Did you know that there are more than three and a half million medical marijuana patients in the United States?
As states continue to legalize medical cannabis, more and more people are choosing to use the plant to treat their health conditions.
The problem that many people face is that they don’t know if what they’re suffering from can be treated with medical cannabis. To help you figure out whether or not medical marijuana is right for you, we’ve made a guide that explains the benefits of medical cannabis.
The Many Benefits of Medical Cannabis
During the last decade, there have been tens of thousands of scientific studies on medical cannabis as a treatment for various health conditions. These studies have found important benefits of medical marijuana to treat a variety of ailments. Only a licensed medical physician can tell you what is the best treatment for your condition, but scientific literature supports treatment in quite a few important areas.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain affects the lives of more than fifty million Americans. Since various scientific studies suggest that marijuana can treat this condition, many people have started being prescribed medical marijuana to help them deal with chronic pain and live more fulfilling lives.
Drug and Alcohol Addiction
It may seem surprising, but there are several studies suggesting that cannabis can be used as a “harm reduction” strategy to help people addicted to alcohol and opioids overcome their addictions. Many rehabilitation clinics throughout the United States and Europe are now suggesting that their patients use cannabis.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that people who smoke marijuana from an early age have an increased chance of abusing the plant. Again, it’s always necessary to speak with a physician to understand each individual’s unique needs.
You Can Lose Weight
Cannabis might just help you lose weight. Recent studies are showing that cannabis can help the body regulate insulin and increase insulin sensitivity.
Keep in mind that the best way to start losing weight is by having a balanced diet and exercising. Those who do these things in addition to using cannabis report that they lose weight faster. There are many healthy and great-tasting cannabis kitchen recipes that may be a healthy option to get your dose of cannabis for weight loss!
Preventing Diabetes and Heart Disease
Another great benefit of increased insulin sensitivity is that medical marijuana has been shown to help people control diabetes.
Medical marijuana has been prescribed to regulate blood sugar, ease the pain of neuropathy and prevent or reduce nerve inflammation.
Those who use the plant on a regular basis also tend to have lower blood pressure. It also can reduce arterial inflammation, which decreases the risk of heart disease.
Treating Anxiety Disorders
There are various studies suggesting that medical marijuana can treat panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. There are also many people who use the plant to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder.
The dosage of THC used to treat anxiety disorders should always be discussed with a qualified medical professional as studies show that dosage can make a big difference in effective treatment for anxiety.
Medical Cannabis Helps Those Who Suffer From Depression
If you suffer from depression, medical marijuana might be a part of a treatment plan that works.
There are various studies that draw connections between marijuana use and depression relief.
Though research is still in its early phases, and there are conflicting reports, many users report that the plant has helped them to overcome their depression.
Helping Those With Cancer
Those who receive chemotherapy to treat cancer often have severe side effects. This includes nausea and vomiting. It’s possible to treat these symptoms by using medical marijuana.
Scientists are also studying how marijuana can prevent cell growth. These studies suggest that cannabis can actually prevent various cancers from forming.
Many studies show that it’s best to orally ingest medical cannabis. It’s also less conspicuous, which adds a level of comfort for some. This is why many people are learning how to add cannabis to their favorite meals.
Treating Epilepsy
There are several types of epilepsy, such as Dravet syndrome, that are difficult to treat. Many of the medications that are available don’t work.
In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration gave their approval of a cannabis-based medication called Epidiolex to treat epilepsy. The medication contains CBD, which is one of the various substances in the marijuana plant.
Those who use this medication usually experience fewer seizures. People with epilepsy who take medical marijuana also report having fewer seizures. Discussing the options with a medical professional who understands an individual’s specific needs would help determine what treatments would be the most appropriate.
Helping Those With Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a painful condition that increases pressure on the eye. Many people who have the condition struggle to find treatments that work.
Those with glaucoma who use marijuana report that it helps reduce the pressure in their eyes and they experience a decrease in pain. Smoking marijuana is still the fastest way to feel the effects of the plant which can be preferred if it’s being taken to reduce pain.
Treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Many people who experience painful or stress-inducing trauma in their life develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This can be a debilitating condition. There are many studies underway that are exploring how medical marijuana can treat PTSD.
Experts theorize the fight or flight response that often takes over after these experiences, may be reduced or controlled by ingesting or smoking marijuana. This can help those who suffer feel calmer and more in control.
The Many Benefits of Medical Cannabis
If you’ve been wondering what are the benefits of medical cannabis, it’s important to know that there are many scientific studies related to medical cannabis that are currently underway. The plant can improve the lives of so many people, including those who suffer from conditions like epilepsy and cancer.
In Oklahoma, the first step in seeing if medical marijuana is the right treatment for you is to meet with a medical professional to be assessed for an OMMA card. After that, it’s simple to visit your local cannabis dispensary to find the right products to treat your condition.
Are you looking for a medical marijuana dispensary that cares about you and your well-being?
If so, then consider visiting us at Med Pharm in Broken Arrow, OK. To find out more about how we can help you, contact us!
