Thank goodness for the continuing, relentless and seemingly unstoppable liberalization of medical marijuana laws that are sweeping across the United States (and to a lesser extent, the globe) at this moment in history. This period in time will forever be remembered as a genuine renaissance in which medical cannabis reestablished itself in its rightful place at the epicenter of human medicine.

There are a huge wealth of benefits to MMJ use. The magical herb relieves pain, stimulates appetite, stabilizes mood, calms muscle spasms, eases glaucoma, promotes relaxation and sleep, alleviates psychological and physiological tension, remedies nausea, and is even showing great potential to do damage to cancerous cells.

As more and more people are availing of the myriad of benefits that their California medical marijuana card brings, it is important to also create an awareness of the potential negative side effects of MMJ use. Like with everything (including water, exercise and even sex) too much of something, even something very good, can be bad.

The following is our list of six potential pitfalls to be aware of if you are a regular user of medical marijuana.

Constant ‘Munchies’ May Lead to Weight Gain

Using medical cannabis can cause you to get high on life, but it can also get you high numbers on the weight scale.

One of MMJs great benefits is that it stimulates appetite. A good appetite is invaluable for optimal health. But the other side to this coin is that weed can also promote overeating.

The ‘munchies’ are a very real thing. Food and drink tastes especially good when you are under the influence of medical cannabis, and when you couple that with a generally stimulated appetite (and perhaps a somewhat reduced capacity to be disciplined), gorging is always a distinct possibility.

Overeating can be combated by shopping wisely before you ingest any MMJ – buying only healthy foods. You may regret this when you are high, but you will thank yourself the next time you weigh yourself!

If You Smoke Medical Cannabis, You’ll Be Susceptible to Smoking-Related Health Problems

Smoking cannabis, especially if you roll your joints with some tobacco, is not good for your lungs. It can lead to shortness of breath, emphysema and even lung cancer. A good start to combating this threat is to roll joints using only pure cannabis, which means you will smoke less and get a more potent hit of medical marijuana.

An even better way to avoid smoking-related illnesses is to not smoke at all – vaping and edibles are both great ways to ingest MMJ without breathing in any harmful smoke.

Being Under the Influence of MMJ May Cause You to Appreciate (and Even Become a Big Fan of) Music You Would Otherwise Hate

Marijuana induces an altered state of consciousness, and in this altered state, things that are not all that interesting to the ‘sober you’ can seem altogether fascinating. Music that you would otherwise have no interest in, if heard when you are in this altered state, can sound amazing.

This can lead to ‘imprinting’ – which is when you essentially form an irrational attachment, or ‘fetish’, for a song and have a compulsion to listen to it all the time, even when sober. This can lead to a feeling of helplessness and also to embarrassment in social situations. There is no known cure for this. Prevention is your only hope.

Edibles Take Longer to Kick In and Can Be Very Strong, So Beware

It is a common mistake if you are a rookie (or even a seasoned MMJ user who is new to edibles) to eat some weed, in the form of a brownie for instance, and then to sit there twiddling your thumbs for an hour feeling zero effect. Then you eat some more and… BOOM, you get obscenely higher than you’ve ever been in your life five minutes later, as both doses erupt inside you at the same time.

Watch out for this. Edibles are often very strong indeed, and they usually take anything between 30 minutes to an hour to kick in. Be patient.

Medical Marijuana Can Disrupt Your Sleep Patterns

Marijuana use, especially if the strain is high in CBD, can induce sleep. If this happens early in the day and you pass out on the sofa for a few hours, it can be difficult to sleep at your proper bedtime in the evening. It’s a form of weed-induced jet lag. Also, particularly strong MMJ can lead to a very heavy, dead, dreamless type of sleep that can leave you feeling slightly dazed the next day.

A good way around this is to only use very high CBD strains if you have a condition which makes it hard for you to sleep. Otherwise, use strains with more reasonable levels of CBD.

Using Medical Cannabis Can Make You Lazy and Unproductive

Not everyone can be as productive and creative as The Beatles while using MMJ, so be cautious about when and where you take it.

Apparently, The Beatles worked busily on their best albums while baked on marijuana. That must have been some weak weed! All joking aside, some people can be productive and busy while under the influence of medical cannabis, but many people can not.

The very relaxed state that (particularly a high-CBD strain) of weed will bring on is not conducive to productivity. The highly altered state of consciousness and heady high brought on by a THC-rich strain can make you feel energetic and creative, although the art you create when high unfortunately does not always cut the mustard when you take a look at it sober the next day.

A good way to avoid this pitfall is to only smoke later in the day, after you’ve done your important work, or if you need MMJ all day, then try to smoke a lighter strain. Also, try to stay moving so you can avoid getting trapped on the couch watching Judge Judy with a packet of Oreos and a block of cheese.

All medicines have side effects. Have you ever taken a look at the warning label inside of a Tylenol bottle? The list of side effects seems endless and a large number are very serious including itchiness, diarrhea, trouble breathing, severe dizziness, lower back pains, loss of appetite,  nausea, stomach pain & unusual bleeding .   With any medication, it is very important to understand the main side effects, how to recognize these side effects, and how to appropriately deal with these side effects. Medical marijuana is no exception. When obtaining your medical marijuana card, your medical marijuana doctor should make sure to always review the potential side effects of medicinal marijuana use. If your medical marijuana doctor did not appropriately discuss these side effects with you or you are simply interested in obtaining your medical cannabis card and want to know more about medicinal marijuana, this blog post will be very helpful as we will outline several of the major side effects as indicated by the most current research and the California medical association.

As outlined by the California medical association, multiple health risks have a documented association with medical cannabis use.

1. Addiction: Addiction to cannabis may be characterized by escalating use, inability to cut back, craving, harmful consequences, and physical dependence. Epidemiologic data from a national comorbidity study indicate that about 9% of adult cannabis users become addicted and that this risk is substantially increased among individuals who begin using before age 18. Although of little consolation, among adults the incidence is low compared to alcohol use (15%), opioids (23%) or nicotine (32%).
2. Short Term Cognitive Effects: Cannabis intoxication causes well-defined impairments in the following brain functions: Memory, sense of time, sensory perception, attention span, problem solving, verbal fluency, reaction time, and psychomotor control. The short term effects of cannabis last approximately 1-4 hours, depending on potency of the cannabis, the route of administration, and the tolerance of the user. There are no reported cases of death resulting from cannabis overdose.
3. Long Term Cognitive Effects: The possible medicinal use of cannabinoids for chronic diseases emphasizes the need to understand the long term cognitive effects of these compounds. Results of a meta-analysis indicated that there might be decrements in the ability to learn and remember new information in chronic users, whereas other cognitive abilities were unaffected. The authors opined that, under the more limited conditions of exposure that would likely be seen in a medical setting, the benefits could outweigh problematic effects and the therapy might thereby prove to be acceptable.
4. Adolescents and Young Adults: The evidence suggests that cannabis can adversely affect adolescents who initiate use early and young adults who become regular users. Compared to adults, adolescents and young adults may have greater vulnerability to the toxic effects of cannabis on the brain, especially when alcohol and cannabis are used together. In addition to increased risk of addiction, use of cannabis among adolescents is associated with poorer educational outcomes and occupational attainment. There is also the possibility that cannabis increases the risk of developing mental illness in this age group.
5. Psychiatric Conditions: Cannabis intoxication can cause transient mood, anxiety, and psychotic symptoms. The relationship between cannabis use and long term risk of psychiatric disorders is less well understood. Cannabis use has been weakly correlated with long term risk of mood disorders and anxiety disorders. The association between cannabis use and psychotic disorders is more robust. Cannabis can unmask symptoms among individuals who have pre-existing vulnerability (such as a family history) to schizophrenia. Additionally, there is some evidence that cannabis may be an independent risk factor for the development of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. Although the mechanism is unknown, repeated studies have shown that cannabis use is correlated with an increase in the risk of manifesting schizophrenia, an illness that affects approximately 1% of the global population.
6. Obstructive Lung Disease: Given the increased risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in tobacco smokers, there is concern that a similar risk may exist among smokers of cannabis. Cannabis smoking by itself probably does not lead to COPD but smoking both cannabis and tobacco is associated with a greater risk of COPD than smoking only tobacco.
7. Lung Cancer: The constituents of cannabis smoke are quantitatively analogous to those of tobacco smoke, with the exceptions of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – found only in cannabis – and nicotine – found only in tobacco. Paradoxically, epidemiologic findings are inconsistent with the biological plausibility of cannabis being carcinogenic in aerodigestive tissue. Using over 1,000 incident cancer cases and over 1,000 cancer-free controls matched to cases on age, gender, and neighborhood, investigators at UCLA found no positive associations for malignancies after adjusting for several confounders (including cigarette smoking). They concluded that the association of pharyngeal and pulmonary cancers with cannabis, even long-term or heavy use, is “not strong and may be below practically detectable limits.”
8. Motor Vehicle Accidents: Epidemiological studies have been inconclusive regarding whether cannabis use causes an increased risk of accidents; in contrast, unanimity exists that alcohol use increases crash risk.xxiii In tests using driving simulation, neurocognitive impairment varies in a dose-related fashion, and are more pronounced with highly automatic driving functions than with more complex tasks that require conscious control, whereas alcohol produces an opposite pattern of impairment.xxiv Cannabis smokers tend to over estimate their impairment and compensate effectively while driving by utilizing a variety of behavioral strategies. During driving simulation, experimental subjects under the influence of cannabis drive slowly, leave a large distance between themselves and the car in front of their simulated car, and avoid changing lanes.
9. Reproductive Risks: The compounds found in cannabis readily cross the placenta, where the growing fetus absorbs them, and pass into breast milk, where the nursing infant ingests them. Cannabis affects many aspects of reproductive physiology in both men and women, though the long term consequences of these effects remain unclear.xxv Cannabis use during pregnancy and early development has been correlated with low birth weight as well as developmental delay and behavioral problems including addiction, although the causal link to cannabis use has not yet been established.

While these side effects should be taken seriously, they should not be viewed as a reason not to obtain a medical marijuana card or try medical cannabis for the treatment of your medical condition. The only true contraindication to medicinal marijuana use is pregnancy and any woman of childbearing age who even thinks they might be pregnant should not use medical marijuana.

With the use of any medication, the side effects should always be weighed against the potential benefits. While this should be a discussion that each patient has with his/her medical marijuana doctor, this blog will hopefully give patients with a medical marijuana card, or those interested in obtaining one, a better understanding of some of the potential side effects of medicinal marijuana use.

As with any medication, there are potential side-effects from using medical marijuana; however, the reported instances of these side-effects are quite rare. Additionally, any potential side-effects are often far milder and more manageable than those experienced with most prescription medications. The other thing to remember is that MMJ will affect each patient differently. Consult with your doctor prior to use to discuss any potential side-effects.

There is still a lot of controversy about whether or not medical marijuana is a suitable treatment for depression. Many physicians and scientists are enthusiastic about marijuana’s potential in this area, while others remain skeptical and cautious, wary of recommending what is still seen by some as an unconventional treatment for an illness of this type.

Medical marijuana and its effects on depression is a fascinating area of study. Solid progress is being made, and excitement is growing amongst both experts and laypeople who are interested in learning more.

With over 350 million people worldwide suffering from depression, MMJ is slowly becoming more acceptable as a form of treating the condition.

For many years there has been a large amount of firsthand, anecdotal evidence from depression sufferers that medical cannabis can help them feel much better. But over the last number of years, promising studies have been coming out, and many respected experts have been going on the record about their belief that cannabis can work wonders for depression sufferers.

Current Treatments for Depression

Depression is a big problem in the modern day, with 350 million people worldwide suffer from the condition. More than ever before, depression is at epidemic proportions. It is a major cause of disability, and a very painful, life-hampering condition.

Currently, talk therapy and antidepressant drugs are the most popular methods of treating depression.

With skillfully applied talk therapy, it is possible to reduce, and even sometimes completely alleviate, a bout of depression. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has proven to be a particularly effective form of talk therapy in the treatment of depression. Mild and moderate depressions can often be alleviated by therapy without the use of drugs, and this is recommended because the therapy will tend to deal with the root cognitive causes of the depression, thus ‘pulling it up by the roots’.

If a depression is severe (or if it is not, but a doctor is particularly lazy or corrupt), antidepressant drugs are usually prescribed. Unfortunately, antidepressant drugs often have a host of unpleasant side effects.

Tricyclic antidepressants, MAOIs, SSRIs and SNRIs are the four leading forms of antidepressant drug. All of these have negative side effects. These side effects can be even more debilitating than the effects of the depression.

It is unclear whether or not antidepressants are even very effective in the treatment of depression. The Journal of the American Medical Association reported an analysis that showed that antidepressants had little or no positive effect on people suffering with mild to moderate depression, and that they were only effective in cases where people had severe depression.

In the milder cases, they were no more effective than a placebo. ‘Big pharma’ companies make tens of billions of dollars from antidepressants annually, and doctors are often enticed to prescribe a specific company’s drug with financial incentives and gifts of one form or another. Beware.

More and more experts in the field of depression treatment are saying that medical marijuana could be used in conjunction with, or even instead of, antidepressants.

Since it is unclear whether or not antidepressants are effective in the treatment of depression, more doctors are open to using MMJ as an alternative treatment.

Research Concerning MMJ Use

Recent research by several highly-respected institutions, as well as important industry insiders, is suggesting that medical cannabis use could provide a host of benefits to people who suffer from depression.

Researchers from the University at Buffalo have been studying endocannabinoids; chemical compounds that are naturally produced in the human brain. These compounds affect emotion, cognition and behavior, and are very similar in their makeup to the cannabinoids found in cannabis.

Chronic stress can suppress the brain’s production of endocannabinoids, and this can lead to depression. It seems quite possible that introducing cannabis cannabinoids into a patient’s system could redress this issue and alleviate depression brought on by chronic stress.

Harvard School of Medicine psychiatry professor, Lester Grinspoon, has done a lot of research on medical cannabis and depression, and he concludes “cannabis has a lot of potential in the treatment of mental illness”, but with the caveat that “it will not work for everyone”.

In his 2003 article ‘Cannabis and Depression’, Jay Cavanaugh, PhD, National Director for the American Alliance for Medical Cannabis, said that “while cannabis cannot yet be considered a primary treatment of major depression, it may improve mood when used under a physician’s supervision and in combination with therapy and/or SSRI’s”.

In a 2006 research paper called ‘Decreased Depression in Marijuana Users’, Mitch Earleywine PhD, Associate Professor of Psychology at the State University of New York at Albany, and Thomas F. Denson PhD, Professor of Psychology at the California State University at Long Beach, state that people who use medical cannabis “occasionally or even daily have lower levels of depressive symptoms than those who have never tried marijuana”.

Some studies are reporting mixed findings. In 2007, a team at McGill University in Montreal tested the effects of THC on serotonin levels. They found that when taken in low to moderate doses, THC increased serotonin levels in the brain. However, when taken in high doses, THC actually decreased the levels of serotonin in the brain. This research suggests that getting the dosage just right is very important.

So, the inside story on medical marijuana and depression is interesting, fluid, developing, and still a little unclear. Things are looking promising, and a lot of very clever experts are getting very excited, but there is certainly still more work to be done. Watch this space.

The US presidential election was a watershed moment for marijuana legalization, with a large number of states voting in some very cannabis-friendly laws. Medical, and even recreational, weed has become legal in a whole slew of new states. Citizens voted to legalize medical marijuana in North Dakota, Arkansas, Florida and Montana, as well as voting to legalize recreational marijuana in California, Massachusetts, Nevada and Maine. So even people who do not have a California medical marijuana card can now access weed in the state, leaving many MMJ users pondering what President Trump means for medical marijuana.

This means that cannabis will become fully legal in most of the western part of the United States, and even the more reluctant east is cottoning on, with Massachusetts and Maine joining the (very relaxed and peaceful) cannabis card party.

Many MMJ users are wondering what President Trump means for medical marijuana.

So let’s discuss what President Trump means for medical marijuana. Is he as weed-friendly as huge swathes of the population seem to be? And, crucially, will he be good or bad for the 420 card industry?

So far he has hedged his position on marijuana legalization. His campaign did not take a definitive stance on the issue either way. But based on the interviews he has given on the subject of California medical cannabis, recreational cannabis and drug legislation in general, his opinions seem fairly consistent.

Trump believes first and foremost in a state’s right to choose. He told the Washington Post in 2015, “In terms of marijuana and legalization, I think that should be a state issue, state-by-state.”

He also believes that medical marijuana has definite medicinal benefits and that a California medical marijuana license should be available to all patients who it would benefit. In an interview with Bill O’Reilly in February 2016 Trump said he was, “In favor of medical marijuana, 100%,” and in response to O’Reilly calling medical marijuana a ‘ruse’ he said, “But I know people that have serious problems and…it really does help them.” This is very promising indeed.

When asked by O’Reilly about full legalization in Colorado he said, “I would really want to think about that one bill, because in some ways I think it’s good and in other ways, it’s bad.” He seems to be on the fence regarding full legalization, mainly due to his concerns about the psychological effects of cannabis on its users, “There’s another problem…the book isn’t written on it yet, but there’s a lot of difficulty in terms of illness and what’s going on with the brain and the mind, and what it’s doing…it’s coming out, probably, over the next year or so…I do want to see what the medical effects are.” 

Will President Trump be a good thing for medical marijuana? Only time will tell.

Despite his concerns about recreational marijuana, he seems to believe in state’s rights to choose in this area also. He told C-Span in 2015 that he was against legalization for recreational use, but when asked by the moderator about the state’s rights aspect of it he replied “If they vote for it, they vote for it…”

In 1990 he said the best way to win the so-called ‘War on Drugs’, and to wrestle power away from the drug czars, was to fully legalize. He told the Miami Herald “We’re losing badly the War on Drugs. You have to legalize drugs to win that war. You have to take the profit away from these drug tzars.”

Comments he made to Bill O’Reilly seem to suggest he is concerned that having a mix of legal and illegal states enables out-of-state drug dealers to source drugs in legal states for sale in illegal states. When O’Reilly claimed “dealers” are going to legal states to “load up on it” and “zoom around the country selling it,” Trump responded, “That’s a real problem.”

Trump has suggested the possibility of reclassifying medical cannabis from a Schedule 1 to a Schedule 2 substance. Schedule 1 substances are federally illegal, while Schedule 2 substances are not, and are considered to have medical benefits, but also addictive qualities. So what President Trump means for medical marijuana may depend on his views on downgrading the herb.

Making medical marijuana legal at the federal level would make an MMJ card available to a larger number of people nationwide, but it would also make medical cannabis a regulated drug, and bring it under the strict control of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The FDA would become responsible for approving the manufacturing and processing of medical marijuana, and it could regularly inspect grow farms to ensure that certain standards are being adhered to. The FDA could require California medicinal marijuana companies to prove via clinical trials that cannabis does exactly what is advertised. Clinical trials are extremely expensive and, along with the added regulatory costs, this could cripple smaller growers that don’t have the cash reserves to weather these added costs. This could have the negative effect of putting many small companies out of business and handing the industry over to big drug companies, resulting in homogeneous, lowest-common denominator ‘Mc-medical marijuana’. What President Trump means for medical marijuana growers and the industry in general is going to be very interesting to watch, as he claims to be a shrewd businessman.

So a Donald Trump presidency could prove bittersweet for the medical cannabis industry. He is very friendly to MMJ and appreciates how helpful it can be, but if he decides to reclassify medical marijuana and bring it under the strict control of the FDA this could negatively impact product quality, and put many small growers out of business.

This is all hypothetical at the moment and one thing is for sure: whatever President Trump means for medical marijuana users, we’ll still need our MMJ cards all the way through 2017 as no legislature will change until 2018.

In 2017, a law was enacted in Virginia that allowed people with specific types of intractable epilepsy to access cannabis oil, as long as they had a doctor certify they needed it and it could help with their condition. Since then, the medical cannabis program in the state has grown and improved exponentially.

On July 1, 2020, Virginia lawmakers passed perhaps the most significant improvements. Essentially, patients who have access to MMJ in Virginia now cannot be prosecuted for possession of marijuana. Amendments also gave patients with conditions other than epilepsy access to medical marijuana if a certified physician recommends it.

More people than ever now have access to a viable new treatment for a variety of different conditions. But how do you apply to the Virginia MMJ program? If you’re wondering “How can I get a medical marijuana card in Virginia?”, read on – we’ve got all the details you need to know right here.

How to get a medical cannabis card in Virginia

To get a medical marijuana card in Virginia, a person must first be diagnosed with a medical condition that benefits from the use of cannabis; have a written certification from a medical marijuana doctor registered in the state; and have proof that they live in Virginia.

As mentioned above, any disorder presenting with symptoms that can benefit from medical marijuana can qualify for a Virginia MMJ card. However, there is a list of the most common conditions that are treated using cannabis in the state.

These include:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)
• Anxiety
• Autism
• Wasting syndrome
• Cachexia
• Cancer
• Crohn’s disease
• Chronic pain
• Epilepsy
• Non-epileptic seizure disorders
• Fibromyalgia
• Glaucoma
• Hepatitis C
• Huntington’s disease
• IBD (Inflammatory bowel disease)
• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson’s disease
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Sickle cell anemia
• Tourette’s syndrome

People without the conditions listed above can contact their physician for direction to see if they may also qualify for a Virginia medical marijuana card.

How much is a medical marijuana card in VA?

The fees for getting a medical marijuana card vary depending on the state. In Virginia, the cost is $50 per year for every year you are eligible. An initial $50 is also required for registration. This cost keeps patients up to date and able to access their medicinal marijuana when they need it.

The cost of purchasing medical marijuana in Virginia will be set by each dispensary as per their own discretion, so how much you will have to pay for your medicine will differ depending on where you go. Insurance does not cover medical marijuana.

How long does it take to get a medical marijuana card after approval?

The approval process for getting a medical card in Virginia does not take a long time. Your application will first be reviewed and processed by the Board of Pharmacy to determine if you have all your documentation and are eligible for the program.

Once that is complete and you are approved, you will only have to wait 30 days or less to get your card. The state is also looking to hire more people at the Board of Pharmacy to decrease these waiting times in the future.

What are the benefits of getting a medical cannabis card?

If you suffer from a condition that qualifies, getting access to medical marijuana can benefit you greatly. Many people who choose MMJ as part of their treatment plan report better outcomes in symptom management and a return to daily activities.

Medical marijuana can be especially helpful for those who haven’t found any relief from their symptoms through traditional forms of treatment, or those who need a supplemental and more natural course of treatment because they cannot tolerate certain medications or their side effects.

What are the rules in Virginia for medical marijuana card holders?

There are various rules that people with Virginia medical marijuana cards have to follow to ensure they are staying within the legal parameters of use. These laws revolve around the use, products, and amounts of cannabis a person can possess.

When it comes to the products available, cannabis extracts that have five to ten milligrams of CBD or THC-A per dose are the only type Virginia residents can access. These cannabis extracts can come in the form of:

• Capsules
• Sprays
• Oils
• Creams
• Gels
• Patches
• Lozenges
• Troches
• Suppositories
• Lollipops
• Inhalation products
• Cannabis flower

Patients with valid Virginia medical cards are limited to a 90-day supply of medical cannabis, which will range depending on their prescribed dosage and their doctor’s recommendations. However, when it comes to possessing whole plant cannabis, you can only have up to four ounces in a 30-day period.

Virginia was the 34^th state to jump on board with the legalization of medical cannabis, and they are continuing to improve policies that provide access and protection to people who require MMJ treatment. If you’re an eligible patient, why not start your application to get a medical marijuana card in Virginia today?

Featured image by Mitchell Kmetz on Unsplash

Medical marijuana (MMJ) has become increasingly popular across the US as more and more people become aware of its health benefits. MMJ can relieve the symptoms of a variety of health conditions, and is an effective treatment for many mental and physical illnesses. For many patients, MMJ provides essential pain relief and is an important step on the road to recovery.

The best way to access MMJ safely, legally, and easily across the US is through use of a valid MMJ card. Each state has its own laws surrounding the sale and purchase of MMJ. It’s important to research individual state regulations to find out more about qualifying conditions, where to purchase MMJ, what form it is sold in, and how much you can buy. For more information on state-by-state regulations and on accessing your state’s MMJ card through MMJRecs, check out this page.

What are the qualifying conditions for an MMJ card?

Some of the conditions that usually respond well to MMJ treatment, and that often qualify for a state MMJ card, include:

• AIDS
• Anorexia
• Arthritis
• Cachexia
• Cancer
• Chronic pain
• Glaucoma
• Migraines
• Persistent muscle spasms
• Seizures, including those associated with epilepsy
• Severe nausea

Of course, the qualifying conditions for an MMJ card vary from state to state, so be sure to check out the conditions applicable to your own state to see if this applies to you.

Side effects of MMJ

MMJ, including both THC and CBD, can have side effects. Of course, this is true of almost any medication. These side effects can be both short-term and long-term, and differ between THC and CBD. THC is more likely to cause increased anxiety, increased heart rate, dry mouth, and altered judgement. CBD has been linked to short-term effects such as dizziness, fatigue, weight loss, and diarrhea.

However, most people do not suffer from severe side effects, and find that the positive effects of MMJ outweigh the negatives. Fortunately, a wide range of MMJ products now exists, allowing access to multiple strains and ways of dosing – from vapes to edibles to pre-rolls and even lotions. This variety means users of MMJ have more choice in finding the product that suits them.

Medical marijuana and blood thinning: does medical marijuana thin your blood?

CBD may interact with some blood thinning medication, increasing its effects. It’s very important to discuss this with your physician. They will ask about your medical history and the medications you are prescribed during your evaluation for an MMJ card. It is important that you’re truthful about your medical history during this process, as it ensures your safety.

Is CBD considered a blood thinner? There is ongoing research into the effects of CBD on its own in terms of thinning the blood. CBD affects the same systems at blood thinners do. However, research is ongoing into all its potential effects. It’s not totally clear at this stage whether CBD can thin the blood on its own, or to what extent this may occur. It is true, however, that CBD has the potential to exaggerate the effects of blood thinning medication. That’s why it’s so important to discuss your MMJ treatment with a medical professional.

How can I access an MMJ card?

Each state has its own rules surrounding MMJ, and some states are more restrictive than others. If you have one of the qualifying conditions for your state’s MMJ card, you can set up a quick and easy online consultation through the MMJRecs portal. This typically takes up to ten minutes, and can be done from the comfort of your own home.

The application process is generally relatively simple and involves registering with the relevant state body upon your physician’s approval. Once you have your MMJ card, you’re free to purchase MMJ at the dispensaries in your state (and sometimes you can use your MMJ card to purchase in other states, too – though this varies). So what are you waiting for? Book your online consultation today!

Featured image by Erin_Hinterland on Pixabay

Medical marijuana (MMJ) provides a host of benefits for people with a variety of medical conditions. Those who need help for mental health conditions such as anxiety or PTSD may benefit from MMJ, but it can also be useful for those suffering from physical ailments too. MMJ has been proven to relieve chronic pain, so can be a very effective treatment for arthritis or joint pain. Men and women can each benefit from the positive effects of MMJ, and the risk of side effects of medical marijuana in comparison to many other medications is relatively low.

Although medical marijuana is legal and safe to use in most states, it is still a relatively new and constantly evolving field. There are still many studies to be done on the effects of MMJ on the body, including the differences in its effects on men and women. The effects of MMJ can differ from person to person, which is why it is important to undergo a clinical evaluation (which MMJRecs can help you with) before getting your MMJ card. During this trial, a licensed physician will decide whether MMJ could be a helpful treatment for you.

So how does cannabis affect men and women differently? Few studies have been done specifically on the difference in effects of MMJ on male and female users. While it is almost impossible to have a 100% conclusive study on the relationship between sex and MMJ effects (as we know that MMJ can have various effects, and not everyone will benefit from it the same way), several studies have been carried out that can point us in the right direction. Below are some insights on the differences in MMJ effects on men and women.

1. Men may require more frequent use and higher quantities of MMJ than women

Similarly to alcohol, several studies indicate that men may require higher doses and more frequent use of medical cannabis than women to get an effect. This may be due to differences in body composition.

2. Women are more likely to treat anxiety with MMJ

More women than men report suffering from anxiety in the US. Studies have found that women are more likely to use cannabis as a means to relieve their anxiety than their male counterparts.

3. Women may use MMJ for relief of period pain

Many women benefit from medicated body rubs contacting MMJ or CBD for the relief of pain associated with periods or endometriosis. This particular form of treatment is usually highly effective.

4. Some women may benefit from improved memory performance

Research indicates that women are more likely to benefit from improved spatial working memory performance when under the influence of THC (one of the components of MMJ) than men.

While it is difficult to draw up a concrete list of the differences in effects of MMJ on different sexes, it is important to remember that it offers the same benefits to anyone suffering from a medical condition that can be effectively managed and treated by MMJ. As more and more research is carried out into the effects of MMJ on men and women’s bodies, any sex-based differences will become more obvious.

How long do the effects of medical marijuana last?

This depends on the strength of MMJ and frequency of use. For many, the effects of marijuana can last 2–3 hours, though for some this may last up to 15 hours. Your physician, as well as those at your local dispensary, can help you find what suits you. Women generally metabolize THC slower than men, as they typically have a higher percentage of body fat.

The benefits of MMJ are clear for people of any gender who suffer from a variety of conditions. The best way to access MMJ safely and easily is to avail of an MMJ card. To find out more about the regulations and facilities in your state, you can check out MMJRec’s online resources. When you’re ready, you simply need to register for an online clinic. Meeting your licensed physician is a quick and simple online process. Once you receive your MMJ card, you can purchase MMJ at your local dispensary, where there is a wide variety of MMJ products available. MMJ is becoming more and more accessible for any person who needs it, so book your consultation today!

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Even though California has legalized recreational marijuana, there are still big advantages to having a California medical marijuana card. Medical marijuana is used to treat a diverse range of conditions, and being an MMJ cardholder in California brings real benefits.

The California MMJ program is one of the most well-run and patient-friendly in the US. California dispensaries stock a wide array of high-quality medical marijuana products and customer service is usually excellent. Having a California MMJ card is a great investment and well worth the cost.

So, how easy is it to get a medical card in California? How do you apply for an MMJ card in California? What are the qualifying conditions for medical marijuana in California? And how much does it cost to get an MMJ card in California in 2021? Let’s answer all these questions and more.

How Easy Is It To Get A Medical Card In California?

California was an early adopter of medical marijuana, and its MMJ program has been influential to other states as they introduced their own programs. Getting a medical marijuana card in California is a straightforward process if you have a qualifying medical condition.

What Are The Qualifying Conditions For A California MMJ Card?

The qualifying conditions for a California MMJ card are:

• Cancer
• HIV/AIDS
• Multiple sclerosis
• Side effects of radiation therapy
• Glaucoma
• Arthritis
• Anxiety
• Chronic pain
• Migraine headaches
• Multiple sclerosis
• Any chronic medical condition that causes serious harm to your mental or physical health

How Do You Get A Medical Card In California In 2021?

The best way to get a California medical marijuana card is to register on the MMJRecs online clinic. You will then have a telemedicine consultation with one of their California medical marijuana doctors to evaluate whether you qualify for a California MMJ card.

If you are eligible, your doctor will email you a doctor’s certification for MMJ instantly and your original embossed certificate will be posted to you the next day. You’ll then submit a valid proof of identity, proof of residency, and your certificate to the California Department of Public Health.

How Much Does It Cost To Get A Medical Card In California In 2021?

A California medical marijuana card costs $50 in 2021. You pay this directly to the state of California during the application process. Your card will then be posted to you and will arrive in 7–10 business days.

How Long Is A California Medical Marijuana Card Valid For?

A California MMJ card is valid for one year and must be renewed by repeating the original application process.

Do You Still Need A Medical Card In California In 2021?

You do not need a California MMJ card to buy marijuana products in California in 2021. This is because the Golden State has legalized recreational marijuana. However, having a California MMJ card has benefits and is a better option than buying recreational marijuana.

Some medical marijuana dispensaries will sell MMJ products to patients who have a doctor’s certificate but do not have an official MMIC (Medical Marijuana Identification Card).

Why Is An MMJ Card Beneficial Even Though Recreational Marijuana Is Legal?

Using a California MMJ card instead of buying recreational marijuana is better for several reasons:

• Recreational marijuana is only available to people over the age of 21, while minors can access medical marijuana with the help of a caregiver.
• Medical marijuana is not subject to state sales tax, so it is cheaper than recreational marijuana.
• Medical dispensaries can sell lotions and tinctures with up to 2,000 mg of cannabinoids, while in recreational dispensaries the limit is 1,000 mg.
• Home cultivation limits are much higher for California MMJ cardholders.

Can A Minor Get A Medical Card In California?

People over the age of 18 can get a California medical marijuana card. Recreational marijuana is only available to over 21s. Minors can use medical marijuana treatment in California, but they must be assisted by a caregiver who is over the age of 18.

What Products Are Available In California Dispensaries?

California has recreational and medical marijuana dispensaries. Only medical card holders can purchase MMJ products in medical marijuana dispensaries.

California medical marijuana dispensaries sell a wide range of products, including:

• MMJ flower
• Pre-rolls
• Edibles
• Beverages
• MMJ concentrates
• Tinctures
• Vapes
• Topicals
• Lotions

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Now that the COVID-19 vaccine has arrived, it’s starting to feel like we just might make it to the other side of this pandemic. But because we’re still in the early stages of getting people vaccinated, there are still a lot of questions surrounding the vaccine. Medical marijuana (MMJ) users may have even more questions, including “Does marijuana affect the COVID vaccine?” To find out more about the connection between vaccinations and MMJ, read on.

What is the COVID-19 vaccine?

First off, you might be wondering what the COVID vaccine is. The vaccine is currently being distributed by three different drug companies (Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson). The first two vaccine brands require two shots either three or four weeks apart, while the third option is one shot only. The shots are administered in your arm (just like a regular flu shot) by a medical professional or pharmacy worker.

The vaccine was designed to protect people from the coronavirus and went through extensive clinical trials to test its safety. It’s believed that the vaccine is effective in up to 90–95% of people. This means that only a small percentage of individuals would end up still contracting the virus even though they’ve been vaccinated. The vaccine is also valuable in that it can help people who do contract COVID to avoid becoming as severely sick from it.

Does cannabis affect vaccination effectiveness?

At the time of writing, there have not been extensive studies into the influence of marijuana on vaccine effectiveness. Much more information needs to be gathered before doctors and researchers can make that determination. At this point, there are no clinical studies that indicate that using MMJ products will make the vaccine less effective.

During the past year, there has been some research conducted on using marijuana while suffering from COVID. The findings vary: some researchers believe that marijuana might actually help with symptoms of COVID, while others believe that it could worsen symptoms in late-stage COVID. One thing researchers seem to agree on: smoking cannabis could be detrimental at any age because it can weaken the lungs’ response to outside germs (like COVID).

If you’re worried about cannabis and COVID-19, your best bet is to use edibles or tinctures when imbibing. Bottom line: we don’t yet know if the vaccine is affected by cannabis usage, but it’s likely you’ll be fine if you’re using MMJ products and you get vaccinated. It’s assumed the vaccine will be just as effective.

Can MMJ patients get vaccinated?

Right now, there are no restrictions on MMJ patients getting vaccinated. In fact, many MMJ users make great vaccine candidates because they often suffer from chronic illnesses. In many states, individuals with a variety of serious conditions are now eligible for vaccines (including folks with diabetes, lung conditions, cancer, etc.) People who rely on MMJ products to relieve physical symptoms are likely to also be eligible for the COVID vaccine.

What steps should you take as an MMJ patient to get vaccinated?

Because there are still a lot of unknowns at this time, your best bet is to take some extra steps before you get vaccinated to ensure your safety.

1. Research whether you’re eligible for the vaccine in your state

Every state is doing the vaccine rollout a little differently. Some states have already started vaccinating their general population, while others (like California) are only vaccinating health care and essential workers at this time. In order to tell whether you’re eligible for a vaccine right now, head to your specific state’s health department website. There you’ll find information about when it will be your turn to get vaccinated.

2. Call your doctor

If you’re an MMJ user, it’s a good idea to contact your doctor before you get vaccinated. They can help answer any questions you might have about the safety of using cannabis and getting vaccinated. Make sure to ask anything you might be wondering about, including post-vaccine side effects or symptoms, so you’ll have all of the information you need to feel safe.

3. Make an appointment

Different states are handling vaccine appointments in various ways. You should be able to find information about how and when to make an appointment by heading to your state’s health department website, as mentioned above. When making the appointment, read through everything to see what you’ll need to bring with you (typically ID and/or documentation) so that you’ll be all set to get your vaccine at your appointed time.

There are obviously still more studies that need to be conducted so that we know more about the connection between MMJ and vaccines. At this time, the best option is to ask your doctor about it and continue to use your MMJ products responsibly.

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As you get older, there are tons of changes that can occur in nearly every part of your body and mind. Some of these signs of aging can be relatively minor and won’t affect your day-to-day life, while others can have a significant impact on your quality of life. So, how do you treat “old age”? Luckily, there are plenty of ways to help keep yourself young (in body and spirit). Here’s a rundown of what you need to know for treating symptoms of “old age”.

What are the signs and symptoms of aging?

There are many symptoms that you might experience that are directly correlated to you getting older. Some of the most common include:

Wrinkles and age spots

These signs on your skin might increase as you age. You’re also more likely to experience dry skin because your body produces fewer natural oils as you get older. Your skin also thins and becomes less elastic, while the fatty tissue just below the skin decreases; this can result in you bruising much more easily.

Changes to your cardiovascular system

For most people, blood vessels and arteries stiffen as you age. This causes your heart to work harder to pump blood. The heart muscles have to adjust to working harder and your heart rate won’t increase much during physical activity anymore. These changes, however, do mean that you’re at an increased risk of high blood pressure (hypertension) and other cardiovascular issues.

Bones that shrink in size and density

Bones typically shrink as you age, which makes them weaker and more susceptible to fracture. This is also why it seems that some people get shorter the older they get.

Muscles that lose strength and flexibility

Weaker and less flexible muscles can end up affecting coordination and balance.Some older individuals are much less steady on their feet than when they were younger; older people are more likely to experience serious falls because of this.

Stiffness in joints

The severity of this can differ depending on the individual, but can be anything from minor stiffness to severe arthritis.

Minor effects on your memory

People can experience memory effects in different ways, such as temporarily forgetting the words for things or being less able to multitask. More serious memory problems like dementia and Alzheimer’s can develop in some individuals.

How can you reduce the symptoms of aging?

You don’t have to just sit back and watch yourself grow older. There are plenty of actions you can take to ensure that you’re staying healthy as you age. To help reduce some of your symptoms, try the following suggestions.

1. Use medical marijuana (MMJ) or CBD

MMJ can be a really helpful tool in combating aging. It can help with everything from chronic pain and loss of appetite to depression and glaucoma. MMJ products are also typically safer than taking prescribed medications and come with much fewer side effects.

If you’re wondering, “Is CBD good for the elderly?”, the answer is yes! CBD products are much easier to acquire than MMJ because they’re legal in all 50 states, and they can be relatively inexpensive (perfect for seniors on a budget). These types of natural products can be gentle on a senior’s system but also incredibly helpful in treating a variety of symptoms of aging.

2. Keep up an active lifestyle with regular physical activity

It’s absolutely crucial to stay active as you age. Moderate exercise can include a variety of activities, including walking, swimming, and yoga, which can all work to keep your heart healthy and prevent additional stiffness or muscle issues.

3. Stick to a healthy diet

Eating a nutritious diet is a key element of good health. Eat vegetables, fruits, whole grains, high-fiber foods, and lean proteins (such as fish) and you’ll be good to go. It’s okay to treat yourself every now and again, but try to limit foods that are high in saturated fat, sugar, or salt.

4. Don’t smoke

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle means you might have to give up some vices. Quit smoking and drinking in excess to make sure your body is able to function well. Smoking can impact your cardiovascular system and your lungs in significant ways, so kick the habit as soon as possible.

5. Get enough sleep

Most people don’t realize how critical good sleep is when it comes to a healthy lifestyle. Quality sleep can help restore your system at night and can heal and repair your heart and blood vessels. You should be getting at least seven to nine hours of sleep every night.

6. Use supplements like vitamin D and calcium

Supplements can help keep your bones strong. Adults should be getting at least 1,000 milligrams of calcium a day. For women 51 and older and for men 71 and older, the recommended amount goes up to 1,200 milligrams. It’s also a good idea to eat a calcium-rich diet full of dairy, broccoli, salmon, etc.

For vitamin D, adults should be consuming at least 600 IU. Adults over the age of 70 should be getting an intake of at least 800 IU. Seniors can get vitamin D from sunlight or food sources such as tuna and eggs.

For both calcium and vitamin D, seniors can also take a daily supplement to get the recommended dose.

7. Stay mentally active

While you focus on your physical health, it’s also important to take care of your brain health as well. To stay alert and sharp, doctors recommend things like reading, word games, new hobbies, or classes as a way to sustain memory and thinking skills. Make sure to remain connected to the world around you – it will help you stay mentally alert.

As you enter “old age”, it’s more important than ever to take care of your health. Follow the above-mentioned tips to help you treat symptoms of aging in a manageable, effective way!

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As we grow older, it becomes especially important to keep on top of our health. Every human body accrues wear and tear as the years go by; this is an unavoidable aspect of life. But it doesn’t mean that we can’t enjoy a long, healthy, and happy old age!

In the second half of life, most of us will see our hair turn grey (and then white!) and feel our joints grow stiffer. We will also become more susceptible to certain ailments and illnesses. This is simply the aging process in action. But if we employ a common-sense approach to staying healthy, it is entirely possible to enjoy a happy and active old age, full of excitement, companionship, and fun, and as free from illness and pain as possible.

Most of us grow wiser as the years go by. Thankfully, in old age we tend to care less about what other people think about us, take ourselves (and life) less seriously, and spend more time enjoying the awe-inspiring splendor of the world around us. The wisdom of old age allows us to appreciate the company of the people we love – our friends, family, and fellow human beings – and to experience the blissful lightness of being less self-absorbed.

Our senior years can be our best years, so it is extra important to maintain good health habits in old age. Staying fit and healthy will allow us to feel good and to fully savor the glory of being old! Read on for some tips on staying healthy throughout the year (and all the years to come).

What Are Some Common Health Concerns For Seniors?

Some health concerns are more common amongst older people. These include:

• Heart disease
• Respiratory disease
• Arthritis
• Glaucoma
• Diabetes
• Osteoporosis

Many of these conditions can be treated with a combination of pharmaceutical medicines and non-pharmaceutical interventions such as exercise, a healthy diet, and even medical marijuana for seniors.

In addition, here are four tips on staying healthy for senior citizens…

1. Exercise Regularly

Healthy habits for seniors are similar to healthy habits for all people. Everyone, and especially seniors, will benefit from physical exercise. As we age, our bodies succumb to wear and tear; our joints get stiffer, our bones get weaker, and our muscles lose strength. But regular exercise can go a long way to preventing this wear and tear. A regular exercise regime can even reverse wear and tear and make us feel better in our old age than we did when we were younger.

Exercise really is an elixir of life. Senior citizens can choose from a wide array of exercise forms. Pick the form of exercise you enjoy the most. You can lift weights at the gym, go for a jog or bike ride outdoors, take your dog for a walk, or do some yoga. Exercise is a fantastic way for senior citizens to stay healthy throughout the year.

2. Spend Time Outside

Another great option for those wondering how to maintain good health in old age is to spend time outside. You can do this by walking around your town or city, or by walking in nature. Fresh air, sunlight, meeting other people, moving your body – spending time outside will help you stay healthy in many ways.

Being outdoors necessitates that you move your body, which is great for improving cardiovascular health and muscle tone. Also, meeting other people is excellent for mental health.

3. Try Medical Marijuana

Medical marijuana for seniors is a great way to stay healthy. Medical marijuana can be used to treat the symptoms of a whole host of medical conditions that tend to especially affect seniors, such as arthritis, glaucoma, and osteoporosis.

MMJ is a healthier treatment option than many pharmaceutical drugs that tend to have negative side effects. Treatment with medical marijuana can greatly improve a senior citizen’s quality of life and allow them to stay healthy throughout the year.

4. Develop Interesting Hobbies

A very healthy habit for seniors is to develop a hobby. Hobbies keep people mentally and physically engaged. Whether it’s knitting, kite flying, dancing, hiking, cooking, travel, or anything else that you can get engrossed in and passionate about, a hobby is an excellent way to maintain good health in old age.

How Can A Senior Citizen Get An MMJ Card?

Senior citizens can get a medical marijuana card by visiting the MMJRecs online clinic. Through the MMJRecs clinic, you will have a consultation with an MMJ doctor in your state. Once the doctor verifies your medical condition and decides that you will benefit from treatment with MMJ, you will be emailed a legal medical marijuana physician certification form instantly. It is a quick and easy process.

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More and more people are looking to supplement their current chronic illness treatment plans with natural remedies. Many natural medicine options can provide relief from a variety of different ailments and the debilitating symptoms that often go along with them.

For conditions such as arthritis, people face pain, swelling, stiffness, and a decreased range of motion that often gets worse over time and interrupts their ability to complete day-to-day tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and running errands. With arthritis affecting roughly 23% of all American adults, it’s clear that natural remedies may a viable option when it comes to helping those affected deal with their chronic health condition. So can herbal remedies really treat arthritis? And is marijuana for arthritis an effective option? Let’s find out.

Herbs to fight arthritis pain

Pain and inflammation are common symptoms in those who have arthritis. There are eight different types of arthritis, all of which are caused by different things. For example, osteoarthritis is caused by the wear and tear of cartilage in the joint, whereas rheumatoid arthritis is a result of the body’s immune system attacking healthy joints. Regardless of the type of arthritis, there are many herbs that can provide relief from the resultant pain and inflammation.

Natural medicines have gained more attention in recent years because they are less likely to cause adverse side effects. They are naturally derived, which may also be a healthier alternative for some people who are sensitive to the chemically created medications most often used today.

The best herbs for pain relief and inflammation caused by arthritis include:  

Willow bark

Willow bark can be taken as a tea or in a tablet, and has been used since ancient times as a way to stave off pain and inflammation. Research has suggested that willow bark may be useful in treating both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Turmeric

Used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties because of its main component, curcumin. Although some research suggests that it can help with arthritis pain and inflammation, more studies are needed to confirm its efficacy.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera is popular for treating sunburn, but it also provides anti-inflammatory properties without the harsh side effects that some people suffer from while taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. The most useful dosing method for aloe vera and arthritis is oral.  

Boswellia

Recent research has found that Boswellia, also known as frankincense, has anti-inflammatory effects that can benefit those with arthritic conditions. Human trials found that those taking frankincense capsules saw an improvement in pain, stiffness, and joint function.

Cat’s claw

Cat’s claw may help to reduce swelling caused by arthritis and it could help boost the immune system. It is thought to help those with arthritic conditions because of its ability to suppress the tumor necrosis factor. It does come with some side effects and limitations, though.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus may be effective at treating arthritis pain through topical application. The leaves of the eucalyptus plant contain tannins, which some studies have suggested relieves swelling and pain caused by arthritis. Treatment with eucalyptus for arthritis is often followed with heating pads to increase its efficacy. 

Ginger

Ginger is more often used in cooking, but its anti-inflammatory properties can help ease pain and inflammation. Some researchers are hopeful that ginger may become an alternative natural therapy to the use of over-the-counter and prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Thunder God vine

This long-used medicinal herb helps to suppress excessive immune activity and lower inflammation throughout the body. Because of its ability to lower immune activity, it may be helpful in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases that are caused by an overactive immune response. It may come with serious negative effects, though, and should be taken only with caution and after speaking to a doctor.

Marijuana for arthritis

Research has found that those with arthritis can find some relief from their symptoms by using medical marijuana. The best types of medical marijuana to be used for an arthritic condition are strains with a high CBD potency, because CBD is the active ingredient that can lead to pain relief. It’s also thought that strains with a high CBD can also lead to lowered inflammation in the body, thus helping to lessen the impact of inflammation-related pain caused by arthritis.

It’s worth noting that it may take time to find a specific strain and type that works for you and your arthritic condition. You should also continue with treatments prior to and then in conjunction with the use of medical marijuana, after speaking with your doctor about your options. Medical marijuana may not replace your arthritis medication, but it could help relieve some of your symptoms as a supplemental form of disease management.

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Cannabinoids are a group of chemical substances that exist both within the human body and in nature. Cannabinoids make up the endocannabinoid system in the body, a system that plays a role in communication between the brain and the body. It has a vital role in many functions within the body, including the immune response, mood, metabolism, and memory.

In medical marijuana, cannabinoids are found in the cannabis sativa plant. There are over 100 cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) being the two more notable ones. While THC is the psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, CBD is thought the moderate or lessen the psychoactive effects of THC. It can also produce an anti-psychoactive effect.

What are the health benefits of cannabinoids?

Focusing on two specific cannabinoids, THC and CBD, reveals a myriad of different health benefits. THC and CBD have different benefits when ingested medicinally. THC can offer medical relief from the symptoms of several ailments and conditions, including:

• Chronic pain
• Insomnia
• Glaucoma
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Anxiety
• Autism

Since CBD offers some health benefits without the psychoactive component of THC, it is an ideal choice for medical marijuana users who don’t wish to experience those particular sensations. CBD has been used for relief of conditions such as:

• Seizures disorders and epilepsy
• Chronic inflammation
• Chronic pain
• Psychosis or mental health disorders including anxiety and depression
• Nausea
• Migraine headaches
• Gastrointestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease

What medical conditions can be treated with CBD oil?

The aforementioned medical conditions such as migraines, seizure disorders, and chronic pain and inflammation are all classified as approved conditions for the use of CBD as medicine.

Other health conditions that can benefit from regular use of CBD oil include cancer, neurodegenerative diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, and heart disease. Recent studies have found that the use of CBD oil in cancer helped to reduce nausea, vomiting, and pain in patients undergoing chemotherapy treatments.

In the case of neurodegenerative disease, one particular study found that the use of an oral spray known as Sativex was able to reduce spasms in 75% of tested patients. Other studies have found that those with Parkinson’s disease saw an improvement in both sleep quality and overall quality of life following treatment with CBD oil. A study done on mice also found that rodents genetically predisposed to developing Alzheimer’s saw a reduction in cognitive decline with CBD treatment.

The medical use of cannabinoids such as CBD oil for heart disease has shown that those with high blood pressure may experience a reduction in resting blood pressure. One particular study also gave participants stress tests. The patients with a single dose of CBD experienced a lower rise in blood pressure than those who received the placebo.

New research continues to come to light on the use of CBD oil for a plethora of different health conditions, with many studies showing promise in the area of medicinal use of cannabinoids.

What are the side effects of cannabinoids?

Although cannabinoids have been proven to have positive effects on many health conditions, they may also come with a host of different side effects. In the case of THC, side effects can be experienced both in short-term and long-term use.

Short-term THC side effects are temporary and can include:  

• Increased heart rate
• Dry mouth
• Red eyes
• Memory loss
• Increased anxiety
• Slower reaction times
• Lessened coordination abilities
• Altered judgment
• Paranoia and psychosis when ingested in large amounts

The long-term side effects of THC typically only occur when it is taken in heavy doses for a long period of time. Those side effects can include:

• Altered brain development if used during early adolescence
• Chronic bronchitis (typical when ingestion method is smoking)
• An increased risk for developing psychosis disorders such as schizophrenia (in those with a predisposition to develop these disorders)

When it comes to the medical use of CBD, side effects may differ from those of THC. Short-term side effects of CBD include:

• Changes in appetite
• Weight loss
• Dizziness
• Gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea
• Fatigue

Since CBD is largely well tolerated by most people, the side effects are generally mild or non-existent. It can interact with certain medications such as blood thinners, though, so it’s important to take personal health history into account prior to starting a course of CBD treatment.

Methods of ingestion

For those who want to reap the benefits of using medicinal cannabinoids while mitigating risk of developing certain lung issues because of smoking, there are various ways to ingest cannabinoids. Many popular methods include topical creams; edibles such as candy, chocolate, beverages and powders; and oils.

Choosing the right cannabinoid and dosing method for you is important on your journey to wellness. The research for medical marijuana continues to grow, and at present, the benefits of cannabinoids far outweigh the risks for many people suffering from a chronic health condition.

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Medical marijuana has been approved in many states due to the growing amount of research on its effectiveness in the management of many chronic diseases. MMJ has been used successfully in the treatment of neurological disorders, chronic pain relief, gastrointestinal distress, and some mental health disorders.

The use of medical marijuana for sleep disorders has also been gaining attention. Recent studies have shown that it can improve a person’s sleep quality and duration, as well as restless leg syndrome. This is attributed to the effects that MMJ has on sleep cycles.

Read on for all you need to know about how MMJ can help treat sleep disorders.

What is a sleep disorder?

A sleep disorder is any health issue that causes problems with how long it takes someone to fall asleep, how well they stay asleep through the night, or the quality of sleep they get. Also referred to as sleep-wake disorders, these health issues can negatively affect day-to-day life for the many people who experience them. This is because without adequate sleep, the body does not rest, recharge, and rejuvenate as it should.

Sleep disorders often go hand in hand with other medical conditions such as depression, anxiety, or cognitive disorders. There are a few different types of sleep disorders, all of which present with different symptoms and generally require different treatment routes.

Some of the most common sleep disorders include:

Insomnia

Insomnia causes a person to have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep, and can lead to chronic tiredness due to the inability to get adequate rest. People with insomnia may also experience irritability, depression, or anxiety, as well as difficulty with attention span, concentration, and memory.

Obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea can be serious as it causes a person to stop and start breathing repeatedly throughout the night. Some common symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, gasping or choking that wakes a person up, morning headaches, and mood changes. 

