The famous herb, marijuana, has since time immemorial, been used for a variety of purposes, including recreation and the treatment and management of certain medical conditions such as pain. However, using the herb for recreational purposes is still illegal in most parts of the world. On the other hand, most states and countries around the world are increasingly accepting and legalizing the use of marijuana for medical purposes. Today, it is actually used to control, treat, and manage a variety of health conditions, including the loss of appetite, nausea, pain, insomnia, certain cancers, and mental conditions among others, some of which will be mentioned shortly in this article.
Without further ado, here are 4 things you should know about using medical marijuana.
- The recommended medical uses
Medical marijuana has gained a substantial amount of popularity in the treatment of various health conditions. According to the American College of Physicians (ACP), medical marijuana can be prescribed for conditions such as the HIV/AIDS wasting syndrome as an appetite stimulant, the treatment of nausea and vomiting in cancer chemotherapy, and a pain treatment for cancer patients. Other common conditions the green herb is used medically for include the treatment of glaucoma, spinal cord injury, and neuromuscular disorders such as multiple sclerosis. Studies are also in progress to determine its use in the treatment of Crohn’s Disease, epilepsy, rheumatoid arthritis, and many other health conditions. Nonetheless, it is majorly used as a pain relief medication.
- It is legal but requires a medical prescription
You don’t just storm into a marijuana dispensary and ask for medical marijuana without a prescription from a qualified physician. In most places where medical MJ is legalized, you require a detailed prescription to be exempt from criminal prosecution and civil penalties related to the illegal use of the drug. This is especially the case since there’s a popular belief that not all who claim to use marijuana for medical purposes are actually ill.
- Not all of it may be pure – it comes in various forms
Assuming you have a medical prescription for using marijuana, it is important to note that the drug comes in a variety of forms, strains, qualities, and levels of potency. For this reason, medical marijuana is prescribed according to the patient’s individual needs. Some of the most common forms of medical marijuana products may include the following:
-
- Dried leaves/buds – smoked
-
- Edibles – mints, candies, cookies, and brownies
-
- Oils – can be consumed as vapor or mixed with honey, tea, or other foods
-
- Creams – for topical application
- Tinctures and sprays – consumed sublingually (under the tongue or gum line
The best form, cannabinoid concentration, or strain for you will be best determined by your prescribing doctor. The quality will also vary depending on your source. This makes it important to ensure you purchase your medical marijuana from a trusted and reputable provider such as Sky Dispensaries.
- Insurance for medical cannabis may be available
Last but not least, insurance for medical cannabis is now available. Well, this is mostly offered to dispensers and providers. Coverage is also available for medical marijuana patients in some places such as Canada. After all, it is a therapeutic drug just like any other! However, be sure to conduct some research and find out if your health policy includes coverage for medical marijuana treatment. Else, expect to pay for medical marijuana with cash in areas where insurance does not cover it.