. However, many people presume it is primarily used for recreational purposes. Cannabis constitutes numerous compounds with THC and CBD as the most popular. THC is the psychoactive chemical which causes mind-altering effects or euphoric sensations when consumed while CBD is the non-psychoactive chemical. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties thereby making it neuroprotective and beneficial for medical use.

Medical marijuana can help treat or relieve symptoms of pain, lack of appetite and nausea among others. People with conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cancer, or AIDS can use medical cannabis. There are three main types of cannabis strains: Hybrid, Indica, and Sativa. Every marijuana plant has precise THC-to-CBD ratios. And because of this, the effects of some cannabis strains differ from that of others. For instance, if a cannabis strain has a higher THC to CBD ratio, is consumption can affect your coordination, decision making, and judgment. Hence, you need to seek assistance from a health provider on the various types of strains you can use for your health issues and their possible effects. This article aims to discuss much about medical cannabis.

What is it used for?

Buy cannabis, as mentioned earlier is used to treat or relieve symptoms of different health conditions. Some of them include;

  • Low appetite and weight loss for AIDS patients.
  • Chronic pain or pain when one is dying.
  • Muscle stiffness in patients with multiple sclerosis or those with spinal cord injuries.
  • Nausea and vomiting resulting from chemotherapy in cancer-related patients.

Marijuana is available in different forms: a dry plant, oil extract, or fresh. They all contain THC and CBD compounds. Also, albeit THC is a psychoactive compound, there are medicines which contain THC, and they are medically helpful. For example, Sativex, a THC, and CBD combined medicine which helps relieve pain in advanced cancer patients.

To benefit from the medical usage of cannabis, you need to ingest it into your body. You can do so through smoking, inhaling sublingual intake, infused edibles, or topical means. Each method of consumption determines how long you will feel the effects. But, you need to ensure you do not take it in large amounts as it can lead to severe consequences such as dizziness, fatigue, or even death.

Is cannabis legal?

Many people often wonder if there is legal cannabis. Some states have legalized the use of medical marijuana whereas others are still holding it as a controversial topic. This is because they want sufficient evidence that medical cannabis can be used to treat various health conditions. However, that may be a difficult task as there are some factors which deter the conduction of this research such as federal regulations and time constraints.

Nonetheless, in states where you can buy cannabis legally, only if you have an authorization, medical recommendation, or prescription. Also, a license or card is issued.

What are the uses for medical cannabis?

Medical marijuana is used for different purposes. According to recent research and studies some of the medical uses of marijuana include;

  • Pain.
  • Nausea.
  • Insomnia.
  • Muscle spasms or multiple sclerosis.
  • Stress, anxiety, and depression.
  • Arthritis.
  • Glaucoma.
  • Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
  • Cancer and AIDS.
  • Inflammation.
  • Epilepsy or seizures.

Moreover, medical marijuana can be used to help people who have opioid or alcohol dependencies fight their addictions. Hence, when you need therapy and the prescriptions given to you by your doctor do not work, consider trying out medical marijuana. And as mentioned earlier, there are different ways of consuming it. Also, how long the effects take to happen depends on which method of consumption you use.

So, as a person who experiences or is experiencing the above health conditions, you do not need to think much about what you can do if your prescribed medication is working. Also, you should not consider medical marijuana as an expense. There are many dispensaries and health institutions which can give you affordable medical cannabis. Thus, you do not have to worry about it being costly. Mind your health first.

What are the risks and benefits of medical cannabis?

As mentioned above, there are numerous uses of medical marijuana. And some of the benefits of using medical marijuana are as follows.

  • Relieve pain.
  • Reduce acne.
  • Relieve stress, anxiety, and depression.
  • Alleviate cancer-related symptoms.
  • Reduce muscle spasticity.
  • Lessen insomnia.
  • Modulate the immune system.
  • Benefit heart health.
  • Treat neural disorders such as multiple sclerosis and epilepsy.

However, some people may opt to take large dosages of medical marijuana if they do not feel the effects immediately. This is not good for your mind and body as a massive consumption of a medical marijuana product(s) can have severe effects on your brain and body. Medical marijuana contains cannabinoids which bind with the cannabinoid receptors in the body. And consuming large amounts of it results in some risks which include;

  • Paranoia or anxiety thoughts.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Respiratory Diseases.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Fatigue.
  • Mental health issues.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Change in appetite.
  • Psychosis.
  • Lack of coordination.

Medical marijuana is also known to interact with other medications. Hence, before you consume it, you need to get a prescription from your doctor or health provider to guarantee your safety and refrain from potentially serious interactions. Also, in case of an overdose, seek immediate medical attention.

Is medical cannabis addictive?

Can one be addicted to consuming medical marijuana? Well, according to research, consuming medical cannabis can lead to a slight addiction risk and very low noxiousness. That is if it is taken as recommended or prescribed by your therapist. Nevertheless, there is apprehension regarding dependence in heavy consumers and if it encompasses marijuana abuse. Contrariwise, some research shows that medical marijuana is beneficial in treating cannabis abuse or addiction.

In conclusion, marijuana can be used for both recreational and medical purposes because of its chemical compounds. However, some states and countries have not legalized the usage of the drug. Hence, some people wonder how they can find it. You can find medical cannabis across Canada. Above are some of the uses and benefits of medical marijuana. Hence, when you are facing any of the health conditions above, you should not consider cannabis as a medical expense. Your health ought to come first. You can purchase affordable medical marijuana from the various dispensaries and health institutions which sell it.

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