Parasomnia

Parasomnia is characterized as abnormal or unusual behavior while sleeping, which may include talking, moving around, or sleepwalking. Other types of parasomnias include night terrors or nightmares, bedwetting, and sleep-eating. People with parasomnias tend to wake up confused, not remember any incidents, and feel tired or fatigued throughout the day.

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy occurs when a person experiences excessive sleepiness, sleep paralysis, hallucinations, or a partial or total loss of muscle control. In some cases, people will also experience sleep attacks, or involuntary sleep.

Although there are over 80 different sleep disorders, the above four are the most common.

MMJ and sleep disorders

The use of medical marijuana for sleep disorders is becoming increasingly popular in areas where medicinal use of MMJ is now legal. Medical marijuana has been shown to have a positive effect on sleep cycles; it also offers less side effects than other sleep aids, so has become a promising treatment option for many patients.

There is also evidence to suggest that the amount of marijuana used to help with a sleep disorder plays a vital role in how well it helps with the sleep disturbance, and that heavy use of cannabis can exacerbate or worsen an already existing sleep disorder, or bring about new sleep disturbances.

Can you use CBD for sleep?

The type of MMJ a person uses for a sleep disorder will determine how effective it is for their particular sleep issue. For those who don’t wish to experience the psychoactive effects of marijuana, a CBD product could be helpful. However, the best type of medical marijuana to use for sleep does contain THC. This is because THC is the potent ingredient responsible for inducing sleep.

In patients who suffer from nightmares or post-traumatic stress disorder, for example, higher THC strains can lessen the amount of REM sleep they achieve throughout the night. This could possibly give them more time in the deep-sleep state of the sleep cycle. It can also lessen the time spent dreaming, which leads to less middle-of-the-night wake-ups for people who experience frightening dreams that take them out of sleep.

What is the best indica strain for sleep?

Indica is a strain of medical marijuana that provides a person with a calming, relaxing, and soothing effect. Because of this, the strain is considered the most beneficial when it comes to treating sleep disorders. Sativa strains, on the other hand, generally encourage feelings of excitement or lead to more energy, which is the opposite of the desired effect when using MMJ for a sleep aid.

There are a few different strains of indica that are thought to help people with sleep disorders. They include:

Purple Kush

This strain has a high THC potency. It is among the most popular to be used for insomnia.

G-13

G-13 also has a high amount of THC, making it a good choice for those suffering from insomnia or other sleep disorders. Its strong sedative properties can benefit those trying to get restful sleep.

God’s Gift

This particular strain was created by combining two other strong strains of cannabis. Its THC levels can reach levels as high as 25%.

Although medical marijuana may not work as a sleep aid for everyone, it’s a worthy option for those looking to address their sleep disorder issues with natural medication.

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There are many health crises currently affecting the United States. But one of the deadliest is the opioid epidemic, which has wreaked havoc across the country. In 2019, more than 130 people died every single day from opioid-related drug overdoses. That amounts to a shocking 47,600 deaths every year.

While the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) declared opioid abuse a public health crisis in 2017, great strides have not been taken to appropriately tackle the issue.

However, in an effort to decrease opioid usage (mostly through legal prescriptions from physicians), some medical professionals are recommending their patients use medical marijuana (MMJ) products in place of opioid prescriptions to manage pain symptoms. A recent study indicates that US states with access to MMJ have seen up to a 20% drop in certain opioid use.

What is the MMJ effect on opioid use?

Doctors are increasingly suggesting their patients switch from highly addictive prescription opioids to MMJ products because they are much safer, and they are not addictive. The above-mentioned study specifically focused on orthopedic surgeons (who are the third-highest prescribers of opioids); it noted that, in states where MMJ products are legal and available, up to 20% fewer opioids were prescribed.

The fact that MMJ products are accessible makes a huge difference. In states with more restrictive MMJ laws and access to low-THC products only, there wasn’t much of a decrease in opioid prescriptions. So, when MMJ laws are less restrictive and dispensaries are easily accessible, patients have a much easier time using MMJ products to treat their symptoms versus relying on the riskier option of opioids.

Image by Christina Winter on Unsplash: States with access to MMJ have seen decreases in their opioid usage.

Does MMJ decrease opioid use?

If doctors are willing to suggest MMJ products to their patients in lieu of prescribing opioids, MMJ usage can end up decreasing overall opioid usage in the health care industry. Several studies have shown that MMJ products could affect the opioid epidemic; when switching to a cannabis regimen, many patients are able to reduce or completely stop taking their opioid prescriptions.

This means that the cannabis effect on opioid reliance could start to turn the tide of the epidemic – the more people who aren’t introduced to taking opioids in the first place, the fewer incidences of opioid addictions and overdoses will take place. Additionally, opioid users who become addicted often end up turning to even more dangerous drugs (such as heroin) in order to get their fix. This leads to even more deaths – which could be prevented at the outset if a patient were presented with an MMJ option instead of an opioid prescription.

Could MMJ replace prescribed opioid use?

Although there will always be some physicians who prefer prescribing opioids to their patients, it’s possible that MMJ products could replace these more dangerous medications for a lot of people in the future.

Let’s take a look at three main reasons why MMJ products can be a much better alternative to opioids.

MMJ products are much safer

Opioids are highly addictive and frequently result in fatal overdoses. Marijuana isn’t physically addictive, so patients don’t need to ingest more and more to feel the effects. Additionally, individuals don’t have to taper off when stopping MMJ usage; there’s no danger in stopping cold turkey.

Aside from not being addictive, there’s another main physical benefit of MMJ products – there are no side effects! Aside from feelings of euphoria and relaxation, and sometimes an increased appetite, MMJ products don’t have any of the nasty side effects that opioids do (anything from nausea and dizziness to constipation and loss of appetite). Overall, using MMJ products is a much safer, more natural treatment option for pain management.

Image by Margo Amala on Unsplash: Different forms of MMJ (like edibles) make it easier for patients to treat their symptoms without side effects.

MMJ products are easy to use

There is a lot of versatility when it comes to using MMJ products versus opioids. MMJ products can range in their potency and in how they’re ingested (smoked, vaped, in edibles, tinctures, etc.) so that they can be used in a more personalized way for each individual patient.

Each person can work with their physician or with an expert at their local dispensary to come up with an MMJ regimen that works for their particular symptoms and needs.

MMJ products are cheaper

Even though opioids are sometimes covered by health insurance, a month’s supply of pills (such as Oxycontin or Vicodin) can cost anywhere between $40 and $550! People addicted to opioids can go through a month’s supply much more quickly, leading to an incredibly costly habit.

MMJ products can be much cheaper, especially depending on the form that’s most helpful to the patient. Some states also offer discounts for people who own MMJ cards. For example, in California, MMJ cardholders don’t pay sales tax on any of their MMJ purchases, making MMJ a much more cost-effective option than opioid drugs.

As more studies are conducted in the future, it will likely become even more evident that relying more on a cannabis-based treatment regimen can lead to a decrease in opioid usage (and in overall addictions and deaths in the US). Therefore, states that are more supportive of MMJ usage will see opioid cases continue to decrease. Turning to MMJ products could be the catalyst needed to finally end the fight against the opioid epidemic in this country.

Featured image by Hal Gatewood on Unsplash

What is THC? How does THC work? Is THC the same as CBD? Is THC effective at treating pain? Is THC the same as MMJ? These are just some of the questions that people have about THC and how it can benefit them.

There is quite a lot of confusion in the general public about what exactly THC is, as well as how it relates to medical marijuana and the more well-known compound CBD. In this article, we will discuss THC, what it is, how it works, its benefits and risks, and how it can help to treat various medical conditions and their symptoms.

Image by 7raysmarketing on Pixabay: THC is found in the cannabis plant.

What Is THC?

THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol. It is one of the active compounds found in medical marijuana. THC is responsible for most of marijuana’s psychoactive effects. Different strains of medical marijuana contain different levels of THC. The amount of THC present in an MMJ strain will have a profound impact on how powerful the strain is and on the type of psychological effects it induces.

Is THC The Same As CBD?

THC and CBD are both compounds found in medical marijuana. They are the two most active compounds found in the cannabis plant and the two biggest contributors to the physical and psychological effects of MMJ. THC and CBD are not the same thing, and they have different effects.

THC and CBD both interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, but they induce very different physiological and psychological states. While CBD mainly affects the body and creates a physically relaxed feeling, THC affects the mind and induces the psychoactive effects associated with marijuana.

How Does THC Work?

THC attaches to cannabinoid receptors in the brain. When THC binds to these receptors, it activates them, and this impacts memory, thought, emotion, concentration, and coordination. THC can stimulate feelings of pleasure and euphoria, bring on vivid hallucinations, and encourage novel mental associations. It also distorts sensory and temporal perceptions.

Is THC Effective At Treating Pain?

THC is very effective at treating various kinds of pain. It does this primarily by activating cannabinoid receptors in the brain and throughout the nervous system, which has the effect of lowering pain.

The other way THC reduces pain is by stimulating a psychoactive response in the brain. The euphoria, pleasure, distorted sensory and temporal perceptions, and hallucinogenic effects of THC often stop the brain from focusing on pain, greatly reducing the patient’s awareness and experience of pain.

Image by Derneuemann on Pixabay: THC is effective at treating pain.

How To Consume THC

There are several different ways to consume THC. The most common way is to smoke it in a marijuana joint or pipe. The downside of this method of ingestion is that it is associated with various health risks caused by smoking.

Other, healthier ways to consume THC include vaping; eating, in the form of marijuana-infused candies, cakes, or meals; and drinking, in the form of marijuana-infused teas, juices, and soft drinks.

What Strength Of THC Is Considered An Average Dose?

Different strains of medical marijuana contain different amounts of THC. Also, the method of ingestion will affect the amount of THC released into the system. Raw cannabis contains very little active THC, as the compound only becomes effective once it has been heated, which results in the activation of the compound – a process known as decarboxylation.

When smoked or vaped, THC enters the bloodstream quite rapidly, and the effects are felt almost instantaneously. When eaten, THC takes a lot longer to take effect, as it is processed by the liver first. This can mean that a person must wait between 30 minutes and two hours after they have eaten MMJ-infused foods for the effects of THC to take hold.

The average recommended dose of THC from edibles for a beginner or low-tolerance patient is 5–10 milligrams.

Can THC Be Dangerous?

Like any chemical compound, THC can be dangerous if abused or consumed in too large quantities. Some of the possible side effects of consuming THC include anxiety, increased heart rate, increased appetite, dry mouth, memory loss, inability to sleep or increased drowsiness, exacerbated schizophrenic symptoms, red and watering eyes, loss of coordination, and slower reaction times.

While using THC in moderate doses is usually safe and has many health benefits, it is certainly not advisable to operate machinery or to drive a vehicle while under the influence of THC.

How To Get A Medical Marijuana Card

If you have not yet gotten an MMJ card, the easiest way to get one is to apply online at MMJRecs. MMJRecs will set up an online consultation between you and a medical marijuana doctor in your locality who can examine you and write a medical marijuana recommendation letter. The process couldn’t be easier!

Featured image by gjbmiller on Pixabay

Medical marijuana has a lot of benefits. But before you dive headfirst into the world of MMJ, it’s a good idea to know what to be on the lookout for. Perhaps one of the biggest questions people have is “What’s the best THC level for medical marijuana?”. But before that question can be answered, you must first understand what THC is, how it works, and what effects it can have on you and the condition you want to treat. Here’s all you need to know about THC and medical marijuana to get you started.

What is THC?

THC is short for tetrahydrocannabinol. It’s the chemical accountable for most of the psychological effects of medical marijuana. In fact, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, your body makes its own cannabinoid chemicals, and these are the chemicals that THC most closely acts like in the body.

THC is one of several compounds that can be found in the resin secreted by marijuana plants. Other compounds, called cannabinoids, are also found in the resin. CBD is another popular cannabinoid you may have heard of. It’s non-psychoactive, which means it doesn’t produce the same effects on the brain as THC.

How Does THC Work?

In your brain, cannabinoid receptors are dispersed throughout certain areas of the brain, clustered together most densely in the parts of the brain associated with time perception, pleasure, thinking, coordination, and memory. When you take medical marijuana, the THC in it attaches to these receptors, activating them and impacting your movement, coordination, sensory perception, pleasure, and concentration.

Image by Margo Amala on Unsplash: Wondering how to dose THC for MMJ? It depends on how you’re consuming it!

What Do Higher Levels of THC Mean?

The medical marijuana grown today is as potent as ever. In many strains of MMJ, THC potency can be around 20%, with some even as high as 30%. Considering that in the 1980s the potency of marijuana was around 2%, this is a pretty big leap.

In low doses, THC creates a euphoric state. If you take too much, you can experience some negative side effects such as anxiety and memory impairment. In fact, too much THC can even mitigate the medicinal benefits of medical marijuana, so it’s important to understand that less is definitely more when considering THC dosing for therapeutic and medicinal effects.

What’s the Best Dose for THC?

When considering how to dose THC for MMJ, microdosing is often recommended. This is when you start small and work your way up to a dose that has the effects you desire, such as pain relief, but without some of the side effects of higher doses of THC, such as anxiety.

To microdose, all you need to do is start with a small dose, such as one hit from a vape pen. Wait at least ten minutes and think about how you feel. If you think you need more, take another hit. Microdosing is a great way to figure out what dose is therapeutic for you.

Image by Esteban Lopez on Unsplash: What is THC? It’s in the resin produced by the flowers of the marijuana plant.

Which MMJ Strains Have the Highest THC Levels?

Different strains of medical marijuana have different amounts of THC in them. Often, you simply need to ask the dispensary where you purchase your MMJ what the percentage of THC is, if it’s not already clearly marked. If you get a strain with a high THC level and find that it’s not producing the desired medicinal effects, try a strain with a lower THC percentage or a higher percentage of CBD. If you don’t feel any impact from what you take, then that’s a good indication that you should choose a strain with a higher dose of THC.

What’s the Best THC Level for Medical Marijuana?

THC levels are subjective. That’s because everyone reacts just a little bit differently to THC, making it a unique experience for each person. As long as you start with a small dose and work your way up, as discussed above, you can easily find the range that suits you best and helps to address your medical concerns.

Remember that different products can affect you differently, too. Edibles may produce a different reaction at a different THC level than medical marijuana that is smoked. You should always read the label of any MMJ product you buy to see what the recommended dose is. Start off slow with a quarter to one half of the recommended dose the first time you take it and wait patiently for the effects to kick in, bearing in mind that it can take up to one hour.

If you’re ready to learn more about what medical marijuana can do for you, then let MMJRecs help you get your medical marijuana card so you can begin!

Featured image by Christina Winter on Unsplash

In 2020, both medical marijuana (MMJ) and cannabidiol (CBD) are mentioned in the media, in advertising, and in everyday conversation more than ever before. Both MMJ and CBD have become treatments du jour for a wide range of ailments, from glaucoma to insomnia to chronic pain and even depression. Both substances are improving the lives of millions of people in numerous wonderful ways.

But what are the therapeutic differences between CBD and MMJ? This can be a confusing question for a lot of people, because the two substances are very intermingled (often quite literally) and are mentioned together frequently. Are they the same thing? Are they drastically different?

Well, the fact is that they are not the same thing. MMJ contains CBD, but CBD does not contain MMJ. So while CBD and MMJ have a lot in common, they often have quite different effects and uses. In this article, we will discuss the differences between CBD and MMJ.

Image by Seaweedjeezus on Pixabay: MMJ has many therapeutic benefits.

What Is Marijuana?

Marijuana comes from the cannabis plant. It is a psychoactive substance that is used for medicinal and recreational purposes by people all over the world. The flowers, fruits, and leaves of the cannabis plant are harvested and dried to form marijuana, which can be smoked and inhaled, vaped, or added to foods and drinks.

A Brief History Of Marijuana

The cannabis plant originated in Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Evidence suggests it was used for spiritual purposes in burial ceremonies across Eurasia since before 3,500 BC. It was introduced to the western world in 1842 by Irish physician William Brooke O’Shaughnessy, who researched marijuana while working as a medical officer with the East India Company in Bengal and brought a quantity back to Britain.

Marijuana was first made illegal in the United States in 1906. It remained a criminal offense to use marijuana nationwide until 1973 when, slowly but surely, states began to decriminalize the use of marijuana. In 2012, after much lobbying and deliberation, Washington became the first U.S. state to lift the ban on marijuana. Since then, 33 states and the District of Columbia have legalized medicinal marijuana, and 11 states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational marijuana.

What Is MMJ?

MMJ stands for “medical marijuana”. MMJ is, for all intents and purposes, the same as any other type of marijuana. The distinction comes only in its legal status. In 22 states, marijuana is illegal unless it is for medicinal purposes. In these states, it is not permitted to use marijuana unless it is prescribed by a medical professional.

What Is CBD?

CBD is cannabidiol. It is a cannabinoid that is found in the cannabis plant. CBD is one of the active compounds in marijuana. It is used for medicinal and health-boosting purposes.

Image by CBD-Infos-com on Pixabay: CBD is often used in oil form.

What Are The Therapeutic Differences Between MMJ And CBD?

There are several therapeutic differences between CBD and MMJ. These are important to understand, because they will inform your decision on which substance is best suited for your particular needs.

1. MMJ Has Psychoactive Effects

MMJ has psychoactive effects that are caused by the compound THC. Generally, the more THC a strain of medical marijuana contains, the more psychoactive it will be. While CBD is an active compound in MMJ, it is not in any way psychoactive. CBD, when taken on its own, has no psychoactive effects.

2. Treatment With MMJ Or CBD Requires Different Legal Considerations

A key difference between CBD and MMJ is their status under the law. MMJ is legal in 33 states plus D.C. MMJ is still illegal under federal law, although state laws hold sway and the federal ban only means that MMJ cannot be taken across state lines. CBD, on the other hand, is legal in all 50 states.

3. CBD And MMJ Provide Different Therapeutic Benefits

CBD and MMJ provide different therapeutic benefits. CBD is mainly used to treat pain, insomnia, anxiety, muscle spasms, and IBS. MMJ is used to treat a wider range of medical conditions. including glaucoma, chronic pain, MS, migraines, cancer symptoms, arthritis pain, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

4. CBD And MMJ Have Different Side Effects

The only potential side effects of CBD are mild diarrhea, tiredness, and a change in appetite. MMJ can have stronger side effects that include increased appetite, drowsiness, increased heart rate, dry mouth, nausea, dizziness, paranoia, and exacerbation of schizophrenia symptoms.

5. CBD And MMJ Can Be Ingested In Different Ways

CBD is ingested mainly in oil form. CBD oil can be taken in capsules or added to foods or drinks. MMJ is most commonly smoked, but can also be vaped, eaten, or added to drinks.

How Do You Apply For An MMJ Letter?

The best way to apply for an MMJ letter is to have an online consultation with a licensed MMJ medical professional. MMJRecs is an online telemedicine platform that sets up consultations between MMJ patients and MMJ doctors in their state. Getting an MMJ letter is an easy and quick process that can be done from the comfort of your own home.

Featured image by CBD-Infos-com on Pixabay

If you’re suffering from specific physical or emotional symptoms, you might be interested in using medical marijuana (MMJ) or CBD products to help alleviate those symptoms. However, things can get confusing when it comes to how to decide whether to use CBD or MMJ. Both substances offer relief from some medical conditions, but a few aspects of their usage can differ. Keep reading for a breakdown of the differences between CBD and MMJ so you can make an informed decision.

What is marijuana?

Also known as cannabis, marijuana is a mixture of the dried flowers of Cannabis sativa. It can be consumed in a ton of different forms, including cigarettes, water pipes, vaporizers, and even food products (called “edibles”). The main psychoactive or mind-altering chemical in marijuana is called THC. When it’s consumed, many people experience a feeling of euphoria and a sense of relaxation. Some people might also experience heightened sensory perception, an altered perception of time, and/or increased appetite. There are 11 states in the U.S. in which recreational marijuana is currently legal.

What is MMJ?

MMJ, or medical marijuana, is marijuana that is used for medicinal purposes. Currently, there are 33 states in the U.S. that offer legal medical marijuana. MMJ products are used to treat a variety of physical and emotional medical conditions, including but not limited to:

• Chronic pain
• Eating disorders
• Symptoms from cancer (including severe nausea)
• HIV/AIDS
• Glaucoma
• Insomnia
• Muscle spasticity
• Multiple sclerosis

Image by Sam Doucette on Unsplash: Medical marijuana can help treat a variety of medical conditions.

Many people wonder, “Do I need a prescription to use MMJ?” The answer is technically yes. In order to get legal MMJ products, you are typically required to have a licensed physician in your state fill out a written form that verifies you have a valid need for MMJ. Some states also require you to apply for an ID card. The exact requirements for MMJ usage do differ from state to state, so it’s always a good idea to check with your individual state’s regulations before you act.

If you don’t have a physician who can help with the documentation you might need, MMJRecs is at your service! They can connect you virtually with a doctor who can assist you with your medical certification (as well as offer a way to get your ID card) so that you can get all set up to purchase MMJ products at your convenience.

What is CBD?

CBD comes from the word cannabidiol; it’s one of the two properties found in marijuana (the other being THC, the one that gets you high). CBD is extracted from hemp or marijuana products and is sold in many forms, including oils, gummies, and extracts. Because of its lack of THC, you won’t feel high when you use it, but you can still feel its many positive effects, such as relief from pain, reduction in symptoms of anxiety, and lower blood pressure.

So, is CBD the same as MMJ? They’re similar in that they treat many physical and emotional symptoms, but the main difference is that you won’t feel high when you use CBD. There are also a few things CBD can help with that MMJ products can’t, including reducing symptoms of depression, decreasing seizures, and helping with psychosis. CBD is legal in 23 states. Another 14 states do allow CBD oil to be legal. There are just three states that have completely banned CBD products: Idaho, Nebraska, and South Dakota.

What are the differences between CBD and MMJ?

If you’re asking yourself, “Should I use CBD or MMJ to treat my symptoms?”, there are some main differences you should keep in mind.

1. You do not need any kind of medical intervention to purchase CBD products if it’s legal in your state. In fact, it’s possible to purchase CBD products in many stores and online. You might want to try CBD products if you don’t want to get evaluated by a doctor (like you would need to do in order to purchase MMJ).
2. There are basically no side effects when using CBD. Marijuana can cause increased heart rate, coordination problems, dry mouth, red eyes, memory loss, and slower reaction times. High rates of THC use (and long-term use) can also result in possible long-term psychiatric problems.
3. Not every drug test will result in a positive for CBD use, but all drug tests will result in a positive for MMJ products.

So, when considering whether to use CBD or MMJ products, research which would better treat your individual symptoms and best fit your needs. Some people might find that CBD products work well enough to treat their issues (including things like easing migraines, decreasing seizures, and working as an anti-inflammatory). However, MMJ products might be a good option if CBD products won’t do the trick. For example, CBD products won’t help with increased appetite, but MMJ products can.

Image by CBD-Infos-com on Pixabay: CBD oil has virtually zero side effects, so you can always use it safely.

Bottom line: Both CBD and MMJ products are safe to use and don’t need to be monitored by a doctor in order for you to use them. If you’d like to limit the amount of side effects or don’t wish to have the feeling of being high, CBD products will work well for you. CBD is also legal in more places in the U.S. However, MMJ products are great for people who want relief from their symptoms along with experiencing a euphoric and relaxed state.

Talk to your doctor before trying any of these products to make sure they won’t interact with any other medications you might be on or other physical conditions you have. Then you can start getting the benefits of these products as soon as possible!

Featured image by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Medical marijuana, along with other cannabis products, is growing in popularity across the country. As a result, people are becoming more and more curious about the natural compounds found in marijuana and how it may be able to help them. Here’s what you need to know about CBD and medical marijuana, including how they are used and what each may be able to do for you.

What Is CBD?

CBD (cannabidiol) is a chemical compound derived from the marijuana or hemp plant. It’s a natural substance that people use to help treat chronic pain and other medical conditions, since it can help to create feelings of calmness and relaxation in the user and treat other symptoms. CBD either does not contain THC or has only trace amounts, which means it doesn’t have the psychoactive properties many people associate with marijuana – making it legal in states where medical marijuana is not yet available. In these states, you do not need a prescription for CBD.

The Health Benefits Of CBD

Many studies have been done on CBD, uncovering a slew of health benefits associated with its use. These include:

• Pain relief. CBD has been found to help reduce pain associated with certain conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, especially in combination with THC.
• May reduce depression and anxiety. In both human and animal studies, CBD has been found to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• Alleviation of cancer-related symptoms. Some of the side effects of cancer treatment, such as pain, vomiting, and nausea, have been found to be reduced with use of CBD.

Image by Enecta Cannabis extracts on Unsplash: CBD and medical marijuana: It pays to know the pros and cons of each so you can harness their power in your life!

What Is Medical Marijuana?

Medical marijuana is marijuana cultivated specifically for use in the treatment of medical conditions or diseases. The marijuana plant contains a chemical called delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. THC has a psychoactive effect on the brain, inducing the feelings of euphoria that many people associate with the plant.

Uses Of Medical Marijuana

Medical marijuana has been used to treat a variety of conditions, such as:

• Cancer
• Glaucoma
• Eating disorders
• Crohn’s disease
• Epilepsy
• Nausea
• Pain
• Muscle spasms
• PTSD
• Multiple sclerosis

If you live in a state that has approved the use of medical marijuana, you can get an MMJ card that entitles you to buy, grow, and possess certain amounts of medical marijuana.

What Are The Differences Between CBD And Medical Marijuana?

CBD and medical marijuana have different side effects for different people. CBD has been found to be tolerated in very large doses, and the side effects that are possible usually occur due to drug interactions between the CBD and any medications you may be taking.

Medical marijuana and the THC it contains, on the other hand, is associated with several side effects. These may include:

• Dry mouth
• Slow reaction time
• Increased heart rate
• Red eyes
• Coordination issues
• Memory loss

These side effects are due to the psychoactive effects of the THC – something you don’t find with CBD, simply because it contains much less THC. Rest assured that neither compound is fatal, but high THC use can have lasting effects, especially in adolescents who use large amounts of THC.

Image by Esteban Lopez on Unsplash: Should you use CBD or medical marijuana? Talk to your health care provider to find out more.

How to Get an MMJ Letter

The state you live in has its own procedures for obtaining an MMJ card. In most states, you need an MMJ letter from a doctor in order to qualify. This is something MMJRecs can help you with! All you need to do is get a medical evaluation online by filling out a form and uploading any required documents. Then you’re free to use the letter to apply for an MMJ card in your state.

The Final Word

If you’re still wondering “Should I use CBD or medical marijuana?”, the answer comes down to your personal circumstances. THC and CBD both have medical benefits and both are safe to use, but it’s important to consider how they may impact you, especially if you take other medications. Talk to your health care practitioner to find out which option is best for you, and put the power of CBD and medical marijuana to use in your life today!

Featured image by CBD Infos on Unsplash

If you or a family member suffers from seizures, you will know just how debilitating they can be. Seizures vary considerably in their severity, but nearly three million Americans experience them regularly in some form or other. One of the most challenging things to have to deal with is the suddenness with which seizures can come on. This lack of warning is not only potentially dangerous because you could be anywhere and doing anything when a seizure strikes, but it can also really affect your confidence, and might even prevent you from going to work or socializing as much as you would like.

Over the past few years, a lot of research has been conducted about seizures and medical marijuana. Many sufferers are looking for an answer to the question “Can MMJ help seizures?” Below, we’ll take a look at some of the research results and some of the popular strains and dosages, and advise you on how to get a medical marijuana recommendation for seizures.

Does medical cannabis treat seizures?

Research into the beneficial effects of medical marijuana in treating seizures and many other conditions has been ongoing for a number of years. It takes time and is not easy to carry out due to a number of federal regulations and various constraints, including financial ones. According to epilepsy.com, recent studies have concluded that a certain type of CBD has proved beneficial in treating some epileptic sufferers who have not previously responded to traditional medicines.

Furthermore, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a drug called Epidiolex, which is made from a plant-based form of CBD, as a treatment for people who are dealing with severe seizures – specifically, any adult or child two years of age or older diagnosed with Dravet Syndrome or Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS). Studies show that some of the participants had a startling drop in seizures after taking Epidiolex. Clearly, there is some truth in the claim that MMJ can help treat seizures, although more research is still needed.

How does medical marijuana treat seizures?

The jury is still out on the relationship between seizures and medical marijuana, and how exactly MMJ works to eliminate or reduce the number of seizures. One theory is that CBD can play a part in affecting the hippocampus, which is a hub in our brain where information is exchanged. Seizures can occur if this exchange is messed up. Another theory is that CBD can interact positively with our NMDA receptors, which play a big part in our learning and memory capacities. That’s the science bit! But basically, a lot of anecdotal evidence – as well as more and more scientific research – supports the fact that MMJ can help in reducing the number of seizures you suffer.

Image by Julia Teichmann from Pixabay: How does medical cannabis treat seizures?

The best dosage and strains for treating seizures

If you want to know more about seizures and medical marijuana, it’s necessary to get professional advice. Your physician may recommend trying MMJ alongside your traditional medicine, or you may like to try it in place of traditional medicine to cut down on nasty side effects. Whatever you decide to try, it’s important to take the right amount and a suggested strain that is best for you. Recommended dosages for treating seizures are:

• 16mg of CBD + 2mg of THC for small children up to teenagers;
• 25mg daily for teenagers 15 years and above, or a weight of 100lbs or over;
• 25mg twice daily for adults.

We do advise you to check these amounts with your physician or local medical marijuana dispensary.

The best way of ingesting MMJ for controlling seizures is via edibles, oil, or tinctures. Two recommended strains are Charlotte’s Web and White Widow. The former is definitely the most popular. Named after a little girl who had Dravet Syndrome, Charlotte’s Web was developed by Colorado-based growers specifically for her. Once Charlotte started using the specially formulated cannabis oil, the number of seizures she suffered reduced dramatically.

The second recommendation comes from The Netherlands. A hybrid containing both Sativa and Indica, White Widow is one of the most common strains of MMJ, popular for treating a number of complaints. It contains terpenes, which are known for being effective in the treatment of seizures.

Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay: You can get a medical marijuana recommendation for seizures to make managing your condition a little easier.

How can I get a medical marijuana recommendation for seizures?

Seizures are one of the qualifying conditions for an MMJRecs card. Simply apply with us online for a relaxed evaluation with one of our qualified medical marijuana doctors. This consultation can take place virtually if you prefer not to travel or have a face-to-face meeting. If our expert deems that you qualify for a medical marijuana card, it will be sent to you right away so that you can start using it at your local dispensary. You will also be allowed to grow your own plants.

If you or a loved one suffers from seizures, help and relief might just be a click away. Contact us now to find out more about seizures and medical marijuana and discover if we can help make a difference in your life.

Featured image by Add Weed on Unsplash

It’s a sad fact that one in three people will get cancer at some stage in their lives. That’s a scary thought to face – it means that if it’s not you, it’s likely to be a person close to you. Everybody knows someone who has been, or is currently, affected by cancer. For some people, the treatment for cancer can be as bad as or worse than the actual disease. There are so many debilitating side effects to deal with, alongside the trauma of fighting the illness itself. Patients often turn to alternative therapies to help them cope with the pain of the disease and the disabling effects of the treatment drugs. A question frequently asked is “Can medical marijuana help cancer patients?” Below we’ll show you why we believe it is indeed possible to treat cancer symptoms with MMJ.

How can medical cannabis help cancer patients?

Research and a lot of anecdotal evidence point to the fact that MMJ products can help in alleviating the extreme nausea and vomiting taht often results from chemotherapy treatment. Additionally, medical cannabis has been shown to relieve pain. Using MMJ to help with pain relief is clearly a better option than taking yet more drugs, which will have their own side-effects to add to those caused by the chemotherapy. WebMD also tells us that medical marijuana can help treat nerve pain and damage caused by chemotherapy and that it can play a part in alleviating inflammation. Furthermore, according to Cancer.org, some scientific reports have indicated that MMJ can slow the growth of or even kill off certain types of cancer cells.

While there is still a long way to go yet when it comes to cancer patients and medical marijuana, it’s comforting to know that research and tests are constantly being carried out, and that so far there is good evidence to show that MMJ can help cancer patients.

What’s the best way to ingest MMJ?

MMJ comes in many different forms. You can buy or make your own edibles containing it. This might be preferable for some patients who prefer not to smoke, but there are a couple of downsides to edibles. Firstly, it takes longer for the marijuana to get into your system this way, and secondly it’s harder to control how much you’re actually ingesting. You might take a couple of bites of something and think “OK, this is doing nothing for me” – so you take a couple more bites, and in a little while, it hits you hard. Smoking medical marijuana is much more immediate and therefore more controllable, and is the recommended way to help relieve cancer symptoms and chemotherapy side effects.

Image by Sharon McCutcheon on Pixabay: What’s the best way to treat cancer symptoms with MMJ?

How do I get my MMJ card?

Whichever way you take it, it’s advisable to seek advice on the best strain and the definitive amount to take for your particular condition. We can help you with that at MMJRecs. We can inform you about the qualifying conditions for MMJ (cancer most certainly being one of them), and our expert medical marijuana doctors can not only assess you for qualification, but can also advise you on the best strains and amount to take to help treat cancer symptoms with MMJ.  You simply have to fill in a form online, and the assessment can then take place virtually so you don’t have to leave your home and go through a face-to-face consultation. Our experts are always respectful and professional.

If you qualify, your MMJ card will be sent to you immediately and you can start using it at dispensaries and/or for growing your own plants. Even if recreational marijuana is legal in your particular state, owning an MMJ card is definitely beneficial for the following reasons: you will be allowed to grow more of your own plants; recreational use of MMJ is not allowed in public places, but with an MMJ card, you can smoke medical marijuana wherever tobacco smoking is allowed; and finally, there’s no sales tax on MMJ in most states. All good news!

CBD and THC

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are both components present in cannabis plants. The main difference between them is that THC can give you that trademark cannabis “high,” whereas CBD is non-psychoactive. Medical marijuana generally has a much lower THC content than recreational marijuana, or contains no THC at all. Which strain you should use really depends on your own particular desires and needs. THC has been shown to ease nausea, pain, and inflammation but it can cause or increase anxiety. CBD, on the other hand can ease anxiety as well as pain and inflammation. To treat cancer symptoms with MMJ, a strain with high levels of CBD is often the best way to go.

Image by Margo Amala on Unsplash: Cancer patients and medical marijuana can go hand in hand.

Hopefully this has helped in some way to answer the question “Can MMJ help cancer patients?”. We’d be pleased to help you further on MMJRecs.com. The bottom line is that if you are dealing with cancer, it’s definitely worth exploring the possible benefits of medical marijuana. We would recommend consulting with your own physician and definitely don’t give up any conventional medicines without taking advice. MMJ can work alongside your regular treatment by helping to relieve some of the symptoms and drug side effects, and perhaps by negating the need for further painkilling drugs.

Featured image by LMoonlight from Pixabay

There are currently more than 240,000 people living with lupus in the US today. Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that causes the body’s immune system to attack its own tissues and internal organs (including the brain, heart, and lungs). The inflammation caused by lupus results in patients experiencing chronic pain, tissue swelling and damage, and extreme fatigue. There is currently no cure for lupus, but some of the symptoms are treated with prescription medications, including corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs. For people who don’t want to rely on medications that often come with significantly unpleasant side effects, or for whom medication is not effective, they’ve found they can treat Lupus symptoms with MMJ (medical marijuana). So, is it true that lupus patients and medical marijuana are a good match? Keep reading for more info about how cannabis can help treat lupus.

Can medical cannabis help lupus patients?

Lupus is often marked with periods of remission where symptoms are not as noticeable. But patients can experience what are called flare-ups, where their symptoms can be felt significantly (and which can lead to potentially debilitating physical issues). During these flare-ups, patients are often looking for any type of relief from the pain and discomfort they’re experiencing. To help combat these symptoms, doctors are always searching for what can be potentially helpful to lupus patients.

In recent years, researchers have found that cannabis helps in fighting inflammation that is present for lupus patients. It can decrease inflammation in the body by suppressing specific parts of the immune system. Cannabis actually lowers levels of interleukin-2 and raises interleukin-19 (an anti-inflammatory protein). Marijuana also has the added benefit of being able to alleviate pain, which is why so many patients with chronic pain are proponents of cannabis usage. Patients can ingest it in a number of different ways, and they often experiment to discover which strains and which forms help to give them the most relief from their lupus symptoms. These can range from edibles (like gummies) to tinctures or vaped liquids.

Does CBD produce the same effects?

CBD (cannabinoid) products are basically a component of marijuana that doesn’t have THC, which is the ingredient that makes you feel high. CBD has swept the country in recent years – you can find it in everything from oils and edibles to beauty products and caffeine drinks. Without the psychoactive effects, CBD can be used for a huge variety of reasons (including anxiety, nausea, insomnia, and chronic pain) without a person feeling high or unable to function.

Image by CBD-Infos-com on Pixabay: Hemp extract or CBD oil can be helpful in treating symptoms of lupus.

Researchers have begun to study the effects of CBD on lupus patients who are using it to reduce inflammation and decrease pain levels related to the condition. Although more research needs to be conducted, initial results seem to indicate that high levels of oral CBD can help alleviate some lupus symptoms in patients with the disease. Some researchers think that CBD products are the most effective when they’re used in combination with other marijuana compounds. This is known as the “entourage effect,” and many scientists note that taking an isolated chemical in pill form might be less effective than if a patient uses these products altogether. So, along with CBD products, the answer to “Can MMJ help lupus patients?” is yes!

Why is it useful to have an MMJ card?

If individuals want to try out CBD products, they don’t need any official documentation or intervention from a doctor. In fact, these products can be found in a ton of stores or online. However, if a person wants to obtain MMJ products, they’ll need an MMJ card, which can be obtained through MMJRecs. There are tons of benefits to owning a card (even if the person lives in a state where recreational marijuana is legal). For example, MMJ cardholders can:

• Grow their own MMJ products at home
• Possess more product at one time
• Get tax benefits (like no sales tax in some states)
• Have access to more licensed dispensaries

With an MMJ card, people are entitled to grow and possess more product so they can effectively treat their medical condition without having to worry about running out of the MMJ products they need.

Image by Roberto Valdivia on Unsplash: Having an MMJ card means a person can grow their own cannabis plants.

How do I get an MMJ card?

A patient simply needs to have a qualifying medical condition in order to be eligible for an MMJ card. There are a large number of conditions that will qualify, ranging from eating disorders and cancer to glaucoma and chronic pain. To get started, MMJRecs can help by providing a complete doctor’s recommendation and an official MMJ card that can be shown at dispensaries or to law enforcement. It’s a super convenient way to obtain a card (without having to go through any government red tape) – and the entire process can be conducted online!

It’s important to remember that you should check with your doctor before starting to use any marijuana or CBD products, but if you’re wondering, “How can medical marijuana help lupus patients?”, you can always try this avenue of treatment to find out if you’ll be helped by MMJ or CBD products.

Featured image by Zohre Nemati on Unsplash

Medical marijuana is used for many chronic conditions, one of which is arthritis in all its forms. Like many of the conditions that qualify patients for MMJ cards, the main course of action for those that suffer from arthritis is the management of their symptoms, which include joint pain and stiffness, among others. MMJ has been used by many arthritis sufferers to manage these symptoms. So how does marijuana help arthritis, exactly? Here’s what you need to know about MMJ and joint pain.

A bit of background on arthritis

Arthritis is a catch-all term for several distinctive conditions that cause swelling and tenderness in the joints, resulting in pain and stiffness. The two most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis causes the cartilage in your joints to break down, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes your immune system to attack the joints, beginning with the linings of the joints, most commonly in the hands and wrists.

In both cases, the course of treatment is to manage the symptoms of arthritis to make the patient more comfortable, which often involves reducing pain and inflammation. This is where the relationship between MMJ and arthritis comes into play.

Can marijuana help arthritis?

If you’ve been wondering “Can marijuana help joint pain?”, the answer is yes! Medical marijuana helps with arthritic joint pain by targeting the two main symptoms: pain and inflammation. When taking medical marijuana, the phytocannabinoids it contains (specifically THC) bind to the cannabinoid receptors of your brain, producing euphoria and pain relief. Additionally, these same phytocannabinoids (specifically CBD) help reduce swelling and inflammation in different parts of the body, including joints.

Interestingly, rheumatoid arthritis causes the body to release inflammatory proteins into the joints, including cytokines, chemokines, nitric oxide synthetase, and by-products of arachidonic acid. These in turn causes the body to produce and release endocannabinoids – the chemicals that bind to the same cannabinoid receptors as THC. Why would the body release ECs as part of the inflammatory response while people use MMJ to combat it? Supposedly, it’s the body’s natural way to try to reduce this inflammation, meaning the phytocannabinoids in medical marijuana actually boost the body’s own natural anti-inflammatory response.

The main symptom of arthritis is joint pain. So can marijuana help joint pain? Let’s find out!

How does marijuana help arthritis patients?

1) Pain relief

The interaction of THC, CBD and other phytocannabinoids with cannabinoid receptors leads to generalized pain reduction. The euphoric effects of THC have also been held up as reducing the painful symptoms of both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, even if only through distraction.

2) Inflammation reduction

More notable in the application against rheumatoid arthritis than osteoarthritis, the phytocannabinoids in medical marijuana are believed to help reduce inflammation, specifically in arthritic joints which show an elevated level of ECs. CBD is considered by some to be more effective for inflammation reduction, but current thinking tends to accept that the naturally balanced levels of unprocessed marijuana rather than extracts are the best option for most people.

3) Prevention of nerve damage

Most studies into MMJ and arthritis aren’t carried out on humans due to the ongoing federal ban, but one animal-based study found that “prophylactic CBD treatment prevented the later development of pain and nerve damage in… [osteoarthritis] joints.”

4) Reduced side effects

Medical marijuana certainly isn’t without side effects. Many might consider the “high” from THC and resulting physiological reactions, such as increased heart rate, as major issues – not to mention the potential dangers of consuming MMJ via smoking. However, the physical side effects are considered minor compared to those of other drugs like NSAIDs (e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen), which in strong doses can cause long-term damage to major organs.

What are the best strains?

The MMJ strains most appropriate for arthritis depend on the individual user’s needs. Generally speaking, there are two strains that you’ll come across: cannabis sativa, with high CBD levels, and cannabis indica, with more THC. Research increasingly indicates that a balance of phytocannabinoids could prove the most effective route to take, but those looking to avoid the psychoactive effects of THC may wish to consider getting a strain with higher levels of CBD.

MMJ and joint pain relief go hand in hand if you have the right strain.

How can arthritis sufferers get an MMJ card?

Arthritis is possibly the most common reason for a patient to get an MMJ card, which makes it a relatively easy process, especially when applying online through a platform like MMJ Recs. MMJ Recs allows the patient to complete the entire process from their own home and without having to deal with their normal GP. The first step to acquiring an MMJ card is getting a letter of recommendation from a registered medical practitioner. Through MMJ Recs, this can be done by completing an online medical form (along with the appropriate attachments), then having a conversation with a medical professional via video chat to determine your eligibility. If they believe medical marijuana is right for you, your letter of recommendation can be sent almost immediately, which is then used to secure your MMJ card to be used in dispensaries.

When it comes down to it, we don’t know all of the connections between MMJ and joint pain. However, there is a growing base of evidence that MMJ can manage pain and reduce inflammation for arthritis patients, and all with fewer side effects than other drugs.

More and more people are getting introduced to the many advantages of using medical marijuana. With its increased availability and popularity, senior citizens are becoming more likely to buy MMJ products. Between 2006 and 2013, the use of cannabis by senior citizens (over the age of 65) increased by an astounding 250 percent. In fact, the elderly make up about 14 percent of all cannabis users in the United States. And for good reason: there are actually countless ways that medical marijuana can help improve seniors’ physical and mental health.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common ailments seniors can use MMJ products to treat.

Cancer

Many seniors turn to medical marijuana for help with cancer symptoms. Because those undergoing chemotherapy are faced with severe nausea and vomiting, MMJ products can be helpful in alleviating these symptoms. Additionally, medical cannabis can be useful in treating pain – without the patient having to rely on harmful prescription painkillers. If cancer patients are facing loss of appetite, MMJ products can also provide a more natural way of stimulating their appetite.

In addition to treating symptoms of cancer, research has demonstrated that marijuana can actually kill cancer cells. Cannabis compounds have been shown to slow down the growth of different types of cancer (including breast, prostate, and lung cancers). Researchers even believe that cannabis can prevent cancer cells from spreading to healthy tissue.

Alzheimer’s

This degenerative brain disease affects around 10 percent of seniors in the US (more than four million people every year). While MMJ products can help with conditions associated with this disease (like loss of appetite and depression), researchers are also finding that the marijuana component, THC, might actually help slow the advancement of Alzheimer’s in the brain.

Parkinson’s Disease

This degenerative disorder causes brain cells that produce dopamine to die, resulting in uncontrollable shaking, muscle spasms, loss of balance, and a decrease in cognitive functions. A study recently conducted in Israel showed that Parkinson’s patients who smoked medical cannabis found reductions in their tremors and muscle rigidity.

Chronic pain is common among seniors, but MMJ products can help with relief.

Chronic pain

Pain is one of the most prevalent symptoms treated by MMJ. While some of the topical applications can help with pain in specific areas of the body, some MMJ products can be ingested for overall body pain (like from nerve damage). Medical cannabis can also be useful in alleviating joint pain from arthritis (which is fairly common among seniors). A recent study with seniors even showed that a whopping 93 percent of patients felt improvement in their pain symptoms while using cannabis. The study also demonstrated that more than 18 percent of the participants were able to reduce or completely stop their opioid (painkiller) usage.

Mental Disorders

Seniors are often diagnosed with mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety. Many elderly individuals rely on MMJ products to ease these symptoms. Although people might not know this, eating disorders are actually common among seniors. Around 80 percent of deaths related to anorexia are among elderly patients. MMJ products can be used to help seniors keep up their appetite and encourage more food intake. Insomnia is also a common disorder for senior citizens – medical marijuana can help improve sleep patterns so individuals are getting better quality sleep every night.

Glaucoma

This eye condition occurs when there’s a buildup of fluid that results in damage to the nerves in the eye. It’s also the leading cause of blindness in seniors. MMJ products can actually help to relieve the pressure that develops with the buildup of fluid, creating an overall improvement in eye health.

Medical marijuana isn’t just for “young people” – it can really benefit the elderly too, and more and more seniors are taking advantage of it!

There are countless other conditions that MMJ can help with, including liver inflammation, lupus, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, etc. Because these products don’t work like typical prescription drugs, many people report finding almost instant relief from some of their harder-to-treat symptoms.

While seniors can easily see how they can improve some of their symptoms, they should also be aware of the other benefits they can get by using medical marijuana instead of prescriptions. For example, they can actually save money by getting an MMJ card – which is super valuable considering most seniors are living on a fixed income. Because there is no sales tax on medical marijuana in certain states (including California), seniors can save money on all their MMJ purchases. They also have the freedom to grow their own plants, which can be more cost-effective (especially since they can grow the strains that would best fit their treatment needs). Additionally, if seniors are able to skip taking some of their prescription medications in lieu of using MMJ products, they can also see some significant savings. For example, most seniors spend around $3,000 on prescription medications every year. Medical cannabis users usually only spend around $650 per year on MMJ products!

Seniors who use medical marijuana products can do so without worrying about becoming addicted as they would while taking most prescription painkillers. Also, there are very few side effects when using MMJ (like dry mouth or mild dizziness), as opposed to pain meds that can cause many serious issues. Basically, there are plenty of reasons that seniors should start using medical marijuana to help improve their health!

If you’re thinking about using medical marijuana, you might be anxious as to how you can make it fit in with your daily life. MMJ has a difficult reputation, but thanks to a rise in use, further legalization, and increased research in the area, more and more people are turning to it in order to treat the symptoms of illnesses that can be difficult and debilitating. The good news is that it’s an incredibly flexible medication and you just need some specialist advice in order to integrate it into your life.

The first step is to log onto the internet and seek a medical marijuana specialist. While seeing a doctor online might seem a bit odd, the internet is one of the best places to seek advice on medical marijuana. As many traditional doctors have outdated ideas on what MMJ is and how it can treat patients, many specialist websites have been established online to provide patients with advice on how best to treat their conditions.

The next step is to make an appointment and then log on to speak to your doctor online. They will ask about your condition and talk to you about the best medical marijuana treatment plan for you. Medical cannabis can treat a variety of symptoms of conditions including, but not limited to, cancer, HIV/AIDS, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. There are different forms and strains of medical marijuana that can have different effects on the body.

Joints are just one of the ways you can take MMJ.

Once you have your medical advice, you need to ascertain how MMJ is going to affect you and if you need to make special accommodations in your life in order to integrate your new treatment. Some strains of medical marijuana can have side effects such as drowsiness, which are not ideal when you’re working full-time or have an active social life. If this is the case for you, you’ll need to work out a treatment schedule that allows you to take your medication without interfering with your daily routine.

After picking the strain that’ll best treat your condition, you then need to decide which form of medical marijuana you’re going to take. The possibilities are endless and you are definitely not limited to smoking joints. Vaping, edibles, topical treatments, oils, and tinctures are just the tip of the iceberg and depending on your daily routine, there’s a perfect solution for you. If you’re unsure as to the best form of MMJ for you, the best thing to do is to go to a reputable dispensary for advice on what would work best for you. Not all strains will be available in all forms, but a dispensary employee will be able to give you advice on what works best.

When you have your medical cannabis, you’ll have to decide how best to take it. If you’re a busy professional, a discreet form of MMJ, such as a tincture or oil, would probably be best. Edibles are also a good way to take medical marijuana as long as you ensure that no one else mistakes them for normal candies or cookies and mistakenly eats one. You don’t want to be responsible for anyone else’s marijuana journey! If you have a more relaxed or flexible lifestyle, you can make the choice for yourself. It’s just important to make sure that you take your treatment with supervision if drowsiness or similar side effects are in play.

Medical cannabis is easy to incorporate into your daily life to treat the symptoms of your illness.

It is also important to remember the legality of medical marijuana while you’re traveling. While marijuana is legal for recreational reasons in some states and for medical reasons in others, it is still illegal on a federal level. This means that you cannot bring medical cannabis on planes and you could be arrested for bringing it into states where it is still completely illegal. This is obviously incredibly frustrating for people who rely on medical marijuana to go about their day to day business, but you do not want to risk getting on the wrong side of the law. It is often worth consulting a legal professional on this subject, especially if you’re traveling out of your state on a long-term assignment and genuinely can’t do without your MMJ.

Like any new medication, you will need to adjust your life slightly to your new medical regime. However, the payoff will always be worth it. Whether you’re using medical marijuana to improve your appetite, to reduce your nausea, or to control your seizures, you will feel a new lease of life in adding medical cannabis to your life. As well as physical symptoms, you may be able to use MMJ to help your mental health, so why not get some information and give it a try? It’s likely that you’ll never look back.

Medical marijuana is something that suffers from a lot of stigma. While it offers real treatment to many patients who suffer from a variety of conditions, it is the victim of misinformation from people who believe it to be nothing more than a legitimized street drug. The truth is that medical marijuana helps people who need it most and the most common myths can be easily dispelled by common sense and evidence.

1. Patients are Addicts

This myth is often spread by people who have little experience in the conditions that can be helped by medical marijuana. Many people use medical marijuana, including people suffering from cancer, multiple sclerosis, HIV/AIDS, depression, anxiety, and a range of other conditions. These people are not addicted to their treatment but need it to keep them well so they are not debilitated by the symptoms of their conditions, some of which can be overwhelming. We don’t say that patients being treated by mainstream pharmaceuticals are addicts, so why should we do it to MMJ users?

2. MMJ Encourages Teens to Use Marijuana

Medical marijuana is only prescribed to children and teenagers when they really need it, such as when they are suffering from debilitating seizures or nausea. Doctors who advise patients to take medical marijuana do so when they know that it will vastly improve the quality of their lives. Medical marijuana is not a dangerous and recreational drug, but a legitimate treatment that allows all patients, including teenagers, to be able to better manage their symptoms. It is simply untrue to say that medical marijuana is pushing teenagers into drug use when it is allowing them to live better lives.

Image by Michael Moriarty from Pixabay: There has been so much stigma surrounding medical marijuana that it can be hard to distinguish truth from myth.

3. Medical Marijuana is a “Gateway Drug”

This is another myth that treats medical cannabis differently to other drugs and treatments. Due to marijuana being illegal in the past, many people do not believe in its ability to treat symptoms of various conditions and assume that people who use medical marijuana will be encouraged to use hard and illegal drugs such as heroin or cocaine. People who use medical cannabis are not seeking a high, so are not likely to move onto hard drugs in order to chase that high. Patients are not taking medical marijuana for fun, so linking it to hard and illegal drugs is completely invalid.

4. Patients Must Smoke MMJ to Experience Positive Side Effects

There are so many ways to ingest medical marijuana and most people who take it do not smoke it. When you go to a dispensary, they will be able to advise you on a range of different forms of medical marijuana. You can eat MMJ in the form of edibles such as candies, cookies, and brownies, and you can use lotions and other topical products to absorb it through your skin. You can also use tinctures and oils to ingest it orally, as these forms are only the tip of the iceberg. You have so many options when it comes to taking MMJ that you’ll soon realize how ridiculous this myth is.

Image by Stay Regular from Pixabay: As MMJ becomes more widely used, more people are realizing that the stigmas surrounding it are untrue.

5. Patients Use MMJ to Get “High”

Just like how people who take prescription painkillers in a legitimate and medical environment are not looking to get high, medical cannabis patients are not seeking recreational effects from their treatment. Patients seek all kinds of treatments for their conditions, but the end goal is always the same. They just want to feel better and to live the best life they can alongside the conditions that they have to live with. Conflating recreational drug use and medical treatment is not helpful and discourages patients from seeking help.

