Medical Marijuana 101
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Medical marijuana has become a large part of modern medicine and lifestyle in recent years. However, many have concerns about using something most would have thought of as an illegal drug prior to its legalization. It is important to remember that medical marijuana is different than any other form of this drug. Here is The Edge rundown on the important information you need to know, or might have been questioning!
(Disclaimer: you should be consulting with a doctor, psychiatrists, or medical consultant before taking any action to try and obtain medical marijuana)
How is marijuana used medically?
The questions and concerns of medical marijuana usually stem from who really needs marijuana? Why? And what are its benefits compared to modern medicine?
One of the most common and well-known uses of medical marijuana is for anxiety. Many suffering from bad anxiety are prescribed medical cards by psychiatrists and doctors which allows them to pick up medical-grade marijuana from dispensaries. “Medical weed is great for reducing anxiety and offering those in need a more calming lifestyle (Will Meek, Ph.D.).”
Another lesser-known, and commonly forgotten, usage of medical marijuana is cancer treatment. The use of marijuana for these purposes should always be brought to your doctor's attention before trying at home! Marijuana has also been known to reduce nausea and increase appetite. The “munchies” is a well-known term that many associate with stoners or recreational weed usage. However, munchies are a very good thing for those suffering from loss of appetite due to some cancer treatments. This is one of the more common uses of medical marijuana in the realm of cancer treatment.
Another usage of marijuana in the cancer and medical world is for neuropathy. The chemicals in marijuana have been known to bring back some feeling to those who experience nerve damage and tingling sensations due to Cancer and or its treatment (CancerCare).
Medical marijuana can also be used for multiple sclerosis. Many with MS use medical marijuana to relieve muscle pain and tightness which in turn allows them to live a less painful lifestyle. Marijuana also relieves inflammation and pain, both of which those with MS face daily, and is something that marijuana can help make more bearable (National Multiple Sclerosis Society).
Where to get it:
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Medical marijuana is not something that you can find just anywhere, it is also not the same type of marijuana that is sold illegally! Medical marijuana can be purchased at dispensaries. These are locations in states where medical marijuana is legal where people can purchase an array of medical products. You must bring your state's Department of Public Health Medical Marijuana Identification Card, or whatever form of medical care your state requires, along with your personal and current ID.
At these dispensaries locations, you can purchase different strands of marijuana in many different forms (again all this is on a state-by-state basis according to what is legal or not in the medical field). Dispensaries sell everything from edibles like brownies and gummies, pre-rolls, and the more well-known bud. Some locations also sell some lotions, oils, and so forth that are medical-grade, and not like the CBD oil your mom buys at Whole Foods.
Where is medical marijuana legal?
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Though marijuana is not legal on the federal level, it has become legal to use medically, recreationally, and is decriminalized in many states across the U.S. Make sure that you research what is or isn’t legal in your state, and those around you, before you go about trying to purchase medical marijuana.
Medical usage of marijuana is legal in ALMOST all 50 states, but each state does have its own guidelines for things like the amount that can be purchased, the form of marijuana that can be sold, who is recognized as “medically in need.” These aspects should be researched before you intend to purchase or look into getting a medical card. Some states also recognize medical cards from other states, but some do not (Karmen Hanson, Alise Garcia).
Marijuana has made a name for itself in the medical community, and it is something that is going to stick around for years to come. It is important that we do not discourage the use of medical marijuana because it’s something that is helping so many people in many different ways.
References:
Karmen Hanson, Alise Garcia. State Medical Cannabis Laws, www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-medical-marijuana-laws.aspx.
“marijuana FAQs.” National Multiple Sclerosis Society, www.nationalmssociety.org/Treating-MS/Complementary-Alternative-Medicines/marijuana/marijuana-FAQs.
“Medical marijuana and Cancer.” CancerCare, www.cancercare.org/publications/328-medical_marijuana_and_cancer.
Will Meek, PhD. “Can marijuana Really Reduce Symptoms of Anxiety?” Verywell Mind, Verywell Mind, 15 June 2020, www.verywellmind.com/marijuana-and-anxiety-1393132.