Medical marijuana can be a common treatment for those who deal with chronic pain or other medical conditions. Even though marijuana is illegal on a federal level, there are many states that allow for the use of medical marijuana if you have a qualifying condition. If your location allows for medical marijuana for certain conditions and you are hoping to get a medical marijuana card then you can talk to a doctor to get approved.
Using Marijuana as a Medical Treatment
Using marijuana as a medical treatment isn’t new and there is plenty of research to show how it can be used to treat different medical conditions. THC has plenty of different benefits when it comes to lack of appetite and helping with nausea for those who are going through cancer treatment. Medicines derived from marijuana have been approved in many different places around the world, including Canada, Europe, and the United States.
This includes liquids, sprays, and pills that have THC. These medicines are usually more effective than the whole plant when it comes to medical treatment. Marijuana should be purified before it is used to make medication. The most common medical treatment is pain relief. It’s not typically strong enough to replace painkillers given after surgery, but it can be helpful for those who suffer from chronic pains and aches, especially those related to old age. It’s not as addictive as opioids and can be a good alternative to acetaminophen and ibuprofen. It’s also used to help stimulate the appetite of those who have an eating disorder and AIDS.
Qualifying Conditions for a Medical Card
There are various laws surrounding use and they vary from state to state. These laws also include which conditions qualify for use. States that permit the use of medical marijuana typically allow it for conditions including glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, anorexia, fibromyalgia, migraines, Crohn’s disease, HIV, cancer, seizures and epilepsy, and severe nausea. Depending on your location, you can talk to a doctor to get approved if you have symptoms that affect the quality of your life. This means that symptoms prevent you from carrying out normal daily activities and your symptoms can also affect your physical health, mental health, or safety.
Getting a Card
One of the first steps in getting a card is to speak with your primary care physician. Your doctor will be able to determine if you have a condition that requires the use of medical marijuana and will also speak with you about side effects or risks. Once you have approval from a doctor, you can move forward with the next steps. The process will vary by location and state. Many states require that you sign up for the medical marijuana registry, which you can do online.
Part of the process of registering is providing proof that your doctor approved this treatment to help with your symptoms. In order to complete registration, you may be asked to create an account online so you can submit the approval and your application. This will save your information so you can renew your card in the future. If you are applying for a card for a caregiver, then your caregiver will also need to enter information. You will need to pay a fee for your card and this varies by state. Once you have the card, then you are able to buy medical marijuana.
Getting Medical Marijuana
Once you have a card, then you are able to get marijuana from approved dispensaries in the state. Depending on the state, having a card may allow you to get higher levels of THC or buy products in bigger quantities. You may even be allowed to grow plants in your home for personal use, depending on your state and condition. When you have a card, you can buy medical marijuana in different forms, including oils, oral solutions, topical creams, pills, sprays, and dried-out leaves you can smoke. Once you have the products, you are able to administer them yourself, or your caregiver can help if the individual is listed on your card. Products you want will depend on the severity of your symptoms and your condition.