6. There Are No Proven Medical Benefits of MMJ

Medical marijuana has been shown to help patients who suffer from a range of conditions. It helps people with depression, anxiety, and other mental conditions to feel calmer. It helps cancer patients and those suffering from HIV/AIDS to fight their debilitating nausea. It also helps people with tremors and seizures to manage their symptoms so they don’t have to be constantly aware and suffering their symptoms. People with wasting illnesses can also have their appetites improved by medical cannabis. In short, there are many ways in which MMJ has been shown to help people, and research is constantly continuing and evolving.

If you need help finding out more about medical marijuana, it’s easy to gain access to an MMJ letter from a doctor who is expert in the area. Then you will be able to visit a dispensary and gain access to the treatment that you need in the form that works best for you. Medical marijuana can’t cure your condition, but it can help you manage the symptoms so you can live a happier life.

Featured Image by angie3888 from Pixabay 

A massive opioid epidemic is currently sweeping the United States, creating a shocking increase in overdoses and deaths. Although some people are prescribed painkillers (like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl) for chronic pain issues, there are also many who use opioids as recreational drugs. For those who are using opioids as prescribed, it’s possible that an increase in the usage of medical marijuana products could actually encourage people to switch from opioids to MMJ. Because medical cannabis can help treat a number of physical symptoms, researchers are trying to determine if MMJ products could create a significant decrease in opioid usage – resulting in slowing down the opioid epidemic, or even stopping it in its tracks.

The current crisis of opioid abuse began in the late 1990s, when there were around 4,000 overdose deaths taking place every year. In the last two decades, the numbers have skyrocketed – more than 64,000 Americans died in 2016 from overdoses (compared to the  more than 52,000 that died in 2015). That figure means that nearly 180 people die from opioid-related overdoses every single day in the U.S., making it the leading cause of death for people under the age of 50. Over two million Americans are considered to be dependent on opioids, while at least 95 million individuals used prescription painkillers during 2017.

If steps aren’t taken to hit back against the epidemic soon, public health experts estimate that over 500,000 individuals could die from opioid overdoses in the next 10 years. The federal government has tried to boost some drug enforcement measures and is pushing regulations to get doctors to write fewer prescriptions for opioid painkillers. However, it will take at least until 2020 for any of the effects of these measures to be noticed, which means that the only hope the country has is to think outside the box to limit the growing number of people using and abusing opioids.

The overuse and abuse of prescription painkillers has become a real problem in the U.S. in recent years.

One possibility for curbing the epidemic is to use medical marijuana products to treat chronic pain instead of prescription painkillers. Several studies have shown that medical cannabis can be used to effectively treat pain symptoms. In a recent study, elderly patients who started using MMJ products were able to lower their pain levels (and experience an improved quality of life). More than 70 percent were able to see a moderate to significant improvement. Overall, 93 percent of the elderly reported improvements in their overall health. After six months, more than 18 percent of the medical marijuana users had reduced or completely stopped using opioids to treat their pain symptoms.

Switching from opioids to medical marijuana has tons of benefits. MMJ products are much safer since they don’t have the potency of opioids (which result in dangerous and often lethal overdoses). Most opioids also work so that individuals end up needing more and more of the drug to feel its effects – something that doesn’t apply to medical cannabis. There are also way less side effects from using MMJ products (usually mild symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, or mental clouding) than from using opioids.

Another recent study conducted in Minnesota (published by the Minnesota Department of Health’s Office of Medical Cannabis) also demonstrates how an increase in MMJ usage could lead to a decrease in opioid dependence. The first-of-its-kind study included 2,245 people who enrolled in a medical marijuana program during the last few months of 2016. The results showed that 38 percent of patients were able to reduce their opioid usage, and 42 percent reported a pain reduction of 30 percent or more. Of the 353 patients who self-reported taking opioid medications during the time they used the MMJ, 63 percent reduced or eliminated their opioid use after six months. The research manager for the office of medical cannabis, Dr. Tom Arneson, said, “These survey results are a good starting point. We need more research into the potential value of medical cannabis in pain management, especially as our communities grapple with the harmful impacts of opioids and other medications now in use for that purpose. We encourage health care providers to read the full report as they consider whether medical cannabis should be part of their strategies for treating patients’ intractable pain.”

Could MMJ products be a key factor in overcoming the U.S.’s opioid epidemic?

If more research is conducted, even more credence would be lent to the concept that MMJ products can safely and effectively treat pain symptoms. Reducing the number of people being prescribed painkillers could greatly impact the rising trend of overdoses in the U.S. from these medications – this factor might even prevent some individuals from being prescribed opioids in the first place.

The opioid epidemic is also creating a very large impact on the U.S. economy – a recent study from 2016 stated that opioid overdoses, abuse, and dependence have cost the economy around $78.5 billion. However, the White House stated in late 2017 that the opioid epidemic has cost the U.S. closer to an estimated $504 billion. Either way, using more MMJ products instead of prescribing painkillers could actually help boost the economy.

There are many benefits to using MMJ products for people experiencing symptoms of chronic pain, including a lower likelihood of dependence and side effects. If the U.S. wants to truly make a dent in the opioid epidemic, the health care field should consider including medical marijuana products as much as possible in their treatment plans. Their patients could benefit from the usage of medical cannabis, while also helping the country to cut down on individuals addicted to painkillers. Using MMJ products could also lower the costs the economy is incurring from the overuse of opioids. It definitely seems worth it for health care professionals and patients alike to consider using MMJ products to help cut down the use of opioids.

Researchers have known for quite some time that medical marijuana can be greatly beneficial in treating the symptoms of a number of conditions (including anxiety, cancer, glaucoma, migraines, etc.). This fact was validated even further by a recent study that showed that a stunning 93% of elderly patients who used MMJ products saw improvements with their health.

The study, published in The European Journal of Internal Medicine, showed that patients over the age of 65 who used medical cannabis showed reduced pain levels – without experiencing any adverse side-effects. The researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) and the Cannabis Clinical Research Institute at Soroka University Medical Center documented what happened when elderly patients used MMJ to treat symptoms from illnesses like cancer, Parkinson’s, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis, and other conditions. The patients who participated in the study consumed the medical marijuana in different ways. About 33 percent used cannabis-infused oils, 24 percent used smoking products, and six percent used vaporization methods. Every patient received a prescription for their medical marijuana items.

The results of the Israeli study (conducted with 2,732 patients) demonstrated that after six months using medical marijuana products, the patients reported less pain and an improvement in the quality of their day-to-day lives. A majority of the patients noted that their pain levels (on a ten-point scale) went from an average of eight to four. More than 70 percent of the patients said they saw a moderate to significant improvement with this treatment. Very few prescription medications can boast these types of findings.

There are many ways that elderly people can benefit from using medical marijuana.

This study came at the perfect time for researchers. Professor Victor Novack MD from the BGU Faculty of Health Sciences (FOHS) said, “While older patients represent a large and growing population of medical cannabis users, few studies have addressed how it affects this particular group, which also suffers from dementia, frequent falls, mobility problems, and hearing and visual impairments.” This means that these findings are even more relevant to researchers looking at the benefits of MMJ on the elderly population.

One of the most significant aspects of the study showed that after six months, more than 18 percent of the MMJ users had reduced or completely stopped using opioid analgesics (also known as narcotics or painkillers). Patients who relied more on medical marijuana than these medications also reported feeling few to no side effects. The most common MMJ side effects were reported to be mild symptoms of dizziness or dry mouth. This indicates that elderly patients could begin to rely more on MMJ products for the treatment of their symptoms, which could greatly decrease their usage and dependence on prescription narcotics.

With the elderly population making up a significant segment of the MMJ community (around 14 percent in the US), this research could help convince more individuals over the age of 65 to consider using medical cannabis to help more effectively treat their symptoms. Because this population is also more likely to be on a fixed budget, they could benefit from buying MMJ products because there’s no sales tax in certain states, and they would have the freedom to grow their own plants if they didn’t want to buy them from a medical dispensary. Those on a tight income could also see significant savings if they’re able to trade in their prescription drugs for medical cannabis. For example, most seniors spend on average about $3,000 every year on medications. Those who purchase MMJ products usually only spend about $650 annually – which could be a huge help to those who are struggling financially.

More and more elderly people are realizing the benefits of using MMJ products in conjunction with, or even instead of, traditional prescription medications.

Senior citizens who have some fears about using medical marijuana should remember that it’s actually safer to use than most prescription medications. There are additional positive effects that marijuana can provide, including relief from liver inflammation, lupus, irritable bowel syndrome, etc. Additionally, people don’t have to worry about getting addicted to marijuana. Medical marijuana can also be ideal for treating some illnesses that hit the elderly population the hardest, including arthritis, Alzheimer’s, joint pain, and depression.

If seniors are worried about “getting high,” there are also some products called CBD (or cannabidiol) that contain some of the helpful aspects of marijuana without the psychoactive effect. CBD products (while not as potent as medical marijuana products) can still help ease pain and inflammation, reduce anxiety, and increase mental focus. People who are suffering from a decreased appetite can also benefit from MMJ products, because they have been found to reduce nausea and stimulate appetite. Additionally, seniors suffering from insomnia can also use medical cannabis products to improve their sleep habits.

With further research in the future, it’s likely that more and more studies will demonstrate the true advantages of using medical marijuana to decrease symptoms of illnesses and diseases among the elderly population.

Before we get into the best strains of medial marijuana for inducing sleep, let’s talk about insomnia.

Insomnia is a frustrating and debilitating condition that impacts the lives of 60 million Americans. Not being able to sleep, despite being tired, drained, and having little energy, is very unpleasant and can lead to all sorts of negative physical and psychological effects.

For most of us, the harder we try to fall asleep, the more difficult it is to do so. If you suffer from insomnia it can be damn near impossible to drift off, no matter how many sheep you count!

Conventional sleeping pills are one solution, but they can have unpleasant physical and mental side effects. They can also be addictive and many people develop crippling dependencies that are extremely difficult to escape.

Another cure for insomnia is medical cannabis, and now that cannabis cards are legal in 29 states, more and more people who find it difficult to get some shut-eye are using particular MMJ strains for sleep benefits.

It seems that medical cannabis really is a bit of a magic bullet when it comes to treating insomnia.

Did you know you can use medical marijuana for inducing sleep?

But not all strains of medical cannabis are created equally when it comes to blasting people off into dreamland. Indicas, with their less heady and more heavy, relaxing body-high, are usually best for inducing slumber. Most sativas, on the other hand, tend to have a more energizing, heady effect that may in fact keep you awake.

But not all indicas are equally insomnia-crushing either – some strains will knock you out more assuredly than others. So here is our list of the six best strains of medical marijuana for inducing sleep.

Big Bud is a very strong indica plant with (yes, you’ve guessed it!) big buds. These big buds contain a super-dose of potent CBD that will make your eyelids feel heavier than boulders in no time. Big Bud will essentially knock you out within a few minutes. With this CBD-heavy beast circulating in your bloodstream, sleep is guaranteed. It is advisable to put your pajamas on and brush your teeth before you hit Big Bud, because you might not manage to do so afterwards.

Pound Hammer is an indica that is renowned for its mind-quieting and anxiety-reducing properties. For people who struggle with a head full of frantic thoughts and incessant self-chatter, Pound Hammer is a great choice of medical marijuana for inducing sleep. It gradually turns the volume down to zero on your self-talk and your worries, replacing them with a silent, dreamy, relaxed calm. Once you have a few hits of Pound Hammer there’s no turning back – it is well and truly time to say (or slur) “goodnight.”

Try one of these strains for some quality shut-eye.

Afghan Kush is a famous old indica strain that incites a heavy, drowsy, body-focused high. It is brilliant for getting rid of pain and quieting anxious thoughts. A few hits of Afghan Kush will give you a strong desire to eat anything you can get your hands on, but an even stronger desire to sleep. So don’t smoke unless you are ready to fall asleep pretty darn soon, and quite possibly wake up 10 hours later covered in chips and chocolate wondering, “What the hell just happened?”

Blue Mystic is one of the less potent “insomnia-blasters” on the list. It will not necessarily knock you into a coma in the same way that Big Bud or Afghan Kush will, but it will give you a delightful body-high and a warm, tingling feeling of relaxation. The chilled-out body-high and feelings of wellbeing that Blue Mystic induce will gently nudge you into a zone in which you can chill out and watch some TV, but you could also kick your shoes off, lie back, and drift off into a warm, fuzzy snooze. Blue Mystic is ideal for people who have mild insomnia or just like a little hit of something light to help them unwind, and maybe nap in front of the TV.

Bubba Kush is a hybrid of Bubble Gum and Kush. It has a relatively low THC content of 16%. Bubba Kush gives a strong, CBD-induced body-high. It is very relaxing and almost numbing. A few hits of Bubba Kush and you will have a blissfully clear mind (almost as if you’ve just been on a month-long meditation retreat!). With Bubba Kush massaging your neurons, the world moves in slow motion and sleep becomes impossible to resist. A gallon of strong coffee couldn’t keep you awake after a few tokes of Bubba Kush.

Critical Mass is an indica-dominant strain that is a heavy sleep-inducer. It has a mellow, earthy, citrus flavor and strong, strong sedative qualities. When the Sandman gets even a faint whiff of Critical Mass in the air, he drops whatever he’s doing and immediately follows his nose straight to the source, where he gently puts his index finger on your forehead and whispers “Sleep.” Just a few hits of Critical Mass and you will be ready to pass out wherever you happen to be sitting… Preferably in the comfort of your own home!

If you’ve read anything about medical marijuana, it’s likely that you’re aware of the very forgiving laws in California and are open to trying different strains and methods to treat your illness or condition. From anxiety, depression, eating disorders and multiple sclerosis, to cancer and Parkinson’s disease, medical marijuana can help alleviate many symptoms of different illnesses or conditions.

However, not all states have the same laws and New York has a particularly strict medical marijuana program that only covers certain illnesses and ailments.

Cancer

Although some think that using medical marijuana for cancer symptoms shouldn’t be allowed, many have found that MMJ has helped alleviate the pain associated with cancer.

Cancer can be defined as a condition that is typified by abnormal cell growth. It can occur at any site on the body and means that tumors form due to cells reproducing too quickly. As a result of these tumors, other symptoms can occur including pain, bleeding, coughing, visible lumps and blood in urine or stool, depending on the site of the cancer. It can be easily treated through surgery or chemotherapy or can be a terminal illness – depending on the cancer’s location and the time of diagnosis.

HIV/AIDS

HIV is a virus that attacks the human immune system, destroying white blood cells and thus the body’s ability to fight illness. AIDS is the associated syndrome that occurs when HIV progresses into obvious illness. Symptoms of AIDS include pneumonia, Kaposi’s sarcoma  (a very rare form of skin cancer), sweating and diarrhea. HIV is transmitted through blood and sexual fluids and is most commonly passed on through sexual intercourse, sharing of contaminated needles for intravenous drug use and from mother to baby in utero.

ALS

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a severely debilitating disease that causes people to lose all muscle function.

ALS is also known as motor neurone disease, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, and it affects neurones that control muscles in the body. It means that those affected by this condition slowly lose control of all muscle function and become unable to walk, speak, feed themselves or control bodily functions. It is a slow-killing disease and most sufferers die from losing the ability to breathe while sleeping.

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a disorder of the nervous system that controls movement in the body. It is characterized by an unstable posture, muscle shaking and rigid limbs. It is slow-progressing and really impacts the lives of those affected, as it becomes impossible to take care of oneself without assistance due to incessant muscle shaking and posture limitations.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a degenerative disease that affects the coverings of nerves in the brain and spinal cord. It can present a variety of differing symptoms depending on the type of MS present, but symptoms include fatigue, muscle weakness, general pain, diarrhea and muscle spasms. While it is not typically defined as a terminal illness, it does have the potential to limit the life expectancy of those who are diagnosed with it.

Damage to the Nervous Tissue of the Spinal Cord with Objective Neurological Indication of Intractable Spasticity

Intractable spasticity is a muscle control disorder that is usually cause by trauma to the brain or spinal cord. It is most common in those who have suffered an accident such as a car collision, fall or abuse. It is defined by spasms, deformities and generalized muscle and bone pain.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that is characterised by seizures. The severity and frequency of the seizures varies from person to person and is also dependent on the type of epilepsy diagnosed. It can be present from birth or can be brought on by brain injuries, brain tumors or strokes. Epilepsy diagnosed in childhood can sometimes disappear with the onset of puberty.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease is a group of autoimmune illnesses that involve the ulceration or inflammation of the bowel and lower intenstine. The most common types of inflammatory bowel disease are Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis. These conditions are often very painful and can limit the sufferer’s ability to live an independent life due to the need to be close to a toilet.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy is nerve damage that an affect any part of the body. Its cause can be obvious or totally unknown and symptoms include tingling, numbness, tremors and extreme pain.

Chronic Pain as Defined by 10 NYCRR §1004.2(a)(8)(xi)

The NYC MMJ bill defines chronic pain as “any severe debilitating pain that the practitioner determines degrades health and functional capability; where the patient has contraindications, has experienced intolerable side effects, or has experienced failure of one or more previously tried therapeutic options; and where there is documented medical evidence of such pain having lasted three months or more beyond onset, or the practitioner reasonably anticipates such pain to last three months or more beyond onset.”

Huntington’s Disease

Huntington’s disease is a genetically inherited illness that results in the destruction of brain cells. Symptoms usually begin in late thirties or early forties and include random muscle jerks, subtle changes in personality and random eye movements. Sufferers then degenerate further and sleep and muscle control are affected. Death most commonly occurs within twenty years of diagnosis from pneumonia, heart disease or suicide.

Medical marijuana is helpful from a wide range of symptoms, from something serious, like cancer, to something more common, like nausea.

As well as one of the conditions above, you need to be suffering from one of the following associated symptoms or conditions as a result of your illness:

• Cachexia or wasting syndrome
• Severe or chronic pain
• Severe nausea
• Seizures
• Severe or persistent muscles spasms 

Obviously, it is far more complex a process to get an MMJ card in New York than in other states. The best thing to do is to speak to your primary care physician if you suffer from one of the above conditions and to get their advice on if this is a good route of treatment for you to pursue.

In recent years, medical marijuana has been through a transformation of sorts. It’s gone from being a taboo and negative subject to becoming more widely accepted, and even preferred, by some as an alternative to modern conventional medicine. There are various proven benefits as well as downsides to taking medical marijuana, so it’s always best to do some research and speak to a medical professional before considering this form of medication.

In the past marijuana, which is also known as weed or cannabis, was illegal and viewed as a recreational drug. Today, it is still illegal in most countries, but in the US, it has become legal for medicinal use in 29 states, including California and New York.

Some of the benefits seen after the use of this unique plant include easing epileptic seizures, chronic pain and inflammation, in addition to treating anxiety and depression. If it’s so useful then how come everybody with these ailments don’t use it?

Why Isn’t MMJ Widely Accepted?

Although medical marijuana is widely accepted in many US states, there is still a stigma attached to it.

Firstly, it is still slowly but surely becoming accepted as a safe alternative to conventional pharmaceutical drugs, but there is still doubt among many as to the efficacy and ability to treat certain diseases. Furthermore, a lot of scientific research is still to be done, and it may not be widely available or affordable for those that do wish to use cannabis to help with their illnesses.

Because of the stigma still attached to cannabis, many people who still consider it a drug question its suitability, and the thought of allowing it for adults – never mind for children or teenagers, even if it is in the form of medicine – would seem unacceptable. There has been proof however, that it helps with glaucoma, an eye disease which creates pressure on the eyeball, and this normally affects people over the age of 40.

It also slows down the progression of Alzheimer’s, a mental disease that normally occurs in middle or old age, and it is said to help arthritis and insomnia. It is even known to slow down the growth of cancer cells.

But does this mean that medical marijuana can only benefit the elderly?

Breaking the Myth That Medical Marijuana is Only for the Elderly

Because there are various methods to take medical marijuana, like in the form of tinctures, smoking, vaporizing or edibles, it is actually suitable for young people and children, as well as the elderly.

For example, there have been recent reports of parents giving cannabidiol – a cannabis oil extract to their children to help treat epilepsy and even cancer. This form of medical marijuana means that none of the plant has to be smoked – rather, a few drops of oil are put in the mouth or even mixed with food and consumed.

Also, there is no THC, meaning no ‘high’ or psychoactive effects that occur, therefore people can get on with their day to day lives without having to worry about not being clear-headed.

Moreover, medical marijuana has also been reported to provide therapeutic benefits to children with autism, which currently affects more than 400,000 children in the US and is an increasing developmental disorder. Because of the different ways available to take medical marijuana, it can actually be very safe and a good alternative option to help young people.

Tinctures and edibles are normally the ideal way for children, as it is easy to control the dosage, the taste is mild and it can provide long-lasting relief. Another reason medical cannabis may seem an attractive option to parents is the fact that it comes from a plant and therefore, is viewed as more natural – as opposed to manmade medicine.

In addition to this, conventional prescription drugs can have negative side effects, such as addiction to these drugs for pain relief, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and headaches. If this is the case, then it may be worth considering the other route in the form of medical cannabis.

One benefit of using natural medical marijuana over prescription drugs is less chance for unwanted side effects.

It is worth noting that medical marijuana may not be for everybody, so it’s a good idea to educate yourself on all the options and speak to your doctor. Although it is legal in 29 states, a downside is that you have to go through a process and see if you qualify for the medicine. If you do, it can also be very pricey and difficult to obtain.

In conclusion, medical marijuana – although still controversial with opposing views and opinions – has shown benefits to people of all ages, and should not be viewed as only advantageous to the elderly. It has many benefits and is viewed as a safer and more natural option to pharmaceutical drugs, which can in some cases, be ineffective and cause unwanted side effects.

However, there is still more research to be conducted to prove the long-term advantages of this alternative medicine, but the results so far seem promising.

In today’s world, people are becoming more and more health conscious. Unless you have been living off the grid for the past few years, you will surely have heard of MMJ. This is an alternative form of medicine which people are trying in place of modern day conventional medicine. There have been reports of successful outcomes from using this herb as medicine, but it is also worth mentioning that a lot more research still needs to take place in order to confirm its efficacy for certain diseases and illnesses.

Using marijuana as medicine dates way back to 2737 BC, when the Chinese emperor Shen Neng prescribed it in the form of tea as medicine. It was believed to have helped various illnesses such as gout, rheumatism, malaria and pain in general. The use of this herb gradually spread all over the world, but in 1937 was outlawed by the American Government. Today, it can still be used medicinally as long as it is prescribed by a medical professional.

Medicinal Benefits of Medical Marijuana

The one downside to using MMJ is that it’s only currently legal in 29 US states, so not everyone has access to it.

There are numerous benefits of using marijuana medicinally. For instance, people have reported that it helps with epileptic seizures, glaucoma and slowing Alzheimer’s, as well as preventing the spread of cancer and helping with depression and anxiety. Furthermore, it can be taken in various ways to suit the patient.

For instance, it may be easier for some people such as children to take medical cannabis in the form of tinctures, where a few drops are placed under the tongue. Another way is of course to smoke it, although this may not be ideal to some, it does provide a more instant effect compared to the tinctures.

If there are so many benefits then why doesn’t everybody turn to this naturally growing plant to cure disease? Firstly, medical marijuana is only currently legal in 29 US states, so it is not yet available to everybody and there is a procedure to follow if you would like to try this method of medicine. You must have proof that you are a resident in one of the legalized states and your condition has to be on the list of eligibility.

The next step is to find a doctor who is qualified to prescribe medical marijuana. Only then will you be able to obtain an MMJ card and take it to the dispensary for the cannabis medication.  Despite the growing popularity of this plant, there is still skepticism over its effectiveness.

In terms of pharmaceutical drugs, which the majority of people turn to when they have an illness, they are much easier to obtain and have helped greatly to fight and ease the symptoms of illnesses from the flu to cancer. Moreover, the nature of modern medicine is entirely science-based, focusing on surgery, drugs and radiation to treat the symptoms.

Downside of Using Modern Day Medicine

The downside to using modern day medicine is that possibility for addiction and abuse.

Nonetheless, there is also a downside to conventional medicine. Not only is the addiction and abuse of pharmaceutical drugs on the rise, but for some people they simply do not work at all. This could be largely due to a case of the infections or disease adapting to certain drugs. Another reason as to why people may prefer to opt away from using modern medicine is the side effects that come with them.

Drowsiness, upset stomachs, fatigue and muscle aches are just some of the undesirable effects that can be caused by certain drugs, and could explain why many are looking for a more natural and unconventional alternative.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Overall, there are pros and cons to both medical marijuana and conventional medicine. If you want to try medical marijuana, it is more complicated to obtain and you will have to go through a number of steps to see if you are eligible. It can also be very pricey and there are limited dispensaries which have this form of medicine.

On the other hand, there have been promising results from people in the legalized states claiming to have seen major improvements in their ailments and illnesses with the use of marijuana. Furthermore, the side effects are less severe compared to conventional medicine ,as it is a natural herb, although taking it in the form of smoking may cause respiratory problems.

With modern day medicine, it is widely available and in certain situations, would be more suited to treating patients for example when a physical intervention is needed such as surgery. It is also scientifically backed and has helped many people fight infections and disease.

The downside is that people can become reliant on certain pharmaceutical drugs, such as painkillers, and the side effects can be very unpleasant for instance in the case of chemotherapy to treat cancer where hair loss and loss of appetite is common.

Overall, medical marijuana can come across as a safer option, but is not without its disadvantages, and modern day medicine has been proven to work, but its efficacy today is starting to be questioned. Whichever form of medicine you choose, it is subjective and dependent on your history, type of illness and personal preference.

Medical marijuana card holders sure are a creative bunch. Since the dawn of the MMJ card, patients across cannabis friendly states haven’t been short on imagination when it comes to finding new and innovative ways to consume the plant.

Most California medical marijuana card holders are rightly on board with the healthy lifestyle that has long been held paramount across this beautiful state. With a strong focus on health and wellbeing, Californians are the benchmark to which every other state pits its own healthy ambitions to, desperately trying to keep up with the good example set to them.

One health revolution that the Sunshine State is particularly well known for is the juicing phenomenon that swept the state in the mid 2000s. Not being ones to scrimp on their physical fitness, Californians started to drink more and more nutrient packed juices to boost their immune systems and overall health. Since Californians are similarly trailblazers when it comes to the use of medical marijuana, it came as no surprise to anyone that these two miracle phenomena would be combined into one, ass kicking super drink.

When ingested within a juice, medical marijuana can be consumed in higher doses without negative side effects. These doses are infinitely more packed with nutrients like iron, calcium, fiber and those all important cannabinoids, due to the fact the plant isn’t being heated, therefore leaving all the goodness undamaged.

In addition to being delicious, MMJ juices are packed with nutrients like iron, calcium, fiber and cannabinoids.

Interested in starting your delicious MMJ juice journey? Of course you are! Here are a few tasty recipes to get you started.

MMJ Green Meanie

This Hulk-colored mega juice is absolutely packed with iron – great for boosting your red blood cells – and vitamin K – a super soldier in the fight for good bone health. Gulp a tall glass of this bad boy in the morning and you’ll be primed to tackle anything that the day might throw at you.

Ingredients:

• 3 large kale leaves (sliced)
• 1 cup seedless green grapes
• 1 cucumber (sliced)
• 1 small green apple (cored and sliced)
• ½ cup water
• ¼ cup fresh, raw medical marijuana

Method:

1. Juice all of the ingredients – except the MMJ – until completely blended.
2. When you’re satisfied that everything is thoroughly mixed, add the MMJ and blend on pulse until desired consistency is achieved.

*NB It’s imperative when making MMJ juice that you don’t juice your medical marijuana for too long, as the heat of the rotating blades can damage the nutrients inside the plant.

Afternoon Slump Energy Booster

As the name suggests, this is a great juice to sip on when you start to feel your energy dip in the afternoon. It contains enough natural fruit sugars and electrolyte packed coconut water to wake you back up and keep you going.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of lychees in syrup (drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup peaches (frozen, thawed and sliced)
• ¾ cup coconut water
• ¼ cup fresh, raw medical marijuana

Method:

1. Juice all of the ingredients – except the MMJ – until completely blended.
2. When you’re satisfied that everything is thoroughly mixed, add the MMJ and blend on pulse until desired consistency is achieved.

Apple and Pear-rie Full Body Blast

Boost just about every part of your body with a couple of mouthfuls of this vitamin-packed super juice. Containing vitamins A, B, C and E, this delicious treat will leave your skin looking radiant.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium apple (cored and cubed)
• 2 medium soft pears (cored and cubed)
• ½  cup cherries (fresh with pits removed)
• ¼ cup fresh, raw medical marijuana

Method:

1. Juice all of the ingredients – except the MMJ – until completely blended.
2. When you’re satisfied that everything is thoroughly mixed, add the MMJ and blend on pulse until desired consistency is achieved.

MMJ juices contain some pretty good ingredients – medical cannabis, of course, but also everything from fresh berries and kiwi to good-for-your vegetables.

Anti-Inflammatory Juice Boost

This juice is packed with anti-inflammatory super foods to tackle your ailment right at its source. For the best – and juiciest – results, make it with canned pineapple in juice, instead of syrup.

Ingredients:

• 4 celery stalks
• ½ cucumber
• 1 cup pineapple
• ½ green apple
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 lemon
• 1 knob ginger
• ¼ cup fresh, raw medical marijuana

Method:

1. Juice all of the ingredients – except the MMJ – until completely blended.
2. When you’re satisfied that everything is thoroughly mixed, add the MMJ and blend on pulse until desired consistency is achieved.

Super Purple Juice

This vegetable-heavy juice is filled with cancer-fighting compounds and anti-inflammatory agents, making it quite the super juice. Packed to the brim with beets, carrots, kale, cabbage, ginger and lemon, there’s a whole lot of goodness in a tall, purple glass of this stuff.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch purple kale
• ¼ head red cabbage
• 1 red beet
• 1-2 carrots
• ginger, 1 inch piece
• 1 lemon
• ¼ cup fresh, raw medical marijuana

Method:

1. Juice all of the ingredients – except the MMJ – until completely blended.
2. When you’re satisfied that everything is thoroughly mixed, add the MMJ and blend on pulse until desired consistency is achieved.

Migraine-Targeting Boost Juice

As headache-prone MMJ card holders will tell you, there’s nothing quite like a debilitating migraine to leave you bed ridden for a few days. If you need fast relief from a head splitting pain, mix up a glass or two of this super juice and you’ll be feeling right as rain in no time.

Ingredients:

• ½ pineapple
• 3-4 leaves kale or a bunch of spinach
• 1 stick of celery
• ¼ lemon
• ½ inch ginger root (optional)
• ¼ cup fresh, raw medical marijuana

Method:

1. Juice all of the ingredients – except the MMJ – until completely blended.
2. When you’re satisfied that everything is thoroughly mixed, add the MMJ and blend on pulse until desired consistency is achieved.

If these recipes sound too tasty to turn down, get your hands on a juicer, some crisp, fresh MMJ and your medical marijuana card and you’ll be starting on your way to making your own juicy creations in no time.

Not sure of how exactly to juice your MMJ? No worries! Check out our handy how-to guide and you’ll soon be sipping your way to better health.

It’s time to forget those stereotypical images of the lazy, sleepy stoner. These days, marijuana – particularly medical marijuana – is no longer associated with lethargy, drowsiness and lying on the couch in your underwear all day, working your way through a whole tray of cookies. For too long, medical marijuana card holders had to put up with being portrayed as this damaging stereotype. Thankfully, with the further spread of the medical weed card and use of MMJ strains across the country, these nonsense falsities about cannabis card carriers are being debunked faster than you can say ‘Duuuuude’.

While there are undeniably some MMJ strains that can make the user less active, there are plenty of other strains that boost energy, focus concentration and get your creative juices flowing.

Choosing the Right MMJ Strain

The key to choosing the right medical marijuana strain boils down to the age old indica vs. sativa argument. On a chemical level, the two types of MMJ are significantly different, with indica strains exhibiting a high THC: CBD ratio while sativa strains exhibit the opposite. Although indica strains do have their uses, they’ll end up giving you that all over body stoned feeling, a.k.a. the dreaded couch lock. After you consume indica, you are exponentially less likely to be productive. For this reason, indica should be steered clear of while you’re working (unless you want to get into a raging argument with your boss!)

Sativas, on the other hand, are uplifting and energetic and can be consumed while working with no negative side effects. Not only will you experience no bad side effects, but you’ll also find yourself more productive, more positive and much more likely to get a whole lotta work done.

Here’s our top picks of the best sativa strains to consume while at work.

Instead of making you drowsy and unmotivated, there are plenty of MMJ strains that can boost energy, focus concentration and get your creative juices flowing.

Jack Herer

There’s a good reason why Jack Herer is one of the most popular strains on the market today. The strain is energizing, uplifting and incredibly mentally stimulating, making it the perfect go-to strain for busy medical marijuana card holders. If you’re got a tight deadline looming and are starting to become a little overwhelmed by the task at hand, consuming even a small about of Herer will help. If you can’t get your hands on Jack Herer itself, opt for a derivative of the strain, like Jack the Ripper or Galatic Jack.

Sour Tsunami

Some MMJ card holders find themselves to be incompatible with high THC strains, as they can leave them anxious, drowsy or nauseous. If this sounds like you, Sour Tsunami will be a godsend. Sour Tsunami is a high CBD strain that is excellent at focusing concentration. This mellow focus will enable you to complete mountains of work, without any added stress. If you consume this at work, the only thing you’re at risk of doing is bothering your colleagues with a seriously upbeat, positive attitude.

Haze

Like Jack Herer, Haze is one of the most popular strains of MMJ on the market, and for good reason. This strain is ever popular for work consumption due to its unrivaled ability at combating depression and fatigue. Perfect for consuming during a mid afternoon slump, Haze will provide you with the energy – and the attitude – that you need to smash your day’s targets with no stress.

Purple Trainwreck

The spicy lemon and berry scent of this incredible strain is enough alone to boost your energy levels for the day. Twin that delicious scent with the euphoric, energizing, pain busting effects of PT, and you’ve got yourself the ideal strain for using at work. Effects of this strain are strong and immediate, so you’ll start to feel all that goodness wash in straight after consuming it. When using Purple Trainwreck, it’s important to be careful with your dosag- smoke too much and you could fall victim to the dreaded couch lock.

Sour Diesel

As a strong sativa strain, Sour Diesel produces a euphoric head high that is ideal for focusing your mind on the work task at hand. You can forget needing a morning coffee when you’re consuming Sour Diesel, as it is the ultimate awakener, providing you with enough energy and mental stimulation to keep you buzzing throughout the work day. As well as significantly tackling fatigue, Sour Diesel is excellent at warding off work related anxiety, stress and depression.

Cinex

Cinex is a marvelous sativa dominant hybrid strain that is a firm favorite among those with particularly challenging jobs. When consumed at work, Cinex produces a cognitive stimulation effect, similar to that which you’d get from a good, strong cup of coffee. If you have a complex task that you need to carry out with razor sharp precision, consuming Cinex will guide you through it with ease. While there’s no doubt that this strain can be invaluable to some MMJ card holders at work, it’s important to note that you should be careful with your dosage, as too much Cinex can cause users to feel anxious.

The MMJ strain Cinex is as powerful as a strong cup of coffee, but don’t consume too much or you’ll get too anxious and won’t be able to focus.

By opting for any of the above MMJ strains, you’ll be sure to banish any notion of inactivity for your important work day. As you would in any other environment, it’s important that you consume discreetly while you’re work, so as to avoid any discomfort for yourself or your co workers. For tips on how to consume discreetly and respectfully, check out our handy go-to guide.

We all know that medical marijuana is a wonderfully brilliant miracle treatment, but did you know that thanks to its effectiveness, it’s now seriously rivaling the popularity of modern day medicine in MMJ card states? While this doesn’t come as much of a surprise to medical marijuana card holders who have long been reaping the benefits of this super-plant, others are shocked at this news, and all because of their indoctrination into the allopathic school of thought.

Medical marijuana has recently gone through a renaissance, thanks to the advent of the medical marijuana card. Before this, MMJ had been subjected to a decade’s-long character assassination created by the proliferation of lies and misinformation during the ‘War on Drugs’. Before this dark period in MMJ history, marijuana had been used to treat all manner of ailments for hundreds of years.

Now that people are more open to the use of medical marijuana, they’re noticing the stark contrasts between using it and using more traditional modern medicines. If you were to do up a pros and cons list for each form of treatment, you’d soon see that the con list for using pharmaceutical treatments far outweighs that of using medical marijuana.

MMJ Reduces Side Effects and Health Complications

Unlike modern day medicines, which are known to cause serious side effects and complications, medical cannabis is not known to do either.

It’s no secret that some prescription painkillers come with nasty, life-restricting side effects. These side effects can be anything from chronic pain and depression to decreased libido. On the other hand, medical marijuana comes with no known severe side effects. A study conducted by Canadian scientists found that 215 MMJ card holders suffering from chronic pain “had no greater risk than non-users to experience serious adverse effects” after using the drug for one year. Most long-term MMJ card holders report no side effects following years of consumption.

Medical marijuana is not known to cause any serious health complications. Unfortunately, this is not the case for some modern medicines. Prescription medicines – especially opioid-based ones – can do serious damage to patients after prolonged use. A 2008 study based on life-threatening pharmaceutical side effects stated that opioid-based prescription drugs could cause “delayed gastric emptying, hyperalgesia, immunologic and hormonal dysfunction, muscle rigidity, and myoclonus”.

Not only are these side effects dangerous in their own right, but if they’re experienced for prolonged periods of time, they could facilitate the growth of tumors in the affected parts of the body. In particular, Pharma painkillers prescribed to relieve chronic pain in cancer patients have been observed to stimulate further tumor growth. In contrast, MMJ card holders who have been prescribed medical marijuana for cancer-associated pain have in some instances seen a reduction in the size of their tumors.

Medical Marijuana is Not as Addictive

As a lot of prescription painkillers are derived from the same source as heroin, they can be incredibly addictive. America consumes a staggering 75% of the world’s prescription drugs, and at least half of this number can be put down to addiction. Some doctors will freely prescribe these highly-addictive drugs to line their own pockets with money from Big Pharma so when people are prescribed these pills, it may not be within their own best interests.

Addiction to modern medications is exacerbated by the fact that your body starts to build up tolerance to them, meaning that you need to take more and more to get the same effect. Thankfully, the number of prescription medicine-related deaths have significantly reduced in the past number of years, with some people signaling that this is due to the introduction of medical cannabis cards.

By and large, medical marijuana is a non-addictive substance. While there are some cases of marijuana addiction, these are nearly entirely found within the recreational community. MMJ card carriers are aware of safe dosage levels, and even if they were to consume a little too much by accident, they’d be at risk of no more than feeling a little woozy for a couple of hours.

Since medical professionals have started issuing MMJ cards, the number of prescription medicine-related deaths have significantly reduced.

Of course, there are benefits to substituting modern medicine for medical marijuana altogether, but don’t put the idea of taking them concurrently off the table. For MMJ card holders on vital medication for a life-threatening illness, sometimes it simply isn’t an option for them to come off their prescription. In these cases, medical marijuana is often used as an additional form of treatment, to be taken alongside the original prescribed medication. Medical marijuana is taken by these patients in order to further lessen the symptoms of their ailment, or to lessen the harsh side effects that can come with taking some modern medications.

Pills taken to combat diseases like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s and Crohn’s disease can come with a whole host of nasty side effects that can leave patients incapacitated or in constant severe pain. Medical marijuana tackles these issues, thanks to its exceptional pain-relieving powers, as well as its ability to tackle other subsidiary symptoms like muscle spasms and lethargy. As medical marijuana comes with no side effects of its own, it’s perfectly safe to take it alongside traditional medicines.

We shouldn’t think of medical marijuana and modern medicine as a rivalry at all. MMJ is fast becoming an integral part of modern medicine, with doctors across the country prescribing it to medical cannabis holders for a whole range of medical conditions. When we start to look at MMJ as an addition to medicine, rather than a rival to it, we’re giving ourselves more options to choose from and thus, we expand our treatment horizons.

Some treatments don’t work for everybody, and that’s to be expected, but if we have as wide a range of treatment options as possible, more people will find the perfect treatment plan for them, easing their discomfort and enabling them to live better lives. If you want to explore your MMJ card options, get in touch with us today and we’ll see what’s available to you.

By the time the Empire State legalized medical marijuana back in 2014, New Yorkers had already been acutely aware of its many benefits. Not only had they been inundated with news from other cannabis card states, but they had also been witness to countless legalization rallies, all of which spread the good message of this wonder drug.

Now that New Yorkers are three years into their own MMJ card program, they’re more aware than ever of just how great the plant really is.

The Reputation of MMJ

Unfortunately, this wasn’t always the case. Unlike other medications, medical marijuana has been the subject of a decades-long smear campaign. For eons, MMJ had been synonymous with thuggery, addiction and abuse, all thanks to the proliferation of lies and misinformation about the plant.

This campaign reached a head with the ‘War on Drugs’, spearheaded by Richard Nixon in the 1970s, who dubbed drug abuse “public enemy number one”. The lies that spread during this time had long-lasting effects on the status of medical marijuana in society. Any inkling of legalization that was on the horizon was instantly dashed, and left in a smoldering pile on the floor of the legislator’s office.

As this reputation started to subside, more people started to wake up to the massive benefits that medical marijuana could provide to millions of Americans lives. California was the first to legalize medical marijuana in 1996, with other states following suit over the next two decades.

As New Yorkers had seen more than 20 of their neighbors legalize MMJ before them, they had become aware of the benefits of the plant. By the time medical marijuana cards were introduced to New York, most of the negative connotations associated with the drug had been debunked, and MMJ was now finally recognized as the wonder drug that it is.

Medical Cannabis: An Effective Alternative

MMJ is an effective alternative to treating serious illnesses with side effects like anxiety and depression.

Medical marijuana is being used statewide by New Yorkers as an effective, gentle alternative to traditional modern medicines. The medication that is often prescribed for MMJ compatible conditions can be incredibly harsh on the body. Side effects exhibited from the use of hard medications can include depression, anxiety, extreme nausea, tiredness and chronic headaches. While it would be foolish to say that medical marijuana could be completely substituted for any medication, for some less serious illnesses, this is possible.

Patients who are on vital modern medications can also opt to consume medical marijuana as a way of combating the side effects of these medications. A total substitution of a treatment plan cannot always be done, but using the two medications concurrently with one another can be a match made in heaven. Medical marijuana has long been observed to effectively treat typical side effects from harsh medication like stomach pain, muscle spasms and lethargy.

As chronic pain was recently added to the list of qualifying conditions for a medical marijuana card, New Yorkers are now becoming aware of just how effective a pain reliever it really is. Outside of New York, pain relief is the number one reason that patients apply for an MMJ card. Medical marijuana tackles pain by boosting the endocannabinoids within the body. Furthermore, the THC present in MMJ is an extremely potent pain reliever and when twinned with CBD it works twice as well.

Not only is medical marijuana an excellent pain reliever, it is also effective at tackling the symptoms of a large number of diseases. The severity of the disease is unimportant in this effectiveness, as shown by the fact that you can only get a medical marijuana card for a life-threatening illness in New York. MMJ is thorough at treating associative symptoms such as muscle spasms, seizures and depression, meaning that patients are relieved of the more disruptive aspects of their illness.

Recent Medical Marijuana Legislation

Instead of money going into the hands of criminals, MMJ legalization is making New York a much safer state.

Medical Marijuana legislation is big business for the state itself. Recently, California raked in a massive 2.7 billion in marijuana sales across the state – yes, that’s a ‘b’ not an ‘m’! Although the average medical marijuana card holder wouldn’t care much about the massive market this is creating, MMJ sales contribute to the revenue of the state, meaning that it has more money to spend on roads, schools and hospitals. As money is going to the state that once went straight into the hands of criminals, MMJ legalization is making New York communities safer as drug dealers are forced off the streets.

If New York is to rubber stamp the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act that is currently being tabled by legislators, we’ll see even more of a boom in state revenue. This act will essentially legalize all uses of marijuana, regulating it in the same way that alcohol currently is. The market boost that this would bring is a serious motivator for New York state legislators to further the total decriminalization of marijuana.

New York – like the rest of the world – has finally woken up to the wonderful benefits of medical marijuana. As full legalization starts to spread across America, MMJ acceptance will become commonplace, and New York medical marijuana card holders will reap the benefits. Once New York sees the total decriminalization of marijuana, we can realistically expect all the other states to follow suit soon after.

The ever-growing list of ailments that medical marijuana has been proven to treat seems like it’s never going to stop expanding. From menstrual cramps to bowel cancer, MMJ seems to have an ameliorative effect on just about any illness that can target a human body.

If we were to list every disease, illness or condition that could be helped by the drug, we’d be here all day. Instead, take a look at these six conditions that medical marijuana card holders across the country have seen effectively combated by MMJ.

Epilepsy

Medical marijuana is increasingly being used as a credible and effective treatment for a number of neurological conditions, particularly epilepsy. The active component of medical marijuana that is integral to fighting the symptoms of epilepsy is cannabidiol, the non-psychoactive part of the plant. The positive testimonies given by MMJ card holders with epilepsy have been mirrored by numerous studies on the potent effectiveness of the drug in its treatment.

During these scientific studies, seizures were reduced by a whopping 54% in those who had been previously unresponsive to other available treatments. Medical marijuana’s success in controlling epilepsy is often at the forefront of the argument for legalization in non-MMJ card states – a testament to its effectiveness.

Crohn’s Disease

More doctors are seeing that MMJ helps Crohn’s disease sufferers get their appetite back, and it reduces inflammation of the intestinal tract.

Inflammatory bowel conditions, like Crohn’s Disease, are a popular qualifying ailment for a medical marijuana card. Crohn’s Disease is a chronic, painful and uncomfortable disease that affects the intestinal tract. As the disease is sadly incurable, patients with it are unfairly destined to suffer from it in some capacity for the rest of their lives. Symptoms present with Crohn’s disease include rectal bleeding, chronic diarrhea, drastic weight loss and chronic abdominal pain. Medical marijuana works to combat these symptoms in a number of ways.

Predominantly, MMJ tackles Crohn’s by significantly reducing the inflammation of the intestinal tract, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. As well as this, MMJ is the ultimate appetite booster, meaning that those with an aversion to eating when their Crohn’s flares up will get a reinvigorated hunger. Finally, medical marijuana is an unrivaled pain reliever for the unrelenting and excruciating pain that comes with Crohn’s Disease.

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a long-term neurodegenerative disease that attacks the central nervous system. The onset of Parkinson’s is slow, but the results can be devastating. Unfortunately, early detection of Parkinson’s is nearly impossible, as the symptoms come on ever so slightly over a prolonged period of time. As the disease is incurable, treatment for it is based solely around making the patient as comfortable as possible. Brain surgery is of course an option, but most people don’t want the invasion and the risk that comes with it.

Medical marijuana is an alternative to medication that is know to cause nasty side effects.

There are some prescription medicines on the market, but these can come with debilitating side effects like extreme nausea and depression. Medical marijuana is an effective and kind treatment for Parkinson’s, as it comes without side effects – a dream for those on harsher meds. The tremors, jerks and pain associated with Parkinson’s disease all respond positively to MMJ treatment, enabling the patient to live a fuller, more independent life.

Multiple Sclerosis

Like Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis is a devastating condition that attacks the central nervous system of the body, particularly going after the immune system. Our immune system is hardwired to fight off unwelcome bacteria that presents itself within our bodies. Unfortunately, for those of us who suffer with MS, the disease confuses our immune system, making it turn against our natural body tissue, particularly our brain and spinal cord. Symptoms of MS include numbness, slurred speech, and in more serious cases, paralysis.

As 200 new cases of MS are diagnosed in the US every week, more and more people are turning to medical marijuana cards to help treat the unrelenting disease. Most MS patients find their medication too vital to substitute it completely with medical marijuana, instead opting to use it as a way to help them deal with the symptoms of the disease. MMJ also helps with the nasty side effects that come from taking medication.

HIV

In former years, a Human Immunodeficiency Virus diagnosis would be a death sentence, stripping the patient of any prospect they had of a future.  Thankfully, with the dawn of wonderful new medicines and technologies, HIV can now be effectively controlled and the patient can live a full and happy life. As there is no known cure for HIV, patients must take measures to ensure they can live comfortably.

Consumed alongside antiretroviral medications, medical marijuana works effectively at easing and ameliorating any pain or discomfort associated with the disease, as well as tackling unwelcome side effects from prescribed drugs.

A study conducted in 2005 found that a staggering 60% of HIV patients across the country consumed medical marijuana in addition to their medication. All MMJ friendly states recognize HIV as a qualifying ailment for a medical marijuana card, so all those in need of the drug can access it with ease.

Depression

Medical marijuana has lovingly been dubbed ‘green Prozac’ by those MMJ card holders who use it to treat their depression. The plant is an effective, natural alternative to antidepressants, which can sometimes come with a whole host of nasty side effects. The reason behind MMJ’s effectiveness at treating depression has to do with a little something called endocannabinoids.

Endocannabinoids are naturally-occurring chemical compounds within our brains that regulate our emotions and behavior. When our endocannabinoid production is compromised, we’re left feeling dejected, lethargic and most of all, depressed. The chemical makeup of endocannabinoids is very similar to that of medical marijuana, meaning that when someone with depression consumes MMJ, they’re replacing the depleted endocannabinoids, thus significantly lifting their mood and restoring their emotional equilibrium.

While there’s no doubt that medical marijuana can be an effective treatment plan for any one of these conditions, it’s vitally important that you consult with your doctor before you opt to use it. If you’re unsure of your suitability for an MMJ card, they’ll be able to advise you and talk you through whether it will benefit to your condition.

Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting a staggering 350 million people. In stark contrast to its prevalence, depression often goes entirely untreated, leaving those suffering from this debilitating disease without the help they so desperately need.

For at least the past 400 years, marijuana has been used to treat the symptoms of depression. There is evidence to suggest that long before the advent of medical marijuana cards, the wonder plant was used in India in order to combat the ailment, and since then, this treatment has evolved little due to its simple but effective nature.

MMJ: A Matter of Opinion

Although we’d love to tell you an emphatic ‘yes!’ when you ask if it’s safe to consume MMJ if you have depression, we simply cannot do this. As with all medical treatments, the effectiveness of using MMJ to treat depression depends on the person being treated. While some MMJ card holders would swear that the plant alleviates all their depressive symptoms, others may find that it can worsen their condition.

Lester Grinspoon, psychiatry professor at the Harvard School of Medicine, has gone on the record to say “I think cannabis has a lot of potential in the treatment of mental illness”. However, he too recognizes that like other treatment plans, “it will not work for everyone”.

The Science Behind Medical Marijuana

Endocannabinoids are chemical compounds in our brain that play an integral role in cognition, emotional response, behavior regulation and motor function.

Dubbed ‘Green Prozac’ by some medical marijuana card holders, it’s no doubt that MMJ has the potential to be a miracle treatment for depression. While the evaluation of cannabis as a form of natural antidepressant is still in its infant stages, initial research suggests that by and large, medical marijuana does have a positive impact on the moods of those suffering with the ailment.

This is thought to be because of the naturally occurring endocannabinoids that exist within our brains. These chemical compounds play an integral role in cognition, emotional response, behavior regulation and motor function, and their chemical makeup is strikingly similar to that of marijuana.

When we’re put under undue stress, the production of these all important endocannabinoids hit an all-time low, meaning that our psychological state is compromised. When medical marijuana card holders ingest the plant, these endocannabinoids are restored by the cannabinoids in the plant, thus reinstating their emotional equilibrium.

Using MMJ as an Alternative to Medication

Medical marijuana is often viewed as a more natural alternative to using antidepressants, which can come loaded with nefarious side effects. Unfortunately, due to the fact that a lot of doctors are wrapped around Big Pharma’s fingers, they can be eager to prescribe these unpleasant drugs – often in high doses – to patients in order to line their own pockets.

If your antidepressants have you suffering from these unwelcome side effects, you could benefit from treating your ailment with medical marijuana instead. Some people like to come off medication entirely in favor of MMJ, but it’s only recommended to do so on advice from a licensed physician.

If you’re new to the plant, it’s wise to use MMJ as a supplement to your prescribed antidepressants until you think you’re in a good enough headspace to come off them entirely.

As medical marijuana is often used as a pain suppressant, this has the secondary impact of depression reduction in MMJ card holders who suffer from chronic pain. Not only does medical marijuana reduce chronic pain in those suffering from it, it also treats its side effects like insomnia and lack of appetite.

The enhanced independence and mobility that comes with reducing chronic pain mean that these cannabis card holders see their mood significantly improve as their horizons widen again.

Medical Marijuana is Not for Everyone

If after using MMJ, you feel like your symptoms are worse, then you should let your prescribing physician know as soon as possible.

Similar to other drugs, marijuana will not work to reduce depression in everyone. In fact, in some rare cases, it has been observed to significantly worsen the mood of some MMJ card holders suffering with the debilitating disease. This is thought to be because ingesting cannabis can raise THC levels in the body, which in turn can affect our serotonin production.

Serotonin is the chemical in the body that regulates our happiness, so it’s imperative that we produce as much of it as we can. If this production becomes stifled by consuming MMJ, some medical marijuana card holders may see their good mood deplete.

In more extreme cases, cannabis use has been seen to trigger schizophrenia and psychosis in susceptible patients, although research suggesting this isn’t entirely robust.

Medical marijuana card holders who have been newly prescribed MMJ to treat their depression are advised to monitor their moods closely. If you feel like your symptoms may be significantly worsening, with no sign of reprieve, then you should return to the physician who prescribed it to you and voice your concerns. They will alter your treatment plan – perhaps to a different MMJ strain – and will ask you to continue to monitor your progress.

If you still feel unsure of your condition after another period of time, it’s advisable that you stop your course of medical marijuana.

