Chronic pain is often treated with medical marijuana. While marijuana use is still illegal on the federal level, 29 states currently allow medical cannabis to be used for qualifying conditions.
Medical cannabis applies to products manufactured from Cannabis Sativa. Two active compounds in cannabis are CBD or delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol THC. CBD is not a psychoactive compound and has many health benefits. THC is what gives marijuana its intoxication.
This article will help you understand what to do if your state has legalized medical marijuana.
Marijuana for Medicine
Medical marijuana is nothing new. For decades, there has been research to show that it can be used to treat many conditions. THC has particular benefits in the treatment of nausea and lack of appetite in cancer patients.
The approval of medicine made from marijuana has been granted in the U.S. These medicines can be in the form of pills, sprays, or liquids with THC. The majority of researchers agree that these medications are more efficient than whole marijuana plants for medicinal purposes. This is due to the fact that marijuana must be purified before medication can be made.
For pain relief, marijuana is most commonly used as a medicine. Although medical cannabis isn’t strong enough for painkillers that have been prescribed following surgery it can help with chronic aches. Medical cannabis doesn’t have the same addictive qualities as opioids. This makes it an excellent alternative to paracetamol, ibuprofen, and other painkillers.
To help patients suffering from cancer, marijuana can be used to reduce nausea and vomiting. It can also be used to stimulate the appetite in patients suffering from conditions such as AIDS and anorexia.
Qualifying Conditions
It is not clear what conditions medical marijuana can be used in, and the laws that surround it vary from one state or another. In general, medicinal marijuana is legal in states that allow it to be used for medical purposes.
- Cancer
- HIV/AIDS
- Glaucoma
- Crohn’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Epilepsy and seizures
- Chronic pain
- Severe nausea
- Parkinson’s disease
- Anorexia
- Migraines
- Fibromyalgia
Your primary physician may recommend medical marijuana depending on the severity of your condition. This can include symptoms that restrict your ability to carry out daily activities or that affect your safety, and mental or physical health.
Applying for a Medical Cannabis Card
Talk to your primary doctor first to get a medical marijuana license. Your doctor will help you determine if medicinal marijuana is needed for your condition. Medical marijuana is the most common treatment for chronic pain. Once your doctor gives you permission, you can begin the process.
The process is different for every state. Most will require you to register for the state’s medical marijuana registry. It can be done online. As part of your registration, you will need to show proof that your doctor has approved medical pot to manage your symptoms.
In order to complete registration, your state may ask that you create an account online. You can upload your application and receive your doctor’s approval. A registered account saves you information for future renewals of your Oklahoma medical marijuana card. If you are applying for a card for caregivers, you will also need the caregiver’s credentials.