Successful Strains of MMJ

Different strains of medical marijuana vary in how successful they are at treating certain ailments. Strains that are particularly effective at treating depression include AK-47, Chiesel, Blue Dream and Amnesia Haze.

Depression is an incredibly complex condition, which means there is no clear-cut answer on this one. Using medical marijuana to treat depression can be extremely effective for some people, but it can lead to a worsening of symptoms for others.

As with any medical treatment plan, it’s imperative that you talk through your options in detail with your physician before deciding on any course of action.

The use of medical marijuana is on the rise in the state of California as more and more people become familiar with the drug and its wide range of benefits. But what many people don’t realize is just how simple the process of getting a medical weed card online actually is.

Anyone can apply for a medical weed card online if they believe that they have an ailment that would be helped or alleviated with medical marijuana.

The Laws

The passing of the Compassionate Use Act of 1996 was a big step for Californians who needed medical marijuana for their ailments.

Proposition 215, colloquially known as The Compassionate Use Act, was passed in the State of California back in 1996. This act allowed citizens who suffer from a variety of different ailments to legally seek out treatment and relief with prescribed use of medical marijuana. It also provided a safe environment for patients to openly talk to their doctors about medical marijuana, the correct dosages, any side effects and the best ways to utilize the drug for their specific needs.

Doctors have also been given a lot more freedom to which conditions qualify for medical marijuana use, including arthritis, glaucoma, AIDS, cancer, anorexia, chronic pain and migraines. For a full list of qualifying conditions you can follow this link here.

Proposition 64, which recently passed in the state of California, changed the laws surrounding medical marijuana for recreational use. This new law has left many patients wondering where they now stand, and prospective clients wondering whether it’s worth getting a medical weed card for themselves.

Medical weed can be used for a wide variety of conditions, from glaucoma and arthritis to cancer and migraines.

What Proposition 64 Means for Both the Public and MMJ Patients

Under Proposition 64, regular citizens are now allowed to possess and use cannabis recreationally (much like smoking tobacco or drinking alcohol). However, there are still some limitations to this new proposition that don’t apply to MMJ patients, and the law itself won’t properly come into effect until 2018.

This means that it will still be illegal to purchase cannabis for recreational use, and public citizens will have to rely on being ‘gifted’ the substance if they wish to partake legally. Recreational use will still be forbidden in public arenas and consumption will have to remain discreet and in private spaces only. MMJ patients, however, will continue to have permission to dose in most places that tobacco use is still allowed.

The other major difference between the public and MMJ patients with regards to proposition 64 is the amount that one can possess at any given time. Regular citizens will be restricted to one ounce of flowers (or eight grams of concentrate) while in public spaces, and will be limited to just six plants in their homes, whereas MMJ patients will continue to be allowed to cultivate up to 100 square-feet of cannabis at any given time.

Other benefits for patients in possession of a medical weed card are shorter waiting times at marijuana dispensaries (once the public can purchase it legally), a forgoing of the sales tax and protection from the fluctuation in prices incurred when marijuana begins to be bought, sold and traded as a commercial commodity.

The Process of Getting a Medical Weed Card Online

Anyone with a medical condition that believes that access to medical marijuana would be of use to their condition, or will help to relieve some of their symptoms, can apply for a medical weed card online from an online service, like that provided by MMJ Recs.

Online services are handy, as they not only provide patients with direct access to licensed physicians – who are usually specialized in medical marijuana use, the benefits and the correct usage and dosages for specific ailments – but they also cut down wait times dramatically and circumvent the need to make appointments at registered clinics.

Getting a licensed physician to fill out a medical marijuana evaluation online for you takes only a few minutes.

To apply online, you’ll be required to fill out a standard medical form that outlines why you believe that access to MMJ will be of benefit to you. You’ll also need to provide a full medical history of the condition in question and any other medical documentation that you might already have.

The actual evaluation, which is performed by a fully licensed physician, takes only a few minutes and involves a short phone call or Skype conversation. If the doctor believes that you qualify, then they’ll issue you with a recommendation letter and weed card that will arrive in the mail within a couple of days.

The card will come with your full name, date of birth, patient ID, expiration date (a renewal of your card will be required annually), a doctor’s signature and an embossed seal. With this card you’ll be able to buy medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries or order it online through protected marketplace sites.

And there you have it – all you need to know about applying for your medical weed card online! If you have any further questions, please feel free to post them in the comments section below.

Experimenting with medical marijuana can be very intimidating for a lot of people. The sad thing is that there are many types of people who could benefit from MMJ who are being put off by the hype, stigma and lies surrounding its use. Luckily, we’re here to bust some of the most common myths surrounding medical marijuana so that you can get back to consuming your medication without worrying about myths over truths.

Myth: MMJ Is Only for Stoners

The primary reason for using MMJ is not getting high. It is the legitimate treatment of debilitating conditions.

This is probably one of the most pervasive arguments that people use when showing their disdain for MMJ. Medical marijuana is not the same as street-level weed used for recreational purposes. People with MMJ cards are patients who have seen medical professionals who deem them worthy of treatment with medical marijuana. The process is legal, safe and not about getting high. Most users of medical marijuana view getting high as a side effect of their medication as opposed to the main reason for consuming it in the first place. Now, we’re not saying that you can’t enjoy the high! Of course, it can be a fun side effect, but the primary reason for using MMJ is not getting high. It is the legitimate treatment of debilitating conditions.

Myth: Medical Professionals Don’t Approve of Medical Marijuana

In California, there is a legal process for obtaining MMJ cards. Firstly, you must attend a consultation, either in person or online, with a fully qualified doctor. The doctor must conclude that you need a medical marijuana card. They must then write a letter, outlining your condition and why you require MMJ to treat yourself. This can then be used to obtain MMJ from a dispensary. There are countless doctors in California who approve of the use of medical marijuana for a variety conditions, and some even work solely on writing letters of recommendation for medical marijuana to those who need it. Do not be self-conscious about seeking help for your condition via medical marijuana. If you are in California, it is very easy to find medical professionals who are passionate about this form of treatment and who want to help patients access it as easily and quickly as possible in a perfectly legal manner.

Myth: MMJ Leads to the Abuse of Hard Drugs

Although there have been some links shown between the use of cannabis and harder drugs such as meth, cocaine and heroin, it is clear those who use marijuana medicinally do not have this issue.

There is a big difference between using a drug recreationally and using it to treat the symptoms of an illness. Although there have been some links shown between the use of cannabis and harder drugs such as meth, cocaine and heroin, it is clear those who use marijuana medicinally do not have this issue. By treating MMJ as a medication instead of an illicit drug, the stigma of its use for this reason can be broken. By continuing to associate medical marijuana with drug abuse, the false links among addiction, criminal activity and the use of medical cannabis will continue to be spread. This is incredibly negative for the many patients who use MMJ daily to manage their conditions and who may be easily put off by what they perceive to be the danger of opening a gate to hard drugs via the legitimate use of medical marijuana as an alleviative treatment for chronic conditions.

Myth: Medical Marijuana Doesn’t Have Proven Benefits

The benefits of MMJ are obvious to anyone who has ever used it to treat an ongoing or chronic condition. MMJ, depending on the strain, can alleviate symptoms associated with numerous illnesses and conditions, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder and multiple sclerosis. Cancer sufferers have also reported that MMJ can ease the side effects of chemotherapy, which can often be incredibly grueling. If patient testimony is anything to go by, medical marijuana has a variety of benefits and allows patients suffering from a wide range of illnesses to go out and live their best lives while unwell.

Myth: MMJ Is a Cure-all for Illnesses and Diseases

Although MMJ is an amazing medicine that can help alleviate many conditions, it has not been shown to cure any major condition. Medical marijuana serves its purpose as an alleviative drug. It treats symptoms as opposed to the root causes of illnesses, which is why it is so helpful in assisting patients who suffer from long-term and chronic conditions. Although this may be disappointing for those looking for a quick fix, it shows that MMJ can be incredibly helpful for people who have been put on a variety of pharmaceutical solutions to treat different symptoms of chronic conditions. It’s just about treating your conditions with the best medication available, one of which can be medical marijuana.

Treatment of pain is one of the main reasons why people use medical marijuana. Patients have been using medical cannabis to treat the pain symptoms associated with headaches, inflammation, muscle soreness, spasms, cramps and spinal injuries for centuries.

There are references to cannabis being used to treat pain from texts dating as far back as 2700 B.C. The first written reports of marijuana being used to treat pain from the 19th century were by a pioneering Irish doctor named William B. O’Shaughnessy, who described the use of medical marijuana in the treatment of menstrual cramps and several other ailments such as rabies and tetanus.

So, how effective is medical cannabis in the treatment of pain?

Medical cannabis is effective in treating pain.

People report great relief from chronic pain when they ingest medical marijuana. Because every human’s physiology and psychology is different, people report differing levels of success in using MMJ to treat pain, but the vast majority of anecdotal evidence points to MMJ being very effective at treating pain.

In recent years, the hard science has caught up with the anecdotal evidence. Studies have been done to explore the effectiveness of using medical cannabis to treat pain as well as to ascertain whether doing so is safe and what, if any, side effects can be expected from long-term medical cannabis use.

A small mountain of research is now piling up that shows that MMJ is effective in the treatment of pain. A National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine report from January 2017 concluded that there is “substantial evidence” that cannabinoids are effective in treating chronic pain.

A 2011 study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics showed that cannabinoids helped to increase the effectiveness of opioid painkillers, without changing blood opioid levels. This strongly suggests that cannabinoids have painkilling properties of their own.

“Medical cannabis is a very effective therapy for chronic pain patients because it affects people’s perception of pain, has the ability to mitigate the inflammatory process and has been shown to affect voltage-gated sodium channels in nerves in a way similar to lidocaine,” says Mark Rabe, medical director of Centric Wellness in San Diego and chair of the Scientific Advisory Board at Medical Marijuana Sciences.

The exact ways in which marijuana relieves pain are not fully understood, but it seems likely that cannabinoid compounds such as THC and CBD affect the natural cannabinoid receptors that we already have in our body and that studies show have a big effect on pain control.

Studies have shown that Type 1 cannabinoid receptors are located all over the body and have a particularly high concentration in areas that control pain perception in the central nervous system. Type 2 cannabinoid receptors are mostly located in the areas of the body that control immune function.

The nervous system and the immune system are the two main body systems responsible for producing the sensation of pain, and it is cannabis’s effects on the cannabinoid receptors in these areas that are likely the cause of its pain-relieving properties.

Medical marijuana has no recorded fatalities and is non-addictive.

There is a lot of evidence to suggest that medical marijuana is a safer way to treat pain than conventional opioid-based painkillers. Opioids have numerous side effects, such as drowsiness, constipation and, most sinisterly, addiction. Many people die from opioid-related complications each year.

Cannabis, on the other hand, has no recorded fatalities and is non-addictive. The side effects of medical marijuana are relatively benign and easily manageable with intelligent use. They can include drowsiness, decreased motivation, increased appetite and increased libido.

Mark Ware, director of clinical research for the Alan Edwards Pain Management Unit at McGill University Health Center in Montreal, conducted a study that concluded that cannabis was safe to use as a treatment for chronic pain. His team found that using a cannabis card did not lead to an increased risk of “serious side effects,” although there was a possibility for less serious side effects such as nausea, headache, sleepiness and dizziness.

“In terms of a side effect profile, we felt the drug had a reasonably good safety profile if you compare those effects to other medications,” said the study’s lead author.

The study also reported that participants seemed to experience a reduction in pain symptoms when using medical cannabis.

“This is a paper they should bring to the attention of their physician or health care provider,” Ware says. “Anybody who is interested in using cannabis to treat pain should know this information, as it can influence the decision-making process considerably.”

More and more doctors are now advocating medical marijuana card use for treatment of chronic pain. Jonathan Kuo, an interventional pain management specialist at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, New York. is a firm believer in cannabis as a pain reducer.

“We frequently find that opioids are not a good long-term solution for chronic pain,” Kuo says. “We’d like to see some more of these long-term safety profiles of medical cannabis, and studies like these are important steps forward in that direction.”

So, it seems compelling that medical marijuana is indeed effective in treating pain. There are still elements of the situation that are not fully clear; therefore, more research needs to be done. The evidence at the moment points to cannabis being safe and effective, so if you are suffering from pain, getting your hands on a California medical marijuana card certainly seems like a step in the right direction.

The legality of medical marijuana in the states has come a long way and has overcome many obstacles since 1906 when heavy restrictions were placed on marijuana. At one point, it was even classified as a poison. Today, however, marijuana for medical purposes is legal in 29 states, including New York. Since 2014, thanks to the Compassionate Care Act, patients are now allowed to use marijuana for medicinal purposes to treat illnesses such as cancer, HIV and AIDs. There has been evidence that medical marijuana can help with problems from glaucoma to epileptic seizures. People have also reported that medical cannabis has helped with inflammation and pain and with coping with the side effects of chemotherapy.

Medical Marijuana Laws in New York

New York holds much stricter medical marijuana laws, especially with regards to the qualifying diseases and the form of medicine allowed.

In comparison to other states such as California, however, New York holds much stricter medical marijuana laws, especially with regards to the qualifying diseases and the form of medicine allowed.

First, only a handful of illnesses is considered qualifying conditions if you want to try medical cannabis. Cancer, Parkinson’s disease, AIDs and multiple sclerosis are just a few of the ailments. However, recent medical marijuana laws have loosened to allow chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder to be classified as a qualifying illness that could allow for the treatment using medical marijuana. This means that if you have severe pain for three months or more that has not responded well to other treatment, then you can apply for a certification from a medical practitioner.

How to Apply for Medical Cannabis in New York

There are a few stages when it comes to applying for medical marijuana. It is not simply a case of going to your doctor and asking for a prescription, which is actually illegal. The first step is to see if your condition comes under the list of qualifying ailments.

The next step is to ensure that your medical practitioner is registered with the New York Department of Health’s Medical Marijuana Program. Only then can they give you a certification for medical cannabis.

Once you have received your certification, you need to register for the Medical Marijuana Program through the department’s online patient registration system.

The last step is waiting to receive a registry identification card, which you will have to show when you go to the dispensary facility.

Where to Buy Medical Marijuana in New York

There are currently less than 1,000 qualified doctors in the city who can prescribe medical marijuana.

Out of around 2,000 dispensaries in the United States, there are only a few dispensaries available in New York. Moreover, there are currently less than 1,000 qualified doctors in the city who can prescribe medical marijuana.

Why is this number so low? It is likely to do with the fact that marijuana is still classified as a Schedule I drug and is considered illegal by the federal government. A possible reason for the strict medical marijuana laws could be that lawmakers are highly suspicious of marijuana being used for recreational purposes. Despite the positive stories people have reported from using medical cannabis to treat their illnesses, the state still believes that this alternative medicine can pose risks.

The Prospect of Recreational Marijuana Use in New York

On the other hand, exciting news has emerged recently hinting that marijuana could also possibly be legalized for recreational use in the Big Apple. If this goes ahead, then, naturally, the expansion of medical marijuana will likely increase, which would hopefully allow more people to have easier access to this natural alternative.

How You Can Consume Medical Marijuana in New York

In terms of the form of medical marijuana allowed in New York, only tinctures and oils are legal, and these can be inhaled, vaporized or taken orally in capsules. Smoking is strictly prohibited.

Furthermore, the amount that you have in possession also has a limit. There is a 30-day supply max at any one time. There are different classes of felonies for just being in possession of cannabis; therefore, it is important to ensure that you always have your registry identification card with you.

On top of these restrictions, the cost is also a big factor that explains why a limited number of people have access to medical marijuana. In comparison to other states such as California and Colorado where cannabis will cost you roughly $15 to $25 a day, in New York, you would have to pay around $180. This is a major problem for people who may qualify for medical marijuana but cannot afford it.

In conclusion, New York possesses much tighter medical marijuana laws with regards to the qualification, form and process of obtaining medical cannabis, especially compared to other states such as California. The number of doctors willing to prescribe medical cannabis and the cost appears to be limiting the number of potential patients.

Things are gradually becoming more lenient though for instance in terms of the types of ailments accepted, and there is hope that the legalization will be less restrictive. But overall, it seems that New York still has some catching up to do compared to other states when it comes to making medical marijuana more easily accessible and affordable for people.

If someone mentions medical marijuana, chances are that you’ll automatically think of a blazing joint or even a vape pen. The truth is that there are multiple ways to consume your MMJ. From edibles to smoking, the variety is wide. However, a method that is quickly growing in popularity is actually one of the oldest methods of consuming marijuana. MMJ tinctures are easily bought or prepared, and patients are ensuring that they are becoming more popular by the day.

What Are MMJ Tinctures?

MMJ tinctures are actually one of the oldest methods of consuming marijuana.

A tincture is a high alcohol-based liquid that has marijuana infused into it. It is usually administered via a dropper onto the tongue from a small bottle. It allows for patients to dose themselves steadily throughout the day. It is also a more discreet way of consuming medical marijuana and is easily transported, given the fact that it is easily disguised.

Where Do You Get MMJ Tinctures?

You need to make sure that you have your medical marijuana card so that you can legally obtain MMJ. Speak to your physician, or get an online consultation and you’ll be given a letter stating your need for medical marijuana. Then you’ll be able to visit your local dispensary and speak to them about the best tincture for you. As with any form of medical marijuana, different strains work best for different symptoms, so make sure you’re informed before you make a purchase.

How Do You Make MMJ Tinctures?

The comfort of a professionally produced tincture is obvious, but what if you want to venture out and make your own homemade tincture? There are two main methods of doing this: the hot method and the cold method. There are positives and negatives to each method, and it is best to research both extensively before you try them out at home.

The Hot Method

Hot extraction means that heat is used to extract the THC from the marijuana buds into the tincture. It’s a far more involved process than cold extraction, but its fans argue that it is totally worth the effort.

First, you’ll need to chop your marijuana buds so you have a greater surface area with which to work. Then, you need to bake it in an oven for four to five minutes at 325°F. After baking, transfer your buds into your alcohol solution using the highest proof of edible alcohol that you can find. This will depend on what is available in your area. Simmer your mixture of marijuana and alcohol in a bowl in a water bath, making sure the mixture never actively simmers.

There are some safety issues in this process, so make sure you are extremely careful. If you’re in any way nervous, cold extraction may be a better option. Finish off your tincture by straining it. YouTube is an excellent resource for finding involved videos that show off every step of this complex process

The Cold Method

Once you have your medical marijuana card, the easiest way to make MMJ tinctures is with the cold mehtod.

If hot extraction seems too intimidating, you may prefer to do the cold extraction. It takes a lot longer but is far easier for patients who aren’t as familiar with the methods involved in extracting MMJ to tincture form.

All you’ll need for cold extraction is a glass jar, medical marijuana and high-proof alcohol. Fill your jar about three-quarters of the way with medical marijuana. Then, top off the jar with alcohol, leaving some room to stir and shake. Put the lid on your jar, and shake it twice a day for about two weeks. When you notice the color has gone from the MMJ, remove the mixture from the jar, strain it and use it as a tincture. This process is much easier than hot extraction but will produce a slightly weaker tincture than hot extraction.

What’s the Best Way to Use MMJ Tinctures?

The best way to use a tincture is to place one or two drops under your tongue from a dropper bottle. Less is more with MMJ tinctures, and you will have to play with the dosage and frequency until you find the right amounts for you. As the concentration of MMJ tinctures can be a lot higher than smoking, vaping or edibles, take an easy hand at the start. The good thing about a small tincture bottle is that it can be easily slipped into your handbag or pocket, so if you feel the need to use more, it’ll be right there whenever you want it.

MMJ tinctures are a great place to start for someone who may be slightly unsure about the best way to consume medical marijuana. They are discreet, easily transported and without any other side effects just as having to smoke, vape or eat something to ingest the MMJ. As long as you have your medical marijuana card, the world of MMJ tinctures is your oyster, so get out and see what the fuss is about!

When someone mentions the word “marijuana,” what typically springs to mind is an image of young people smoking recreationally. However, ever since the legalization of medical marijuana in 28 states, the use of medical marijuana among the elderly has become popular as a more natural alternative to prescription medicines.

There are various strains of marijuana, and some are void of THC, the cannabinoid that produces the psychoactive effects. This means that patients can take marijuana purely for the medicinal benefits without getting high. As people get older, they are likely to start experiencing a host of health problems from arthritis to Alzheimer’s. Here is a list of ways medical marijuana can help the elderly with a variety of health conditions.

Glaucoma

Studies show that taking medical marijuana may help with glaucoma risk factors and symptoms.

Glaucoma is a condition that affects the optic nerve, which carries information from the eye to brain. As fluid pressure increases in the eye, vision loss gradually occurs. Current treatment includes laser therapy, eye drop medications and surgery; however, these options may cause undesirable side effects or may not even be sufficient in reducing the fluid pressure in the eye. Studies show that taking medical marijuana may help with glaucoma risk factors and symptoms such as reducing intraocular pressure, inflammation and mydriasis, a condition in which the pupils dilate.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a common health problem that affects almost 50 percent of people more than 65 years old. There are five main groups of arthritis, and the various symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, and swelling and inflammation of the joints. Despite mixed opinions as to whether cannabis can help with arthritis symptoms, THC, a cannabinoid found in marijuana, is known to help with chronic pain and has been shown to effectively treat patients and ease severe arthritis.

Cancer

Cancer is one of the most talked about diseases in the world, yet doctors and scientists are still looking for a cure. It affects people of all ages, though there are certain cancers that may affect the elderly more, such as prostate, breast and ovarian cancers. This is because of age-related factors such as chronic inflammation, in addition to changes in tissues and organs, make the cells’ microenvironment more ideal for cancer to develop. Unfortunately, there is no sure answer as to whether medical marijuana can cure cancer completely; however, patients have been known to shown improvements in terms of coping with the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea, after taking medical marijuana in the form of cannabis oil. Furthermore, research has shown that cannabis kills cancer cells by inducing a specifically programmed cell death called apoptosis. The compounds found in marijuana also stop the proliferation of cancer cells and tumors.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Studies have revealed that THC can slow the production of beta-amyloid proteins in nerve cells, which is known to be a key factor in the progression of Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive mental deterioration and is the most common type of dementia. With an increase in age comes with an increase in the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s, along with other things such as a family history of the disease. Symptoms include memory problems, disorientation, insomnia, speech problems and even hallucinations. This can be a very distressing disease, not just for the patient but also for family members and relatives. Studies have revealed that THC can slow the production of beta-amyloid proteins in nerve cells, which is known to be a key factor in the progression of Alzheimer’s. Additionally, marijuana is also thought to help improve other symptoms of Alzheimer’s such as insomnia, motor functioning and weight control.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is another condition that is likely to affect the elderly as bone deterioration increases with age. Bones become weaker and brittle, increasing the chances of breakage and fracture. CBD may help with strengthening of bones as well as heal broken bones. CBD does this by preventing the enzyme FAAH from breaking down bone-forming compounds, thereby helping to preserve bone strength. Bisphosphonate, which is typical medication for osteoporosis, can come with side effects such as muscular pain, fever and joint pain. Alternative treatment in the form of medical marijuana is promising as it combats theses effects and is a more natural form of medication to treat osteoporosis. For the elderly, smoking may not be the most appealing way to take medical marijuana; therefore, using tinctures may be a more ideal and discreet method.

Overall, there is still research to be carried out to confirm the viability of medical marijuana as a cure for a host of diseases, and there will always be experts for and against. Nevertheless, things seem promising as medical marijuana has time and time again been proven help treat inflammation, which has been called the root of most diseases, while modern medicine focuses on mainly dealing with symptoms.

Most people may not realize that cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. This may be because in the U.S. under federal law, it is illegal to be in possession of this plant. Times have changed, though, and as 28 states in the have legalized marijuana for medicinal purposes, the use of this once-controversial plant has increased dramatically and enabled people of all ages to use it as an alternative to help with a range of diseases and illnesses from cancer to epileptic seizures. This is great news for people looking for a more natural way to aid health problems. If you’re wondering if you might benefit from medical marijuana, here’s a list of illnesses and diseases that are considered qualifying conditions and that might make you eligible for a California medical marijuana card.

Crohn’s Disease

Cannabinol (CBD), which is a cannabinoid found in marijuana, has anti-inflammatory properties, and in the case of Crohn’s disease, it can limit intestinal inflammation.

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects any part of the gastrointestinal tract. People with this disease can suffer from cramping, abdominal pain and persistent diarrhea. Although diet and prescription medicines are some forms of treatment, around 60 percent of patients with Crohn’s disease will require surgery at some stage during their lifetime. Cannabinol (CBD), which is a cannabinoid found in marijuana, has anti-inflammatory properties, and in the case of Crohn’s disease, it can limit intestinal inflammation. This is because compounds found in the marijuana plant closely imitate endocannabinoids and have been proven to play a significant part in reducing gastrointestinal inflammation.

Cancer

Cannabis can’t cure cancer, but there is no denying that medical marijuana has helped many people cope with the side effects of cancer treatment, such as chemo-induced nausea. The National Institute on Drug Abuse has claimed that cannabis can even help to shrink tumors and kill cancer cells.

Depression

Depression affects more than 15 million Americans and is a serious mental illness regardless of the level. Different cannabis strains are known to have a stress-relieving effect, and low doses of THC have been proven to increase serotonin levels (happy hormones) as well as relieve anxiety. Most people who use medical marijuana smoke it because it is the fastest way to experience the effects.

Epilepsy

If you suffer from epileptic seizures, there is evidence of cannabis’s ability to reduce the debilitating condition. The research is promising, especially for people with a treatment-resistant form of the disease. For children and the elderly, two groups that epilepsy more commonly affects, medical marijuana in the form of tinctures is an ideal way to take the medication. CBD, which is the main compound in cannabis, is confirmed to be a safe and effective treatment for epilepsy.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a neurological condition that affects the spinal cord, optic nerve and brain, which means it can affect your nerve system. This can result in symptoms such as fatigue, spasms, dizziness and balance problems, and the disorder is incurable, which can make life very difficult for patients. Medical marijuana, in the form of cannabis oil, or prescription medicine has been helpful in easing these symptoms by relieving pain and improving brain function as the cannabinoids are anti-inflammatory.

Chronic Pain

The most common use of medical marijuana is to treat chronic pain.

Chronic pain can be caused by disorders such as multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia as well as general pains such as headaches, muscle soreness and cramps. The most common use of medical marijuana is to treat pain, and it can work very effectively depending on the level and type of pain and a person’s own physiology. The main method of using cannabis for pain relief is to smoke the marijuana. This is also the quickest way to experience the painkilling properties.

Arthritis

Arthritis, like multiple sclerosis, is an incurable disease. It causes joint inflammation and pain, mainly in the spine, hands, knees and hips. This mostly affects people aged 40 and older, and taking medical marijuana in the form of tinctures or vaping are ideal ways of coping with this disease. Again, this works by reducing inflammation and pain in the joints as the compounds CBD and THC hold painkilling properties.

Insomnia

Insomnia affects many people throughout their lifetime, especially due to today’s hectic, fast-paced lifestyle. Medical marijuana can be used as a helpful alternative sleep aid as opposed to prescription sleeping pills, which may require higher and higher doses as your body becomes used to the drug. The indica strain tends to result in heavier sleep effects compared to sativa, which has more energizing effects.

This list is in no way conclusive of the diseases, illnesses and conditions that medical marijuana can help with. People with glaucoma, weight issues from illnesses such as HIV, post-traumatic stress disorder and Alzheimer’s disease could also potentially benefit from the use of medical marijuana. If you suffer from any of the above illnesses, all you have to do is obtain a medical marijuana card online and try this method of treatment yourself.

Medical marijuana and the issuing of MMJ cards in California has made the drug one of the most mainstream medicinal and social forms of treatment in the United States. In this article, we’re going to explore some of the biggest benefits of medical marijuana and what having that all-important California medical marijuana card means for you. Cannabis has been a very tricky plant to study, but as the U.S. relaxes its attitude toward the drug, the indisputable benefits of medical marijuana are starting to come to light. With an MMJ card, you can benefit from them, too!  

Lose Weight

If you have a medical marijuana card, you might actually start to slim down.

Many people associate marijuana with the munchies and eating food that you really shouldn’t be eating, so this might sound crazy, but MMJ can actually help you lose weight. Numerous studies have shown that not only are marijuana users slimmer than non-users, but marijuana is also capable of reducing insulin levels in your body, which can, in fact, promote weight loss. Marijuana users have a lower obesity rate than non-MMJ users, according to a study published in the American Journal of Medicine.

Treat Bowel Problems

The key components of marijuana THC and cannabidiol can combine with the cells in your body to improve the function of your gut and even immune responses. The cannabinoids in marijuana are actually capable of making your intestinal cells form a tighter bond, which, in turn, helps keep bacteria out and protects your immune system from bowel diseases.

Prevent Spread of HIV

Studies show medical marijuana can help prevent the spread of HIV.

The main component of medical marijuana — tetrahydrocannabinol, or the much easier to pronounce THC — can help stop the spread of HIV and AIDS. The cannabinoids within marijuana contain powerful anti-viral compounds that help prevent the spread of the disease. For those already suffering from HIV, these compounds have helped to reduce nausea, neuropathic pain and body weakness.

Relieve Arthritis Pain

Patients who have a medical marijuana card have seen severe reductions in pain compared to those who have not been treated with medical marijuana. MMJ has actually proven to be a more effective form of treatment compared to any other form of conventional medicine.  

Reduce Chemo Symptoms

Suffering from cancer is one of the hardest things to do in life. The process of chemo is mentally and physically draining. Cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy typically suffer from loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. Medical marijuana is commonly used to help treat these side effects and to increase appetite, reduce nausea and cope with pain.

Help with Effects of Strokes and Epilepsy

Numerous studies have proven that medical marijuana can help to protect your brain after suffering from a stroke. MMJ reduces the size of the area of the brain affected by the stroke and, as a result, helps to prevent future strokes from happening. It has also been proven to reduce convulsions and minimize them for people suffering from epilepsy.

Reduce Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease

Studies have shown that medical marijuana is not only an effective way to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s but can actually help prevent the disease altogether. This is because the cannabinoids found in MMJ are able to reduce the neurodegenerative process that occurs when someone has Alzheimer’s. For those who suffer from the disease, it’s a great method of reducing the effects, and for those who don’t, it’s a great way of preventing it.

Deal with Anxiety

The best of the best at Harvard medical school have performed studies that show that medical marijuana can help to reduce and prevent anxiety for both small and large scale sufferers.

Treat Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is the late-stage scarring of the liver, and symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, easy bleeding and bruising. Marijuana has been used to help treat and alleviate some of the more severe symptoms of cirrhosis. The two major cannabinoids found in medical weed — tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) — bind with or influence the cannabinoid receptors in your body. The theory is that this acts as a fusing mechanism and helps to replicate the role of a person suffering from liver damage. Although medical marijuana is not thought to repair the damage, it is believed to have a beneficial effect on containing it.

Treat Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a nasty eye condition that can lead to blindness. With the legalization of medical marijuana, studies have illustrated how it can be used to treat glaucoma. The THC in marijuana helps lower the intraocular pressure in your eyes. Because glaucoma is caused by an excess buildup of pressure, it can be used in conjunction with other medications.

These are only a few of the many benefits of becoming a California weed card holder. With your MMJ card in hand, you can visit your local dispensary, and you may find that the owner has an almost pharmacy-like knowledge of how medical marijuana can help you.

Florida has allowed access to low-THC, non-smoked medical cannabis as an alternative health care option for patients with cancer or chronic seizures or spasms since 2014. In March 2016, the law was amended to allow access to high-strength medical marijuana for patients with terminal illnesses. But it remained one of the nation’s more conservative and limited medical marijuana programs.

But in November 2016, more than 70 percent of Florida voters cast a vote in favor of Amendment 2, which promises to widely expand Florida’s medical marijuana laws.

Amendment 2 101

With the passing of Amendment 2, Florida now allows high-strength medical marijuana to be used.

Amendment 2 protects patients, caregivers, doctors, dispensaries and industry staff from prosecution or civil sanction under state law. It will also allow high-strength medical cannabis to be used for a much wider list of medical conditions.

Although Amendment 2 requires the state to adopt the new medical marijuana rules by July 3, 2017, and have them fully operational by September, controversy is still raging. Heated dialogue is ongoing among voters, pressure groups, the Florida legislature, and the Florida Department of Health about what the exact rules and regulations will be within the new system.

What We Don’t Know

Many rules have yet to be written, but there are strict deadlines for finalizing the fine details. Details have yet to finalized about how to issue medical cannabis cards, about prescription amounts for various ailments, and about the specific qualifications caregivers will need. There are also some outstanding issues around zoning laws for the expected increase in the number of dispensaries that will open in the state. Some cities and districts, Miami Beach among them, have put a temporary ban on new dispensaries opening while they decide on their own zoning rules.

These issues must be sorted out by July 3, and the state must begin issuing licenses and ID cards within the following three months.

What is certain is that once the new rules are in place, the medical marijuana industry will be strengthened and the medical cannabis market will be much bigger.

Although the final details are not concrete just yet, we do know a lot about what Florida’s new medical marijuana rules will look like. Here’s what we know already about Amendment 2.

What We Do Know

Once a person has a doctor’s note, they will then be entitled to obtain an ID card and purchase medical marijuana.

In order to qualify, a patient will need to get a letter from a Florida doctor stating that the patient has a debilitating medical condition and will benefit from using MMJ. Once a person has this doctor’s note, they will then be entitled to obtain an ID card and purchase medical marijuana.

The new rules will allow patients with a much broader range of ailments to qualify for treatment with medical marijuana. Conditions such as AIDS, cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, glaucoma, HIV, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, as well as various other physical and psychological conditions with similarly debilitating effects will qualify a patient for medical marijuana use. It will be largely up to the doctor’s discretion, and if he or she believes the patient’s condition is serious and would benefit from MMJ, then the patient will qualify.

In order to become a caregiver, a person will need to be more than 21 years old and will likely need to be submitted to a background check. They will require an ID card from the Florida Department of Health, and there will be a limit on the number of patients they can help.

A physician issuing an MMJ letter will need to examine the patient and explore their medical history. The physician must believe that the benefits of medical marijuana use will outweigh any potential negative side effects for the patient.

Dispensaries (which will be called medical marijuana treatment centers) will need to be registered and regulated by the Florida Department of Health. They will be able to produce and distribute medical cannabis. The Department of Health, in conjunction with local authorities, will determine the number and location of these centers.

It is expected that a wide variety of medical marijuana products, such as edibles, tinctures, aerosols, oils and ointments, will be available from dispensaries. There will not be a cap on the amount of THC allowed in these products.

The Department of Health has yet to determine how much medical marijuana will be an adequate supply, but it is expected that the amount available to patients will be flexible and in accordance with the patient’s self-determined needs.

The new laws do not allow patients in the state to grow their own medical cannabis.

It is important to remember that Amendment 2 will not allow patients to smoke marijuana in public or require employers to allow patients to use MMJ at work. Driving under the influence of cannabis will still be illegal. There will also be the usual contradictions between state and federal law, with MMJ use still illegal at the federal level.

Amendment 2 is an exciting new development, and it promises to be very good for the Florida medical marijuana industry.

Attitudes toward marijuana within the United States have been dramatically changing throughout recent years. As each voting cycle passes, an increasing number of states have legalized marijuana: 28 states and Washington, D.C., permit the use of medical marijuana, and eight of those states also allowing recreational consumption.

In 2016, a Gallup survey found that 60 percent of American citizens support complete decriminalization of marijuana for any purpose and a larger percentage support marijuana exclusively for medicinal use.

Although the public at large now has favorable views on the drug, what about those within the fields of traditional medicine?

WebMD, a popular site used by health professionals, conducted a survey in 2014 asking 1,544 doctors across 48 states and 12 specialties if they support the legalization of medical marijuana. The survey found overwhelming support for legalization. Most doctors said the drug should be legal in their states or, at the very least, an option for suffering patients.

With this support for medical marijuana, why is there still a significant lack of scientific research being conducted? Unfortunately, marijuana is still outlawed by the federal government, designated a Schedule I substance with “no accepted medicinal use and a high potential for abuse.” Due to the strict federal oversight of medical research, making progress is easier said than done.

Many credentialed doctors have come forward to express their issues with the government standing in the way of important medical research in relation to marijuana.

“Millions of patients are using this plant, and we need to understand it,” says Sue Sisley, a doctor and researcher at the University of Arizona. “It is negligent for states to go selling cards to marijuana patients without actively conducting rigorous medical marijuana research that’s necessary.”

A Gallup survey found a majority of Americans support medical marijuana.

So why are experts in the field of traditional medicine finally coming around to medical marijuana?

Although research into the drug is far less extensive than it should be, a number of studies have shown findings that suggest marijuana holds the potential to treat a plethora of medical problems — and often more effectively than traditional medicine. The list of ailments that can be treated with the use of marijuana is wide-ranging. Below we examine some of the most promising of treatments.

Nausea and a Loss of Appetite

According to the Institute of Medicine, medical marijuana can greatly assist with nausea and a loss of appetite. Evidence supporting this is obtained through studying those going through treatment for cancer, such as chemotherapy. Common side effects of cancer treatment are rapid weight loss, along with a loss of appetite. A study out of St. John’s Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma, found that through the use of medical marijuana, patients’ nausea and appetites improved by an average of 38%.

Parkinson’s Disease and General Pain Relief

Parkinson’s disease and general pain relief are often cited as the most common reason why patients choose to consume medical marijuana. A study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology found that the psychoactive properties of marijuana could be particularly helpful in treating Parkinson’s. A different study published in Neuropsychopharmacology found that the pain experienced by patients with HIV dropped by 30 percent more than 50 percent of the time through the use of marijuana.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Medical marijuana is also used to support United States veterans. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects about 8 million adults each year. Findings out of the NYU Langone Medical Center concluded that the chemical properties of marijuana are particularly poised for addressing PTSD. “We know very well that people with PTSD who use marijuana often experience more relief than they do from antidepressants,” says the study’s lead researcher, Alexander Neumeister.

Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression affect an estimated 12 percent of Americans. These conditions do not always stem from a traumatic incident but can occur based on the time of year. A research team from Brazil conducted a study surrounding seasonal affective disorder and found that marijuana treatment, when used in moderation, demonstrates a significant decrease in both anxiety and depression. These findings were supported by a separate study out of Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennesee.

The list of ailments that can be treated with the use of medical marijuana is wide-ranging.

Epilepsy and Seizures

Although scientific evidence remains limited to animal trials, various stories have circulated regarding those who suffer from epilepsy and seizures. Many of those affected claim that medical marijuana has helped their epilepsy. One woman went as far as to say, “Without medical marijuana, I wouldn’t be alive today.” Multiple families have even moved to Colorado to receive a special strain of marijuana to treat their children’s seizures.

Despite the evidence, marijuana remains a contentious issue in Washington, D.C. Attorney General Jeff Sessions is a vocal about keeping marijuana illegal at a federal level. “Good people don’t smoke marijuana,” he says. Sessions also recently stated that marijuana is “only slightly less awful” than heroin. Needless to say, with extreme opinions such as these at the peak of government, laws are unlikely to be changed for the better any time soon.

Traditional medicine has come around to medical marijuana, even if some politicians don’t agree. The Epilepsy Foundation calling on the Drug Enforcement Administration to relax its restrictions on marijuana so it can be properly studied is just one example of the countless groups of people offering their support. Let’s hope that in the years to come, organizations, members of the public, and politicians alike can find a common ground.

Although insomnia is not one of the qualifying conditions for obtaining medical cannabis in California, it is often a symptom of many of the qualifying conditions that allow you to apply for an online cannabis card. Most people have difficulty sleeping or have periods of wakefulness at some point or other in their life, but true, long-lasting and severe insomnia is something that is very difficult to live with. You’re in pain, and if you could only get to sleep, the pain would go. But you can’t get to sleep because of the pain! First, we’ll take a look at how MMJ can help some people sleep.

Why MMJ Helps People Sleep

Taking MMJ at night could relieve some of your symptoms and help you fall asleep.

It’s well-known and well-documented that medical marijuana helps reduce stress and aids relaxation. Given this, cannabis can help you fall asleep more quickly. If you are in possession of or qualify for a medical marijuana card in California, then it’s likely that you suffer from a debilitating disease such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, post-traumatic stress disorder or arthritis. All of these conditions — and much more — make it difficult to fall asleep due to pain and other troubling symptoms. So taking some medical marijuana at night could certainly relieve some of these symptoms and help you fall asleep — and hopefully stay asleep — more quickly.

It’s worth pointing out that inhaling medical marijuana will work more quickly than consuming it in an edible, but the effects of the latter last for several hours and will help you stay asleep longer. If edibles are your preferred method of imbibing cannabis, then make sure you take it a couple of hours before bedtime.

It’s well-known that there are many strains of cannabis, so it’s worth getting some expert advice as to which would suit your condition best. You can do this with one of the doctors when you apply for your medical marijuana card online. If you want help going to sleep and staying asleep, then it’s important that you use not only the right strain but also the right amount. You want to calm that brain down a bit, not liven it up just as you’re trying to sleep!

Why MMJ Is Better than Prescription Drugs

Why use medical marijuana to aid sleep rather than prescription medicines? Let’s take a look at this. Of course, there are many prescription drugs available that can help you fall asleep and stay asleep. You may have tried different ones. There’s no doubt that they can be effective for most people — but what about the side effects?

These can be many and varied. There’s no available drug that does not have any side effects. Some known side effects from prescription drugs include depression, amnesia, suicidal thoughts, headache, memory loss, trouble focusing and loss of appetite. They don’t sound good, huh?

Now, it may be a question of trial and error because everyone is different, so what might be hell for someone could be OK for you. But that could mean a lot of trials and a lot of errors!

Medical marijuana doesn’t have any nasty side effects — apart from a slight hangover the next day if you imbibe too much. (We’ve all been there!) Of course, due to the fact that there is very little research available on medical marijuana and its effectiveness, we don’t know for sure how it affects the brain or our ability to sleep. But it’s worth remembering that it is a natural, herbal medicine that’s been around forever. You have to weigh this against the fact that the side effects of prescription drugs are well-researched and documented.

Why Sometimes MMJ Doesn’t Help People Sleep

For some people, marijuana makes them hyper.

There could be several reasons for this. First, it could simply be that you’re using the wrong strain, so check with your medical adviser. Second, you could be using too much. It’s important to get the right balance so that you fall asleep easily, stay asleep and then don’t wake up feeling too groggy.

For some people, marijuana makes them hyper. So obviously, if you’re one of these people, it ain’t going to help you sleep at night! If you are in possession of a cannabis card, then you must be suffering from one of the qualifying conditions. It may be that the MMJ is not relieving your symptoms enough to reduce the pain at night and help you sleep, so again, it would be worth discussing this with your medical provider.

There are more 80 naturally occurring cannabinoids in marijuana, and each one of these will affect each person differently. So it’s clearly a very complex area in which there are no definitive answers. It’s a question of taking appropriate advice and finding what best suits you.

Dr. John Cline sums it up well: “Cannabis is an exceedingly complex drug preparation, and its effects depend on the variety of the plant, the composition of the chemicals in any given sample, the route of the administration, the setting in which is it used and the psychological state of the user.”

So whether you already have your California medical card or you’re considering applying for a medical marijuana card online, be sure to seek some good advice on your own particular condition in order to obtain the best strain and take the optimum amount that will suit you.

Living in the dawn of the medical marijuana card revolution sure does have its perks. Not only are more MMJ card holders able to access the amazing benefits of this super plant, but they’re also spoiled by all the ways they can consume it. But tinctures, edibles, topical lotions and juices still take a backseat. When it comes to popularity, two consumption methods still reign supreme: smoking and vaping.

Although most people instantly think of lighting up a joint when they consider consuming medical marijuana, a lot of medical marijuana card holders will tell you that this is not representative of their experience. Many opt to vape instead. Although you may be onto something in thinking that vaping is seemingly “better,” the argument is much more nuanced than that. There is no “right” way to consume MMJ, nor is everyone better off choosing one method or the other.

If you’re still humming and hawing over which method to choose, take the following points into consideration. And remember, when it comes to MMJ, you should trust your gut, and choose the method that works best for you — regardless of what others say.

Health

Burning medical marijuana, just like burning tobacco, produces tar and other carcinogens that actively harm your lungs.

There are no prizes for guessing which of the two methods win when it comes to health. Unless you’ve been living under a rock for your whole life, you’re aware of the risks associated with smoking. Unfortunately for medical marijuana card holders, when you smoke MMJ, you’re still exposed to these dangers. Burning MMJ, just like burning tobacco, produces tar and other carcinogens that actively harm your lungs.

When you vape, you keep the MMJ below the point of combustion, so none of the bad stuff is created. Instead, it’s gently heated with essential oils, which means you’re getting all those amazing benefits without the dirty side effects. However, it’s important to remember that though there are countless studies done on the harm that smoking does to you, because of their relative newness, vaporizers haven’t been subjected to the same amount of testing, so they’re ability to do you harm is largely unsearched.

Cannabinoids

What most medical marijuana card holders may not know is that there is a huge difference in how much good stuff is inhaled when you choose to vape your plant over ignite it. When you hit the bong or smoke a joint, 88 percent of what is inhaled is smoke gas with non-cannabinoid elements. As we all know, cannabinoids are the best, most active part of the plant and the part most likely to alleviate you of your ailment. Conversely, when you vaporize your MMJ, the substance you’re inhaling is approximately 95 percent cannabinoid, which is much, much better. These lovely little cannabinoids then get to work instantly to make you feel right as rain.

Potency

One place where vaporizers certainly lose points is potency. Although they do give you a more plentiful blast of those all-important cannabinoids, the effects, more often than, not don’t last as long as when you smoke, which means you may have to consume it more often to get the same buzz.

Discreetness

A vape pen is an incredibly discreet way to smoke medical marijuana.

One thing that keeps MMJ card holders opting for a vaporizer over a joint is how delightfully discreet it is. Vaping gives you a sense of mystery in what you’re vaporizing. For all anyone knows, it’s just a classic tobacco vape pen. This enables you to consume whenever and wherever you like without fear of backlash from those around you.

Not only is a vape pen more discreet, but it also allows you to escape the added unpleasantness of potent marijuana smoke sticking to your clothes, hair and breath, which is not a stink you want following you around all day, especially if you have important events on your schedule.

Convenience

Some 420 card holders would argue that vaping is infinitely easier than smoking. Sure, you can just hit a button on the pen and — presto — you’re good to go. But it’s not that simple. Most vaporizers are USB chargeable and will need to be plugged in for an hour or two when their batteries waste, which isn’t exactly ideal when you’re stuck in a jam and need a hit. Plus, you need to regularly clean your vaporizer; otherwise, you’ll start to get an unpleasant, stale taste.

Although vaping presents some challenges when it comes to ease of use, something as primitive as lighting something on fire doesn’t. Loading a bowl or rolling a joint is something that can be done anywhere, at any time, provided you have the right tools. Additionally, smoking will give you the same level of relief each time, something that a vaporizer with a weak battery cannot.

Choosing your preferred method of cannabis consumption is an important decision, but always go with your gut instinct. Your body knows best and will respond better to one or the other, sometimes without rhyme or reason. So just trust it, and you’ll be walking on sunshine in no time.

Pain relief is the No. 1 reason why Californians obtain a medical marijuana card. With many people growing weary of prescription medications due to their numerous harmful side effects, MMJ is quickly becoming one of the most popular ways for cannabis card holders to alleviate pain without the use of narcotics. From cluster headaches to chronic back pain, certain medical marijuana strains have been proven time and time again to be an effective and safe treatment for pain.

Although pain works the same way throughout the body, different areas react to pain differently. As pain encompasses a broad and diverse spectrum of areas, types and reactions, you should be treating it as such. Don’t assume all medical marijuana strains are equipped to treat all pain equally.

Choosing the right strain of medical marijuana to treat a specific pain is an important decision to make for any MMJ card holder. Sure, some strains can be amazing at eliminating your post-surgery pain, but if they knock you out in the process, you need to opt for something else. Likewise, a certain strain could effectively target your lower back pain, but if it keeps you up at night, chances are it’s not worth it.

Humming and hawing over which is the right strain sound like a laborious process, but trust us, when you’re walking on air thanks to the perfect pain-combating medical marijuana strains, you’ll know it’s worth it. To help guide you in the right direction, here are some of the best pain-busting MMJ strains available to California medical marijuana holders right now.

Forget prescription pain relievers. These MMJ strains relieve pain without nasty side effects.

Mild Pain: White Widow

Probably one of the most famous medical marijuana strains worldwide, White Widow is a mixed sativa-indica strain first cultivated in the MMJ haven of the Netherlands. A soothing mix of Brazilian sativa and Indian indica, White Widow is a majorly potent strain that will effectively soothe your mild aches and pains while also providing you with a euphoric buzz. Not only does White Widow act as an ultra-effective pain reliever, but also it is a favorite of creatives the world over due to its unrivaled ability to stimulate their creative side.

Severe Pain: Blackberry Kush and Northern Lights

Although high-CBD medical marijuana strains are often thought of as the go-to painkiller for severe pain, due to their relative newness, they’re not very easy to acquire, especially outside of 420 card states. Instead, medical marijuana card holders who need a more potent painkiller should opt for Blackberry Kush. An indica strain that is super high in THC, Blackberry Kush is nearly guaranteed to obliterate any pain you have. The sensation received from this strain is a wholly numbing effect, alleviating pain and giving you a relaxing feeling that is guaranteed to take your mind off your ailment. However, it’s worth noting that due to the potency of Blackberry Kush, it’s recommended that you do not consume it before work, school or any other important commitment.

Another great alleviator of severe pain comes in the form of Northern Lights. This high-indica strain will numb your aches and pains, making your mind and body ultra-relaxed. However, like Blackberry Kush, it’s recommended to only be used when you have a day of relaxation ahead of you. This is not a work-friendly strain!

Inflammation: Harlequin

Harlequin is a sativa-heavy strain with a high CBD content. However, unlike a lot of CBD-heavy medical marijuana strains, it still produces a CBD to THC ratio of around 5:2, making it an excellent pain reliever, especially pain related to inflammation. Popular among arthritis sufferers, Harlequin gives you a euphoric high with the much-welcomed addition of making you super focused. The clearness of this strain means that it’s perfect to consume before work, school or any other activity that requires your full focus.

Migraines: Blueberry Headband

Blueberry Headband is one of the best medical marijuana strains to alleviate the drilling pain between your eyes.

The unmistakable aroma of Blueberry Headband is just one of the many things that stand out about this MMJ strain. Part of the Headband hybrid family, Blueberry Headband offers a cerebral effect that goes straight to the crown of your head. The targeting effect gives completely focused relief with a happy, relaxed buzz, which will soon make you forget about that drilling pain between your eyes.

Back Pain: Mazar-I-Sharif

For chronic, debilitating back pain, it’s best to go for a potent indica-heavy strain such as Mazar-I-Sharif. This Afghani plant is best known by its reputation as the ultimate relaxer. One puff of this stuff, and you’ll feel a wave of calm wash over you like you’ve never experienced before. Thanks to its high cannabinoid content, it’s no surprise that those suffering from persistent, stubborn back pain are such big fans of it. However, overindulgence in this strain can lead to potent immobilizing, narcotic effects that can be too much to handle for most people, so dosage supervision is vital.

With your medical marijuana card, a diverse world of pain relief is opened up to you. As more and more people flock to benefit from MMJ’s unrivaled pain-busting power, more pain targeting medical marijuana strains will become available, giving you even more options to choose from. As ever, it’s best to consult with your doctor before starting any form of MMJ treatment, but with the above list and your 420 card, you’ll be more than equipped to know the best place to start.

In recent years, medical marijuana has grown in popularity. The once frowned upon herb is now seen as a legitimate form of medication for a variety of ailments. Although it’s perfectly legal to use MMJ when purchased with a 420 card (you can apply for cannabis card online), there is still a perceived stigma attached to this particular form of medication, especially around older family members. This can sometimes lead to awkwardness when dosing in front of them.

But this needn’’t be the case. There are plenty of ways to subtly take your MMJ, leaving you appropriately medicated without having to answer any uncomfortable questions. Below are our top four ways to dose discreetly.

Edibles

The most obvious way to subtly take MMJ in public is by embracing the wonderful world of edibles. Whether in the popular brownie form or something even more subtle such as a gummy bear or lollipop, the combinations are endless. If you can bake it, spread it or munch it, then you can dose with it.

Use your 420 card to pick up some of the medicinal herb, and after a little experimentation at home with different proportions of MMJ (often processed into cannabinol form), you can quickly find the correct dose for your needs. Edibles are a very reliable source of dosing because you can easily tell exactly how much you’’ve taken. You can also quickly identify the limits that you can handle without fear of inducing some of the drowsier side effects caused from medicating with MMJ.

Weed Wine

Canna Vine is different than any other wine on the market.

Fairly new to the scene — but something that the medical marijuana community is getting very excited about — is the introduction of weed wine. Although the presence of cannabis resin in wine can be predated back to 1700 B.C. (with some cultures even using it as an ancient form of pain relief during surgeries), it’s newfound popularity is thanks to a joint venture, aptly named Canna Vine, by Lisa Molyneux and Louisa Sawyer.

Although not cheap (prices can range from $120 to $400 per half bottle!), this new weed wine has taken California by storm. People say that it’s subtle flavor and mellowing effects make it a far more preferable way to consume MMJ than some of the other harsher methods, such as smoking, vaping or even juicing. Despite it’s bright green color, sipping down on some fine Canna Vine can feel downright distinguished. As MMJ use continues to grow in popularity throughout the world, I think we can expect to find many more examples of this spirited drop hitting the markets and restaurants soon.

Tinctures

Use your 420 card to purchase tincture, sometimes referred to as the ‘green or golden dragon.

An MMJ dosing method that’’s not talked about as much is the use of tinctures, sometimes referred to as the ‘green or golden dragon’. Putting the enticing mysticism of the nickname aside, an MMJ tincture is just an alcohol-based cannabis extract (or infused alcohol). This method actually used to be the most common form of dosing up until the United States enacted cannabis prohibition.

Many might be put off by cannabis tinctures because they can seem like a fairly intense form of consumption. But the truth is that it’’s the exact opposite. Just as edibles are a great way to track your dosage of MMJ, tinctures are as well. Once you’ve made your tincture (or bought it online with your California medical marijuana card), you can start with just one drop placed under your tongue. If you require a stronger dose, then add one drop per day until you’ve found your perfect MMJ tincture dose.

Topical Lotions

Last, but certainly not least, is the use of topical cannabis lotions. This method is beneficial because it’s free from the cerebral, heady effects of its counterparts. It’s the perfect choice for 420 card holders who need a clear head and relief from localized pain or discomforts, such as muscle aches and soreness.

Topical lotions use the full cannabis extract, which is the thick, decarboxylated oil used to activate cannabinoids. The reason decarboxylation is necessary for topical treatment is because only once the cannabinoids are activated can they be absorbed through your skin. Decarboxylation is the process of activating the THC from the THCA in your MMJ. This is done through drying your bud and then heating it. Decarboxylating your MMJ will drastically increase it’s potency, which means can reduce your dose and get more bang for your buck!

As you can see, there are many different and beneficial ways to go smoke-free when using MMJ. They are all subtle, dignified and a far cry from the naff and outdated stereotypes of cannabis users that arose during the late ’1960s. There’’s nothing to be ashamed of when using your 420 card to dose with MMJ. I say let your flag fly high so that at your next family picnic or dinner, you can feel comfortable unwrapping your delicious plate of brownies, uncorking your Canna Vine or buttering up with a canna-oil lotion. Just remember to label them first. Who knows? Maybe Nana will want in!

California became the first state to legalize marijuana for medical purposes in 1996. Today, 24 states now have medical marijuana legislation. Nowadays, thanks to restrictions gradually diminishing and research stating that cannabis can help kill cancer cells, the stigma associated with cannabis has started to melt away.

If you’re reading this, you’re probably already aware that you need a CA cannabis card before you can legally enjoy this herb in California. There are many ailments that qualify for a California medical marijuana prescription, such as anxiety, chronic pain, depression and arthritis. In fact, it’s surprisingly easy to obtain a cannabis card. Simply sign up online, have a video chat with a medical board-licensed doctor, and get your recommendation and your medical marijuana on the same day!

Also worth noting is that you can renew your medical card online, too, which will be required each year if you continue to require the medication.

The most common way of taking medical marijuana is to smoke the dried buds or leaves. The smoker will feel the effects almost immediately. However, for children, this may not be suitable, so what other methods are out there, and which one is the best?

What Are Medical Marijuana Tinctures?

Medical marijuana tinctures are the most underrated cannabis product.

Medical marijuana tinctures lie at the opposite end of the spectrum to smoking. It is probably the least controversial way to consume cannabis. Tinctures are the most underrated of all the cannabis products because there are not as many fun and potentially punishable practices linked with this form of use. Arguably underused in comparison to raw flowers, dabs and edibles, tinctures were actually the main method of ingesting marijuana until it was banned in 1937.

Perhaps marijuana tinctures are a new term to you because an eyedropper full of medicine just doesn’t conjure up the same image that smoking and eating edibles do. There is no need for a crème brûlée blowtorch to take marijuana as a tincture, which is probably why they don’t carry any derogatory media tags. Also, you’re much less likely to overdose on a marijuana tincture than you are with a marijuana edible.

Tinctures have been known as the moonshine of marijuana because of how they are made. Furthermore, making most cannabis tinctures takes up much less space, and, in comparison to traditional moonshine, chances of an explosion that will destroy your whole home are nonexistent. Simply put: Making cannabis tinctures are much safer, and therefore less controversial, than making cannabis concentrates with butane, for instance.

How Do Tinctures Work?

With tinctures, the medicine is absorbed into the body’s blood supply.

How does taking cannabis tincture actually work? Drops of the solution are squeezed out through an eyedropper under your tongue. The primary advantage of this application method is that the medicine is absorbed into the body’s blood supply. The euphoric effects of a tincture will start to sink in slightly slower than they would if you were smoking but significantly quicker than they would from an edible of the same strain of cannabis. In short, you’ll experience the effects of two to three drops under your tongue within around 15 minutes.

Cannabis smoke is not in any way conclusively associated with any kind of cancer; however, sublingual ingestion of medical marijuana tinctures is preferable for anybody who might be worried about the perceived health risks of inhaling any kind of smoke into the lungs. Tinctures may also be ideal for anyone who may be too sick, too young or too old to properly smoke or vaporize marijuana.

Most patients choose to take cannabis by a rolled joint, pipe or vaporizer because these dosage methods are convenient, fast acting and deliver instant relief. It is also inexpensive and fairly easy to regulate the dosage. However, short-term side effects include respiratory tract irritation, so it is not the best option for anyone with pulmonary damage, lung cancer, emphysema or asthma.

Current research shows that the long-term side effects of smoking cannabis are insignificant; however, regular and heavy smoking of marijuana may cause the production of phlegm, chronic coughing and bronchitis. Additionally, cannabis smoke is known to contain substances that may result in cancer called carcinogens. However, when researched at a molecular and cellular level, the cannabinoids in cannabis are shown to decrease the effect of the smoke’s carcinogens, and no confirmed incidents of lung cancer or other lung diseases have been discovered in marijuana smokers.

In conclusion, there are advantages and disadvantages to both taking medical marijuana tinctures and smoking MMJ. Which method is best is dependent on the individual. The best way to decide which application suits you most is to probably to try both. Just remember to obtain a medical marijuana card online first!

By now, most folk who have more than a passing interest in this subject are familiar with how to get medical marijuana in California. You might still be asking yourself questions though. Is it for you? Will it help? Here we take a look at how MMJ can help arthritis suffers – both rheumatoid and osteo – and we also tell you how you can apply for a medical marijuana card online.

Whilst it still remains for the research into the full benefits of medical marijuana to be absolutely conclusive, a broad scientific consensus is emerging as to its definite therapeutic value based on an increasing number of successful preclinical and clinical trials. These studies show that cannabis has anti-inflammatory effects that can help arthritis patients live happier, healthier lives. Consequently, medical marijuana is gaining a great deal of popularity as a treatment for arthritis and there is an ever-increasing number of people applying for and getting a medical card in California. Medical cannabis can ease suffering and reduce swelling without the additional ‘pain-in-the-ass’ side effects caused by the frequent use of NSAIDs or opiates.

Many older people are discovering the healing benefits of medical marijuana.

According to some statistics published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the United States one in ten of our population is currently living with some form of arthritis. This astounding stat puts arthritis on the undesirable pedestal of being the biggest cause of disability. Women make up 60% of the arthritis diagnoses. There is no cure for arthritis, just pain-relief options, complete with those nasty side-effects of course. Anyone living with arthritis is only too aware that it can be one of the most frustrating illnesses. Simple tasks like opening a jar, standing up after sitting, or doing your grocery shopping can become pretty damn unmanageable due to chronic pain. 

So is medical marijuana rather than prescription drugs the best way to deal with your persistent pain?

Opiate abuse has reached epidemic proportions, so many would say that it’s more than time for MMJ to stand up and take a bow. Medical marijuana treatment is seen as a far less harmful and also less addictive way to treat the chronic pain associated with arthritis. According to Mike Hart, MD, head physician of the Ontario Chapter at Marijuana for Trauma:

“Cannabis is a much more effective and safer long term solution than opioids. The science is clear and demonstrates that cannabis is far safer than opioids. In fact, it’s not even close. Opioids have killed more people than all illegal drugs combined, while cannabis has never killed a single person.”

Pain is one of the most debilitating aspects of rheumatoid arthritis in particular. Fortunately, there is strong evidence that medical marijuana is one of the best chronic pain management tools around. In a 2010 clinical trial, researchers found that just three puffs of cannabis a day can reduce arthritis pain.

So we know that many patients are turning to MMJ for some effective relief from their arthritis nightmare, without the disturbing side effects. But, does medical cannabis really treat arthritis inflammation and the associated pain? Research suggests that it can. 

Arthritis sufferers can wave goodbye to pain with MMJ.

In 2015, Canadian Researcher, Dr Jason McDougall, undertook a three-year study to find out how effective medical marijuana can be in the treatment of arthritis. The study is supported by the Arthritis Society to investigate if medical cannabis can actually fight inflammation and even repair joint damage, rather than just acting as a numbing agent to the brain against the pain.

When asked to describe the nerves of an arthritis sufferer, McDougall said

“The nerves are like wires that have been stripped of their coating. They’re all bare; they’re all raw and responsible for feeling a lot of pain. What we hypothesize is that by locally administering these cannabis-like molecules to those nerves, we’d actually be able to repair them and reduce the pain of arthritis.”

So we have an increasing number of professionals within the industry recognizing the therapeutic value of medical marijuana and, alongside this, the public is also becoming much more receptive to medical marijuana treatment. In January 2014, CBS News conducted a national poll and found that 86 percent of Americans believe doctors should be permitted to prescribe cannabis to patients who suffer from serious illnesses such as arthritis. 

Even though recreational marijuana is now legal in California for adults over the age of 21, the details of the new law are complex. It is recommended therefore, certainly for the foreseeable future, that if you need marijuana for medical purposes it’s imperative that you apply for a California marijuana card. The card provides you with benefits that recreational users of the herb simply won’t have.

To see if you have the requirements for a medical marijuana card in California, simply apply for a medical marijuana card online. You only need a form of US identification and a condition for which MMJ is recommended. Be sure to discuss with a doctor which strain would be best for your particular condition, as there are like a thousand different strains of the stuff out there! Once you have your CA medical marijuana card, you are ready to kick that debilitating arthritis’ ass. So what are you waiting for?

With all drugs, there is a tossup between the benefits/efficacy, and the detriments/side-effects. If the side-effects are more prominent than the desired effects, then the drug is, in most cases, considered dangerous and unhelpful. Then it’s back to the drawing board to find a more suited drug, a safer drug, or to make adjustments to the biochemical structure of the drug in question so that the dial of side effects is turned down and the dial of desired effects is turned up. This is how things are supposed to work, but pharmaceuticals are big money and so the investments – and therefore interests – of many people are dependent on the drugs that they produce, distribute, and sell. These vested interests mean the primary focus of pharmaceutical companies is not where it should be, not on the treatment of ailments and diseases but on reducing costs and increasing sales. I think we can all agree skimping on the medications of the sick members of our country is far from ideal. But even those pharmaceutical companies with ethics at the center of their scopes may be limited to certain areas. How does traditional medicine compare to medical cannabis? Are they two paths to the same result? Or do their results vary distinctly? What should we be using? All these questions will be answered in the below article as we close the book on the medical cannabis versus traditional medicine once and for all. If you haven’t already, make sure you get your medical marijuana card online. Without further ado, let’s begin!

The undeniable, powerful medicinal properties of marijuana have been shown to be extremely effective in the management and treatment of many chronic illnesses, diseases and disorders – such as multiple sclerosis, nausea, seizures, arthritis, lupus, poor appetite and weight loss, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, Crohn’s disease, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and bipolar. Many of these chronic diseases and disorders are also treatable with traditional medicine. But in order to see which works better, we must look at the degree to which either is effective and compare. With regard to mental illness, pharmaceuticals have been long known to sufficiently reduce the lows but at the cost of reducing the highs too. Users describe feeling empty or dead inside. This has been known to lead to self-harm or efforts at suicide in attempts to feel once again. Of course, when you have suicidal thoughts, having large quantities of potentially lethal drugs at your disposal is a very bad idea. More than 15 million people abuse prescription drugs, more than the combined number who reported abusing cocaine, hallucinogens, inhalants and heroin! And every day in the US, 2,500 more youths abuse a prescription pain reliever. Prescription drugs give the illusion of safety and this makes them incredibly dangerous and makes their users highly susceptible to overdose.

Experts are now delving a little deeper into the science behind medical cannabis.

Medical cannabis, on the other hand, is able to create a natural sense of euphoria for long periods of time from relatively small doses of the plant (edibles) without producing negative emotions on the comedown. Furthermore, it is virtually impossible to overdose on the marijuana as it’s non-toxic so attempts at suicide won’t be done using what is intended as treatment. All this kind of makes you want to get your medical marijuana card online and start enjoying the benefits of marijuana right away, no?!

To make it more appealing, there are certain realms in which medical marijuana has been able to treat things no traditional medicine can. As much as 30 percent of people with epilepsy – many of which are children – still have seizures while on FDA-approved treatments. In some cases, seizures run as high as 200 daily leaving patients despairing and wondering if there will be an end. Those that turn to medical marijuana in an attempt to take back control quickly are astounded by its effectiveness and can often reduce seizures completely. Its advantages have been enough to have large pharmaceutical juggernauts shaking in their boots. Why fork out huge fees for unnatural drugs when there is an inexpensive, natural plant that proves just as effective? Get your medical cannabis card online!

Does traditional medicine really work better than medical cannabis?

Also, marijuana – or more specifically, THC – has been proven to have plentiful positive effects on brain cells. THC is a powerful neuroprotectant. THC can also promote the growth of new brain cells through a process known as neurogenesis, with medical cannabis also boasting anti-inflammatory, antiemetic (anti-vomiting) properties. Oh, and it can also fend off prostate cancer.

Note: Medical marijuana has many variants, some of which are high in the psychoactive THC. THC can have detrimental effects on mental health for those with anxiety, panic disorder, paranoia amongst other mental disorders. If you think you or a close relative suffers from any such disorder it may best to avoid THC dominant strains. Medical marijuana is still a drug and should be treated as such, this article simply aims to prove that this drug may be more effective than other lab-based drugs; but they nonetheless all remain drugs and all have side-effects that may or may not mean that you should avoid.

We hope it’s now clear to see that medical cannabis works better than traditional medicine in the areas in which they are both options. And it’s for this that medical marijuana has become part of the mainstream: it’s benefits are undeniable. Its use will become ubiquitous and state laws and eventually federal laws will change to reflect the reformed opinions of the masses. Make sure you have your medical marijuana card so you can start to benefit from the drug’s long list of health benefits.

Pain plays a vitally important role in the human body. Whether we like it or not, pain acts as the important alarm system that tells us when something is wrong – we simply cannot live without it. For those of us who suffer from chronic, daily pain the search for effective and long lasting relief seems endless and oftentimes when something potent enough is prescribed it comes at the cost of debilitating side effects. Thankfully, as California medical marijuana laws become more lax, cannabis card holders can now enjoy the unrivalled pain relieving effects of MMJ without fear of being persecuted for doing so.

Nowadays, those with a medical marijuana card have been using the plant to treat a whole spectrum of painful disorders such as arthritis or peripheral neuropathy, it’s even been used to treat the pain caused by childbirth! When it comes to the pain-relieving power of medical marijuana, we really can’t underestimate things. A clinical trial conducted by Mark Ware MD at McGill University in Montreal found that as little as three puffs of MMJ a day significantly reduced the chronic nerve pain of medical marijuana card holders enabling them to live more independently and sleep much better.

Here’s the chemical formula behind cyclization of cannabinoids – interesting, no?

So how exactly does MMJ ease pain? Put simply, it does so by working in conjunction with the endocannabinoid system within the human body. The endocannabinoid system is responsible for regulating some of our most important biological functions like sleep, immunity and pain. It does so by releasing endocannabinoids to control these functions when they start to get out of whack. When endocannabinoids are not able to deal with this problem on their own, this is where we get into serious trouble and where pain can start to spiral out of control.

When one consumes medical marijuana as a way of relieving this pain, the active cannabinoids within the plant mimic the work of the endocannabinoids giving them a much needed boost and enabling them to do their job better. Although there are hundreds of cannabinoids present in MMJ, the most well-known and hard-working ones have to be tetrahydrocannabidiol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC acts as an extremely potent pain reliever and anti-inflammatory as well as an antioxidant and muscle relaxant. CBD, on the other hand, has potent anti-convulsant, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant and anti-psychotic properties. These two components have an amazing synergizing effect insofar as they work exponentially better together than they do alone. As THC is the ingredient in MMJ that produces psychoactive effects, it’s important that CBD is present for those medical marijuana card holders who want to enjoy the benefits of their MMJ without the drowsiness that can come with it.

As well as cannabinoids, medical marijuana also contains terpenoids and flavonoids which work in conjunction with the other active components of the plant to provide the body with further relief from pain and inflammation. This combination not only provides pain relief but also has been noted to ease nausea, stimulate bone growth, prevent seizures and even reverse the growth of some cancer cells.

Many doctors are treating medical marijuana card holders with the useful MMJ herb.

As for the best strains of cannabis to treat pain, we’ll have to get more specific. Different types of pain can be vastly different in the way they need to be treated – you wouldn’t treat chronic nerve pain with an Aspirin! The same logic applies when you’re treating any sort of pain with medical marijuana, you need to use the appropriate strain for your ailment or else you could find it entirely ineffective.

For migraine relief go for a strain like Blueberry Headband. This strain is known for its ‘cerebral’ effects that target pain straight at the crown of your head, giving you near instant, targeted relief.

If you suffer from chronic spinal pain, opt for indica strain Mazar. Mazar is absolutely packed with cannabinoids that have an extremely potent painkilling effect, much more so than other strains.

Although most medical marijuana card holders typically wouldn’t use a sativa strain for pain relief, Harlequin is the exception to the rule. Perfect for treating inflammation and arthritis pain, Harlequin’s high CBD content makes it an effective pain reliever. The buzz given off isn’t as strong as other strains as well making it a perfect daytime consumable.

For generalized pain, opt for ultra-MMJ ACDC which has near unrivaled painkilling abilities. The secret to ACDC’s superpower comes from the fact that it contains very high levels of both THC and CBD making it the ultimate pain relieving medical marijuana out there.

Left unsatisfied by more traditional methods, people who suffer from chronic pain have benefited greatly from the medical professions increasingly lax views on cannabis as a form of analgesic. Cannabis usage as a way of relieving pain has been an absolute godsend for California medical marijuana card holders and thanks to the advent of more progressive MMJ laws across the country, more and more people now have access to the potentially life changing plant. As ever though, it is imperative that you talk to your physician and obtain a certified California medical marijuana license before embarking on your treatment.

Depression is an epidemic that affects roughly 350 million people worldwide. This painful condition is a leading cause of disability in the world today.  There are mixed reports on the effects of medical cannabis use on depression. Some experts believe that using their California medical marijuana card can help ease the symptoms of depression, while others believe depression symptoms can be worsened by cannabis use.

Can medical cannabis help those suffering from depression?

Lester Grinspoon, professor of psychiatry at the Harvard School of Medicine, says “I think cannabis has a lot of potential in the treatment of mental illness”, but he goes on to say that, like with any drug, “it will not work for everyone.”

Many depression sufferers refer to marijuana as ‘green Prozac’ because they feel that it hugely alleviates their depression, by lifting their spirits, controlling their painful ruminating, aiding with sleep, and giving them energy.

There are many forms of depression treatment currently available. It’s possible to successfully manage and eradicate even severe depression. All levels of depression can respond well to skilfully applied talk therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Medication is usually not recommended as a first course of treatment for mild or moderate cases of depression, but can be very helpful in managing severe depression. Unfortunately, there is anecdotal evidence that medical professionals can be all too willing to prescribe powerful, mind and life-altering drugs even before talk therapy has been given a fair shot.

There are many different types of antidepressant drugs on the market. Many of them have unpleasant side effects. Of the four most common forms of antidepressant drug, tricyclic antidepressants, MAOIs, SSRIs and SNRIs, all have potential side effects that can sometimes be even worse than the symptoms of the initial depression. What’s more, some studies have shown antidepressants to be no more effective than a placebo. An analysis published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that antidepressants are only effective for people with severe depression, and that patients with mild or moderate depression see little or no benefit from their use. Antidepressants are big business. In 2008 pharmaceutical companies profited $9.6 billion from antidepressant sales alone. Could this mean that unscrupulous doctors are being persuaded to be too trigger happy in prescribing antidepressants?

There is a growing body of research on the benefits of medicinal marijuana as a treatment for depression.

Medical cannabis can be used in conjunction or instead of with some depression medication under a doctor’s guidance.

Scientists at the University at Buffalo have been exploring whether marijuana could be effective as a treatment for depression caused by chronic stress. They have been focusing on naturally produced chemical compounds found in the brain called endocannabinoids. These compounds play a role in cognition, emotions, and behavior, and they have a chemical makeup similar to that of cannabis. Chronic stress may suppress the brain’s production of endocannabinoids, which can lead to feelings of depression. It appears possible that introducing cannabis into the system may lead to the restoration of normal endocannabinoid function and therefore mood stabilization.

A 2007 study by researchers at McGill University in Montreal showed that low doses of THC can increase serotonin. However, high dosages of THC seemed to decrease serotonin, which worsened depression. “These findings confirm what has been reported by people who smoke cannabis,” said Dr. Gabriella Gobbi, who co-authored the study. “Often it produces euphoria, calmness, sociability, but in other circumstances it can produce bad dreams and negative feelings.” As with everything, sensible dosing is crucial.

There is still a lot of research to be done. According to Dr. Gobbi at McGill “Not only do we have to determine the dose-effect of cannabis on depressive people, but also which kind of cannabinoid may have a positive effect on mood.”

Thomas F. Denson, PhD, Professor of Psychology at the California State University at Long Beach, and Mitch Earleywine, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychology at the State University of New York at Albany, wrote in their 2006 study titled ‘Decreased Depression in Marijuana Users’, “Those who consume marijuana occasionally or even daily have lower levels of depressive symptoms than those who have never tried marijuana.”

Jay Cavanaugh, PhD, National Director for the American Alliance for Medical Cannabis, wrote in his 2003 article ‘Cannabis and Depression’ “Patients who use cannabis to ‘relax’ may be treating the anxiousness sometimes associated with depression. Cannabis aids the insomnia sometimes present in depression and can improve appetite. Better pain control with cannabis can reduce chronic pain related depression. While cannabis cannot yet be considered a primary treatment of major depression it may improve mood when used under physician’s supervision and in combination with therapy and/or SSRI’s.”

It is definitely best to be careful when using your medical card California whilst on conventional antidepressants, and to seek medical advice before going off conventional medicine. Many antidepressants have bad withdrawal symptoms, and if you suddenly stop taking them you can become very ill. Patients must taper the dose down gradually with a physician’s supervision.

It is often not a good idea to be too hasty in letting the pleasant effects of using your California medical card inspire you to give up on your conventional medication. Allan N. Schwartz, PhD, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Psychoanalyst, stated in his article ‘Marijuana Makes It Worse: Severe Mental Illnesses’, “I have directly witnessed the tragedy of patients going off of their medications for Bipolar Disorder, using marijuana and ending up re-hospitalized in worse shape than any time prior to the relapse…Leaving aside anxiety, those who experience severe depression and who use marijuana end up feeling much more depressed, at least that is what I have witnessed.”

Depression is a complex condition, and it is important to take it seriously and to be thorough in tackling it. It is crucial to get to the bottom of what is causing a patient’s depression. Treating the root causes of the depression is the single best way to cure it for good. Antidepressants can be effective, but they can have very debilitating side-effects. Marijuana can, as studies and anecdotal evidence are now showing, be a very useful weapon in some people’s battle with depression. It is very dependent on the person and their unique circumstances.

It is possible to use your 420 card if you suffer from depression, but only if your physician and therapist are on-board with the idea. Depression is a brutal and life-destroying condition, and must be fought with all of the knowledge, will and determination one can muster.

What are the effects of using medical cannabis in conjunction with other medication? Does your marijuana interfere with other medication? It is important to understand how any combination of drugs you are taking will work together and the effects that mixing them will have on your body and mind.

In order to avoid any unwanted effects from drug interactions inside your body, it is crucial that you keep your doctor informed and listen carefully to his or her advice.

If you are taking traditional medical and medical cannabis, we advise asking your doctor what the effects coud be.

Although there is not a wealth of peer-reviewed studies on interactions between medical marijuana and commonly-used medications, there certainly are potential side effects that can occur when MMJ is taken alongside other drugs. Many widely taken prescription and nonprescription drugs, when taken in combination, will react chemically inside the body. These reactions can be good, bad, or benign. Cannabis card patients and their doctors should consider the potential reactions that both prescribed and ‘over the counter’ medications will have with the cannabis they use, because sometimes those reactions are not inconsequential.

Marijuana can have an additive effect when taken in conjunction with certain pain medications. This additive effect, when one drug amplifies the effect of another, is called ‘potentiation’. The effect can be unpredictably strong. Cannabis is often prescribed alongside NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for the relief of pain symptoms from arthritis. The combination is very effective for reducing pain. Patients using their California medical card alongside painkillers need to be careful because the potentiation of these drugs can lead to drowsiness or depression of the central nervous system which controls heart rate and respiration.

Medical cannabis is a wonderful herb but it’s best to learn about its effects on your body before consuming.

Medications that are dedicated central nervous system (CNS) depressants or sedatives can bring on a feeling of drowsiness. Certain strains of MMJ (usually indica-dominant hybrids) that have a similar effect can greatly enhance the effects of these drugs. Some medications prescribed for insomnia, anxiety, depression and, as previously mentioned, pain relief fall into this category. So be aware that taking sedative drugs and using medical cannabis may knock you out more than expected.

Antihistamines, which are used in the treatment of allergy symptoms associated with hay fever, have a depressing effect on the CNS. Antihistamines can cause drowsiness, so when used in combination with a California weed card can have a potentiated effect.

Antihypertensives are commonly used by people with hypertension to lower their blood pressure. Some strains of medical cannabis, especially sativa-dominant strains, can temporarily increase blood pressure, so if you are taking drugs to lower blood pressure be aware that certain strains of weed may counteract their effects.

Hormone medications can be effected by medical cannabis use. Marijuana can make the oestrogen used in birth control or as hormone replacement therapy less effective. This means the intended effects of these drugs may be compromised. What’s that we hear in the distance?? Oh it’s the the pitter-patter of tiny feet. How exciting!!! Or not. Seriously though, the effects of medical cannabis on birth control pills is often negligible, but it’s always best to be extra-safe and talk to your physician.

Marijuana can slow blood clotting, so when it is mixed with prescription medicines such as warfarin that slow blood clotting, or with nonprescription drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin that have the side effect on slowing clotting, this may result an increased risk of bleeding and/or bruising.

The effect of medications that metabolize within the liver may be strongly impacted by the presence of medical marijuana in the system. Cannabis has been known to slow down, or speed up, certain processes the liver uses to break down medication. This can result in medications being at a higher blood concentration or lasting longer than would normally be the case, or alternatively, being processed more rapidly and losing their effect more quickly. Therefore, the dose or frequency of these medications may need to be adjusted when they are being taken in conjunction with medical marijuana.

It has sometimes been noted that certain medications that may be used to treat patients with cancer, HIV, and people who have had an organ transplant may sometimes interact with medical marijuana. Since many people with these conditions use medical cannabis to manage their symptoms, it is important to check with a doctor to be sure that the particular drugs you are taking are appropriate to take alongside MMJ.

Cannabis has been shown to decrease the effectiveness of metformin (known by the brand name Glucophage) which is used as an aid in controlling the blood sugar levels of diabetes patients, as the effect of lowering blood sugar is opposed by cannabinoids.

Also, marijuana can cross the placenta and be excreted in breast milk, so it’s best for breastfeeding mothers to discuss the potential risks of breastfeeding while using their MM card with their doctor.

So these are some of the more common potential side effects of mixing medical cannabis with other drugs. There can be many advantages to using your 420 card along with other useful drugs, but it is always wise to be conscious and aware of what you are putting into your body, and how those substances will react with each other.

People with California medical marijuana cards have been reporting that cannabis is a safe and effective treatment for the symptoms of AIDS, cancer, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, epilepsy, glaucoma, anxiety disorder, depression, and insomnia.  

Not only is medical cannabis showing a great ability to ease the painful symptoms of disease, but it is also showing potential for actually improving health and functionality in its users. Research from the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom has found that cannabinoids, the chemical compounds found in cannabis, can help to reduce brain damage and improve neurological functioning following a stroke. Another study, from the National Cancer Institute, found that cannabinoids may have a protective effect against the development of certain types of tumors.

The use of medical marijuana has no known severe side-effects. A Canadian study conducted on 215 patients with chronic pain found that after using medical marijuana for one year, patients “had no greater risk than non-users (control group) to experience serious adverse events”. Many people have been using their cannabis card for years and have reported no ill effects, and only positive, life-enhancing results.

Prescription painkillers, on the other hand, seem to be doing a lot of damage to a lot of people.

Prescription painkillers can have a number of adverse side-effects that can lead to severe health complications for users. People have reported side-effects such as liver spots, severe headaches, and bleeding gums. Opioid painkillers can lead to chronic constipation, which can lead to colon cancer down the line.

A 2008 study showed that the common symptoms associated with opioid-based prescription painkillers include “sedation, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, physical dependence, tolerance, and respiratory depression”. It went on to say that, “Physical dependence and addiction are clinical concerns that may prevent proper prescribing and in turn inadequate pain management. Less common side effects may include delayed gastric emptying, hyperalgesia, immunologic and hormonal dysfunction, muscle rigidity, and myoclonus.” That’s quite a list of negatives!

A recent study has shown that opioid drugs used to relieve pain in cancer patients may stimulate the growth and spread of tumors.

The physical effects of using your California medical card certainly seem to be safer than asking your doctor to prescribe painkillers.

Prescription painkillers can have much worse side-effects than medical marijuana.

Addiction is another major issue. American citizens make up 5% of the world’s population, yet they consume 75% of the world’s prescription drugs. Prescription painkillers can be highly addictive. They are often derived from the same sources as other highly addictive drugs such as heroin and morphine. They are frequently abused by adults and teenagers alike. 54.2% of pain pills in the US are obtained free from a friend or relative.

Tolerance to prescription painkillers tends to build up quickly, so people need to take more and more to get the same effect. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has declared that prescription drug abuse in the USA is an epidemic. As of 2010, an estimated 52 million Americans over the age of 12 use prescription drugs for non-medical purposes.

Experts believe that the rise in heroin use could be in part due to prescription painkiller abuse. When people become hooked on prescription painkillers, but then can’t get a hold of any, they often turn to heroin. So those people who peddle the old myth that marijuana is a ‘gateway drug’ should be leveling that accusation at prescription painkillers, which have a great deal more in common with harmful and illegal drugs like heroin than cannabis does.

Medical marijuana has proved to be a much more effective remedy than prescription painkillers in a lot of cases.

Medical cannabis is non-addictive, and there is no evidence that you need to constantly up your dosage due to developing a tolerance to it. People use their California marijuana card for years at the same levels without needing to up the dose.

With the number of people addicted to painkillers increasing year on year, it seems that medical marijuana could provide a valuable and safe treatment alternative.

Both medical cannabis and prescription painkillers have potential psychoactive side effects, but the long-term effects of cannabis use seem to be much safer. Studies show that long term opiate use can lead to decreased brain function. Whereas most strains of cannabis, particularly low THC/high CBD strains, appear to have little to no effect on cognitive function at all. So for people suffering from chronic pain, your 420 card could offer similar relief to a prescription painkiller but without the negative effects of long-term opiate use on cognitive function.

Deaths caused by prescription drug overdose outnumber deaths caused by heroin and cocaine combined. Every 19 minutes someone dies in the United States of a prescription drug overdose. 17,000 people die of prescription pill overdoses per year. There are zero recorded deaths related to cannabis overdose. Ever. This is a big difference!

The legalization of the mm card may be a big factor in a 25% decrease in opiate-related deaths in the states that have legalized mmj so far. That’s a 25% reduction in deaths caused by pain pills, heroin, and morphine.

Pain medication should make your quality of life better, but it seems that a lot of current prescription painkillers in fact make people’s lives worse. Taking prescription pain-pills can lead to physical dependence and chronic, life-threatening side effects. Medical marijuana is very effective at relieving pain, and is less dangerous than opiates.

So it seems that getting yourself a California medical marijuana card may well be a better option than using prescription pills.

Feature Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay 

For millions of Americans each year, stress is the number one factor that affects their quality of life. Stress can develop from the most modest of places but over time can grow into a much larger issue, leading to insomnia, and even severe anxiety. Fortunately, medical marijuana and the medical cannabis oil extracted from the plant, can work wonders in securing a far more balanced frame of mind. If you’ve been living with stress for far too long, a cannabis card may be able to help.

With a myriad of ways in which to consume medical marijuana, and the differences in chemical compounds within each strain, finding the best type for you can often become a daunting task. For those who are inclined to shy away from the more traditional means of consumption, such as smoking, medical cannabis oil is an effective alternative, one which is able to relieve stress with very little effort, while omitting the usual high that is associated with marijuana.

Medical cannabis oil can be a fantastic stress-reliever.

Cannabis oil is merely a concentrated, distilled substance obtained from the marijuana plant, where the plant itself has been removed via a solvent. There are two core compounds found within most common types of cannabis: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and cannabidiol (CBD) – the former of which responsible for the “high” feeling. Typically, medical cannabis oil which is marketing for medicinal purposes contains far less THC – this being the primary reason why oil is able to have a positive impact on stress.

If you hold or are thinking about obtaining a cannabis card in California, it’s important to know the principle differences in strains (assuming the cannabis is being used medicinally, of course). Simply put, strains with higher levels of CBD are beneficial for those coping with stress, while high levels of THC should be avoided in this instance, due to chronic consumption often causing stress and anxiety. The emphasis on CBD is one of the reasons medical cannabis oil is the ideal remedy for one’s stress.

Opting to acquire a cannabis card is becoming more and more common for people suffering from a range of ailments. Anecdotal and scientific evidence both show that medical cannabis oil has the ability to release pleasure hormones, relaxing the mind in the process. These hormones lend themselves to reducing stress levels directly, allowing a peaceful calm to wash over the body. Through relieving stress, secondary problems such as insomnia or anxiety can also be mitigated.

With medical cannabis oil predominantly consisting of CBD, consuming cannabis in this way is safe, unobtrusive, and efficient, due to its ability to combat a range of underlying issues. If left to fester, stress more-often-than-not evolves into anxiety, which can have a major impact on your standard of living – something roughly 18% of the US population can attest to. However, research conducted at Vanderbilt University found that the CBD compound is able to regulate and relieve anxiety, preventing further stress.

The oil extracted from marijuana can help relieve a whole host of medical issues.

For those on the fence about obtaining a cannabis card in California, further studies have shown how CBD-rich marijuana (such as that of cannabis oil), can have a dramatic positive impact on people suffering from the effects of stress. A 2013 study conducted at the University of Haifa in Israel found that CBD-rich treatment was able to regulate the emotional response found within those who had undergone a significant traumatic experience, preventing stress-induced impairment.  

CBD treatment is able to work wonders on the mind, due to the way that it interacts with the body. Evidence shows that CBD is able to minimize stress through the affects it has on the receptors in the basolateral amygdala (where the majority of sensory information is received) and the hippocampus (the believed center of emotion). Supporting these scientific explanations is the fact that cannabis simply offers therapeutic comfort, with the Institute of Psychiatry stating that CBD offers great psychiatric potential.

Stress can rear its head due to a number of reasons, each specific to an individual’s personality and environment. CBD has been shown to improve cognitive impairment, as well as the discomfort people often have when faced with speaking in a public setting. These benefits also extend to those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with a 2015 review published in the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy finding that cannabis treatment is effective at supporting military veterans.

A cannabis card is the gateway to relieving a plethora of ailments. Veterans who house PTSD frequently report cannabis treatment reduces their anxiety and insomnia – direct effects of intense stress, which can similarly be applied to anyone in their individual situation. The advantages to consuming products such as medical cannabis oil are tremendous; faster acting than standard prescription medication, and producing few side effects that meds all too often go hand-in-hand with.

The key for any cannabis card holder searching for the most effective herbal remedy is the compound levels. If you find yourself struggling through day-to-day activities due to the impact stress is having on your life, then a CBD-rich strain is the way to go – with medical cannabis oil being a prime candidate.

Medical cannabis oil is utilized to treat a myriad of conditions, with the number of those who purchase it for medicinal use increasing every year. One of the most common reasons people are choosing to obtain a cannabis card is due to the drug’s effectiveness at combating cancer, and the symptoms related to its treatment.

Medical cannabis oil is a great tool in the fight against cancer.

Each year, an annual international convention on cannabinoid medicine takes place, gathering doctors and researchers together to combine their findings regarding the effects of medical marijuana. While most of the information aired at conventions such as these is greatly under-publicized, there is no denying the anecdotal evidence surrounding the use of cannabis to treat various conditions.

If you have recently obtained a cannabis card in California for medicinal purposes, the information and options available to you can quickly become overwhelming. From the varying degrees of chemical compounds found within different strains of marijuana, to the plethora of ways in which to consume it, purchasing the drug that’s right for you isn’t always as easy as it seems.

Consuming cannabis through more traditional methods, such as smoking it in a joint or bong, also isn’t for everyone. For reasons such as these, more and more people are turning to medical cannabis oil. Cannabis oil is simply a concentrated, distilled form of the marijuana plant, with the plant material itself stripped away via a solvent. Typically, cannabis oil marketed for medicinal use is far less likely to give the high associated with cannabis use, but can still provide a tangible impact on those suffering from cancer.

Just like its herb counterpart, medical cannabis oil contains two primary ingredients: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and cannabidiol (CBD). While cannabis oil is more likely to contain lower levels of THC, both compounds found within marijuana have been found to act as a beneficial alternative form of cancer treatment. While no proof suggests cannabis can actually cure cancer, there is significant evidence suggesting it may be able to reduce cancer cells.

Found within every cell in the body are sphingolipids – lipids which specifically manage the life and death of each particular cell. Simply put, if ceramide levels in a cell are high, the death of that cell is imminent. Through the use of medical cannabis oil, THC is able to connect to the cannabinoid receptor site of a cancer cell, causing an increase in ceramide synthesis which drives cell death. While killing cells may sound like a dubious proposition, healthy cells do not produce ceramide in the presence of THC, so only the cancer cells are affected.

Many MMJ users like to use medical cannabis oil to relieve themselves of symptoms of illness.

For those with a cannabis card, certain steps are advised to make the most out of your cannabis oil. The key to fighting cancer cells is the accumulation of ceramide in the system. Consuming a steady amount of CBD and THC over a consistent period of time is far more beneficial than using a large amount all at once. Keeping firm metabolic pressure on the cancer cells will provide the most advantageous route to maximize the effects of medical marijuana.

Substantial evidence found throughout studies carried out over years suggests that medical cannabis oil is able to combat cancer head-on. In 2013, a study completed at the Complutense University of Madrid found that THC actually causes cancer cells to auto-digest, thus drastically reducing tumor size and prevalence. Many people have claimed cannabis helped them recover from cancer, and while this is indeed the case, frequently this is due to the reduction in side effects associated with traditional cancer treatment.

One of the most effective uses of your medical marijuana card in California is nausea relief. For a wealth of people suffering from cancer, chemotherapy is an uncomfortable and draining reality. However, cannabis oil is able to relieve the symptoms that arise through chemotherapy. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network has stated that consuming cannabis can often be more effective than the use of most standard anti-nausea medication.

The range of uses for cannabis in relation to cancer is noteworthy, as they are able to directly affect the disease itself, as well as its symptoms. These symptoms – from nausea, to lack of appetite and pain – can be easily treated through the acquisition of a cannabis card. In fact, a study carried out at St. John’s Hospital in Tulsa found that the side-effects that go hand-in-hand with treatment for both cancer and HIV/AIDS were reduced by 38% in patients who consumed medical marijuana.

Through its ability to target both the cause and symptoms of cancer, cannabis – and the oil distilled from its mothering plant – is becoming an increasingly worthy source of treatment for a considerable amount of people. If you have a cannabis card, knowing the chemical compounds and means of consumption which are right for you is important – with medical cannabis oil being a viable and inviting option for many.

With California medical cannabis still being a relatively recent legal development, knowing where to start can be overwhelming. Here’s a beginner’s guide to answer some of the most common questions.

California medical cannabis can even come in the form of massage oil!

What are the qualifying conditions for California medical cannabis?

Many people apply for a California medical cannabis license in order to treat a condition that hasn’t been helped by more conventional medicine. People unfamiliar with the potential benefits of medical marijuana are often surprised at the sheer diversity of patients that use it on a regular basis. In the state of California, medical marijuana can be used to treat the symptoms of serious ailments such as HIV and AIDS, lyme disease, multiple sclerosis, cancer, glaucoma and fibromyalgia. Medical marijuana is also used to treat eating disorders, anxiety, migraine headaches and fight the negative side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. If you don’t see your condition listed, that doesn’t mean you won’t qualify for a California medical cannabis card however, as the law allows for other chronic or terminal illnesses to be treated this way.

How do you qualify as a medical marijuana patient?

You must first get a recommendation from a licensed healthcare provider. If possible, you should book an appointment with your primary physician in order to discuss receiving a recommendation for your ailments. If this is not possible or if you’re uncomfortable discussing the use of medical marijuana with your doctor, there are also a number of healthcare professionals who specialize in seeing patients to assess them for the use of medical marijuana or you could look into a weed license online. In California, any licensed physician will be allowed to give you approval before proceeding to apply for your cannabis card.

How do I get my California Medical Cannabis Card?

In order to get your medical marijuana, a doctor’s note will suffice at your local dispensary, although it will need to be verified on your first visit. Many patients, however, apply for a medical marijuana card to make the process simpler and easier in the future. This program is run by the state of California and once you apply with your doctor’s approval, it means that your details will be placed on an online state register so that physicians, dispensaries and any law enforcement will be able to quickly verify your legal right to use medical marijuana.

Your California medical marijuana ID is extremely useful to have on your person at all times because it shows that you are legally allowed to possess or cultivate marijuana for personal medical use. Should this question ever arise from the police or other law enforcement agencies, you can produce your MMJ card immediately, giving you legal protection at state level.

It’s best to be au fait with all of the laws surrounding California medical cannabis before you consume.

How do I get my medical marijuana?

Check online to see where your nearest medical marijuana dispensary is located. There are dedicated apps that can help you find your nearest one, or Google Maps will be able to help. You will need to bring along your doctor’s recommendation or your cannabis card, along with a form of identification that proves that you live in the state of California. You should note that if you visit the dispensary without a California cannabis card, the dispensary will call your doctor to verify your identity.

What kind of medicinal cannabis should I use?

Discuss with the dispensary staff what kind of medical marijuana is right for you. For a first time user, the different strains and products can be confusing. Don’t be afraid to take your time and talk with the staff about your condition and what you hope to achieve through use of medical marijuana. They will be trained to give you the best possible experience and guide you through the process. They will be able to recommend any particular strains of MMJ that will work best for your condition, as well as talk you through any possible side effects. There’s also a wide variety of possibilities for the way you ingest your medical marijuana in California; if you don’t want to smoke it perhaps you might be better suited to trying edible products, using a vaporizer, ingesting oil capsules or even applying a topical ointment instead.

As you become a more experienced medical marijuana user, you will be better able to navigate the variety of strains and options available. Many experienced users are able to tell the quality and strength of the different product by smell. There’s even a saying amongst medical marijuana users that ‘the nose knows!’ and it’s not uncommon for patients to smell a variety of strains before deciding on one to try.

You can also use the internet to do some research of your own and perhaps connect with other medical marijuana patients who have the same conditions as you. Ask them what strains helped them the most and how they prefer to consume their MMJ. Finding the right fit for you can involve some trial and error but it’s worth it to find the best solution.

Juicing medicinal marijuana can be much more pleasant than smoking MMJ.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few years, you’ll know that juicing has become ubiquitous with the health movement that’s been sweeping California. Beets, carrots, spinach and kale are among the range of vegetables that are being thrown into cold-press juicers so that we can benefit from their range of nutrients without removing any of the goodness through cooking. Although California medical marijuana card holders are well used to being innovative when it comes to consuming, very few are aware that juicing medical marijuana can be one of the best, if not the best, way to enjoy its benefits.

Unlike using edibles or smoking, juicing medical marijuana will not expose you to the psychoactive side effects that are caused when MMJ is heated. When you heat medical marijuana you’re converting tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) in raw MMJ into tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is its psychoactive form, causing a high. Although some people do enjoy this high, others would much rather just experience the medical benefits of medical cannabis without the dazed side-effect. When you don’t achieve this high there is nothing to obstruct MMJ card holders from ingesting as much of the drug as they need to alleviate their ailments. Dr William Courtney, founder of the Cannabis International Foundation (CIF), noted that when heated, the tolerable dose of cannabis is about 10mg/day. However, when you remove heat from the equation, he states that upwards of hundreds of milligrams can be consumed per day without harm therefore juicing will allow you to consume MMJ in as large a dosage as you require.

Like any other vegetable, cannabis is loaded with nutrients such as iron, calcium and fibre, as well as cannabinoids that are unique to the plant. One cannabinoid, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), is particularly central to the medicinal power of the marijuana plant. Cooking or heating any plant will vanquish nearly all present nutrients within it. It’s estimated that you’re cooking around 90 per cent of the good stuff, including the all-important CBDA, when you heat cannabis, which feels like a massive waste. Left cold, those wonderful little cannabinoids have free rein to work their magic to their best ability and you’ll really notice the difference.

The trend of juicing medicinal marijuana is sweeping California.

Juicing medical marijuana is definitely the most convenient way to consume it without heat. As cannabis juice on its own is quite acidic, it’s recommended that you combine it with other juices to make it easier on your stomach. Not only can you add it to your usual morning drink, but you can also create a cannabis centered juice if you fancy something different. How about some kale, grapes, cucumber, apple and MMJ to pump up your iron levels? Or some ginger, beets, carrots, apples and MMJ for a rejuvenating detox? You can add cannabis to any delicious recipe that you can think of, so be as adventurous as you like. Although edibles present you with the opportunity to create other tasty treats, typically these also involve the use of high levels of sugar or fats which is counterproductive to creating a healthier you. If you feel that sweet tooth kicking in, opt for a cannabis, sweet potato and pear smoothie instead of a brownie and your waistline, as well as your heart, will thank you. For the best results Dr. Courtney recommends splitting your cannabis juice into smaller portions that can be consumed throughout the day. As drinking juice is more discreet than vaping or smoking, it’s much more practical to consume at work, on the go, at lunch or anywhere else need it. Similarly, if you’re stopped by the cops and they see a bottle of juice in your car, you’re not going to get in any trouble, especially if you have your online medical marijuana card with you.

The health benefits of juicing medicinal marijuana are plentiful.

Although MMJ is typically used by 420 card holders for treatment of chronic disease or pain, it also works to prevent future disease and maintain current health when juiced. The cannabinoids in raw marijuana possess antioxidants and anti-inflammatories that have been proven to be of benefit to the human body when ingested as a health supplement. Dr Courtney’s research has found that ingesting MMJ in juice can help prevent or diminish a whole range of ailments such as lupus, arthritis, diabetes, asthma, hypothyroidism, autoimmune disorders and cellular dysfunction. If you’re suffering from any of these conditions, it’s highly recommended that you obtain an MMJ card online to reap the benefits. Juiced cannabis has also been found to slow, stop or even reverse the growth of cancer cells in some patients – talk about a superfood! Although juicing medical marijuana does have these miracle effects, oftentimes it can take days, or even weeks to notice them. So if you’re becoming impatient while waiting for some of that famous MMJ juice goodness, don’t give up. You know what they say, anything worth getting is definitely worth waiting for.

It is worth noting that, as with any plant, cannabis loses more and more of its nutrients the longer you leave it after it’s been harvested. For this reason you can’t just use any old MMJ for juicing. Make sure that you obtain raw, fresh and pesticide-free cannabis for your juices and if you’re keeping it at home, make sure it’s left in protective bags in the refrigerator. If you’re unsure of what exactly you need to do to begin juicing medical marijuana, take a quick look at our handy guide here. All you need is your juicer, some fresh MMJ and your online medical marijuana card, so get juicing!

There are a variety of reasons why more and more people each year are turning to medical marijuana to help relieve their ailments. One of the most common across the United States is sleep problems – chronic insomnia in many cases. An estimated 10-30% of Americans are affected with insomnia related symptoms at some point throughout their lives.

For a large quantity of the population who suffer from unruly nighttime restlessness, turning to alcohol is all too often their go-to move. For those fortunate enough to possess a medical marijuana card however, that can be a thing of the past. Whereas studies have shown that alcohol and a good night’s sleep do not mix, evidence suggests that not only is consuming medical marijuana beneficial in combating mild to severe insomnia, but is vastly superior to both alcohol and even a lot of prescription drugs on the market – which themselves can often house addictive qualities and negative side effects.

A common misconception is that having a nightcap right before bed will result in a better night’s sleep. A recent review across 27 studies found that alcohol does not improve sleep quality. While findings suggest that in some cases among healthy people, getting to sleep can occur more quickly after a drink, this is only a short-term effect; conversely reducing the time spent in the deep sleep phase, increasing the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which is much easier to wake up from. Furthermore, the more you drink before bed, the more pronounced these effects will be.

Medical marijuana and sleep

Medical marijuana has been scientifically proven to help users sleep.

If you have a medical marijuana card in California however, cannabis has been shown to greatly benefit the standard of living for those suffering from insomnia related problems. While smoking any kind of cannabis can provide therapeutic qualities, the chemical properties it inhabits can have a potent impact on many types of secondary insomnia (that caused by an underlying issue, such as anxiety or depression). It’s important to understand the differences in marijuana strains though, as some can inhibit sleep as equally as alcohol.

The most common strains come across by cannabis card holders will be THC and CBD; this is due to the advantages they offer to people suffering from a range of illnesses, from insomnia, to cancer and HIV. High levels of THC can be of a detriment to those with secondary insomnia, as it can actually increase the effects of anxiety and depression if relied on too heavily, while high levels of CBD will have little effect on insomnia at all. If these are indeed the strains you’re working with to help lull yourself to sleep, it’s best to stick to a relatively equal dose of both.

Alcohol does not actually help you sleep, while medical marijuana really can.

Alcohol and sleep

The medical director at The London Sleep Center in the UK has state that, “Alcohol may seem to be helping you to sleep, as it helps induce sleep, but overall it is more disruptive to sleep, particularly in the second half of the night”. He continues, “Alcohol also suppresses breathing and can precipitate sleep apnea” which is pausing breathing which happens throughout the night. This is effectively summarized by saying that the more a person drinks before bed, the more their sleep will be disrupted.

Even minimal alcohol consumption can interfere with the normal sleep process. Evidence found by Dr John Shneerson, head of the sleep center at Papworth Hospital in the UK, states that, “As the alcohol starts to wear off, your body can come out of a deep sleep and back into REM sleep […] that’s why you often wake up after just a few hours’ sleep when you’ve been drinking.” Further disturbances in sleep can come from simply needing the bathroom; as alcohol is a diuretic it isn’t just the liquid you’ve drunk that you’ll be losing either, as it encourages the body to lose extra fluid, which can in-turn comes with the adverse effect of making you dehydrated.

California medical marijuana card holders

For Californians, using your cannabis card is undoubtedly one of the best ways in which you can confront sleep problems head on. The most assured way to counter the effects of insomnia is to seek the indica strain of marijuana. The chemicals found within the indica strain are known to produce a physical ‘body high’, great for relaxation, and preferable over the more familiar THC or CBD. Synthetic cannabinoids such as nabilone are proven sleep aids too; reducing brain activity throughout the night, therefore resulting in far fewer dreams, helping those suffering from anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder stay asleep.

For cannabis card holders who desire a drink before bed, a prominent benefit to a healthy sleep can come from pairing herbal nightcaps with natural remedies, such as chamomile tea (un-spiked of course). As with alcohol, relying heavily on marijuana to soothe oneself at bedtime can result in a reliance if used too often, so it’s important to take breaks in between long acquaintances, as not doing so will eventually result in worsened sleep.

Sleep problems in those who are lucky enough to obtain a medical marijuana card, can be a thing of the past if used properly. Assuming the suitable strains to fight the effects of insomnia are used, the advantages over alcohol are tremendous – greatly increasing deep and long-lasting sleep. Turning to a nightcap only offers temporary relief; so if you desire to treat those sleep issues efficiently and directly, medical marijuana is the way to go.

If you’re one of the many people in California who suffer from insomnia, the prospect of obtaining a cannabis card due to the known benefits the drug holds when used as a sleep aid, can be an alluring one indeed. Across the United States, insomnia affects a staggering amount of people, with an estimated 10-30% of Americans being affected at some point in their life.

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Wine and marijuana have long since been thought of as popular relaxants, with many people preferring to smoke medical cannabis as opposed to pouring a glass of wine at the end of a long day. It’s no surprise then that a company has thought to bond the two and create weed wine, an oenophilic craze that is taking California by storm. But what’s the real deal?  And can we get it with a California medical marijuana card? (more…)

If you’ve recently obtained your medical marijuana card, you’re probably looking forward to medicating yourself with a dose of MMJ on a regular basis. However, you may be worrying about how it’s going to affect your overall fitness. The media would have you believe that anyone who touches cannabis instantly turns into a lazy couch potato but this is not the case. True, there are a few medical cannabis users that fit this stereotype, but there is no reason why it has to be so.  We’ve got some top tips on how to fit medical marijuana into a healthy lifestyle. (more…)

Are you considering getting your medical cannabis card online to relieve your painful symptoms? You’re not alone. As the use of medical marijuana increases and become legal, more and more people are discovering it as an effective form of pain relief.

Unfortunately, as many patients know, there are some painful conditions that do not respond to traditional medicine, or the prescribed painkiller has unbearable side effects. Now in the search for effective and improved pain relief, many researchers have turned to medicinal marijuana as an alternative means of managing chronic pain.

The History of Medical Marijuana

Marijuana has been used for centuries as an effective form of pain relief from everything from childbirth to arthritis and joint paint. In fact, the healing properties of cannabis were first believed to be discovered as far back as 2700 BC by the Chinese emperor Shennong. Cannabis is recorded as being used in India as an anaesthetic as early as 600 BC. It was even used as a form of pain relief in the United States before the rise of aspirin and other drugs and, of course, the criminalization which followed afterwards. But before you apply for your cannabis card online, how does this ancient pain relief compare to our more modern treatments?

Medical marijuana dispensaries provide patients with MMJ.

Medical Marijuana: Scientific Trials

Marijuana is now legal for doctors to prescribe to treat a range of conditions, including anxiety and nausea, once you get your California cannabis card.  However, research seems to indicate that one of the most profound changes for patients is often a reduction in their painful symptoms. There have been many high-profile cases of patients going public with their story about how medicinal cannabis use helped alleviate their pain from such diverse conditions as migraines to muscle spasms in quadriplegics.

There have been at least 80 randomized trials studying nearly 6,500 people and when researchers examined all of the results, they concluded there was at the very least moderate support to support the claim that medical marijuana was effective in treating not only chronic pain but also muscle spasms and involuntary movements.

In 2015, the first and largest trial to examine the impact of medical marijuana on chronic pain took place. In one group, 215 patients who suffered from chronic pain smoked medical marijuana for one year and their results were compared to a control group of 216 patients with similar symptoms who did not use medical marijuana during that time.

The Results

The results were conclusively positive. As well as reporting improvement in their painful symptoms, the group using medical marijuana also reported an improvement in mood and in their overall quality of life. Best of all, the study examined whether medical marijuana was safe and confirmed there was no difference in serious side effects between the group who used medicinal cannabis and those who did not. The pain-relieving effects of medical marijuana appear to be particularly effective for chronic neuropathic pain when used in combination with other medications, something to consider if you’re thinking about getting your 420 card.

In another interesting recent development, a smaller study also suggested that medical marijuana works as a pain distractor, instead of a pain killer. The study was considered too small to be taken as hard facts just yet but if true, the results would ultimately be the same; your painful symptoms will bother you less when using medicinal marijuana.

Medical marijuana can help relieve pain.

Medical Marijuana: How It Can Help You

We know from these studies that marijuana can be an effective form of pain relief. But how does it work? The main effects of cannabis come from THC, one of the cannabinoids contained in the herb. THC is similar to another chemical that we produce naturally in our bodies. When we smoke cannabis, the THC works with our bodies to effectively change the way our nervous system functions, relieving symptoms of pain and anxiety, while also producing the pleasant symptoms of feeling high.

Pain is something can be very complicated to treat and some trial and error may be needed to find the best relief for you. Ultimately, your decision to use medical marijuana to alleviate your pain should be something for you and your doctor to discuss and they will ensure you meet the conditions for medical cannabis card in California.

Now that science is beginning to fund comprehensive studies into the benefits of medical marijuana, the public are becoming increasingly aware of the potential benefits. A recent study found 86% of Americans are in favor of allowing doctors to prescribe marijuana for medicinal purposes. Thankfully, the rest of the country is quickly catching up with the California medical marijuana requirements and laws. In addition to the other 11 states where some form of medical marijuana is legal, another 12 states have authorized medical marijuana research. The reasoning is clear; it’s an effective form of pain relief for patients who are in need.

The use of medical marijuana in treating a large number of sicknesses and ailments is rapidly growing all around the world. And one of the leading reasons people have been turning towards cannabis is due to its benefits when combating anxiety disorders. This is the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting roughly 18% of the population.

Cannabis has been used in India for over 400 years to treat depression and anxiety, and for those who possess a medical marijuana card in California, using cannabis may provide significant relief as well as an overall increase in your standard of living.

However, purchasing weed at your local dispensary relies on several important factors that anyone suffering from anxiety absolutely must know. Throughout the medical community, the use of cannabis in regards to anxiety splits the room; some advocating it wholeheartedly, while others advising against it. This is due to the variety of active chemical compounds found within different types of weed – some of which relieve anxiety, and others that can actually become the source of the illness.

Outlined below is everything you need to know about the different strains of medical cannabis, as well as the positive effects it can have when consumed by those looking to relieve anxiety.

The natural plan of medical marijuana is a great boon to progressive scientists around the world.

Medical Marijuana: The Science

Research conducted by Vanderbilt University found that the use of marijuana was effective at regulating and relieving anxiety, with the only negative side effects occurring through chronic use. Research states that this relief comes from cannabidiol (CBD) – an active cannabinoid found within cannabis. Considering the evidence, it’s no surprise why several states across the US, including California, have legalized the use of medical marijuana cards. So how does cannabis relieve anxiety?

Contained within cannabis are 85 natural compounds, which when consumed attach themselves to receptors in the brain that seek out similar compounds found naturally within the human body. Through this process, compounds – specifically CBD – are then able to relieve a variety of illnesses to varying degrees. Because of this, particular strains of marijuana are purposely bred to contain exact levels of each compound with an aim to target specific conditions.

For those who have obtained a cannabis card with an aim to relieve their anxiety, CBD is a word you will quickly become accustomed with. This is because it’s the key compound which has been found to help with the relief of anxiety. Conversely, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – also found within cannabis, and the compound used primarily to treat nausea and vomiting in cancer patients – can actively work against CBD, and ultimately cause anxiety.

Medical marijuana is very useful in combating anxiety.

Medical Marijuana: Combating Anxiety

When it comes to purchasing marijuana to soothe the effects of anxiety, the trick is to get the right chemical balance – which can be easier said than done. While it won’t give you the typical high associated with cannabis use, CBD-rich cannabis has been shown to counteract the negative effects THC has on those with anxiety, and is an effective way to relieve anywhere from mild to quite severe symptoms.

Due to the adverse effects that THC can have, it’s important for those with a medical marijuana card to be absolutely certain what kind of product they are purchasing before use. Studies have shown that THC activates the amygdala area of the brain. This is the part of the brain that controls fear, which in turn can lead to acute anxiety upon frequent use. This strain of cannabis is relatively common due to its benefits towards other ailments, therefore be sure to check that the strain of cannabis has high levels of CBD and low THC if you’re consuming for anxiety related purposes.

Not only is CBD able to alleviate the negative effects of anxiety through attaching itself to specific brain receptors, but it has also been shown to offer significant therapeutic comfort. In fact, a study carried out by the Institute of Psychiatry has stated that CBD offers great psychiatric potential. Furthermore, The Division of Psychiatry with the Department of Neurosciences and Behavior concluded that CBD dramatically reduced anxiety within its patients, due to its effects on mood-altering areas of the brain.

Medical Marijuana: How It Can Help You

For anyone with a cannabis card, the positive effects of medical marijuana that’s rich with CBD isn’t just limited to relief from anxiety either. Improvements in cognitive impairment, as well as a reduction in discomfort when speaking in public, have been shown to occur also. These positive impacts of marijuana consumption provide advantages over standard prescription medication on a chemical level, while also being faster acting to deliver immediate relief and coming with very few side effects that often go hand-in-hand with meds.

Above all, the two most important factors for anyone using their medical marijuana card to relieve anxiety are moderation and making sure to purchase a strain with a much greater concentration of CBD as opposed to THC. Habitual use or consuming THC rich cannabis can indeed have the opposite effect. However, for those struggling with the impact anxiety is having on their lives, medical marijuana can provide immense benefits, bestowing instant and prolonged relief.

In a classic episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm, Larry David scores some ‘chronic’ from an LA street dealer (he should have found out how to get a medical marijuana card in California!) and ends up getting very, very high with his dad. The ensuing hilarious, tripped-out bathroom conversation between Larry and the bathroom mirror image of himself is a classic moment in American comedy history. The catalyst for picking up the weed in the first place was his desire to ease his old man’s painful glaucoma. But does medical cannabis really help glaucoma? And if so, how?
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When the West Coast woke up, smelled the coffee and made medical marijuana legal, the question on everyone’s lips was, “How can I get a medical weed card in California?”  Well, that question has been answered fairly comprehensively by a number of online articles showing you how you can apply for a medical marijuana card in California and by the growing number of online cannabis cards readily available for those who want to medicate with MMJ. The more pertinent question now is, “How can I consume my medical cannabis?” And that’s what we’re going to look at at today.
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For those seeking the benefits that come from the consumption of medical marijuana, it can be a surprisingly simple process. In California for example, all you need to do is apply for a medical marijuana card online and assuming that your application is accepted, purchasing, and even growing your own marijuana will become as legal as gobbling down a Big Mac. Not only that, but several online services can issue your license within the hour. (more…)

Living with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is not a pleasant experience for anyone. It is considered to be the last stage for people suffering with HIV, and is known to severely break down the immune system and lead to a quick and painful death.

Treatment for people with AIDS can be extremely uncomfortable, to say the least, and very similar to those suffering from cancer. Believe it or not, medical marijuana is one of the best resources available for treating some of the symptoms that are common with AIDS and its treatments.

Fighting Wasting Syndrome and Other Symptoms Common with AIDS

Medical marijuana treatment is available on a state-by-state basis and is dependent upon the government and personal physicians. It’s not a cure-all for AIDS, but symptoms like wasting syndrome can be aided by it.

Wasting syndrome is classified as causing rapid weight loss, making it difficult for a person to gain weight back. Because of the nature of marijuana, according to a 2007 study at Columbia University, smoking or vaporizing it helps increase the appetite and decreases vomiting and nausea so the food stays in the body long enough to provide essential nutrients.

As mentioned above, medical marijuana will not cure AIDS on its own, but since it is able to help with regaining an appetite, fighting wasting syndrome, nausea, breathing difficulties, inflammation, depression and more, it may be worth looking into getting a medical cannabis card.

Medical Marijuana as a Substitute for Opiates

Once you get your weed card, you shouldn’t use the medical marijuana as the sole medication to treat AIDS. Studies have shown that it can be used in conjunction with opiates to help reduce the amount of the opiates that you have to take. This can result in the reduction of the negative side effects that come along with extended opiate use.

While this is a welcoming finding for people who have used opiates on an extended basis, medical marijuana should be used as a supplement to them instead of a replacement.

Accessing Medical Marijuana and Cannabis

Several recent North American studies have shown that more than half of AIDS patients use medical cannabis. Those patients not only use it because of the immediate positive results, but also because it helps them continue with their regular treatment schedule more easily.

When you are diagnosed with AIDS, it might not be as difficult as you think to get your medical marijuana card online. Every state has different restrictions and regulations, but you can easily find out if you qualify.

AIDS is one of the most serious diseases that plagues the world today, which is why most patients turn to medical cannabis and marijuana for the healing effects, no matter how temporary they may be. As with any type of medication and treatment, sometimes it is the temporary relief that can help a patient fight longer since it provides some hope of easing the pain from this deadly disease.

If you are interested in acquiring a medical marijuana card in California to ease AIDS treatment symptoms for you or someone you love, contact us. We can get you quick approval online.

Hepatitis C is characterized as a chronic and sometimes deadly liver infection caused by the Hepatitis C virus. It can cause cirrhosis of the liver and is responsible for the majority of liver transplants that occur every year. The disease affects more than 4 million Americans and 300 million people worldwide. More than 8,000 people die each year from the disease.

What’s concerning about hepatitis C is there are no symptoms initially. Most of the cases are detected when lab work is done for routine physicals or for other medical treatments. If caught early enough, the condition can be treated with medication. However, if the infection has been present for several years, then cirrhosis of the liver likely has occurred.

Symptoms and Treatments for Hepatitis C

If cirrhosis of the liver has already happened, then you could experience symptoms like abdominal pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, itching, jaundice and more. Medical professionals will prescribe medication to alleviate symptoms and treat the condition, but many patients aren’t able to go through with it. The side effects of the medication can be worse than the pain from the infection itself, so patients sometimes consider other options.

Studies have shown that medical marijuana could be a great way to help reduce the side effects from the medication. Getting a medical weed card won’t completely cure you of the condition, but it will at least allow you to proceed with your treatment without the severity of the adverse side effects. And the best part is the only side effects associated with medical marijuana are occasional mood swings. Other than that, patients will not notice any negative reactions to inhaling small amounts at a time.

How to Get Medical Marijuana

As long as you have a qualifying condition, it’s not very difficult to get medical marijuana online. Most states consider hepatitis C to be a qualifying condition, since studies have been published stating the positive effects it has on patients. Of course, you have to be smart with the amount you use and understand medical cannabis isn’t going to cure you of the condition all on its own. It is designed to help you handle the adverse side effects of the actual medication that will treat your condition.

When you decide you want to buy medical marijuana online, be sure to get in touch with us to make sure you qualify first. We can help you throughout the entire process to ensure you get exactly what you need. Our skilled experts can assist you in obtaining a medical marijuana card to help you get back to feeling normal and living a more comfortable lifestyle.

The main difference between Type II and Type I Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is Type II involves confirmed nerve damage. As a result, Type II CRPS is much more severe and painful. While it is unknown where the condition originates, it is believed to be the result of an injury or surgery.

Type II CRPS was previously called causalgia, so you should be aware of that if you hear the term being used. People can experience different levels of pain as a result of Type II CRPS, so different treatment options are available. Some of the types of pain involve severe burning, muscle spasms, restricted mobility, spreading swelling, changes in skin color and temperature and general weakness.

When dealing with painkillers, you have to be aware of the potential risks and damage that they could do to other parts of your body. That’s why many people turn to alternative treatment options that have lesser side effects and are healthier.

Treatment Options for Patients with Type II CRPS

In addition to the physical pain that patients suffer, there are some psychological side effects as well. With Type II CRPS, there is a good chance you will be in constant pain. As a result, you may feel depressed, anxious, socially isolated and might even have thoughts of suicide. Before it gets to that point, be sure to know your treatment options.

Many doctors will prescribe pain medications, which could actually cause damage to your other organs such as the liver, kidneys and even the heart. However, some doctors may suggest you get a medical cannabis card and take small doses of medical cannabis to help alleviate the pain.

No matter how you want to take the medical cannabis, it will help you in more ways than one. It has been proven to not only help deal with the physical pain, but it also helps with the emotional and psychological aspects as well.

Applying for a Medical Marijuana Card

People who suffer from Type II CRPS shouldn’t wait to get their medical marijuana card online. It doesn’t take very long to apply for the card once you have a qualifying condition (Type II CRPS is a qualifying condition in most states), but every moment you don’t have your cannabis is another moment you have to deal with the pain.

Since the pain from Type II CRPS can vary in severity, you don’t want to wait until it’s unbearable to take action. When you contact us, we will help you quickly and easily obtain your medical marijuana card in California. We understand the pain and suffering you’re going through and want to make the process as painless as possible!

Hydrocephalus, occasionally referred to as “water on the brain”, is a condition where an abnormal amount of cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the cavities of the brain. When this happens, people can experience intracranial pressure inside the skull, tunnel vision, enlargement of the head and potentially mental disability. While hydrocephalus could be deadly, most cases are not that severe.

It’s relatively unknown how hydrocephalus develops, but it’s believed to be a genetic or developmental disorder. It can be diagnosed in people of all ages, but it is generally more common in children and young adults. Since the condition could negatively affect physical and cognitive development in infants, it’s best treated when caught early in life.

Symptoms and Treatment Options for Hydrocephalus

The main symptoms of hydrocephalus include a bulging spot on the head, seizures, fatigue, irritability, lack of balance, headaches, nausea, vomiting and a slow decline in concentration and memory.

Surgery is one of the main treatment options, where a shunt is inserted to help restore the proper amount of cerebrospinal fluid. The only problem with that type of surgery is the negative side effects as a result of the recovery.

That’s where getting medical marijuana online comes into the picture. There are plenty of painkillers that could help as well, but medical cannabis has proven to effectively reduce the symptoms, according to a 2015 study. Medical marijuana can actually prevent nausea and vomiting and help people sleep better. Even more so, it can reduce the likelihood of seizures, which is a common symptom and side effect of hydrocephalus.

As a result of these studies, doctors are beginning to suggest that patients get a medical marijuana card online. Surgery may still be required to help cure the patient of the condition completely, but medical marijuana could help the procedure and recovery go much more smoothly.

Accessing Medical Marijuana for Hydrocephalus Treatment

While there aren’t many states that have approved the use of medical marijuana for hydrocephalus, many states have approved it for nausea, seizures and other pain. Knowing what is a qualifying condition is the trickiest part of getting a medical marijuana card online.

If you have any of the symptoms that come as a result of hydrocephalus, then you may qualify for a California medical marijuana card. Many people don’t know what is considered as a qualifying condition, so contact us today to get more information. Medical marijuana can help alleviate your pain and symptoms almost immediately, so you owe it to yourself to look into getting the help you need.

Fibromyalgia is a very common and widespread condition throughout the United States, and it’s estimated that more than 12 million people suffer from it. While the condition itself isn’t considered to be life threatening, it’s extremely uncomfortable since it’s characterized by tender spots in the muscles, joints and tendons, as well as a general pain in the body, for an extended amount of time.

People could experience slight pain or severe pain as a result of fibromyalgia. Without proper treatment, those who suffer from severe fibromyalgia may have a hard time living a normal day-to-day life. This is especially true for people who have jobs and need to be active on a daily basis.

Some of the adverse side effects of sufferers of fibromyalgia include fatigue, problems sleeping, headaches, numbness, anxiety and depression. Once the diagnosis of fibromyalgia is made, there isn’t anything you can do to cure it. However, there are ways to help relieve the anxiety and pain that comes with it.

Medical Marijuana’s Relaxing Properties

As research continues to show that medical marijuana is a safe and effective pain reliever, more doctors are starting to recommend obtaining a medical marijuana card online. It’s generally an inexpensive drug to access and it doesn’t take a lot to experience immediate pain relief.

Traditional pain medication is still available for those suffering from fibromyalgia. However, most of those drugs aren’t natural like medical marijuana and can cause other negative side effects and health problems later in life.

When you get your medical cannabis card, you will have access to nearly instant pain relief, both mentally and physically. Patients have indicated their anxiety levels have decreased, in just minutes as well as the physical pain, after taking a dose.

Obtaining Your Medical Marijuana Card

Since medical marijuana is becoming widely known as an effective pain reliever for severe fibromyalgia sufferers, it isn’t as difficult to get a medical marijuana card as you may expect. You just have to make sure you comply with the laws of your state and get a recommendation from a physician. It’s always suggested that patients get the advice of a doctor before contacting anyone about obtaining a medical cannabis card, however. But once you’ve done that, you’ll be well on your way to living a normal life again.

If you need any help getting your medical marijuana card in California, be sure to contact us as soon as possible. We have a knowledgeable team that’s ready to help you get on the road to relief as soon as possible. Once we confirm you’re qualified, it won’t take long at all so don’t delay your pain relief any longer!

Multiple sclerosis is a devastating autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. It occurs when the body’s immune system attacks normal tissues, like the spinal cord and brain, rather than the destroying foreign substances like bacteria. It’s estimated that more than two million people worldwide suffer from this disease, and more than two hundred new cases are diagnosed in the United States alone every week.

Some of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis include numbness, tingling, loss of balance, blurred vision, slurred speech, weakness of limbs, lack of coordination, trouble thinking and even paralysis. Multiple sclerosis doesn’t have a definite cure, so researchers are just trying to find a way to slow down the progression of the disease and provide patients with better treatments.

Dealing With Multiple Sclerosis

Medications prescribed by doctors can help patients deal with the pain caused by multiple sclerosis, but those medications can also cause more problems. Some patients will suffer side effects like headaches, fatigue, joint pain and flu-like symptoms. These types of adverse responses have forced researchers to give medical marijuana another closer look as a possible treatment option.

Getting an online medical marijuana card may be your best bet when it comes to dealing with multiple sclerosis. Several studies have shown that medical cannabis can be an effective treatment for the symptoms mentioned previously. Not only is this beneficial for helping patients deal with the pain, but it also means they will be able to handle the medication to help treat the disease.

Medical Marijuana as a Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis

There are many studies showing medical cannabis to have some promising effects, but there are also others that indicate it may not be the best. Before you get your weed card in California, be sure to educate yourself on the potential benefits and risks of using medical marijuana as a treatment option for multiple sclerosis.

Many of the negative studies revolve around medical cannabis not being a long-term benefit. Since people have to consume medical weed frequently in order to feel the pain relief, it can cause people to become cognitively impaired. With that said, taking medical marijuana in small doses, or as recommended by your doctor, should prevent you from experiencing those negative side effects.

Plenty of medical marijuana doctors in California will suggest at least giving it a try. The decision is ultimately yours, but if you have any questions about the process of obtaining your medical marijuana card, feel free to contact us for more information. We can help you better understand the process and determine if your condition qualifies to receive the card and subsequent doses of medical cannabis.

Interstitial cystitis is a debilitating bladder condition that generally affects women. Also known as painful bladder syndrome, this condition can cause severe bladder pressure and pain, and the feeling to urinate more frequently. People suffering from this condition will feel a general discomfort, but can feel excruciating pain in more severe cases.

Symptoms could intensify as the bladder fills up and as urine is released. Interstitial cystitis can cause mixed signals within your body when it’s time to use the bathroom. As a result, patients will make frequent trips to the bathroom only to find out they really don’t have that urgent of a need. As a result, the quality of life in a person can be disrupted to the point where they don’t want to do anything.

Treatment Options for Interstitial Cystitis

There currently is no treatment that can effectively eliminate this condition. However, medical marijuana and other therapies and medications can help offer some relief. Getting an online medical marijuana card could be the best decision you make when it comes to treating interstitial cystitis.

Medical marijuana is known for helping with bladder inflammation, as well as urinary frequency. A 2013 study has shown that both cannabinoid receptors are found in the human bladder. Activating these cannabinoids can actually help prevent inflammation in the bladder and reduce the frequency of urination.

Other Cases to Make for Medical Marijuana

If you’re looking into trying to get a medical marijuana card online, consider the following 2013 study. A patient who had experienced painful effects of interstitial cystitis for the better part of 20 years decided to try taking oral THC, the chemical found in marijuana. While the patient would immediately feel relief from the pain, she began to feel some adverse side effects, which made her feel confused. Once the dosage was reduced, she continued feeling the positive pain relief, but the adverse side effects were eliminated.

It’s studies like these that prove medical marijuana to be a positive treatment option for interstitial cystitis. However, research is ongoing to determine the proper amounts to take and whether medical cannabis could actually cure the condition, rather than just alleviate the symptoms.

If you are suffering from interstitial cystitis, it may be worth looking into getting a California medical marijuana card.  Most people have a lot of questions about the process, so be sure to get in touch with us if you have any questions. While interstitial cystitis may not be a qualifying condition in most states, the resulting side effects are. We can help make sure you qualify so you can get the treatment you need.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus, otherwise known as HIV, is a virus which affects the immune system and can lead to AIDS if not treated. Once a person is diagnosed with HIV, they will have the virus for the rest of their life, since the human body cannot completely get rid of it.

While there is no effective cure for HIV, it can be treated and cared for enough to be controlled. HIV will generally attack the gut-associated lymphoid tissue during the early stages. The amount of damage done at this stage usually determines how much the virus will progress. While HIV can be a deadly virus, you can actually live as long as a completely healthy person with the proper daily treatment and care.

Symptoms and Treatments for HIV

Many times people don’t even know they have HIV until they get blood work done. As long as HIV hasn’t been present in the body for a long time, then there’s a good chance treatment will be effective. The main side effects of HIV include wasting syndrome and intractable pain.

Doctors will provide antiretroviral drugs to prolong and prevent the onset of AIDS, but the side effects of those drugs can be harsh. That’s why many doctors are turning to get a medical marijuana card online for their patients. Believe it or not, medical cannabis is becoming widely recognized as an effective treatment for HIV.

In fact, a 2005 study showed that greater than 60% of patients suffering from HIV have used medical cannabis as a treatment method. And even more recently, a 2014 study showed that THC, the common known chemical in marijuana, lessened the damage to the gut-associated lymphoid tissue. The positive results from these studies are making people lean more toward getting medical marijuana online to help treat their symptoms.

Using Medical Marijuana for HIV Treatment

If you want to buy medical marijuana online, you just have to have a qualifying condition recognized by the state you live in. As more studies are published highlighting the benefits of medical marijuana for HIV treatment, most states recognize it as a qualifying condition.

Of course, it’s important to note that studies are ongoing and it may be several years before medical cannabis is completely proven to be an effective treatment method for HIV. For now, it is known to help alleviate symptoms and help patients get on with their regular treatment as outlined by their doctors.

Getting a medical marijuana card online isn’t as difficult as you may think. But if you’re new to the process, be sure to contact us for assistance. We can help walk you through the steps and make sure you get exactly what you need to live a better lifestyle.

Cancer is one of the most widely known diseases in the world because it affects millions of people and has different forms. Since there are hundreds of different types of cancer, chances are you know at least one person who has suffered from it. Depending on where the cancer cells are located in the body, and when the cells are detected, there’s a good chance they could spread to other parts of the body.

Generally, when people have cancer, it takes months or years of treatment, and sometimes surgery. Once cancer cells are present, it can be extremely difficult to remove them completely because they are prone to coming back.

While the symptoms of cancer are bad enough, the chemotherapy and radiation therapy can really drain a patient in more ways than one. Medical marijuana has long been known as an effective treatment for cancer and can reduce the negative side effects of the different treatment types. As a result, many people are ordering medical marijuana online to help reduce the pain of the cancer.

How Does Medical Marijuana Help Cancer Treatment?

Studies over the last three decades have shown that THC, which is the main chemical in marijuana, has a natural antiemetic to help decrease pain from chemotherapy and the cancer itself. Common side effects of cancer treatment include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weight loss and more. Medical marijuana can help increase the appetite, which will lead to more nutrients entering the body and strengthening the immune system for fighting off cancer and handling treatment better.

You generally have to have a qualifying condition in order to get a medical marijuana card online, but most types of cancer will quality in the majority of the states. You can easily find out if you qualify by searching online or asking your primary physician.

Can Medical Marijuana Cure or Prevent Cancer?

There is no definite cure to cancer right now, but medical marijuana is definitely high on the list as being a potential benefit. Medical cannabis has cancer-fighting properties, and multiple studies have shown it can actually prevent cancerous tumors from forming.

As studies continue to be conducted, we will likely see further proof of the benefits of medical marijuana as a cancer-healing treatment. There isn’t a direct link at this time to medical marijuana curing cancer, but it aids in the treatment since it helps alleviate the painful symptoms that are caused by standard treatments.

If you or a loved one needs to buy medical marijuana online, then be sure to contact us right away. We can help make sure you qualify in your state and can quickly get you set up on the road to recovery and back to living a normal lifestyle.

Patients who suffer from cachexia or “wasting syndrome” generally already have a serious illness or disease. Wasting syndrome is a serious side effect for diseases such as cancer, AIDS or HIV, cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease, congestive heart failure, tuberculosis and more. Patients will experience involuntary weight loss due to lack of receiving the proper nutritional support.

People with these serious illnesses can suffer from a severe loss of appetite, which breaks down their body when combined with the strong opiates that they are taking frequently. The response for people with cachexia is usually poor, resulting in a significantly shorter survival time.

Harmful Effects of Cachexia

Most people will only notice a small amount of weight loss in the early stages of cachexia. But as the condition worsens, those people will eat less and become more nauseous, which will lead to greater and more rapid weight loss. Eventually a patient’s muscles can break down, as well as develop a general fatigue, weakness and even respiratory complications.

As cachexia sets in, patients and family members usually see it as a sign of the final stages of the disease. If not treated properly, then cachexia could lead to death because the already weakened body won’t have enough nutrients to handle the other types of treatment.

Medical Marijuana and Cachexia

One popular treatment method for people suffering from cachexia is medical marijuana. Getting a weed card might not only help the treatment for cachexia, but it can also help prevent wasting syndrome.

The main benefit of medical cannabis is the fact that it helps increase your appetite. Since the lack of nutrients and appetite causes wasting syndrome, taking small doses of medical marijuana will help patients eat more and be able to handle the treatment of their disease much better. And the good news is you can get medical marijuana online fairly easily, especially if you have a recommendation from a physician.

How to Get Medical Marijuana to Prevent Wasting Syndrome

Wasting syndrome is generally recognized as a qualifying condition when it comes to getting a prescription for medical marijuana. The negative side effects are usually extremely minimal, and the benefits definitely outweigh the potential disadvantages. Managing wasting syndrome is one of the most difficult things to do when someone has a serious disease or illness. Reducing nausea and vomiting, along with eating more, are the best ways to manage cachexia and wasting syndrome and improve the quality of life.

If you or someone you know is suffering from wasting syndrome, then your best chance for survival may be to buy medical marijuana online. We would love to help you with the process, so be sure to contact us as soon as possible so you or your loved one can be on the road to a quicker recovery and living a better lifestyle.

Type I Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), also commonly referred to as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), is a chronic condition resulting in severe burning pain, excessive sweating, sensitivity to touch, tissue swelling and even noticeable changes in the skin and bones. CRPS is usually caused by damage to the central and peripheral nervous systems.

CRPS is many times diagnosed as a simple nerve injury, however, it can be much more severe than that. Since it involves the central and peripheral nervous systems, the brain and spinal cord could be affected. There are two different types of CRPS, classified as Type I and Type II. The symptoms and treatments are very similar. The main difference is that Type I CRPS does not have confirmed nerve damage, while Type II does.

Treatment Options for Type I Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Due to the potentially severe pain and discomfort caused by Type I CRPS, people are generally open to all of their treatment options. Even though there are prescriptions available to help alleviate some of the pain, medical marijuana is actually a recommended treatment alternative for patients.

Many doctors prescribe medical marijuana in California for people suffering from Type I CRPS, since patients have reported almost instant pain relief, whether it is smoked, vaped, or swallowed in the form of a pill. Not only does it help with the pain as a result of the condition, but it can also help reduce the anxiety, stress and potential depression that are all side effects of dealing with CRPS.

How a Medical Marijuana Card Can Help You

Getting an online medical marijuana card is the quickest and easiest way to get the treatment you need for CRPS. As mentioned previously, the symptoms of Type I CRPS can be very painful, but most of them can be tolerated. However, don’t take that to mean you shouldn’t do anything about it. Type I CRPS could eventually make you immobilized in serious cases, so getting your weed card in California is important to aid in your recovery efforts.

Even though there have been studies published about the potential positive effects of medical marijuana on CRPS patients, hearing the patients themselves bragging on the potential life-saving attributes of medical marijuana should be enough to convince you of the benefits.

If you or a loved one is suffering from symptoms that could be caused by Type I Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, then be sure to contact us immediately and we will go over your options. We can provide you with further information about getting your medical marijuana card online, so you can have hopes of a fast recovery and living a normal lifestyle again.

Causalgia is a painful and chronic condition that can cause swelling and skin changes as a result of damage to nerves and blood vessels. It is also commonly known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. In addition to swelling and skin changes, the most common symptoms and side effects include burning sensations and profuse sweating.

People usually get causalgia because of an overactive sympathetic nervous system, however, the initial cause of the condition is not currently known. Upper extremities are most commonly affected, but other parts of the body can suffer as well. While causalgia itself is not considered to be life threatening, the side effects can be psychologically damaging.

The types of treatment for causalgia include acupuncture, physical therapy, biofeedback, transcutaneous nerve stimulation and others. Causalgia can create a lot of stress and tension on the body, which can cause psychological issues. Medical marijuana has been an effective treatment for the condition since it can decrease those issues and other ones that arise.

How Medical Marijuana Can Help Treat Causalgia

Causalgia may begin as a discomfort in certain parts of the body. However, a recent survey has indicated around 35% of people who are diagnosed with causalgia indicated the pain spread to other parts of the body. So even if the pain isn’t unbearable right away, it would be a good idea to get treated immediately to prevent further damage and pain.

People are turning to getting medical marijuana online because it is generally cheaper than other medications and the side effects are less severe. Medical marijuana can help alleviate some of the pain and stress on the body as a result of causalgia, so it makes the condition much easier to cope with.

Getting Access to Medical Marijuana Online

If you want to get a medical marijuana card online, you have to have a qualifying condition that is verified by a physician. Causalgia is generally recognized as a qualifying condition throughout the United States, but every state has different rules and regulations as far as what they consider to be a qualifying condition, so you will want to confirm that you qualify.

We can help you get your California medical marijuana card quickly and easily so you will be on your road to recovery. Causalgia is not a condition that is comfortable to live with, so even temporary relief is better than nothing. If you are suffering from any of the symptoms mentioned, then contact us today to get the help you need immediately and to prevent further issues from occurring.

Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) is a degenerative and progressive disease, which can cause a loss of coordination and movement problems. The disease can occur in people of all ages, and most cases indicate it is hereditary. There are several different types of spinocerebellar ataxia, but there isn’t a single test to determine which type a patient has.

Since spinocerebellar ataxia affects the spinal cord and the brain, it can potentially be a deadly disease without proper treatment. Unfortunately, SCA can go misdiagnosed for years because of the many different types there are. The symptoms are similar to those of other conditions, making it difficult to diagnose and get ahead on the preventative treatment.

Symptoms and Treatment Options for Spinocerebellar Ataxia

People generally know something is wrong when they lose some of their coordination and fall off balance more frequently than normal. When SCA progresses, more serious symptoms like muscle spasms, difficulty with speech, difficulty swallowing, cognitive impairment and involuntary movement can occur. Eventually, patients can experience a tingling, numbness or general pain in their limbs, as well as muscle wasting, tension and twitching.

There currently is no cure for spinocerebellar ataxia. When people seek treatment for SCA, it is generally geared toward managing the symptoms and going through physical therapy to strengthen muscles.

Many people find success by getting a medical cannabis card and taking small doses of medical cannabis throughout the day. Research is fairly limited when it comes to the direct healing effects of cannabis on SCA, but it is widely known to have neuroprotective benefits, which could slow the disease’s progression.

In addition to slowing the progression, cannabis can also help relieve some of the painful symptoms and help patients manage and decrease muscle spasms with its relaxing qualities. With the decrease in muscle spasms and general muscle pain, patients are able to get through their required physical therapy without experiencing painful side effects.

Obtaining a Medical Marijuana Card

You may feel a little uneasy about obtaining a weed card at first, but when you read about the success stories from patients, you’ll realize it’s worth a shot. There aren’t many states that recognize spinocerebellar ataxia as a qualifying condition for a medical marijuana card, but you can still get it with the recommendation of a physician, in most cases.

Our dedicated team is skilled when it comes to knowing the exact requirements needed for people to obtain a medical marijuana card. If you want to buy medical marijuana online, then you shouldn’t wait any longer to get on the road to treating your SCA. Be sure to contact us for more information and assistance with applying for your medical cannabis card today!

The spinal cord transmits information to the brain for sensory information, motor information and reflexes. When there is damage to the spinal cord, you could experience pain in a variety of ways. Despite common conception, spinal cord disease is not the same thing as spinal cord injury, since the latter can lead to many more diseases.

People can experience either longitudinal or segmental spinal cord disease. Longitudinal creates the loss of function in the entire sensory or motor systems. Segmental can create smaller sensory losses, which can gradually become worse.

Types of Spinal Cord Disease and Treatment Options

Spinal cord disease can be characterized with dozens of different diseases and conditions. Some examples include hydromyelia, arachnoiditis, Alzheimer’s, ALS, multiple sclerosis, Tarlov cysts, Parkinson’s, syringomelia and many more.

Treatment options for these diseases all differ, but there is one universal treatment option for them all. Medical marijuana has long been believed to have healing and pain relief effects when it comes to different diseases and conditions, including spinal cord disease. The good thing about it is most people with these diseases will qualify to get a medical marijuana card online!

Effectiveness of Medical Marijuana

With the different types of spinal cord disease, the symptoms and pain levels will vary from case to case. Above all, medical cannabis acts as an effective anti-inflammatory and painkiller, and it’s believed to be much safer than traditional medications. However, in order to help prevent the symptoms from worsening, sometimes you can’t take medical marijuana on its own. The adverse side effects from prescription medication can be enough to make people just want to suffer, but medical marijuana helps relieve patients of those side effects as well, making the treatment easier to handle.

Studies are constantly ongoing to prove the effectiveness of medical marijuana. However, when you hear the success stories from people who have used it, it’s hard to argue against getting a medical cannabis card. Not only will it help with the pain, but it can act as a sleep aid, anti-depressant, appetite increaser and more.

The ability to relax the body can be difficult with the pain from different spinal cord diseases. Medical marijuana is one of the best ways to live pain free because of the relaxing components.

If you or a loved one is suffering from any type of spinal cord disease, be sure to contact us right away. We can help you get your medical marijuana card in California quickly and easily. Anyone who suffers from spinal cord disease will likely experience a qualifying condition, so you won’t have to worry about being denied. We want to help you get back to living the comfortable life you deserve!

Tourette’s syndrome is a rare neurological disorder, which causes involuntary sounds and movements. These are generally called tics, and they commonly occur during childhood. The condition will usually improve over time, but it’s important to note there is currently no effective cure.

While Tourette’s syndrome is mostly a genetic disorder, common problems associated with it include anxiety, ADHD, OCD, learning disabilities and behavioral problems. It’s estimated that only 3-6 out of every 1,000 children will have Tourette’s syndrome, but that is still too many when you think about what those few children have to suffer with.

Treatment Options for Tourette’s Syndrome

Pharmaceutical options are available for patients suffering from Tourette’s syndrome, but there isn’t a single effective medication to help everyone. Some prescription medications can come with adverse side effects, making people want to refrain from using them. When a child is involved, it can be difficult to deal with the side effects of dizziness, irritability, sleepiness, headaches and appetite loss, among others.

Medical cannabis is widely known as a treatment option and can give patients with Tourette’s syndrome some relief without the negative side effects. A 1998 study showed more than 80% of people who used medical marijuana for their Tourette’s syndrome experienced a reduction in involuntary sounds and movements. Because of these studies, people are more open to getting medical marijuana online.

Benefits of Medical Marijuana

Some people live with Tourette’s syndrome their entire life. Since there isn’t a cure yet, medical marijuana is the best way they can deal with the disorder and live a somewhat normal lifestyle. Getting a weed card may seem a little strange for patients at first, but when you think about the quality of life you’re living now, compared to how much better it can be, it’s really worth giving a try.

Tourette’s syndrome can make a person become anti-social because they are embarrassed at the random sounds and uncontrollable movements they make. That can lead to a downward spiral of other symptoms, like depression. Before it gets to that point, medical marijuana should be on your short list of treatments to try. Whether a patient is four years of age or 40 years of age, medical marijuana can help. Of course, the dosage will have to be different, but the positive effects are still the same.

If you want to buy medical marijuana online, but don’t know where to start, contact us today. Our experienced team can help you determine whether you have a qualifying condition based on your state. While Tourette’s syndrome may not directly be a qualifying condition, some of your symptoms could be. We are here to help you every step of the way until you get the treatment you need to live a normal lifestyle.

Parkinson’s disease is a widely known neurodegenerative disease that affects the brain. Dopamine, a chemical produced by brain cells, is responsible for delivering messages to the brain to control bodily movement. When those brain cells are damaged, people may begin showing signs of Parkinson’s disease.

Many times Parkinson’s disease is difficult to detect right away since its progression is slow. Since there currently isn’t a cure for the disease, treatments are targeted at helping the patient deal with the symptoms and be as comfortable as they can. Some medications can help increase the dopamine levels in the brain. Brain surgery is also an option.

Symptoms and Treatment Options for Parkinson’s Disease

The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can be tough to diagnose. Some symptoms aren’t any different than typical everyday aches and pains. Something as subtle as a tremor in one hand can be a sign of the disease developing and progressing. However, as people get older, their symptoms worsen and can turn into jerking movements, constant muscle pains and aches, monotone speech, low blood pressure, difficulty swallowing or blinking and even drooling.

Treatments to help patients deal with the symptoms generally include prescription medication, but those usually come with some pretty harsh side effects. Medical marijuana is a recommended alternative since it doesn’t have any adverse side effects, and can help treat both the physical and mental symptoms of the disease. As more research proves the effectiveness of medical marijuana, many people are becoming inclined to get a medical marijuana card online.

Getting Your Medical Marijuana Card

The negative symptoms and side effects of medication treatments can cause anxiety and depression in some patients. Since you can get medical marijuana online, it is easier than ever to have a safe and reliable treatment option available. It won’t cure the disease, but it will make it a lot easier to deal with. In addition, the anxiety and distress will eventually subside, which will create a more positive attitude in the patient.

If you or a loved one is suffering from Parkinson’s disease, now is the time to take action. You should seriously consider medical marijuana as a treatment option. Since it’s fairly simple to buy medical marijuana online, you won’t have to jump through any hoops to get it. In fact, many states recognize Parkinson’s disease as a qualifying condition, so it’s an effortless process in those states.

Be sure to contact us if you have any questions about the process of obtaining your medical marijuana card, or if you have any questions about the drug in general. We would be happy to give you all the options you need and provide you with enough information to help you make the best decision for yourself.

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune neuromuscular disease, which makes people experience weakness and rapid fatigue. These symptoms are caused by a communication breakdown between the muscles and nerves, and are generally experienced when the person is active.

While myasthenia gravis can occur in anyone, it is most common in males over the age of 60 and females under the age of 40. The disease actually forces the body’s immune system to produce antibodies, which can destroy or block the receptor sites for muscles. Since the receptors are blocked, the muscles won’t receive as many signals, resulting in weakness.

Symptoms and Treatments for Myasthenia Gravis

In addition to muscle weakness and fatigue, people with myasthenia gravis also sometimes experience difficulties in the ability to speak, chew, swallow and make basic facial expressions. Extreme cases could even cause the neck and breathing muscles to be affected.

There isn’t a cure for myasthenia gravis at this time, but research suggests anticholinesterase medications can help overcome the blocked receptors for muscles. Those types of medications work well, but medical marijuana is another viable option for patients suffering from myasthenia gravis. In fact, as more studies are conducted, more people are leaning toward obtaining a medical cannabis card today.

Medical Marijuana as a Treatment for Myasthenia Gravis

Research shows cannabis has the ability to act similarly to the anticholinesterase medication to help overcome blocked receptors. Also, three cannabinoids have proven to significantly elevate acetylcholine in the brain, effectively decreasing the acetylcholine turnover.

While these studies are still ongoing and not necessarily conclusive, people are enjoying the positive effects of medical marijuana, so getting a medical marijuana card online is becoming a more popular option.

Obtaining a Medical Marijuana Card

Depending on what state you live in, getting access to a medical marijuana card can be tricky. Some states may not necessarily recognize myasthenia gravis as a qualifying condition to receive the card. However, as long as you have a recommendation from a physician to use medical marijuana, you should generally be able to obtain the card with no issues.

Living with constant fatigue and muscle weakness is no way to go about your day-to-day duties. Myasthenia gravis can eventually wear people down if they don’t get the proper treatment. It can also cause more serious mental and physical side effects for some people, resulting in illness and possible depression.

If you or a loved one has experienced symptoms, or has been diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, be sure to contact us right away. We can help you get your medical marijuana card in California quickly and easily, so you’ll be on the right track to treating the disease and living a normal lifestyle.

Myoclonus is a characterized as a quick and jerky contraction of certain muscles, which is often a result of an underlying health condition. The muscle twitches may only involve a single muscle, but it can affect a group of muscles as well. Some people experience a single twitch, while others may suffer from sequences of repeated contractions.

While myoclonus is generally not considered to be a serious condition, it can negatively affect a person’s quality of life. Even doing normal things like eating, walking and talking can become a challenge for some people. However, since myoclonus is generally the result of an underlying condition, the twitching symptoms can be greatly reduced or eliminated if the underlying condition is treatable.

Underlying Conditions Causing Myoclonus

Some of the main underlying conditions include neurological disorders, liver or kidney failure, head injury, a metabolic condition, prolonged oxygen deprivation or even a reaction to a medication. However, these are not the only causes of myoclonus.

There are also four main types of myoclonus to be aware of:

• Symptomatic – occurs as a result of the underlying conditions mentioned above
• Epileptic – occurs in people with an epileptic disorder
• Essential – occurs without an underlying illness or symptoms
• Physiological – occurs in healthy people in the form of hiccups or sudden jerks before falling asleep

Treatment Options for Myoclonus

Most of the time the treatment options for myoclonus depend on the associated underlying condition. Some people decide to receive Botox injections, while other people have to opt for surgery if a tumor has developed as a result of myoclonus. However, since a weed card is generally effective and inexpensive, ingesting medical marijuana is quickly becoming the most viable option for the condition.

Medical marijuana is believed to be one of the best treatments available because of the relaxing side effects it provides. Getting a medical cannabis card could be one of the best things you can do to help deal with myoclonus.

Why Medical Marijuana?

Even though there aren’t hundreds of studies proving the effectiveness of medical marijuana for myoclonus treatment, many scientific reviews have made some positive conclusions. In fact, one recent scientific review concluded cannabidiol (CBD) can significantly reduce seizures. Since seizures and similar muscle contractions are typical with myoclonus patients, many people are turning to getting a medical marijuana card online.

When you have myoclonus, you may feel like you don’t want to go out in public because of the random muscle contractions. If your quality of life has diminished as a result of myoclonus, contact us today so we can walk you through the process of getting your medical cannabis card. It’s one of the best and most affordable treatments, and will help you get back to living a normal lifestyle.

Muscular dystrophy is characterized as a group of multiple disorders, which can cause the deterioration of skeletal muscle tissue and muscle weakness. Since the disorders are degenerative, keeping people pain-free as their pain increases is the biggest challenge for medical professionals.

Since muscular dystrophy is genetic, people as young as infants can experience the symptoms. The pain level generally isn’t very high when compared to other muscular conditions. However, most people will suffer from some level of joint pain, muscle stiffness, cramps and spasms.

Best Treatment Options for Muscular Dystrophy

Standard painkillers are a popular choice for dealing with the muscle pains, but a decent amount of physical exercise, therapy and respiratory care can help as well. In addition, medical cannabis is becoming a popular treatment option because of its ability to alleviate some of the pain associated with muscular dystrophy.

People who have a medical cannabis card, and use cannabis in some form, have enjoyed nearly instantaneous relief from their muscle pain. A lot of this is due to the relaxing effects it has on the muscles and body in general.

Even though medical marijuana has proven effective, the lack of scientific evidence prevents medical professionals from recommending it primarily. Since comprehensive studies are lacking, many of the recommendations come from real-life examples of people who have used medical marijuana to help with their pain from muscular dystrophy. In general, people who have gotten a medical marijuana card online say the treatment has improved their quality of life drastically.

Obtaining Your Medical Marijuana Card for Muscular Dystrophy Treatment

When it comes to treating muscle pain, some of the opiates you can take have adverse side effects, which can possibly be worse than the original pain itself. That is one of the main reasons why people consider taking medical cannabis. It has the healing effects without the negative side effects.

Of course, marijuana has a bad name because many people abuse it. However, when taken in moderation for medical purposes, researchers have indicated the positive benefits it can have for people suffering from many types of pain.

It’s important to understand medical marijuana is not going to cure your muscular dystrophy. Since it’s a genetic disorder, nothing will completely cure it. As mentioned previously, the biggest battle is getting the pain level under control so you can live your life as closely to normal as possible.

Getting your medical marijuana card in California isn’t too difficult. As long as you have a qualifying condition, then you can easily go online and get it in most cases. The symptoms of muscular dystrophy are generally classified as qualifying conditions, but if you’re unsure, feel free to contact us and we can help you through the process to get you back on the road to recovery!

People suffering from Lupus can expect to experience pain all over the body. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the healthy tissues and organs in the body. Essentially, the body can’t tell what is a virus, germ or bacteria and instead just attacks everything.

As you can imagine, the pain people experience can be excruciating. Considering lupus can affect anything from the skin, joints, kidneys, lungs, brain and even the heart, it’s a serious disease that could be life-threatening if not treated properly. Since the pain symptoms are similar to many other conditions, it can be difficult to properly diagnose people with lupus. However, a facial rash generally coincides with the disease to make it a little easier to identify.

Symptoms and Treatments for Lupus

In addition to an uncomfortable pain throughout the body, people with lupus can experience skin rashes, swelling, anxiety, depression, nausea, vomiting, anemia, swollen lymph nodes, seizures, fever and even abnormal heart rate. These symptoms can obviously affect the quality of life in a negative way, which can lead to other severe mental and physical issues.

While there isn’t a cure for lupus at this time, treatments can help control the symptoms tremendously. Painkillers are a common treatment method, but medical cannabis is a great alternative to the traditional medication to help the pain. Getting an online medical marijuana card could be your best and safest option to help cope with the painful symptoms associated with lupus.

Prescription medication generally has some adverse side effects that medical marijuana doesn’t have. Pain and inflammation are the two main symptoms of lupus, and those are exactly what medical marijuana helps with.

Using Medical Cannabis to Treat Lupus

Medical cannabis isn’t going to cure lupus for you. However, it can help grant you some of the treatment you need to live a normal life. When you get your weed card in California, you can expect your pain and inflammation to subside, as well as getting your appetite back and even sleeping better.

Many people choose to vaporize the cannabis rather than smoking it, since unhealthy toxins aren’t released in that form. You can also take medical marijuana in pill form, using a patch, eating it and even juicing it. The temporary relief that people experience makes it worth at least looking into getting a California medical marijuana card.

Some people are hesitant about using medical marijuana as a treatment option for lupus, and we understand that. If you have any questions about the benefits or side effects, feel free to contact us at any time. We would be happy to go over all the information with you so you are comfortable with the treatment medical cannabis can provide.

Seizures occur when brain function is disturbed, which causes changes in a person’s behavior or attention. These changes are generally caused when the electrical signals in the brain get abnormally excited. Some people deal with seizures all the time like it’s part of their daily routine, but others experience much more severe consequences.

The severity of seizures can range from extended staring spells to shaking uncontrollably to loss of consciousness. The difference in the severity just depends on what part of the brain is involved. Most people recognize when someone is having a seizure just by the shaking or twitching of the body, which is a common symptom.

Symptoms and Treatments for Seizures

One of the most difficult parts of living with seizures is the suddenness of symptoms, which can occur within a few seconds or minutes. You could be fine one minute, but the next minute you could lose consciousness, lose muscle control, start twitching or jerking or even twisting your body due to tightness in the muscles.

Since seizures are so common (affecting nearly 3 million Americans), medications can control seizures in about 7 out of 10 patients. What researchers are concerned about is the other three patients in that sample dealing with pain. Some of the traditional medications can have adverse side effects, like slurred speech, double vision, unsteadiness and mood changes, among others.

Studies are ongoing to try to confirm the effectiveness of medical marijuana as a treatment option for seizures. However, that hasn’t stopped people from buying an online medical marijuana card to help their situation.

Many people who suffer from seizures have found a great amount of relief by taking small doses of medical cannabis, either on its own or in combination with regular medication. Possibly the best part about taking medical marijuana is it does not come with the negative side effects you may experience with traditional medications.

Medical Marijuana Can Help With Seizures

Most medical marijuana doctors in California will recommend, or at least suggest, the use of cannabis to help deal with seizures. The lack of proven evidence through research is overshadowed by the positive results people have had from using it.

Having control of your body and not having to wonder when you are going to have your next seizure makes it much easier to live a happier lifestyle. Getting a weed card in California isn’t too difficult if you experience seizures frequently, so it’s definitely worth checking out.

If you decide you want to look into the possibility of getting a medical marijuana card, be sure to contact us to get more information. We can help you throughout the process so you can get back on the road to living a normal life without having to worry about when your next seizure will happen.

Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells by mistake. These cells can include synovium, which is what lines the joints. As a result, chronic inflammation of the joints can occur, as well as inflammation of the tissue surrounding the joints.

There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, and each of them are painful to deal with. Since rheumatoid arthritis attacks the joints, people will especially suffer from pain every time they move. Arthritis in general is the most common cause of disability in the United States, which is good and bad. It’s bad because millions of people suffer from some type of arthritis, but it’s good because there are many different treatment types to help people alleviate some of their pain.

Medical Marijuana as a Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis

While there are hundreds of different medications doctors prescribe to treat rheumatoid arthritis, some of them are so intense they cause adverse side effects. With plenty of studies proving the effectiveness of medical marijuana, we are seeing a trend of people getting an online medical marijuana card to help with their pain.

Since marijuana is known as a strong pain reliever, it can help with the pain by itself or in combination with your regular medication. Multiple studies have also shown medical cannabis can reduce inflammation, which is the main symptom of arthritis.

The great thing about medical marijuana is the nearly instant results. With just a small dose, you can be up on your feet and moving around as close to pain-free as you can be. Some people use medical marijuana as their sole treatment, since there are no negative side effects associated with it when it’s used in small amounts. It can easily be incorporated into a lotion or other topical medication, allowing it to treat arthritis right at the source. This option is one of many other, equally reliable and traditional methods from which you can choose.

Obtaining a Medical Marijuana Card

With all the studies and proven positive results from using medical marijuana to treat rheumatoid arthritis, it’s no wonder why so many people are getting a weed card in California. The process of getting your medical marijuana card isn’t as difficult as you may think. Once your doctor diagnoses you with rheumatoid arthritis, you are just a few steps away from getting your card.

It’s easier now than ever to get a California medical marijuana card. California currently recognizes rheumatoid arthritis as a qualifying condition for obtaining a medical cannabis card. Other states recognize it as well, but some don’t. We can help you through the simple process of getting your medical marijuana card. Be sure to contact us when you’re ready to apply and we will make sure you get your card quickly and with no problems!

Studies currently show medical cannabis can be effective in treating a number of symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). While marijuana won’t cure multiple sclerosis by itself, many find its symptoms more tolerable after consuming weed. As such, we wanted to take a quick look at which symptoms medical marijuana could positively affect:

• Depression

Studies show many patients suffering from multiple sclerosis become clinically depressed. Some claim more than 50 percent of individuals with MS struggle with depression. Multiple sclerosis often damages the nerves controlling your mood. Once these nerves are damaged, it can be exceptionally difficult to monitor your mood.

Drugs used to control MS can also have depressive side effects so those suffering find themselves battling depression on multiple fronts. Medical marijuana can reduce the symptoms of individuals struggling with MS-related depression in up to 90 percent of reported cases.

• Abdominal Pain

MS can lead to significant abdominal pain. Gastrointestinal complaints are especially commonplace for those suffering from multiple sclerosis. Around 50 percent of patients suffer from this ailment. Medical cannabis has been shown to help MS patients with defecation urgency, constipation relief, fecal incontinence and more.

• Muscle Spasms

Patients with multiple sclerosis often struggle greatly with muscle spasms. More than 80 percent of MS sufferers find muscle spasms affect their lives. Medical marijuana can reduce the frequency of these spasms, along with the severity of each attack. Many claim the reduction in muscle spasms due to cannabis comes from anti-inflammatory properties and tension relief.

• Anti-Inflammatory

Anti-inflammatory uses are one of the best ways to benefit from medical marijuana. Weed helps to relieve tension and has been used to reduce inflammation for thousands of years. Patients with MS often find inflammation causes great pain in their bodies. This is a direct result of the neural tissue in the body becoming inflamed.

Once the tissue is inflamed, sufferers of multiple sclerosis find the damage is irreparable and they begin to lose muscle control, among other things. Marijuana has been so successful in reducing inflammation in MS suffers it’s the world’s first weed-based pharmaceutical to be market approved. The drug created specifically for MS patients is called Sativex.

Get a Medical Marijuana Card Online

If you’re suffering from MS or just looking to get a card for medical marijuana online, you’ve come to the right place. At MMJ Recs, we specialize in offering California medical marijuana cards quickly. Many times our clients find their card in their email inbox within five minutes of applying. The modern marvels of instant download is a beautiful thing.

Medical marijuana online and in-person proves effective in fighting the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Don’t suffer any longer! Get your California medical marijuana card today.

Before you get your online medical marijuana card, it’s important to educate yourself. Medical marijuana can help patients treat a wide range of illnesses and ailments. Cannabis can even be used to cure some serious diseases. The issue with medical weed arises due to education. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of medical marijuana types available to the average user. It can be near impossible to find the right type to cure your pain properly.

That’s where we come in. Getting your weed card has never been easier. At MMJRecs, we’ve studied and found the best medical marijuana types for users looking to alleviate pain and find cures. Choosing the wrong weed for your problems can hinder your recovery. There can be any number of unwanted side effects. You need to make a wise decision when medical marijuana is involved.

Here are four of our favorite medical marijuana types with a proven track record of healing:

Indica Dominant Hybrid

Pure indica is an interesting medical marijuana family. Featuring significantly more CBD than THC, this family offers a full body narcotic feeling instead of a “high” feeling. As such, pure indica has amazing pain blocking qualities. If you’re suffering from any aches or pains, then this could be a perfect type of medical marijuana for you. Pure indica makes a great sleep aid as well.

Common pure indica strains include Hashplant, Herijuana, G-13, Pakistani and Afghani.

Many have found the hybrid indica breeds to also be the best for their pains. Most scientists and doctors agree that these types have the most beneficial medical effects of all cannabis. If you’re just starting out using medical marijuana for your pain, hybrid indica may be right up your alley.

Some popular strains from this family include Blueberry, Dutch Treat, Romulan, Northern Lights, Purple Kush, Master Kush and many more.

Sativa Dominant Hybrid

Pure sativa is not a common medical marijuana choice for most ailments and conditions. Due to pure sativa often causing irregular heartbeats and paranoia attacks, most medical cannabis users stay away from this type. These varieties are typically only used for individuals who suffer from depression or chronic fatigue syndrome. Sativa has a great penchant for uplifting spirits. As such, this is a go-to family for treating mental illnesses.

Popular pure sativa strains used for medical purposes include Acapulco, Burmese and Malawi Gold.

Offering the best of both worlds, hybrid sativa strains can be amazing when you need uplifting properties but want to avoid paranoia side effects. These types often feature a mix of sativa and indica – with the sativa side often featured in slightly stronger doses. Many medical cannabis users absolutely love these plants for their ability to curb depression and stimulate the appetite. Many long-time medical marijuana users find dialed in types of hybrid sativa are perfect for their exact dosage needs.

Great hybrid sativa strains include Haze, Willie Nelson, Jack Herer and Kali Mist.

Once you get your medical marijuana card online, you’ll have access to all of these breeds and much more. Get in touch with us to apply for your card and gain the help you need.

Medical marijuana can be the answer for your Grave’s disease.

Medical marijuana has recently opened a full range of treatment options for various disorders. Individuals suffering from diseases for years have turned to cannabis and have found incredible results, improvements and benefits. One such ailment medical marijuana is particularly beneficial for is Grave’s disease. People suffering from this disease should certainly consider medical marijuana treatments to ease their symptoms.

What Is Grave’s Disease?

If you have Grave’s disease already, you may want to get your weed card immediately. For others who have the ailment in their family or have been suffering from certain symptoms, you may need a refresher on exactly what this ailment is and the causes.

Grave’s disease is an immune system disorder. The disease results in an overproduction of thyroid hormones, also known as hyperthyroidism. Up to 80 percent of the hyperthyroidism cases in the United States can be directly related to Grave’s disease. Many of these cases result in an enlarged thyroid as well.

Signs and Symptoms

Grave’s disease can be found in both men and women, but those at greatest risk tend to be women between the ages of 20 and 40. The disorder’s exact cause is still unknown but most find a combination of genetic and environmental factors correlate to the appearance of Grave’s disease. If you have other autoimmune disorders, it’s more likely you will be afflicted with this illness.

Often, individuals who suffer from this ailment will experience muscle weakness, irritability, fast heartbeat, problems sleeping, diarrhea, weight loss and low tolerance to the heat. Vision can also be affected by Grave’s disease. Eye problems associated with Grave’s Ddsease include double vision, protruding eyeballs and irritation. Occasionally, those suffering will find an unusual condition that causes a thickening of skin around the shins referred to as pretibial myxedema.

Common Treatment Options

There are a number of treatment options for those suffering from Grave’s disease. Common treatments include removal surgery, radioactive iodine, antithyroid medications and beta blockers. However, many of these options bring about a wide variety of side effects.

Medical marijuana to the rescue. Weed has been shown to be effective in eliminating or reducing many of the symptoms and side effects associated with Grave’s disease and the various treatments, including reducing:

• Eye pressure
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Insomnia

Studies have also shown medical marijuana can be beneficial in stimulating appetite.

A Weed Card Is the Answer

At MMJRecs, we can’t offer you a way to buy medical marijuana online, but we can help you get your weed card. If you’re ready to learn more about getting your California weed card, just click here. If approved, you’ll have your recommendation almost instantly, and a photo ID can be sent in the mail quickly.

Virtually every medication — whether prescription or over-the-counter — comes with a list of side effects. Some pills exist to calm the side effects of other pills, and even they come with their own lists of side effects. It’s a crazy cycle of discomfort.

Patients should consider incorporating medical marijuana not only because there is less risk of adverse side effects, but also because it could very well relieve the core ailment they’re suffering from.

If your medication is causing you any of the following side effects, seriously consider talking to your doctor about incorporating medical marijuana into your treatment plan.

Read the full article here http://blogs.naturalnews.com/medical-marijuana-natural-next-step/.

When seeking alternative medicine, many patients wonder if they are an appropriate candidate for medical marijuana. Initially, patients often turn to the internet. This can be extremely confusing and leave patients with more questions than answers. As medical marijuana is becoming more a business, it can be increasingly difficult to find legitimate research and recommendations about conditions appropriately treated with medical marijuana. Instead of research articles, the internet is filled with ads on medical marijuana cards and buying weed online. So, in this blog post, I would like to educate you on the official recommendations provided by the California medical association.

According to the most current recommendations by the California Medical Association, an attending physician must provide documentation that the patient has been diagnosed with a serious medical condition and that the medicinal use of cannabis is appropriate prior to any patient obtaining a medical marijuana card. A serious medical condition is defined to include:

1. AIDS
2. Anorexia
3. Arthritis
4. Cachexia
5. Cancer
6. Chronic Pain
7. Glaucoma
8. Migraine
9. Persistent muscle spasms, including, but not limited to spasms associated with multiple sclerosis
10. Seizures, including, but not limited to seizures associated with epilepsy
11. Severe nausea
12. Any other chronic or persistent medical symptom that either:
    1. Substantially limits the ability of the person to conduct one or more major life activities as defined in the Americans and Disabilities Act of 1990
    2. If not alleviated, may cause serious harm to the patients safety or physical or mental health.

While several conditions are clearly outlined, the final statement is often times confusing for medical marijuana patients and medical marijuana doctors. Essentially, these last two statements allow physicians to provide a medical marijuana card to any patient who has experienced relief in the past with medical marijuana or who has a condition that is negatively affects any aspect of their life. The most common of these ‘unnamed’ conditions for which patients seek a medical marijuana card are mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, panic disorder, and/or bipolar. As stated by the California medical association, if one of these conditions causes harm to a patients mental health, they are a candidate for medical marijuana and are eligible for a medical marijuana card.

Looking closer at the research outlined in the California medical associations ‘Physician Recommendation of Medical Marijuana,’ medical marijuana has been shown to be beneficial in the ‘treatment of pain, nausea, anorexia, and other conditions.’ However, they also state that the literature on this subject is inadequate. Currently, the greatest research has been performed in the area of neuropathic pain, as existing pharmacological treatments for neuropathic pain are not optimal and medical marijuana has shown considerable benefit. While research into medical marijuana may be in its early stages, there has been calls from the American Medical Association, the American College of Physicians, and the National Institute of Health for further research to better delineate which conditions can be appropriately treated with medical marijuana.

The most current recommendations state that any serious medical condition qualifies a patient for a medical marijuana card. Until more research becomes available, any medical condition that causes a patient significant disability or harm, whether it be physical or mental, may warrant a trial with medical marijuana. As always, it is important to follow up with your medical marijuana doctor after you start treatment with medical marijuana to monitor its efficacy and side effects. Each medical marijuana patient is unique and should be treated as such. Medical marijuana will often times provide one patient with relief and another with the same condition no relief at all. This is very similar to traditional medications. For example, there are many different classes of blood pressure medication because they do not all work as effectively on every patient. When trying medical marijuana for the first time, make sure to monitor how effectively it is working for you and then discuss this effectiveness with your medical marijuana doctor so that you obtain maximum relief of your medical condition.

So you have your medical marijuana card, you arrive at the dispensary and, suddenly, you are presented with a very common dilemma. Is smoking or are edibles more appropriate for treating my condition? This is a question that we receive quite often. As a medical marijuana doctor in California, patients come to us with a variety of questions regarding their medical marijuana use and this is definitely one of the most common. Most people have only consumed marijuana by smoking. Occasionally we will have patients that have tried edibles but only those made by their friends or other medical marijuana users. Hopefully this blog will help you decide whether smoking or edibles are better for you.

Medicinal marijuana is most commonly consumed by smoking. The biggest benefit of smoking marijuana is its immediate effect. When using medicinal marijuana to treat anxiety while in public, acute pain, migraines, and cachexia (just to name a few), patients may benefit from the quick onset of smoking marijuana. Another benefit is that the effects are short acting, from 1-4 hours on average. This is ideal for conditions that only require temporary relief. However, there are also several negative aspects of smoking medical marijuana. The first and foremost being the risk of obstructive lung disease, ie COPD or emphysema, and/or lung cancer, which have specifically been outlined by the California medical association. Although recent research in the California medical association journal suggests that cannabis smoking by itself probably does not lead to COPD, smoking cannabis and tobacco is associated with a greater risk of COPD than smoking only tobacco.   Lung cancer may also be more of a theoretical risk with cannabis smoking. A recent study at the University of California Los Angeles, concluded that the association of pharyngeal and pulmonary cancers with cannabis, even in heavy smokers, is not strong and may be below detectable limits. However, even with this research, as a medical marijuana doctor, I do counsel all patients that smoking of any kind has the risk of leading to reactive airway disease, obstructive pulmonary disease, and/or lung cancer.

So that brings us to our next question, are edibles potentially better because they may mitigate these risks. Just with smoking medical marijuana, there are several benefits, but also several risks of consuming medical marijuana orally through edibles or pills. The biggest risk is that there is no standardized method of measuring THC content in the state of California. This essentially means that your new chocolate brownie may contain much more or less THC than advertised on the packaging. If it contains less THC then it may not provide you the relief you are looking for from your medication. However, if it contains more THC then you may be predisposing yourself to increase cognitive side effects such as impairment in memory, sense of time, sensory perception, attention span, problem solving, verbal fluency, reaction time, and psychomotor control. The effect of edibles lasts much longer as well. This may be ideal for some conditions such as arthritis, chronic pain, depression, cachexia, anorexia, and glaucoma that require long lasting relief, but it also predisposes you to the above-mentioned side effects for a longer period of time. The medicinal properties of edibles also take much longer to take effect so individuals who need immediate relief may benefit more from smoking.

As a medical marijuana doctor, this is one of the most common questions that we receive from patients and we hope this blog will provide you some guidance on which is more appropriate, edibles or smoking, when consuming medical marijuana. As always, please consult your medical marijuana doctor with any additional questions and, remember, the consumption of medicinal marijuana is only for patients with a valid medical marijuana card.

Medical marijuana (MMJ) was fully legalized in New York in March 2021, when Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA). This means that nowadays, it is easier than ever to avail of the MMJ products that you need with a valid NY MMJ card. Having a valid New York MMJ Card is the only legal and safe way to purchase MMJ products in the state. In the state of New York, an MMJ card also allows you to grow a limited amount of medical cannabis yourself. NY residents with a NY MMJ card can cultivate up to six plants in their own home.

MMJ is proven to help with numerous medical conditions. It offers pain relief and peace of mind for those with a qualifying condition. In New York, the following conditions qualify for a MMJ card (among others):

• Cancer
• HIV infection or AIDS
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Spinal cord injury with spasticity
• Epilepsy
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Neuropathy
• Opioid use disorder (only if enrolled in a treatment program pursuant to article 32 of the mental hygiene law)
• Huntington’s disease
• PTSD
• Chronic pain

There may be other qualifying conditions for a NY MMJ card. These can be discussed during your consultation with a licensed MMJRecs NY state physician.

The application process for a New York MMJ card typically involves the following steps:

• First, register with MMJRecs and create a patient login, providing some basic information and answering a short and simple questionnaire. You will also need to upload a copy of your NY driving license.
• You will then complete a 10-minute consultation online with a licensed MMJRecs state physician. During this consultation, the physician will discuss your medical condition and medical history and answer any questions you may have about MMJ and its effects.
• Your doctor will certify your application if they are assured that MMJ will help your medical condition.
• Once you have been approved by the physician, you will need to register with the NY Department of Health.
• You will then receive a temporary MMJ card to use for the next 30 days. This can be downloaded and printed so you can begin to purchase MMJ products at the state’s dispensaries along with your state ID.
• Your permanent NY MMJ card will arrive by mail in the following 3–10 days.

A New York patient drive can speed up the MMJ card application process. Read on to find out more.

What is a NY patient drive?

MMJ patient drives can help more people to access the medical marijuana they need. They are important for making MMJ more available to those who would otherwise struggle to make an appointment with a licensed state physician. So, what is a New York patient drive? Patient drives are like pop-up day events, during which many people can avail of quick and easy appointments for MMJ cards if they have a qualifying condition. MMJ evaluation patient drives can be hugely beneficial for those seeking MMJ cards in New York.

If you are a dispensary manager, New York patient drive events mean that patients can get their certification on the same day as their evaluation with a licensed state physician, and therefore can increase engagement with your dispensary. Any qualifying patient who attends a New York patient drive will not have to wait in crowded waiting rooms for an appointment, making the application and certification process quick and easy.

Want to organize a MMJ patient drive in NY?

MMJRecs can help you organize a successful and well-run MMJ patient drive in the state of New York. We can take on an unlimited amount of patients, so any qualifying patient who attends an evaluation drive can receive their NY MMJ certification on the same day as their appointment.

MMJRecs can ensure that your patient drive will not interfere with the day-to-day running of your business, as our team will manage the patient flow. Plus, newly certified patients will be able to immediately purchase from your dispensary.

All of the MMJRecs patient drive consultations will be carried out online. This process is quick and efficient. The MMJRecs team can help with your New York patient drive in the following ways:

• Keeping HIPAA-compliant records
• Delivering same-day results so your customers can get certified ASAP
• Managing patient flow so you can focus on your customers
• Providing the technology to sign up every qualifying patient who attends

• Custom integrations with your business 
• Providing private URLs so that your dispensary is promoted on our website
• Ensuring the most affordable MMJ certification prices in the US

Read more about the process of organizing a New York patient drive right here!

Featured image by Pixabay on Pexels

When the COVID-19 pandemic began, medical researchers were scrambling to find the best way to treat the viral infection. With numbers rising and deaths beginning to accumulate, the race was on to ensure that as few people as possible experienced the worst possible fate after contracting the infection. With that research came various treatment options, some of which were shown to be viable, with others being deemed unsuitable.

One such treatment option that researchers have looked into is medical cannabis. With the therapeutic effects of cannabis well-studied in recent years, many claims behind cannabis treatment for various health conditions have been validated several times over. But can cannabis be used to help treat COVID-19?

Can cannabis help treat COVID-19?

Considering the sheer number of medical conditions medical cannabis has been proven to help treat symptoms of, it’s only natural that people may be wondering if it can help with COVID-19. Some studies have found that cannabis does in fact play a role in the healing of COVID-19. One study published in January 2021 found that its impact on something called a cytokine storm makes it a possible medicinal tool that can be used to help people with the infection.

A cytokine storm occurs when the immune system goes into hyperdrive to help fight off an infection. While that may seem to be a good thing, it’s actually detrimental to health and can cause worsened cases of COVID-19. When a cytokine storm occurs, the immune cells known as cytokines signal the immune system to fight harder. But it can fight so hard that it is unable to stop itself and ends up attacking healthy cells in the body. The immune cells can begin to affect the liver, cause blood clots to form, and cause the lungs to fill up with fluid. Since COVID-19 affects the lungs, a cytokine storm is not a good outcome for those who have the viral infection.

The aforementioned study looked at cannabis and how it could hinder the development of a cytokine storm, and found that it was able to reduce cytokine pathways that led to an increase in immune action, essentially blocking a cytokine storm from actually occurring. (It should be noted that since COVID-19 is a respiratory disease, smoking cannabis is not recommended, as smoke can contribute to further lung damage.)

CBD and long COVID

Now that the virus has been around for a while, researchers are realizing that it can leave lasting effects. A condition known as “long COVID” is being used to describe the long-term health effects that can occur after a person has contracted and recovered from the initial infection.

Symptoms associated with long COVID include:

• Difficulty breathing and shortness of breath
• Tiredness and fatigue
• Worsened symptoms after physical or mental activities
• Brain fog
• Coughing
• Chronic pain in the chest, stomach, joints, muscles, or head
• Heart palpitations
• Pins and needles in the extremities
• Mood changes
• Dizziness upon standing
• Sleep disturbances
• Fever
• Rash
• Changes in smell or taste
• Menstrual cycle disruptions

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these symptoms can last for months following the initial infection.

While not all of these symptoms can be mitigated by CBD, research has shown that some can be helped. Chronic pain, for example, has been shown to be greatly reduced by the intake of CBD because of the way it affects serotonin, the chemical associated with happiness, joy, and feelings of wellbeing. Serotonin also plays a role in pain signaling.

CBD has also shown to be effective at helping:

• Sleep disturbances: Cannabinoids have been shown to help improve sleep quality and sleep disturbances. This could also help with fatigue and tiredness.
• Mood changes: CBD has proven to be a helpful aid in the treatment of anxiety and other mood disorders.

Because of the effects that cannabis has on things like chronic pain, sleep, and mood disorders, CBD could be a viable option in the management of the symptoms of long COVID. It can also be helpful in the recovery of COVID-19 by helping to lessen the severity of some of the symptoms. While more research is needed in this area, the studies produced so far show promising results when it comes to the use of cannabis and cannabinoid products to help treat and manage COVID-19 and the resulting health effects it can have on people.

Featured image by Jeff W on Unsplash

The use of cannabis in scientific research in the US has been at a standstill for the last five decades. The limit on where scientists could access cannabis for research was limited to just one facility at the University of Mississippi. This facility was granted the ability to produce cannabis for research purposes as part of a contract with the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Because of this, recent opportunities surrounding cannabis and its medicinal uses have been lackluster at best.

In May 2021, however, changes were made by the Drug Enforcement Administration that would allow for other American companies to produce cannabis for research purposes. After the registration is complete for these companies, more scientific study can go into cannabis and its uses. But what does new access to medical marijuana for scientific research in the United States mean for medical marijuana development? 

What does federally funded cannabis research mean for medical marijuana development?

Currently, around 30% of the United States has access to legalized recreational marijuana, and over 30 states have medical marijuana programs implemented to help patients cope with various health disorders. These legalizations, however, have only been made at the state level. Marijuana is still considered illegal at a federal level. Because of this, clinical research using cannabis is also illegal under the country’s federal laws. This disconnect has made it a complicated and confusing time for clinical researchers looking to truly explore the benefits of medical marijuana.

Although the recent changes implemented by the Drug Enforcement Administration cannot change federal law, they do loosen the reins on the use of cannabis for clinical research by giving scientists more options when it comes to obtaining cannabis products. By giving researchers more leeway to study cannabis and its possibilities, the use and production of medical marijuana could change drastically in the years to come because of new scientific findings on the subject.

Cannabinoid research and development

In recent years, many states have legalized the use of medical marijuana for a variety of health conditions including multiple sclerosis, chronic pain and psychological conditions, as well as to help curb the side of effects of cancer treatments. Although there is some research to support the use of medical marijuana for these and other conditions, there is not nearly as much as there could be in future now the new rules have been put in place. Because of the changes, further study of cannabis and its effects on health and illness can paint a broad new picture of the possibilities available when using marijuana as medicine.

The conditions that are currently approved in many states could also end up being the tip of the iceberg when it comes to treating medical ailments with marijuana. With the vast number of strains and differences in CBD vs THC content, the potential to use marijuana for more medical research could open doors many medical professionals and patients were unaware existed.

The roadblocks ahead

Now that the wheels are moving towards more access for clinical researchers, many see this as a step in the right direction for the scientific study of cannabis and its medical uses. Although it will help with more solidified results in the medical marijuana realm, it’s not going to negate any issues that still lie ahead for clinical research. For example, the increase in places that can legally produce cannabis for scientific research is growing, but studying cannabis is not necessarily going to become any easier because of it – researchers who are looking to do so will need to have a specialized license because they are still working with a Schedule 1 drug.

Unfortunately for researchers Grants allowing scientists to conduct their research are also not easy to obtain. All this considered, the recent developments have been a small step in the right direction toward allowing scientists to obtain and study the use of cannabis in medical scenarios anywhere in the country, without having to be approved to work with a federally illegal substance. The road towards freedom to study marijuana and its health benefits may still be long, but it is finally moving forward for the first time since 1968.

Featured image by Raúl Nájera on Unsplash

Missouri’s new medical marijuana program is providing massive value to the growing number of MMJ patients in the state. Missouri residents are getting to enjoy hugely improved quality of life thanks to the rejuvenating effects of MMJ treatment.

All of Missouri’s MMJ dispensaries sell high-quality, locally grown products – but which MO dispensaries are most popular in 2021?

How Many Dispensaries Will Be Allowed In Missouri?

The number of MMJ dispensaries in Missouri is limited to 192. This number could increase if it becomes necessary in order to meet patient demand.

Missouri Dispensary List

Missouri has a more limited number of MMJ dispensaries than most other US states. However, it has some excellent dispensaries that sell very high-quality, locally grown produce. This helpful Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services website has a full list of Missouri dispensaries, cultivation facilities, and laboratory testing facilities.

Are There Recreational Dispensaries In Missouri?

Recreational marijuana is still illegal in Missouri. There are no recreational marijuana dispensaries in the state. The only way to purchase marijuana in Missouri is to get a Missouri medical card.

What MMJ Products Are Available At Missouri Dispensaries?

Missouri MMJ dispensaries sell:

• Marijuana flower
• Pre-rolls
• Edibles
• Topical creams, gels, rubs, balms
• Tinctures
• Vape cartridges

Who Can Purchase MMJ At Missouri Dispensaries?

MMJ patients and caregivers who hold a Missouri medical card can buy MMJ at Missouri dispensaries. Out-of-state MMJ cardholders are not able to purchase medical marijuana in MO dispensaries.

How Much MMJ Can You Legally Have In Missouri?

These are the legal MMJ possession limits in Missouri:

• You can purchase up to four ounces of MMJ at a time.
• You can possess up to eight ounces.
• If you have a cultivation license you can possess up to 12 ounces of MMJ. You can only have eight ounces on your person and the remaining four ounces should be at home.
• If you are a caregiver, you can possess a separate limit of MMJ for each patient under your care plus a separate limit for yourself if you are also an MMJ patient.

Can You Use Credit Cards In Missouri Dispensaries?

You cannot use a credit card or debit card to purchase MMJ in Missouri. Missouri MMJ dispensaries are cash only, because medical marijuana is still illegal under federal law. But most dispensaries have an in-house ATM, often attached to the cash register.

How Do You Get A Missouri MMJ Card In 2021?

You can get an MMJ card in Missouri by registering on the MMJRecs Online Clinic. Once registered, you will have a video consultation with a Missouri MMJ doctor, who will verify your suitability for medical marijuana treatment and then create a Missouri MMJ certificate for you. MMJRecs will email you the certificate, which you can then include in your Missouri medical marijuana patient online application.

What Are The Qualifying Conditions For MMJ In Missouri?

The full list of medical conditions that qualify for MMJ treatment in Missouri in 2021 is:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Autism
• Cancer
• Crohn’s disease
• Chronic pain/neuropathy
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• Hepatitis C
• HIV/AIDS
• Huntington’s disease
• IBS
• Intractable migraines
• Lou Gehrig’s disease
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Opioid substitution
• Parkinson’s disease
• PTSD or other debilitating psychiatric disorders
• Tourette syndrome
• Sickle cell anemia
• Seizures
• Terminal illness
• Any “chronic, debilitating, or other medical condition” that a doctor deems may be alleviated by MMJ treatment

Best Dispensaries In Missouri In 2021

Here are five of the best MMJ dispensaries in Missouri in 2021…

1. Flora Farms

With dispensaries in Neosho, Springfield, and Humansville, Flora Farms has an excellent range of MMJ flower, edibles, and teas, served by friendly and helpful staff.

2. Missouri Joint Ventures

Missouri Joint Ventures is a top-quality MMJ dispensary with an excellent range of locally sourced MMJ products.

3. Fresh Green

With dispensaries in Lee’s Summit and Waldo, Kansas City, Fresh Green is a firm favorite with Missouri medical marijuana patients thanks to its focus on education and customer service.

4. Jane’s Dispensary

Jane Dispensary has an impressive menu of MMJ products and a staff of passionate MMJ advocates who are always keen to help and educate their customers on the latest developments.

5. N’Bliss Cannabis

With locations in Ellisville, Festus, Manchester, and House Springs, N’Bliss Cannabis sells a wide range of medical cannabis products and has become one of the most well-known and trusted MMJ dispensaries in MO.

What Are Some Highly Rated Cannabis Dispensaries In Saint Louis, MO?

Saint Louis, with its estimated population of around 2.8 million, is Missouri’s largest city, and has several good MMJ dispensaries. The three most highly rated Saint Louis dispensaries are:

• Jane Dispensary
• Greenlight Dispensary
• Swade Dispensary

Featured image by Brittney Butler on Unsplash

The country of France is embarking on a two-year medical marijuana experiment. The experiment is seen as a positive development and an exciting step in the right direction by MMJ advocates in the country.

French politicians have been slow to recognize the benefits of medical marijuana, despite the country’s population appearing to be open-minded to the idea of legal MMJ. Advocates for medical marijuana in France are hoping the experiment will pave the way for full MMJ legalization in the country.

Medical Marijuana In France

France has the highest number of marijuana users in Europe. This is despite marijuana being illegal in France and the country having some of the strictest drug laws in Europe.

Medical marijuana has long been advocated for in France, but the country’s politicians have been steadfast in their refusal to legalize MMJ – even while many of their neighbors in the EU have updated their laws and joined the MMJ revolution.

Are There Dispensaries In France?

There are no MMJ dispensaries in France. But there is a high demand for marijuana, both medical and recreational. Surveys have consistently shown that France has the highest number of marijuana users in Europe.

The ban on MMJ means that, unfortunately, people who use marijuana for medicinal purposes in France are all forced to purchase their marijuana on the black market. This involves risk and higher prices.

Is CBD Flower Legal In France?

CBD flower can be sold in France if it contains 0% THC. THC is the psychoactive compound in medical marijuana. If CBD flowers contain any THC at all, they are considered to be an illegal narcotic. Shops that sell CBD products are not allowed to make any claims that it has medicinal or therapeutic benefits.

Why Is France Considering Legalizing Medical Marijuana?

France is considering legalizing medical marijuana because there is strong public support for legal MMJ in the country. Many people realize the benefits of MMJ for treatment of chronic pain and other conditions. Advocates of MMJ in France point to successful medical marijuana legalization in several European countries and in the United States.

France’s 2-Year MMJ Experiment

France’s two-year medical marijuana experiment began in March 2021. It was due to start earlier, but was delayed by the COVID pandemic. The experiment will run until 2023, and is designed to explore how, and if, legal MMJ would work in France.

Who Will Take Part In France’s 2-Year MMJ Experiment?

Three thousand people who suffer from chronic pain conditions that do not respond to other types of pain relief medication will take part in France’s medical marijuana trial.

What Does France’s MMJ Experiment Involve?

France’s MMJ experiment involves the abovementioned chronic pain sufferers being supplied with free medical marijuana in the form of marijuana flower to be vaporized, MMJ oils, and MMJ pills. Different ratios of CBD to THC will be tried. All of the MMJ medication will be supplied by foreign companies, as growing marijuana is illegal in France.

France’s two-year MMJ experiment is not a drug trial designed to explore the risks and benefits of MMJ. Instead, it is an experiment that is meant to discover the real-life effects of a legal MMJ program, such as how MMJ can be prescribed, how patients will react, and how an MMJ distribution system will function.

What Might France’s 2-Year MMJ Experiment Mean For MMJ In France And Worldwide?

What might the results of France’s MMJ experiment mean? If the experiment goes well, the real-life benefits of MMJ are recognized, and the rollout of the program is a success, it seems highly likely that full MMJ legalization in France will eventually be the result.

If France introduces a successful legal MMJ program, this will offer encouragement to other countries that are still on the fence about medical marijuana legalization.

Legal MMJ Countries In Europe

If France legalizes medical marijuana as a result of its experiment, it will be a major leap forward in the MMJ revolution in Europe. There are currently 21 European countries that have some form of legal medical marijuana:

• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Finland
• Germany
• Greece
• Ireland
• Israel
• Italy
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• North Macedonia
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• San Marino
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom

How To Get A Medical Marijuana Card

If you live in the United States and would benefit from medical marijuana treatment, the best way to get an MMJ card is through the MMJRecs online clinic.

Featured image by Chris Karidis on Unsplash

With many places still suffering through waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more people are contracting the virus and falling ill. The pandemic has claimed millions of lives, but for many who have caught COVID-19, symptoms of the viral infection have been less severe. For some of the lucky ones, symptoms have even been mild, able to be dealt with using at-home remedies.

Considering the potential grave consequences of the virus and the uncertainty as to how it will affect any given person, it can be anxiety-inducing to think about. However, being prepared if you do happen to come down with the illness can help you get through it.

What are some of the things you should do if you get sick with COVID-19?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have released guidelines on what a person should do if they get sick with COVID-19, and the first item on the list is to stay home. This is because the virus is highly contagious, and if you are sick, you don’t want to be spreading it to others. Even if your symptoms are mild, you can still pass it on to someone who may not be as lucky.

They CDC also suggests lots of rest and fluids. Since viruses are unable to be cured using antibiotics, it can be hard to get a medication that will fight the infection for you. It is typically up to your immune system. This is why making sure your immune system is ready for the fight is the best thing you can do, and that includes drinking lots of clear liquids, resting as much as possible, and eating as healthily as you can.

If you develop more serious symptoms, you should contact your doctor right away to determine whether you need to go to the hospital for care. 

What medication can I take to reduce the symptoms of the coronavirus disease?

To reduce the symptoms of COVID-19, there are many over-the-counter medications available to you. For example, if one of your symptoms is a cough, you can take a cough suppressant and have cough lozenges handy to help cope with that symptom. Other over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen can help combat fever and pain associated with the infection. 

How to treat COVID-19 at home if you have mild symptoms

Treatment for COVID-19 at home is focused solely on managing symptoms. This is because the immune system needs to fight off the viral infection. To manage the symptoms at home, start by getting lots of rest. Sleep and immune function are closely linked, so ensuring that you’re getting enough quality sleep while you are ill will help your body fight off the illness. Pain relievers and fever reducers can also help to lessen symptoms; however, even if you take over-the-counter medications and start to feel better, it’s important that you continue to rest and isolate at home.

Adequate fluid intake is also important. Drinking clear fluids such as water or broths is best. Staying hydrated is vital to how well the body fights off the virus, because dehydration can worsen the function of the immune system.

Cannabis and COVID-19

Although cannabis will not treat or cure COVID-19, some research has suggested that the use of cannabis can help to mitigate specific symptoms and help people cope with the infection. CBD, in particular, has been looked at as a possible option to help reduce the risk of the body developing a cytokine storm, a process that occurs when an overabundance of cytokines triggers an immune response where the body starts to attack itself and not the virus.

Other research has also looked into cannabis as a possible option to help reduce lung inflammation that could be caused by the virus, thus helping with lung function while battling the infection. Since cannabis has also been shown to help reduce pain and anxiety, it’s assumed that using cannabis while sick with COVID-19 may lead to a reduction in both those symptoms for those coping with the illness.

A final caveat that should be noted: smoking or vaping cannabis is not recommended for those who are ill with coronavirus. This is because both smoking and vaping have been shown to have negative effects on lung function, and by utilizing this method, you could end up doing more harm than good for your lungs while they try to recover. Using oils, nasal sprays, or topical applications is the best way to dose with cannabis when trying to deal with the symptoms of COVID-19. 

Featured image by Esteban Lopez on Unsplash

The COVID-19 pandemic is still in force after kicking off at the beginning of last year. The numbers rose steadily, and at the time of writing, over 107 million people have contracted the virus, with 2.3 million having lost their lives. In recent months, a light at the end of a long and scary COVID tunnel has finally come with the development of a vaccine. The vaccine is meant to protect people from the virus in certain ways so that the world can return to normalcy.

The development of the COVID vaccine has raised quite a few questions when it comes to preexisting health conditions and other medications. Those who have a history of severe allergies to any ingredient or component of the newly created Pfizer vaccine are the only ones listed as unable to get it, and not much has been said in the way of other health conditions. So, what does that mean for medical marijuana users? Would dosing with MMJ affect the COVID vaccine? Let’s find out.

Does cannabis interfere with the COVID vaccine?

Many people who use medical marijuana as a way to deal with a chronic condition may be wondering whether their medication will have an effect on the COVID-19 vaccine, or vice versa. Unfortunately, there is limited information on the effects that MMJ has on the vaccine, if any at all.

Since there are no known interactions between the COVID-19 vaccine and the use of cannabis, it is safe to assume that the two will not react to one another in any serious way. Depending on your condition, it may be a good idea to speak with your health care provider prior to getting the COVID vaccine.

Should I stop taking MMJ to get the COVID vaccine?

Since there are no known interactions between medical marijuana and the ingredients in the COVID-19 vaccine, it would not be necessary to stop taking MMJ to get the COVID vaccine. The vaccine works by providing your body with a specific protein that is designed to register as the virus. This then initiates an immune response where COVID-specific antibodies can be created. These antibodies will stay in the body to ward off an infection or illness from COVID-19 if you do happen to come across the virus following widespread vaccinations and when safety measures are eased.

One thing to consider while using medical marijuana when you’re planning on getting the COVID-19 vaccine is how well your immune system functions, and whether or not the MMJ could be weakening it. For the vaccine to work as it should, the immune system will need to be able to properly respond to it. Some studies suggest that marijuana has the ability to suppress immune activity, which in theory could lessen the vaccine’s effects.

Smoking and COVID vaccine

The COVID-19 vaccine will not give anyone the virus. What is used in the vaccine is a type of blueprint of the virus so that the body can create antibodies based on information it is given through mRNA. This means that it is unlikely that smoking medical marijuana and getting the COVID-19 vaccine will lead to adverse effects.

Smoking does hinder the immune system, though, which can lead to a suppression of immune function. Those with a weakened immune function may not be able to develop as many antibodies as their healthy counterparts, which could make the vaccine less effective. However, this is not definitive, and if you are not on the strict “no go” list for the vaccine, you should speak to your doctor about getting it.

How to ensure the efficacy of the COVID vaccine for MMJ users

If you wish to get the vaccine and are able to do so, you may want to consider switching your dosing method to something other than smoking. Smoking medical marijuana can have detrimental effects on the lungs. All types of smoke contain carcinogens and toxins that are released from the combustion. When you inhale this smoke, those substances get into the lungs. There are plenty of alternative ways to dose MMJ, such as edibles, topical ointments and creams, oils, and patches.

Since you use medical marijuana for a medical condition, it’s also important to stay on top of your dosing so that you are at your healthiest when taking the vaccine. This will ensure that it works as it should and that you continue to experience relief from your health condition while being protected from this dangerous virus.

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Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the early months of 2020, many people have been affected by the disease. Roughly 103 million people have contracted the virus at the time of writing, with over two million of those people losing their lives to the disease. With the pandemic still in full effect across the globe, the worry of contracting the virus and experiencing severe complications is still at the top of everyone’s minds.

For those who take medical marijuana to help them cope with complications of chronic disease, that worry may be heightened, especially if the chosen method of ingestion is through smoking. But what effect does smoking medical marijuana have on COVID-19? And are those who take medical marijuana more at risk?

How is COVID-19 mainly transmitted?

There are many ways that the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted from person to person. The biggest transmission risk is through droplets in the air. When a person coughs, sneezes, sings, shouts, or talks, respiratory droplets are pushed out into the air. If someone breathes in infected droplets, they too now have the virus inside their body.

The droplets range in size from small (often referred to as aerosols, which can linger in the air) to large (which fall to the ground rapidly). This leads the assumption that larger droplets are less of a threat than smaller ones. Coughing can produce both large and small droplets, depending on their origin. If the droplets are produced in the larynx and then coughed into the air, they are likely smaller droplets, whereas droplets from the oral cavity while coughing will typically be larger.

Are smokers more vulnerable to contracting COVID-19?

According to the World Health Organization, smokers may be more vulnerable to contracting the virus, but not because of the effects that smoking has on the body. Smokers are likely more vulnerable because the act of smoking involves putting something to your mouth using your hands, which may be contaminated. This hand-to-mouth motion increases the likelihood of transmission of the virus.

Many people often smoke in social situations as well, which can lead to increased risk of transmission if sharing is occurring. For those who smoke medical marijuana, that social aspect is generally eliminated, and thus the risk of transmission is lower than those who smoke cigarettes or recreational marijuana.

How could smoking affect COVID-19?

Since smoking medical marijuana increases the risk of respiratory infection and complications, it could lead to worse outcomes if someone were to catch the virus. The smoking of cannabis can damage the lungs, and since COVID-19 is a lung infection, this can lead to more severe symptoms. Some research has also suggested that THC may have the ability to alter the efficacy of the immune system, which could make it harder for someone to fight off a COVID-19 infection.

However, other studies have found contradictory results when it comes to cannabis and immunosuppression. Other research has also found that the use of CBD can actually reduce complications and severe symptoms in those with COVID-19. The information is not conclusive, though, and more studies are needed to determine the accuracy of the study’s findings. It also wasn’t clear in the study whether CBD was taken via smoking.

Alternate MMJ dosing methods

The use of medical marijuana via smoking may be some patients’ first choice of ingestion method. But due to the repercussions it can have on lung health, and taking into consideration the COVID-19 pandemic, some may wish to change out how they ingest MMJ. The good news is that there are plenty of dosing methods available for those who require medical marijuana to deal with their chronic conditions.

The first alternative that’s most like smoking is vaporizing. The process is similar, but using a vaporizer involves the inhalation of vapor instead of smoke. It’s not clear whether or not vapor is a healthy alternative to smoking in this instance, though.

Methods that don’t include any inhalation, which may be good options for those wishing to change their dosing method, include eating MMJ, topical application, or oils. Edible medical marijuana can be ingested through various types of foods such as gummy candies or baked goods. Topical marijuana provides the dose by applying it to the skin, and oils are ingested by placing the appropriate dose under the tongue until it dissolves in the mouth.

Each method will come with different wait times to feel its effects. For example, someone who smokes medical marijuana will likely feel the effects minutes following ingestion, whereas an edible dose can take up to two hours.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people may wish to do everything they can for their health to ensure that if they do contract the virus, they have a fighting chance of a full recovery. For those who take medical marijuana, this means staying the course in your treatment and opting for a different dosing method if you are worried about the risks that smoking may cause.

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Is MMJ legal in Missouri? Yes, it is! In November of 2018, citizens in Missouri voted to make medical marijuana legal. A short while later, the state’s first medical marijuana dispensaries opened, ready to serve the nearly 60,000 people already approved for MMJ in the state.

You can find many things in state-approved medical marijuana dispensaries throughout the state. Let’s learn a little more about what the Show-Me State has to offer MMJ patients, including some of the best MMJ dispensaries in Missouri.

How Many Missouri Dispensaries Are There?

The Department of Health and Senior Services oversees Missouri’s MMJ program. They have given 192 dispensaries licenses to dispense medical marijuana to patients with a state MMJ card.

What Products Are Available At MMJ Dispensaries In Missouri?

State law allows licensed dispensaries to sell a variety of products, including:

Flower

This is the smokable, dried portion of the cannabis flower, often called the bud. It is found most often in eighths of an ounce and falls into three main categories: Sativa, Indica, and hybrid.

Pre-rolls

You can find marijuana cigarettes filled with crushed cannabis flowers and pre-rolled in a dispensary.

Concentrates

This product is the extracted concentrate of marijuana and is usually sticky in appearance. It is often vaporized and inhaled, delivering intense effects.

Edibles

Edible MMJ products include items such as chocolates, brownies, cookies, candy, and gummies. You can normally find a large variety of these popular MMJ items in a dispensary, since it’s a dosing method many people prefer.

Topicals

Cannabis products made to apply to the skin are called topicals. These products are infused with THC and come in different preparations such as creams, oils, lotions, and body butter.

For patients with chronic pain issues, this is a good option. Topicals do not produce the psychoactive effects that other forms of MMJ do.

Tinctures

A tincture is a blend of medical marijuana with a liquid, such as oil, that you drop into your mouth, usually under the tongue. It’s an easy way to administer a dose of medical marijuana.

How To Buy MMJ At A Missouri Dispensary

Want to buy MMJ in Missouri? First be sure to find a state-licensed dispensary to ensure you’re getting a high-quality product. Once you decide which dispensary you want to try, you’ll need to bring the following items with you:

• Your Missouri MMJ card
• A form of state-issued identification
• Cash, since most dispensaries cannot accept debit or credit cards

There may also be COVID restrictions when it comes to shopping, including mandatory masks and limits on how many people can be in the dispensary at once. Be prepared to wait to gain entrance, just to be on the safe side.

Limits On Purchases

In Missouri, MMJ patients can purchase four ounces of flower or its equivalent in other products per month. The staff at the dispensary will calculate this for you. After you leave, be sure to put your MMJ in the trunk of your car so you can transport it home legally.

The Best MMJ Dispensaries In Missouri

Dispensaries have only been selling MMJ since 2020, but in that time, there are a few spots MMJ patients have come to love for a variety of reasons. Some of the best in the state include:

1. Missouri Health and Wellness

Found in Washington, this MMJ dispensary offers great service and a lot of choices when it comes to products. Customers report that staff are friendly and knowledgeable, helping you to figure out what you need and what would help your qualifying condition best.

2. Route 66 Wellness

Located in Springfield, this MMJ dispensary offers quality products in an upbeat and friendly environment. Customers rate the variety of products available and their quality, plus the service that can make your first time shopping in an MMJ dispensary an easy experience. The employees will show you how to find what you’re looking for.

3. Fresh Green

In and around Lee’s Summit, you can’t find a better dispensary than Fresh Green. The employees make the entire process easy and informative, from browsing to buying. The staff and security are top-notch and customers have been very impressed with the knowledge of the employees.

Featured image by Joshua Ness on Unsplash

Florida residents can finally purchase medical marijuana edibles thanks to new legislation in the state. The Florida Office of Medical Marijuana Use announced in August of 2020 that medical marijuana dispensaries can start to sell medical marijuana edibles in the state.

While you may be celebrating, some things need to be understood about this new option. Here’s what the Florida law about medical marijuana says and all the important information you need to know about how to take advantage of this option.

What Are Medical Marijuana Edibles?

Medical marijuana edibles are a line of THC-infused food products, capsules, and lozenges. They produce long-lasting and safe effects for those who utilize medical marijuana to treat medical conditions. They promote euphoria and relaxation and increase the appetite as they also work to help quell anxiety and fatigue.

Florida Medical Marijuana Edibles Law

Medical marijuana has been legal in the state of Florida for several years, but legalizing edibles was delayed. This was done in order for the OMMU to determine product standards that are safe for medical marijuana users.

The edibles sold in the state of Florida must comply with the statutes that help to ensure safe food production. Plus, each edible is required to have the THC symbol placed prominently on its packaging.

A few other regulations required of medical marijuana edibles under the law include:

• No more than 10 milligrams of THC in a single serving edible
• No more than 200 milligrams of THC in multiple serving edibles
• THC potency total must be printed clearly on the label and it may not vary by more than 15% of the potency from the certificate of analysis
• All edible portions must be stamped with the THC content universal symbol unless the portion size is too small to accommodate it

The law also clarifies that medical marijuana edibles cannot contain color additives that are unnatural. That means only vegetable or fruit colorings may be used.

Medical Marijuana Edibles In Florida: Product Shapes Limited

Out of an abundance of caution for the safety of children, THC-infused edibles must adhere to stringent appearance guidelines. THC gummies can only be in the shape of a diamond, oval, square, parallelogram, rectangle, circle, or triangle. The packaging must also not attract attention, which means no bright, fun packaging can be used. It simply cannot look like candy for children in any way.

Florida MMJ Laws: What Types of Edibles Can Be Purchased in Florida?

Edibles in every category are now regulated in Florida by Standards for Production of Edibles under the OMMU. There are no real surprises here, since companies that produce medical marijuana edibles in Florida can now develop these types of products:

• Chocolates
• Lozenges
• Baked goods
• Gelatins

The only caveat is that chocolate-based edibles cannot contain fruit, marshmallows, caramel, nuts, nougat, honey, or any other type of specialty filling. It can be formulated only with carob, milk, or dark chocolate.

How Edibles Are Different Than Smoking Medical Marijuana

For many who cannot tolerate smoking cannabis, edibles offer a convenient, safe, and easy way to get a dosage of THC to help manage medical conditions. The main way that eating THC differs from smoking it is that it can take a while to feel the effects of an edible. This is due to the fact that the edible must pass through the digestive system and be absorbed, which simply takes longer than taking in through the lungs or skin.

In general, the effects of edibles last for about five to six hours, but this differs from person to person. How much THC you consume has a direct impact on how long the effects last. That’s why it’s always recommended that, if you’re new to edibles, you start slow and work your way up to a dose that works for you. This allows you to avoid uncomfortable effects that are more intense and last longer than you want.

Get Your Florida MMJ Card

To take advantage of the new edibles available in Florida, you need an MMJ card from a qualified and state-certified physician. Aside from having a doctor qualify your medical condition, you must also produce proof of your residency in the state. Then you can enjoy access to many different MMJ products.

Featured image by Herbadea Berlin on Unsplash

Which countries have been taking steps towards medical marijuana (MMJ) legalization that could potentially be finalized in 2021 or shortly after? This question is being asked by patients all over the world who would see a massive benefit in their quality of life if they could avail of medical marijuana treatment.

Medical marijuana is now proven beyond doubt to be a very effective treatment for a whole host of painful and debilitating conditions. Patients are getting a whole new lease on life thanks to MMJ treatment, which is extremely effective in pain management and symptom reduction.

MMJ can improve the symptoms of a large number of health conditions, such as epilepsy, headache, chronic pain, insomnia, glaucoma, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, Crohn’s disease, arthritis, seizures, nausea, and multiple sclerosis.

Medical Marijuana Legalization Around The World

Medical marijuana has been legalized in most US states. The minority of states in which MMJ is still illegal seem certain to follow suit over the next few years. The weight of evidence demonstrating the wide array of benefits of MMJ treatment is simply too compelling to ignore.

Plenty of other nations around the world have by now also legalized medical marijuana. Several countries have sensible, liberal MMJ programs that their citizens can avail of. But many countries have legal MMJ almost in name only, with limiting and restrictive laws that make MMJ available to only a minority of people with very specific medical conditions.

All of the countries that look like they may make more progress towards legalizing medical marijuana in 2021 fall into the category of having some amount of current MMJ legality. But that legality tends to involve such restrictive programs that almost none of their citizens qualify, and for those who do, the product range available is extremely limited.

Medical Marijuana Laws In 2021

Medical marijuana legalization is not usually a sudden, one-fell-swoop type of situation, especially when the decision is being made at a national level. Nations are large entities that contain a wide range of conflicting pressure groups within their borders.

In the US, for example, medical marijuana is still not legal at a federal level, but most US states have now legalized medical marijuana. Nations as a whole tend to move more slowly than individual states. For example, Oklahoma went from a staunchly anti-MMJ state to a very liberal legal MMJ state almost overnight, when voters approved State Question 788 in 2018.

Which Countries Will Legalize Medical Marijuana Next?

France

Sativex, which is a mouth spray containing chemical extracts from the cannabis plant, is currently available as a treatment in France. But a full medical marijuana program is yet to be legalized and implemented in the country.

Former Minister for Health Agnes Buzyn is an influential figure in French public health policy and has stated her support for an MMJ program on several occasions. Also, the French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products has concluded that it would be “appropriate to authorize the use of therapeutic cannabis… in certain clinical situations.” Given these high-profile endorsements, it seems only a matter of time before France fully legalizes medical marijuana.

Ireland

The Irish Medical Cannabis Access Programme is operating on a pilot basis for the next five years. Only a medical consultant (and not a general practitioner) can prescribe a marijuana-based treatment. The only patients eligible for treatment with MMJ in Ireland are those with severe, treatment-resistant epilepsy; intractable nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy; or spasticity associated with MS who have not responded to standard treatments.

Ireland’s legal MMJ program is preliminary and very limited. However, it is a start, and seems likely to expand once the initial pilot stage is complete.

The UK

The UK technically legalized treatment with medicines derived from marijuana in 2018. But the country’s MMJ program has been derided for being MMJ-legal in name only. Only three MMJ derived medications are available to patients: Sativex (only for MS patients), Nabilone (only for treating chemotherapy side-effects), and Epidiolex (only for epilepsy patients). These medications are only prescribed if all other treatment options have failed.

Alex Fraser, patient access specialist at Grow Biotech, echoes the disillusionment felt by millions of UK citizens when he says, “We’ve seen a huge reluctance from doctors and pharmacies to risk their licenses by facilitating access. The vast majority of people (…) are still being forced to rely on the black market to source their medication.” Given the public outcry and strong demand for MMJ treatment in the UK, it is only a matter of time before the country widens and improves its MMJ laws.

Countries Where Recreational Marijuana Is Legal

Marijuana laws are somewhat unclear and indecisive in many countries. Some countries have fully legalized recreational marijuana. However, quite a few countries do not have a specific legal marijuana law, but have made marijuana usage effectively legal, with public marijuana consumption common and never punished.

The following is a list of countries in which recreational marijuana is legal, or effectively legal:

• Argentina: Recreational marijuana use is decriminalized and widely accepted.
• Australia: Recreational marijuana was legalized in the Australian Capital Territory, which includes the capital city Canberra, in 2019.
• Belgium: Recreational marijuana use is decriminalized and widely accepted.
• Cambodia: Technically illegal, but culturally accepted. Cambodia is full of restaurants offering “happy meals” that are infused with marijuana.
• Canada: Fully legal recreational marijuana.
• Colombia: Recreational marijuana use is decriminalized and widely accepted.
• Czech Republic: Recreational marijuana use is decriminalized and widely accepted.
• Ecuador: Recreational marijuana use is decriminalized and widely accepted.
• Mexico: Recreational marijuana use is decriminalized and widely accepted.
• Netherlands: Recreational marijuana use is decriminalized and widely accepted, and products are available to buy in the country’s famous coffee shops.
• Portugal: Recreational marijuana use is decriminalized and widely accepted.
• Spain: Recreational marijuana use is decriminalized and widely accepted. Spain’s famous “smoking clubs” are fully legal in Catalonia.
• United States: Several states have fully legalized recreational marijuana.
• Uruguay: Fully legal recreational marijuana.

Featured image by Kyle Glenn on Unsplash

A lot of businesses have been hurt by the coronavirus pandemic that’s swept across the country. Closures ranging from restaurants and movie theaters to gyms and stadiums have all resulted in business downturn and profit losses.

But there’s one business that has actually grown during the lockdown period. The medical marijuana (MMJ) market in some places in the US has actually expanded considerably. In Florida, for example, the government has been able to fully support the MMJ market by still allowing patients to apply for MMJ cards and keeping MMJ dispensaries up and running.

Here are seven reasons why the MMJ market in Florida is booming during coronavirus.

1. People are spending more time at home

Most states in the US have experienced at least some kind of stay-at-home order or forced quarantine. Millions of people found themselves out of work – either by losing their jobs or being furloughed. That means that the amount of home/leisure time many people have has increased significantly.

More time at home means individuals can use their MMJ products more frequently, particularly if they aren’t going to work. There’s just more time and freedom to use MMJ products while stuck at home.

2. MMJ dispensaries have stayed open

Unlike a lot of other businesses that shut down during lockdown, dispensaries have been deemed “essential businesses”.

This means that being able to buy MMJ in Florida is considered a necessity, and that patients have been able to get access to their MMJ products despite the other local closures.

Image by Add Weed on Unsplash: MMJ patients still have access to cannabis products in Florida during the pandemic.

3. Dispensaries are delivering

Because MMJ dispensaries have remained open, many locations have offered delivery options or curbside pickup for their customers.

These special services mean that people who rely on their MMJ products for health reasons don’t have to worry about not being able to get what they need during the pandemic.

4. Stimulus checks might make MMJ more affordable

More and more Americans have seen their stimulus checks arriving, which means they might have a little more money to spend on the MMJ products that are essential for their health.

Having a little more income might help with MMJ patients who were worried about going without their cannabis during this stressful time.

5. There’s more anxiety during the pandemic

Most Americans have been experiencing an increase in anxiety because of the uncertain nature of COVID-19 and its effects.

Folks who have MMJ cards are potentially spending more money on MMJ products that can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and make them feel a little calmer.

6. People are relying more on MMJ for treatments

While it’s still difficult for some people to make it to in-person offices for medical treatment, they can turn to MMJ products instead to treat their symptoms. For example, if a patient typically ventures out to an acupuncturist for help with their chronic pain, they might have needed to stop those appointments while everyone has been on lockdown.

However, they can count on using MMJ products to still treat their pain until they can resume acupuncture sessions in the future. Having MMJ products on hand can mean a reduction in symptoms.

7. There have been studies suggesting that cannabis might treat coronavirus

While the connection between cannabis and coronavirus is still fairly new and uncertain, there has been a study that suggested marijuana might be able to prevent or help treat COVID-19.

Hearing these stories on the news means that people might be purchasing more MMJ products in the hope that they might help with the virus as well.

Image by Pille-Riin Priske on Unsplash: The MMJ market in Florida is thriving during the coronavirus.

How to get MMJ in Florida

Apply for an MMJ card in Florida by going to the state’s website or through the MMJRecs site. A physician will need to determine that you meet the eligibility requirements: that is, being a permanent resident of the state of Florida and having a qualifying medical condition.

Qualifying conditions can include (but are not limited to):

• ALS
• Cancer
• Crohn’s disease
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• HIV/AIDS
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Parkinson’s disease
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Additional diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, and migraines might also qualify you for an MMJ card.

After it’s been determined that you have a medical condition that qualifies, the physician will forward their recommendation to the Florida Department of Health. You’ll be required to pay a state-required fee of $75 online and complete an application. You’ll then be approved within 7–21 business days and can purchase your MMJ products right away.

Take advantage of the booming MMJ market in Florida by getting your MMJ card now!

Featured image by Jorge Vasconez on Unsplash

The laws surrounding both recreational and medical marijuana (MMJ) are constantly changing. Just about every major election sees alterations to which states currently allow their citizens to use marijuana recreationally and/or for medicinal purposes. Because of this perpetual flux, many people are often left wondering, “Can a state recriminalize recreational marijuana?” The answer is (potentially) yes. At this time, cannabis is still illegal on a federal level, which means there’s always the possibility that currently “legalized” states can revert to criminalizing marijuana usage. Keep reading for more information about the laws surrounding recreational marijuana.

What are the current marijuana laws?

Marijuana (or cannabis) is a mixture of dried flowers of the Cannabis sativa plant. It can create psychoactive or mind-altering effects because of a chemical called THC and can be consumed in a variety of different ways (such as cigarettes, water pipes, vaporizers, and edibles). When using marijuana products, people can experience feelings of euphoria and relaxation.

There are currently 11 states in the U.S. where recreational marijuana is legal:

• Washington
• Alaska
• California
• Oregon
• Colorado
• Nevada
• Illinois
• Michigan
• Vermont
• Maine
• Massachusetts

Currently, most states still have certain restrictions on using and growing marijuana even though it’s legal. For example, recreational users are permitted to carry one ounce of flower or eight grams of cannabis at a time. There are still some acts that can result in criminal charges (including some selling activities or unlicensed growing operations), depending on the state. As for MMJ usage, there are 33 states that have made medical marijuana usage legal. MMJ can be used in the treatment of a large variety of conditions – everything from post-traumatic stress disorder and eating disorders to glaucoma and nausea.

Image by Greta Scholderle Moller on Unsplash: There’s always a possibility that states could recriminalize recreational marijuana.

Can my state make recreational marijuana illegal again?

Because of the changing laws, you might be wondering if the state you live in could potentially revert to making recreational marijuana illegal again. There is always the chance that laws could be passed to make marijuana illegal if lawmakers think it’s in the public’s best interest or if voters decide to vote out these laws. In 2018, the governor of Colorado (one of the first states to make recreational cannabis legal in the US) said the state would always be open to considering reversing the law if it was deemed necessary.

So if you’re pondering, “Can recreational marijuana be made illegal again in my state?” there’s always the chance this could happen. However, because of the general public’s support of passing these laws in the first place, it would be somewhat unlikely for a state to completely reverse its policy regarding recreational marijuana use.

Should I get an MMJ card instead of using recreationally?

If you have the question “Will recreational marijuana always be legal in my state?”, it makes sense that you’re concerned you might not always have access to legal cannabis in the future. If that fear is there, you might want to consider getting an MMJ card. If you have physical or emotional symptoms that could be alleviated with the use of MMJ products, you could be eligible for an MMJ card (if it’s legal in your state).

There are lots of benefits to having an MMJ card versus just using marijuana recreationally, including:

• The option of possessing larger amounts of product
• Getting to skip sales tax on MMJ products in some states
• Having fewer restrictions for growing your own MMJ

These benefits are great if you’re going to be traveling or if you can’t get to a licensed dispensary very easily. It’s also helpful if you need to try multiple strains or different forms in order to most effectively treat your medical condition. There’s also an added advantage of having more rights with an MMJ letter. If you’re always carrying your MMJ card with you when you’re in possession of MMJ products, it’s likely that you won’t face any serious issues with law enforcement, since you can show your card as proof of your rights.

Image by Add Weed on Unsplash: There are many benefits to owning an MMJ card when it comes to buying cannabis.

How do you apply for an MMJ card?

Having to constantly worry “Will I always have access to recreational marijuana in my state?” can lead to a lot of stress. To avoid any possible future changes in the law, if you’re eligible, apply for an MMJ card so that you’ll still have continuous access to marijuana products. Look for specific regulations surrounding MMJ usage in your state and then head to MMJRecs to get evaluated virtually by a medical professional. If your medical condition allows you to qualify, you can receive an official medical marijuana recommendation, ID card, and grower’s permit for one reasonable flat rate from MMJRecs. It’s unlikely that medical marijuana laws will be rolled back, so having access to these products means you’re more likely to be protected going forward.

There’s always a chance that your individual state could go back and recriminalize recreational marijuana. If this happens, don’t worry – you still have options! Consider applying for an MMJ card so you’ll continue to have access to cannabis products that can help treat a variety of physical or emotional issues. Just make sure to keep paying attention to the laws in your state so that your recreational or MMJ use will always fall within the legal realm.

Featured image by Roberto Valdivia on Unsplash

What are the employment rights for medical marijuana users? Does having a medical card show up on a background check? Can I be denied employment due to my MMJ card? How does medical marijuana usage affect my performance at work? These are just a few of the questions that many medical marijuana users have around MMJ and the workplace.

A lot of MMJ cardholders are currently employed, and many members of the workforce who do not yet have an MMJ card would benefit a great deal from treatment with medical marijuana. So it’s crucial that workers understand their rights regarding MMJ usage, as well as the effects MMJ usage can have on their work life and performance.

Here are eight things workers need to know about medical marijuana cards and MMJ usage in the workplace.

Image by Sharon McCutcheon on Pexels: Can I be denied employment due to my MMJ card?

Different States Have Different Medical Marijuana Laws

It is crucial to remember that different states have different laws regarding MMJ and the workplace. Medical marijuana is still illegal on a federal level, although by now a majority of states have legalized medical marijuana usage in some capacity. This means it is essential to find out the specifics of MMJ and workplace laws in your home state.

Employment Rights For MMJ Users

Employment rights for MMJ cardholders are different in different states, so your rights will depend on where you live and what your job is. There is no one-size-fits-all system of employment rights for MMJ users in place across the entire country or across legal MMJ states, or even across all occupations within legal MMJ states.

The Americans With Disabilities Act requires all employers to provide, within reason, whatever an employee with disabilities needs in order to do their job. This is sometimes, but not always, interpreted as meaning that employees can be allowed to use MMJ when they are not at work.

Court Rulings On MMJ And The Workplace

Even in legal MMJ states such as Oregon, Washington, and Montana, courts have decided in favor of employers who have fired employees for MMJ usage. However, the Massachusetts high court decided in favor of an employee who had been fired for MMJ use and held that an exception to the employer’s drug policy was reasonable when it came to medical marijuana use offsite.

Effects Of Medical Marijuana On Physical And Mental Functioning

The reason many workplaces are concerned about medical marijuana usage is that some strains can lead to impaired mental and physical functioning. Certain strong strains with high levels of THC and CBD, such as A-10 and Kryptonite, can induce drowsiness, which can impede your function at work or even endanger yourself and others.

Image by Free Photos on Pixabay: MMJ users might be wondering, “Can you be denied employment due to holding an MMJ card?”

Can You Be Denied Employment Due To Holding An MMJ Card?

Can I be denied employment due to my MMJ card? Yes, in some cases you can. Does having a medical card show up on a background check? Not usually, as it is protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA). But certain employers will request this information, or they will require that prospective employees undergo a drug test. Some employments have a no-marijuana policy. This includes many federal positions.

Can You Get Fired For Getting A Medical Marijuana Card?

This will depend on the state and the role you perform in your job. As mentioned above, states such as Oregon, Washington, and Montana have all decided in favor of employers who fired employees for MMJ usage. If an employee was hired to a job that has a no-marijuana policy and then got an MMJ card, in most instances and in most states, this could lead to dismissal.

Can You Get Fired For Failing A Drug Test When You Hold An MMJ Card?

If your employer is OK with you holding an MMJ card and dosing outside of work hours, then they will be OK with marijuana showing up in a drug test. This is because marijuana stays in your system for several weeks and so failing a drug test does not imply that the person was dosing at work.

Can You Get Fired For Dosing At Work?

This one is clear-cut. You certainly can get fired for dosing with MMJ at work. Many jobs that allow off-site MMJ use will balk at on-site usage. This is understandable, as MMJ can affect performance quite profoundly.

How To Get A Medical Marijuana Card

If your employer allows medical marijuana treatment, then getting your own MMJ card is easy and can greatly enhance your quality of life. The quickest way to apply for your card is by having an online consultation with a medical professional on MMJRecs.

Featured image by Yash Lucid on Pexels

Now that the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has seemingly take hold of the whole world, it can be tricky to know whether all the things you’re hearing about it are factual. You probably have tons of questions surrounding COVID-19, including, “Are medical marijuana patients at risk from coronavirus?” Keep reading to find out more about how you might be affected as a medical marijuana (MMJ) user, and for suggestions on how to dose MMJ without smoking.

Is CV19 a respiratory illness?

COVID-19 is an upper-respiratory-tract illness. Its symptoms include a dry cough, shortness of breath, and a fever. The disease is spread through person-to-person contact. If an infected person coughs or sneezes close to you, respiratory droplets can transfer to your nose or mouth or can be inhaled into your lungs. People are considered to be the most contagious when their symptoms are at their worst; however, the infection can still be spread to other people even if the person is not exhibiting obvious symptoms.

Are smokers at risk of developing more serious symptoms?

Because the virus is so new (it only appeared in humans for the first time last year), research is still being conducted towards fully understanding its effects. However, in general, smoking or vaping can lead to suppressed immune function in the lungs and an increase of inflammation. Smokers, vapers, and e-cigarette users have all already been associated with a heightened risk of developing chronic lung conditions. In turn, individuals with chronic lung conditions have also been noted to have more severe symptoms after contracting COVID-19, according to some early research out of China. Therefore, it’s easy to make the connection that smokers are likely more at risk of catching the virus and of having more severe symptoms.

Image by CDC on Unsplash: Does HCoV-19 affect your lungs? Yes – so it’s possible that smokers are at higher risk.

Are MMJ smokers more at risk from COVID-19?

There aren’t any definitive studies to show that MMJ smokers are more at risk of catching COVID-19, but it makes sense to assume that inhaling any hot smoke could be damaging to your lungs (especially if they are impacted by coronavirus or even just a regular cold). Smoking tobacco is likely much worse for your lungs because of the many chemicals and harmful ingredients, but smoking MMJ might not be a whole lot better for your lung health.

Should I stop smoking my medical marijuana during the COV-19 pandemic?

Because there isn’t enough proof to definitively state that smoking MMJ is dangerous during the spread of COVID-19, you might want to err on the side of caution and refrain from smoking until there have been more studies conducted to rule it out as a danger. There are several different ways you can dose MMJ without smoking or vaping it, so why not just play it safe and try those instead? As we all discover the effects of the coronavirus together, doing all you can to avoid catching it is a good thing.

What are some alternative ways to dose MMJ?

If you’re unfamiliar with alternate ways to ingest your MMJ products, here’s a rundown of a few options.

1. Edibles

Cannabis-infused foods are one of the most popular ways patients consume their medical marijuana. Most dispensaries carry everything from cannabis brownies and chocolate bars to gummies and mints. Plus, because you can purchase cannabis butter or oil, you can infuse lots of different foods yourself. This can be a great way to get your MMJ dose without smoking. However, it’s important to note that edibles can take a while to kick in (because they have to be digested), so don’t be tempted to eat more if you don’t feel the effects right away. Some edibles might have an even stronger psychoactive effect, so it’s important not to overdo it.

2. Teas

There are lots of different beverages on the market with marijuana in them. You can try fun options like lemonade or cold-brew coffee, or stick to a slightly healthier choice like tea. You can infuse tea at home with THC as well if you’d like to experiment with your own brewing.

3. Tinctures

Tinctures are infused liquids that extract cannabis compounds using an alcohol soak. They’re then applied directly under your tongue. Tinctures are very fast-acting since they enter the bloodstream immediately. This means they’re a great option for quick relief and can be easier to control the dose. There are also tons of flavors and potencies available, so it should be fairly easy for you to find a product that works for your needs. There are ways you can make your own tinctures at home too. If you’re experiencing loss of appetite or nausea, tinctures can be an easy way to get your MMJ dose without having to eat something.

Image by Margo Amala on Unsplash: Anything from an edible (like a cookie) to an ingestible oil can be an alternative MMJ dosing method.

4. Ingestible oils

Basically, ingestible oils are any cannabis concentrate that you can consume orally. Many come in pill form (in capsules or plastic applicators), which means you can swallow them or add them to your food or drinks. Similar to edibles, ingestible oils can take a little while to kick in, so you have to be careful about the dose you’re consuming.

5. Topicals

Topicals are marijuana-infused body products such as lotions or balms. They’re applied directly to the skin for help with pain, soreness, or inflammation. They typically don’t produce a psychoactive effect, so they can be a good option if you need to skip the feeling of being high. They won’t work for everyone’s medical conditions, but for localized relief, they can be helpful.

Ingesting MMJ instead of smoking or vaping it can mean that its effects might not be present as quickly as when you smoke. Therefore, it might take some experimentation to determine the most effective products or strains to help best treat your medical condition. Also, be sure to pay attention to the THC level in all the products you’re consuming so that you’re aware exactly how much you’re putting into your body. Check with your doctor if you’re considering switching to a higher dose of THC in your cannabis products.

As long as we’re unclear about the true effect of smoking on the likelihood of catching COVID-19, it seems like a good idea to play it safe and consume MMJ products in another fashion. Everyone should be doing all they can to avoid infection, so try out an alternative dosing method while we learn more about the virus and its effects.

Featured image by Dimitri Bong on Unsplash

If you are an MMJ caregiver, you’ve probably wondered, “How do I know which medical marijuana strain to give to my patient?” Choosing the right MMJ strain is incredibly important because different medical marijuana strains have very different effects on patients.

Knowing which MMJ strain is best for which condition will allow you to treat your patients as effectively and safely as possible. Getting the right strain of medical marijuana for a patient can massively improve their quality of life, so educating yourself in this area will make you the best caregiver you can be.

MMJ Is Now Widely Legalized

Medical marijuana is now legal in most US states. This wonderful state of affairs means that more patients than ever are getting the opportunity to live in comfort and happiness, unencumbered by their chronic ailments.

The MMJ revolution started off in northwestern states such as Washington and Colorado, but has now rolled out to every corner of the nation. And even traditionally conservative states such as Oklahoma are now thoroughly embracing the myriad benefits of legal medical marijuana.

Legal medical marijuana means that caregivers now have a big responsibility to educate themselves about medical marijuana and which MMJ strain is best for which condition. Choosing the right MMJ strain can make the difference between successful and unsuccessful treatment.

Image by msqrd2 on Pixabay: Choosing the right MMJ strain is crucial.

Getting The Right Strain Of MMJ Is Very Important

If you’re a caregiver – either a medical professional or somebody who is responsible for a sick person – you have a duty to understand your patient’s medical condition. The conditions that qualify a person to be treated with medical marijuana are very wide-ranging and disparate, so choosing the correct medical cannabis strain is essential. If a patient is treated with an inappropriate strain of MMJ it could have no effect – or in the worst-case scenario, it could actually make the patient’s condition worse.

Different MMJ Strains Have Different Characteristics

A massive range of MMJ products is now on the market. There are more strains of MMJ available in the United States today than at any other time in history. New potent, super-effective hybrid strains are being cultivated all the time. Members of the most common strains – Sativa and India – have been cross-bred again and again, and novel types of MMJ now abound.

Different MMJ strains have very different characteristics. Strength and potency vary a lot, as does the feeling that different strains invoke. So with all of this variety available, knowing which MMJ strain is best for which condition is crucial.

Different MMJ Strains Work Best For Different Illnesses

The most common medical conditions that are treated with MMJ are: headaches and migraines; inflammation, pain, and arthritis; insomnia and sleep disorders; glaucoma; and psychological conditions such as anxiety and depression. The wonderful thing about the explosion in novel MMJ strains is that for each ailment there is a group of MMJ strains especially well suited to alleviate it. Given the very different characteristics of the myriad illnesses that qualify a person for treatment with MMJ, it is very powerful to know which specific strain will work best.

Image by Claudia Barbosa on Pexels: Which MMJ strain is best for headaches?

Headaches and Migraines

The best MMJ strains for headaches and migraines are: Headband, Purple Kush, and Blue Dream.

Inflammation, Pain, and Arthritis

The best MMJ strains for inflammation, pain, and arthritis are: Sour Diesel, Girl Scout Cookies, and Blue Widow.

Insomnia and Sleep Disorders

The best MMJ strains for insomnia and sleep disorders are: Northern Lights, Nine Pound Hammer, and Remedy.

Glaucoma

The best MMJ strains for glaucoma are: Bubba Kush, Palm Tree CBD, and Green Crack.

Anxiety

The best MMJ strains for anxiety are: AC/DC, Pennywise, and Royal Highness.

Depression

The best MMJ strains for depression are: Jack Herer, Cannatonic, and Blackberry Kush.

Talk To Your Dispensary

Choosing the correct medical cannabis strain is made much easier if you talk to the knowledgeable employees at your local dispensary. In today’s super-competitive MMJ market, dispensaries set themselves apart by providing excellent customer service and customer education. Any questions you have, no matter how obscure, will often be best answered by the industry pros down at your local dispensary.

An MMJ Card Is Very Advantageous

An MMJ card gives you access to dispensaries where you can learn and improve your knowledge. An MMJ card also often allows you to possess and grow more MMJ than recreational users. Having an MMJ card will also entitle a person to try the full range of available MMJ products.

How To Get An MMJ Card

Getting an MMJ card is now easier than ever. It can be done online via MMJRecs. MMJRecs will put a patient in contact with a qualified medical professional for an online consultation. Once the patient’s ailment has been verified, they will be fully entitled to their own MMJ card.

Featured image by Yash Lucid on Pexels

At this time, recreational marijuana is still prohibited in many states. In the 11 states where it is legal, there are still restrictions on how much a person can possess. But are the rules different for medical marijuana products possession? The answer is yes. There are different regulations for individuals who use medical marijuana (MMJ) to help them treat medical conditions. Here’s what you need to know about how much MMJ product you can legally have at any one time.

What are the MMJ possession laws?

The laws on how much MMJ product you can possess vary greatly from state to state. Generally, MMJ cardholders can grow and possess greater amounts of MMJ product than people using who are using it recreationally. This is because individuals need to have enough product on hand at any given time to treat the symptoms of their health issues. These people also require greater amounts of product because they can find it harder to get to dispensaries in person, and often need a variety of strains or types of products in order to treat their condition.

How many MMJ tinctures can I legally possess?

Cannabis tinctures are alcohol-based marijuana extracts. They’re usually administered by putting a drop under your tongue. You can begin to feel the effects in about 15 to 45 minutes (with a peak high at around 90 minutes). In the states where medical marijuana is legal, there is a range of what is permitted for possession of tinctures or other cannabis concentrates. Some states have no limit (like California), while others have a higher amount you can possess (like 20 ounces in Georgia). In New York, you are allowed to have a 30-day supply of the MMJ products you need. However, the majority of states where medical marijuana is legal have a limit of around 2.5 ounces. Check the law in your state so you know how many MMJ tinctures you can have legally before you purchase anything.

Image by Margo Amala on Unsplash: The amount of MMJ edibles you can possess varies from state to state.

How many MMJ edibles can I legally possess?

The law on MMJ edibles possession also differs from state to state. In states where marijuana usage is illegal, edibles (items like candies, baked goods, etc.) are also still prohibited. However, they are allowed in states who have legalized either recreational or MMJ usage. These limits technically fall under the same amounts as the concentrates listed above. For example, in Oklahoma, you are permitted to have up to 72 ounces of edible products on your person in public. You also have the option of purchasing cannabis oil or making it at home to use in your edibles so that you can stay under the legal limit in your state. Because each state is so different, it’s a good idea to check your specific state’s requirements before you stock up on edibles or before you decide to make them at home.

How many MMJ vape liquids can I legally possess?

Cannabis vape liquids involve heating marijuana flowers or concentrates to a temperature that turns the active compounds into vapor. They can then be smoked in vape pens or vaporizers, which allows you to feel the effects typically within just minutes. As stated above, the amount of MMJ liquid concentrate you can possess at any one time varies by state. Typically, MMJ patients are permitted to have larger amounts of vape liquids because they need it to treat a medical condition.

How can I get an MMJ card?

In order to get an MMJ card and to access its many benefits, you’ll need to have a qualifying medical condition. These can include a large variety of conditions such as:

• Eating disorders (like anorexia)
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Arthritis
• Cachexia (wasting syndrome where a body becomes weakened due to chronic illness)
• Cancer
• Crohn’s disease
• Chronic migraines
• Chronic pain
• Seizures (from epilepsy or other seizure conditions)
• Glaucoma
• HIV/AIDS
• Multiple sclerosis
• Muscle spasms
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Severe nausea

Image by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash: Many physical symptoms can be alleviated through the usage of MMJ products.

If you have a medical condition that causes physical or emotional symptoms that significantly impact your day-to-day life, you could benefit from using MMJ products. In order to see if you will qualify for an MMJ card, you can head to MMJRecs. We’ll connect you virtually with a doctor who can assess your medical history to see if you could benefit from using MMJ products. We can then get you all set up with an MMJ card that you can show when purchasing your MMJ products at dispensaries.

It might take some experimenting when you first start out using MMJ products, because you’ll need to determine which types of products and dosages best help your symptoms and fit your personal preferences. It’s always wise to stay under the legal limit so that you’re not taking more than the recommended dose, and so you won’t have any legal issues if you’re stopped and questioned by law enforcement at any point. To stay on the safe side, do your research on what the legal limits are for each type of MMJ product in your state before you purchase anything. That way you can be sure that you’re staying under the legal limit while still being able to purchase the MMJ products you need to help you feel better.

Featured image by Kimzy Nanney on Unsplash

What is the fastest-growing medical marijuana state in the US? Only a few years ago, a lot of people thought that Oklahoma would never even get as far as legalizing medical marijuana. But it may surprise you to learn that Oklahoma is the nation’s fastest-growing MMJ state. In the space of fewer than eighteen months, MMJ has been fully legalized in the Sooner State, and the remarkable medical marijuana boom in Oklahoma has amazed industry insiders.

Since Oklahoma voted to legalize medical cannabis in June 2018, the OK MMJ industry has grown at a breakneck pace. Oklahoma has been the fastest-growing medical marijuana state bar none in 2019. The state’s MMJ patient uptake has been enormous – as of September 2019, 180,000 patient licenses have been issued. That is roughly 5% of the state’s population!

Why is the Oklahoma MMJ Industry Growing so Quickly?

In many ways, Oklahoma is a medical marijuana state like no other. The state has a pro-free-market ethos and especially values personal freedom and responsibility, and small government. This Oklahoma mindset has allowed the local MMJ industry to flourish and grow unencumbered by excessive red tape or overzealous local government interference. The only way the state authorities have interfered with the OK MMJ industry has been in imposing high quality-control standards.

There are several reasons why Oklahoma is the fastest-growing MMJ state in the US.

Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Provides Huge Health Benefits

The medical marijuana debate in Oklahoma was, for years, mainly a hot-button political issue. Virtue-signaling and point-scoring tended to get in the way of real, productive, science-based conversation. But since MMJ has been legalized, political arguing has given way to a widespread acceptance of the medicinal value of medical marijuana in Oklahoma.

Knowledge of the most up-to-date science – which shows how medical marijuana can help people who suffer from glaucoma, chronic pain, insomnia, and many other physical and psychological ailments – is now ubiquitous in the state. Oklahomans have become convinced of the positive health and quality-of-life benefits of medical marijuana.

MMJ in Oklahoma is an Alternative to Opioids and Prescription Medications

Oklahoma, like many states, has seen an opioid crisis take hold among certain sections of its population. More and more people have come to rely on opioids and prescription painkillers to help them cope with chronic pain conditions. These opioids and prescription painkillers can do great damage to a person’s liver and have negative effects on overall physical and mental health. In Oklahoma medical marijuana has proven to be a healthy, natural alternative medicine for these people.

Competition is Fierce, So Quality is High

The huge growth in the medical marijuana market in Oklahoma has led to a massive number of MMJ businesses opening in the state. As of September 2019, 2,000 dispensary licenses have been issued, as well as 4,000 growing licenses. The result of this enormous boom in Oklahoma MMJ businesses has been a fierce and healthy competition that is very good for MMJ patients.

With so many businesses vying for a share of the market, product quality is extremely high. The standard of medical marijuana produced in Oklahoma is second to none and dispensaries in the state are some of the best, most cutting-edge, and most educational in the US.

OK MMJ Dispensaries Put an Emphasis on Education

With such intense competition between dispensaries, companies need to set themselves apart. This is done by offering the best service possible, and a big part of this comes in the form of an emphasis on education. The best Oklahoma dispensaries offer their customers a rich and up-to-date education on all things MMJ.

Jazimine Ayres, from Green Country Bud dispensary in South Tulsa, says her main aim is to get to know her customers so well that she can educate them on exactly what MMJ products will suit them and their unique needs the best.

Many OK MMJ dispensaries are highly education-focused.

Oklahoma Has No List of Qualifying Medical Conditions to Get an MMJ License

A big reason why Oklahoma is the fastest-growing MMJ state in America is its lack of an imposed list of qualifying medical conditions. Oklahoma leaves prescription of medical marijuana completely at the discretion of the examining medical professional. This means that a physician can prescribe a patient an OK MMJ license for any medical condition that they deem would be helped by medical cannabis use.

How Can People Get an MMJ Card in Oklahoma?

The quickest and easiest way to get an Oklahoma medical marijuana license is to have an online consultation with a medical professional at MMJ Recs. Using this simple method, you can arrange a consultation and have your own OK MMJ card in no time at all.

Oklahoma has only had an MMJ industry for less than two years, but in that time the rapid growth of medical marijuana in OK has been nothing short of remarkable. Long may it continue!

These days, most people in the United States are aware that Medical Marijuana, aka MMJ, can be used for pain relief – and more specifically, joint pain relief for conditions such as arthritis. But why does marijuana help joint pain? What’s the best strain of MMJ to use for this purpose? And how exactly can you seek out joint pain relief with medical marijuana? Here’s all you need to know.

How does marijuana help joint pain?

When it comes to MMJ and joint pain relief, medical marijuana has two active chemicals that play a role in the process: THC and CBD. THC is the most well-known active chemical since this is the psychoactive stimulant responsible for the “high” many people associate with cannabis. However, THC also very closely resembles cannabinoid chemicals that occur naturally in our body, meaning when you introduce THC to your system, it binds to the cannabinoid 1 receptors, reducing pain.

Like THC, CBD is a phytocannabinoid found in medical marijuana. However, unlike THC, it has no psychoactive effects. It binds very weakly, if at all, to cannabinoid 1 receptors, and can in fact stop THC binding as much as it normally would, reducing the psychoactive effects. Does this mean less pain relief? Actually, no. In fact, consuming the two together (as naturally occurs in marijuana) can actually help. CBD reduces some of the negative effects of THC like increased heart rate, while increasing its half-life (which in theory can increase the length of its effectiveness), while also having its own pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.

CBD and THC are by no means the only phytocannabinoids in MMJ to help with joint pain relief, but are certainly the most well-known and the most likely to be marketed at dispensaries.

There’s a fortunate connection between soothing sore joints and MMJ.

Which strains and doses are best?

When it comes to the best strains and doses of medical marijuana for joint pain relief, it depends on many factors. As mentioned before, phytocannabinoids have been shown to work best when used together, as they are naturally found, which means individuals looking for general pain relief will probably be best off with a strain high in both CBD and THC.

However, due to the psychoactive effects of THC, this is not always possible, and so having MMJ high in CBD and low in THC could be a great option. This can have the same pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects – often the key problem for joint pain – while still allowing the user to get on with their normal day, uninhibited by the psychoactive side-effects of THC.

The dominant strains you will come across are cannabis sativa, which generally has a higher amount of CBD, and cannabis indica, which contains more THC. In addition to these, there are numerous hybrids with varying levels of phytocannabinoids, so the best option is to see what works for you as an individual.

Who does joint pain affect?

While we often associate joint pain with the elderly, it is something that affects many groups across a variety of ages. In fact, a national survey in the U.S. found that over a third of adults reported experiencing joint pain in the 30 days leading up to the questionnaire. It can be caused by aging, most commonly in the form of osteoarthritis, but also comes from the autoimmune condition of rheumatoid arthritis or any number of injuries and illnesses. This means that while the elderly or obese are most at risk, people who regularly play sports or do manual labor can also find themselves with severe joint pain.

Elderly people are most likely to suffer from joint pain, but others who experience it may also experience joint pain relief with medical marijuana.

How can I get an MMJ card?

If you’re interested in seeking joint pain relief with medical marijuana, the first thing you need to do is make sure you pursue it legally by obtaining a medical marijuana card. The requirements for an MMJ card differ from state to state, but generally speaking, if you have a condition that causes severe joint pain, you will be eligible. In California, for example, qualifying conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, which is what many people with joint pain suffer from.

The first step to acquiring an MMJ card is getting a letter of recommendation from a health professional that states that you would benefit from medical marijuana. While this can be done through your normal GP, many patients opt to apply online. Services like MMJ Recs allow joint-pain sufferers to carry out the whole process from their homes, first with an online medical form, then a video conference with a medical professional to determine eligibility. If accepted, you can get a recommendation almost immediately, allowing you to apply for your MMJ card.

Considering the possibly hundreds of phytocannabinoids that exist in medical marijuana, the exact science as to how it helps with joint pain is still being researched. However, there is a significant body of evidence that shows the impact of both CBD and THC on joint pain, so whether you are suffering from age-related arthritis or joint pain incurred from sports, it may be worth considering the connection between sore joints and MMJ!

If you’re considering using medical marijuana (MMJ) to help ease symptoms of a health problem you’re dealing with, you might be wondering, “Is MMJ legal in Oklahoma?”. The answer is yes! It can be a relatively easy process to use medical marijuana after obtaining an MMJ card. However, not being familiar with the different strengths and strains of marijuana products out there can cause confusion. Well, here’s some helpful information to help take the guesswork out of determining the legal marijuana strength in Oklahoma and which products you should be using.

First, MMJ products are typically divided into three categories:

1. Indica – originates from the Hindu Kush mountains in India and has a relaxing effect; can also be used for chronic pain and insomnia
2. Sativa – has more energizing effects; boosts energy levels and creativity
3. Hybrid – a combination of these two types

From there, dispensaries can divide these three types into specific strains. The strains most popular in Oklahoma include Acapulco Gold, Panama Red, Durban Poison, Hindu Kush, Mazar Sharif, and Afghan Kush.

If you’re wondering “How strong is Oklahoma MMJ?”, you should get informed about the general strength of MMJ products. Unfortunately, determining the strength of MMJ products isn’t always completely straightforward. Although there should be a “total THC” number on the label of the product you’re buying (or what the dispensary lists it as), there’s no standard for calculating this and some dispensaries calculate the number in different ways. You just need to check out the actual amount of THC or CBD in the product, which can depend on the content of the product and the method you use to consume it. The highest strengths are usually between 10 and 35 total THC level (out of a percentage of the dry weight). The most common MMJ strength in Oklahoma ranges from 8% to 20% THC. However, if you decide you need something stronger, your local dispensary can probably assist you in finding the right strain and strength for your medical needs. Bottom line: the MMJ strength in Oklahoma that you need can be found pretty easily, especially as more state-licensed dispensaries are popping up throughout the state.

The MMJ laws in Oklahoma are pretty similar to the ones in other states in the U.S. where medical marijuana usage is legal. With a valid MMJ card, you are allowed to have:

• Up to 8 ounces of marijuana in your home
• Up to 3 ounces of marijuana on your person when you leave your residence
• Up to 1 ounce of concentrated marijuana
• Up to 72 ounces of edibles
• Up to 6 mature plants
• Up to 6 seedling plants

This means that you’re permitted to grow and cultivate your own marijuana plants if you have an MMJ license. Please note: you are only legally allowed to purchase from state-licensed dispensaries in Oklahoma, which means you’re prohibited from buying any marijuana products from a dealer or another MMJ cardholder.

So, how do you figure out which plants to grow or which products to purchase? Your best bet is to have a consultation with someone who works at the nearest dispensary. Most employees are very knowledgeable about their products, including which particular strains and strengths would work the best to help with your symptoms. You can let them know exactly what you want to use MMJ for (everything from relief from nausea or inflammation to reduction of symptoms of glaucoma or Parkinson’s). They’ll be able to point you towards products that won’t be too strong for you, but that will still help alleviate your symptoms.

There are also some websites out there (like Leafly) that offer MMJ products that can be delivered to your home. This site is helpful because it allows you to easily compare various strains and strengths side by side. By seeing the THC content of each option, you can better tell which products will work best for you. Even just spending a little time doing research online can help point you towards the strength/strain that other people with your ailments have found helpful in the past.

The good thing about there being different strengths and strains of marijuana is that you don’t have to commit to just one. Experimenting with a variety of products can help you narrow down your search for the right product for your specific needs. Because pretty much all strengths and strains are legal in Oklahoma, you’re free to use whatever you wish as long as you have an MMJ card. If you don’t have an MMJ card already, you can apply for one through the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) at omma.ok.gov. You’ll also need to consult with a medical professional who can verify that you do have a health condition with symptoms that could be alleviated with the usage of MMJ. If you don’t have a medical professional to help with this, you can use the services of MMJRecs. They can connect you virtually to a licensed physician who can help you complete your application. You’ll also be required to pay a $100 application fee (or a discounted fee of $20 if you are on Medicaid SoonerCare or Medicare). As soon as you receive your official MMJ card, you can legally purchase MMJ products in Oklahoma.

Although it can be tricky to figure out which strain and strength of marijuana is right for you, you always have the option of getting advice from a local dispensary or try experimenting with different products. Once you find the perfect option for you, you’ll get all of the benefits of using MMJ in the great state of Oklahoma.

Edibles are one of the best forms of medical marijuana. What other medication can you think of that combines sweet treats with medicinal goodness? MMJ edibles are readily available in dispensaries, but many people consider making them themselves at home, questioning whether it’s worth it. Like most things, there are positives and negatives that you need to consider.

Medical marijuana is now a widely accepted form of treatment for many symptoms associated with conditions and illnesses including cancer, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. While some states have legalized marijuana for recreational reasons, there are many more that have legalized it for medical use, meaning it has never been easier for patients to access a natural remedy to help them cope with debilitating symptoms.

There are many forms in which you can take medical marijuana, and MMJ edibles are one of the most popular. Simply put, edibles are foods that have been infused with medical marijuana. There are many different kinds, but they are usually cakes or sweets, such as cookies, brownies, lollipops, and other candies. They are easy to consume and are easily disguised if you wish to keep the fact that you take medical marijuana to yourself. Other forms of medical marijuana include lotions, vapes, tinctures, joints, and oils.

Did you know you can even infuse lollipops with MMJ?!

The main positive of homemade MMJ edibles is the same as any homemade treat. You know exactly what is going into them and can control the level of medical marijuana present, as well as the sugar and fat if you’re making something like brownies. Homemade will usually be healthier and tastier than anything that can be bought in a store. On the downside, it can be time-consuming and sometimes difficult to make your own edibles. It is not the same as making regular brownies or cookies; you have to prepare a specific type of butter or fat to infuse the medical marijuana into your homemade treats.

Preparing cannabis butter can be difficult, but it can be done at home if you’re really set on making your own MMJ edibles. The first thing you’ll need to do is to visit your local dispensary and buy some cannabis buds. Make sure you get the strain of medical marijuana that you usually get if you buy edibles, as different strains have very different effects on the body. If you’re unsure of the strain that works for you, it’s best to speak to someone at your local dispensary and get some advice, trying out the strain in different forms before you try making your own MMJ edibles at home. Once you have the buds of a strain you’re happy with, bring them home and grind them into a fine powder. Melt some butter in a pan and add your powdered cannabis. Simmer on a low heat for about 45 minutes, strain through a fine mesh cloth, and chill. Now your cannabis butter is ready to be used as any kind of fat in a recipe for cookies, brownies, or candies.

Cannabis butter is the key ingredient in MMJ edibles.

Once you have your cannabis butter ready to go, you can be as creative or simple as you like. The only limit you really have is your own imagination. Edibles are a good way to take medical marijuana incognito, as no one tends to suspect baked goods of being anything more than what they appear. It’s just important to be aware of the legislation anywhere you’re traveling to if you bring your edibles on the road. It is never advisable to break the law if you’re traveling, so it is important to remember that marijuana is still illegal at a federal level, despite being legal for medicinal reasons in several states. If you’re crossing state lines into a state where MMJ is illegal and you really need to bring your edibles with you, just try to keep them on your person, but make sure you don’t share them with anyone. The last thing you need is someone reacting badly to your medication! This type of discretion is quite common among people who have to take medical marijuana, as there is still a lot of stigma surrounding its use.

The choice to make MMJ edibles at home is a personal one, but it can be very rewarding if done properly. As long as you do your proper research and ensure you don’t make them too weak or too strong, your homemade MMJ edibles will be tasty treats that allow you to manage the symptoms of your condition in a truly delicious manner.

When it comes to the continuing legalization of marijuana, in both its medical and recreational forms, two states are leading the charge, and have been for some time. They are California and Colorado, two major game-changers when it comes to medical marijuana, who adopted the beneficial legalization policies very early, and set a precedence that 27 other states have chosen to follow in the years leading up to 2018. What the future will bring for MMJ is unclear, but the ideal is to have all 50 states on board, with medical marijuana fully legalized across the whole of the United States. The remaining 21 states who have yet to sign MMJ into legislation would do well to look to California and Colorado as shining examples. But how do the two MMJ titans stack up against each other?

Let’s take a look at California first. The West Coast state has the honour of being the first state to legalize medical marijuana in legislation, during a critical vote on Proposition 215, also known as the Compassionate Use Act, which took place all the way back in 1996. Since that time, governments in California have been working to redefine and stabilize the legalization, resulting in one of the most liberal MMJ states in the country, a distinction California wears with pride. When contrasted with some of the more restrictive MMJ programs of other states, like New York (which, despite having a liberal-leaning reputation, surprisingly adopted an extremely harsh MMJ legislature), California’s progressive stance stands out even more.

California is leading the charge when it comes to marijuana legalization.

There are MMJ clinics and dispensaries all around the state, serving a large number of people suffering from a diverse number of illnesses. The wide range of qualifying conditions outlined in Proposition 215, most notably “chronic pain,” which refers to a wide number of patients’ grievances, has allowed people all over the state to benefit from medical marijuana’s therapeutic effects. As MMJ has been proven to reduce pain in many areas, resulting from many different conditions, the qualifying condition of “chronic pain” is an extremely important one, and is a caveat that many other states would do well to implement in their own legislature, both present and future.

On November 9, 2016, the day after a tumultuous presidential election, California became the eighth state to legalize recreational marijuana. However, the law only came into being on January 1, 2018, and as the state quickly discovered, 14 months was not enough lead in time to fully implement the legalization of a widespread, previously underground industry. Cities and counties up and down the state were not ready to sell recreational marijuana by January 1, despite significant progress being made in the rollout. For now, and for the foreseeable future, a medical marijuana card is still required to avail of marijuana in California, primarily because it’s not available anywhere else as it stands.

In light of the lengthy recreational legalization process, and as a nod to the state’s significant and well-established MMJ community, the Californian government introduced a measure whereby MMJ patients don’t pay any sales tax whatsoever on their medicine. This is a significant incentive and a show of commitment to the long-running MMJ program set up in 1996, and proves that the government are focused on incorporating recreational marijuana harmoniously alongside medical marijuana.

Colorado was hot on the heels of California when it came to legalizing MMJ, passing its own bill, Amendment 20, in 2000. Both Colorado and California decriminalized marijuana way back in 1975, so have always been at the forefront of marijuana laws in the U.S. In 2012, Colorado continued that trend by becoming the first state to legalize recreational marijuana, a revolutionary move that paved the way for marijuana legislation across the country, and also made America’s various MMJ programs more robust by legitimizing MMJ in the eyes of many citizens.

Colorado follows closely in California’s footsteps with its progressive MMJ policies.

Like California, Colorado medical marijuana is taxed differently to recreational marijuana, so it is still extremely beneficial to own a Colorado medical marijuana card. Also, the selection offered to medical marijuana patients is far superior than the recreational spectrum, and will be tailor-made for a patient’s specific condition, making them the optimum choice for marijuana taken medicinally. There is also the option of edibles for MMJ patients, which is not afforded to recreational users. For both states, the option of a medical marijuana card, even in the face of recreational legalization, is still the optimum choice for patients suffering from marijuana-treatable conditions.  MMJ cards can be acquired over the internet, via telemedicine, and don’t take long to arrive at your door.

When it comes to differentiating the two pro-marijuana states, there’s little difference when it comes to their MMJ programs. Both have tax rebates stemming from the legalization of recreational marijuana, and both have a range of qualifying conditions that allow a wide variety of patients from across the state to avail of the many benefits of MMJ. No doubt both California and Colorado will continue to bear the torch for medical marijuana in the years to come.

An unfortunate side effect of some strains of medical marijuana is laziness and a lack of productivity. These effects hit some cannabis card users more than others. While some people swear that they are far more productive whilst under the influence of medical cannabis, for many other people marijuana-induced ‘couch lock’ and inaction can be a real problem.

Most marijuana card users need their medicine regularly (many are daily users) and so in order for them to move forward in their lives and achieve what they want to achieve, it is crucial for them to discover ways to avoid laziness and a lack of productivity. MMJ patients need to be sure they can enjoy the medicinal benefits of medical marijuana while staying on top of their lives and being energetic, vibrant, and self-actualizing.

So with that in mind, here is our list of six ways you can avoid laziness and lack of productivity when using MMJ.

Clarify Your Goals Making clear and compelling goals is a crucial step towards ensuring that you stay productive. Humans need to be inspired to be focused and industrious. If you are not excited about your projects and life direction, it is all too tempting to be slovenly and laze on the couch wasting time. To avoid this, make a list of your goals and ask yourself why you want to achieve them. Make your “why”s compelling and exciting. Get thrilled about what you could achieve if you put your mind to it. Create vivid pictures in your mind of how good it will feel when you achieve your desires and hit your targets. And when you are tempted to stay on the couch and watch “just one more” episode of the Netflix series du jour (even though you have work to do), remind yourself of why you need to work… and inspire yourself to get to it!

Set Yourself Rules It is important to have clear rules about when, what, and how much you smoke. For example, if you are more productive without MMJ in your system (and your medical condition allows you to get away with having weed-free periods), then schedule the bulk of your productive work for before you smoke. Set yourself the rule that you must get all of your work done before, say, 5pm, and that you cannot smoke until 5.01pm. Make rules that work for you and allow you to avoid laziness and stay productive. Stick to them. Hold yourself accountable. Regularly breaking your rules will be stressful and guilt-provoking… And it should be! Discipline equals freedom!

It’s easy to stay productive while using MMJ if you set yourself a few simple rules.

Make Daily Schedules A great way to make sure that you stay on-track in life and get everything important that you need to do done, is to make intelligent daily schedules. Trying to balance the list of all of your important daily tasks in your memory is stressful. Instead, make a list, stick it to the wall, and then it’s “set and forget”! Having a formalized and clearly visible list of the important daily tasks that make your life better is reassuring and majorly stress-reducing. Ticking tasks off your smart daily schedule once they are done is very satisfying. And the first hit of MMJ after you’ve completed your entire daily schedule is the sweetest hit imaginable!

Choose MMJ Strains That Increase Energy and Motivation A very practical way to avoid laziness and lack of productivity (especially if you need to use MMJ while you work) is to choose strains that energize you. Typically, this will be relatively high-THC and low-CBD strains. A strain such as Lemon Power Haze, which has high THC and very little CBD, will tend to motivate, energize, and provoke high levels of productivity.

Kill Perfectionism A mindset that tends to lead to inactivity and a huge lack of productivity is the dreaded “perfectionist” mindset. Seeing as absolute perfection does not exist in the known universe and is merely a mental abstraction (everything can be improved in some way if you look hard enough!), people who demand perfection of themselves are burdening themselves with a debilitating and discouraging demand that they do the impossible. Instead of being a perfectionist, try to adopt the mindset that “good enough is good enough” and remind yourself again and again (and again if needs be!) that perfectionism is the sworn enemy of productivity, and one of the most lethal dream-killers in the known universe!

Staying fit and healthy goes hand-in-hand with staying active and productive.

Stay Physically Healthy Finally, in order to be productive and energetic, it is crucial to maintain good energy levels and health. Do this by getting regular physical exercise, eating healthy food (even when you have the munchies!), and sleeping well.

Adopting some or all of these strategies should make sure that you avoid laziness and lack of productivity when using MMJ. Now, up and at ’em, you industrious busy bees!

Like most things in life, medical cannabis use comes with some pros and some cons. As the old saying goes: “There is no such thing as a free lunch,” and this is certainly the case when it comes to medical marijuana use.

Many of the pros are so life-enhancing that, for many people, they make the cons easily handleable and well worth it.

If you are going to use a California medical marijuana card it is best to know exactly what you are getting yourself in for – the good, the bad and the ugly! So here is a list of some of the most common pros and cons associated with medical cannabis use.

The Pros of Medical Marijuana Use

It is now proven beyond any reasonable doubt that medical marijuana provides effective pain relief. It’s pain-relieving effects are on a par with (and often better than) the leading prescription painkiller pills on the market today. But cannabis card use comes without many of the unpleasant side-effects that pills have, such as addiction and loss of libido.

California weed card use causes an increased appetite. This is very helpful for patients who, due to the specifics of their illness or their mental state, find that they have little or no appetite, and so struggle to get the requisite nutrients and calories into their bodies.

The cancer-fighting properties of medical herb are now becoming more and more apparent. Research is now suggesting that cannabinoids can help to inhibit and (even completely stop) tumor growth. While chemotherapy tends to kill healthy cells as well as cancerous cells, cannabinoids appear to attack cancerous cells while leaving healthy cells alone.

Many PTSD sufferers report considerable reduction of their symptoms when they use a California medical card, and there is solid evidence to back up these anecdotal reports. A study at the University of Haifa showed that rats who were exposed to trauma and then given cannabinoids did not develop PTSD, while rats that were exposed to trauma but received no cannabinoids did develop PTSD (poor rats).

Dr. George R. Greer MD in Santa Fe, New Mexico says that according to his research, PTSD patients report, on average, a reduction of 75% in their symptoms when they use MMJ.

Medical cannabis, in its raw form, is mega dense in nutrients. As a dark and leafy green plant it is rich in iron, calcium and fiber. The cannabinoids and fatty acids found in the cannabis plant reduce inflammation, improve cellular function and reduce damage from free-radicals. Juicing medical marijuana is very healthy.

Many patients report a marked reduction of anxiety symptoms when they are under the influence of medical cannabis. The CBD has a strong calming effect on the body, relaxing any tensions that may be present. The THC can induce feelings of calmness, well-being and even euphoria – and it’s difficult to be calm, euphoric and anxious all at once!

There is solid scientific and anecdotal evidence that MMJ calms muscle spasms. This makes life a great deal easier for people who suffer from seizures, various symptoms of multiple sclerosis, physical injuries and cramps.

MMJ has been found to help those patients with glaucoma feel less pressure in their eyes.

MMJ eases the pain of glaucoma. Glaucoma occurs when the optic nerve is damaged by a buildup of intraocular pressure. The THC found in medical cannabis has been proven to reduce intraocular pressure by approximately 30% for up to four hours.

For people who suffer from insomnia, a good, strong CBD-heavy medical cannabis can promote sleep and win them some much-needed rest, recuperation and rejuvenation.

The Cons of MMJ Use

Much anecdotal evidence points to medical marijuana-use promoting laziness and a lack of productivity. Regular cannabis-use can make a person so relaxed and listless that they have little motivation to do anything apart from laze on the sofa watching TV and eating candy.

Despite the fact that CBD-heavy strains of marijuana often cause a patient to fall to sleep, it is often a poor quality sleep. Many heavy cannabis user report waking up feeling tired, drowsy, foggy and heavy-eyed, almost as if they are experiencing an alcohol-induced hangover.

As we mentioned earlier, California marijuana card use is good for stimulating appetite. However, the other side of this coin is that excessive weight gain and even obesity are a risk with heavy weed use, and specifically the longing for food that can come with it.

Using medical marijuana can cause people to eat more and gain weight.

Heavy MMJ use can bring on feelings of sadness and depression. This may be linked to a general existential angst brought on by guilt and worry about being lazy and unproductive (due to MMJ use), and/or to a consistent lack of high-quality sleep, or it could be to do with chemical imbalances in the brain brought on by too much exposure to the psychoactive THC in MMJ. Either way, weed seems to cause depression in some people.

Chronic medical marijuana use has been reported by many people to increase general anxiety levels. As we mentioned earlier, many forms of acute anxiety can be reduced and eased in the moment with MMJ use. However, over the long-term, general anxiety levels can often be raised by (relatively heavy) cannabis use.

So, now you know the main pros and cons and you can make your own educated decision. Good luck!

If you have a debilitating illness that affects your life on a daily basis, you’re probably going to try anything (like MMJ) that might help alleviate the symptoms. Conventional medicine generally follows the line of prescribing traditional medication. There are obvious reasons for this.

First, medics are trained in and knowledgeable about which medication helps with which ailment. They might not wish to deviate from the conventional path of offering tried and tested drugs to treat the long, and ever-growing, list of crippling diseases and illnesses. They might be afraid to ‘think outside the box’.

Another, more skeptical, reason is the drug companies and the amount of money that they generate. Who wants to be the one to rock that particular boat? So, let’s look at how owning a California medical marijuana card could be a better route for you to venture down.

Medical Marijuana Research and Support

Many researchers and medical professionals support the use of MMJ for qualifying conditions and ailments.

It’s a fact that every drug has a side-effect. In some cases these side-effects are minimal and rare, but in other cases they can be pretty devastating and almost as horrible to deal with as the illness they’re designed to treat.

If you could avoid this, that would be a good thing right? If you’re currently on medication for chronic pain for example, the chances are you’re definitely suffering from some nasty side-effects. MMJ is far less harmful and also a less addictive way to treat persistent and chronic pain. A clinical trial was conducted in 2010 that found that just three puffs of cannabis a day can help reduce extreme pain.

Medical marijuana is becoming increasingly more accepted by the medical profession and by the general public, too. CBS News conducted a national poll in 2014 which found that 86% of Americans were in favor of doctors being allowed to prescribe cannabis for serious, debilitating illnesses. That’s a lot of people backing an alternative to traditional drugs.

It’s widely believed that medical marijuana has anti-inflammatory properties, can reduce swelling and can help with pain management. It’s not just the numbing effect that smoking or consuming cannabis gives you – it can actually help relieve your symptoms.

Dr Allan Frankel, one of the world’s leading authorities on dosed cannabis medicine, has been looking into the beneficial effects of medical marijuana since the 70’s. He is now convinced that it can play an important part in modern medicine. He thinks that many people are still against it because they’ve been indoctrinated to view cannabis as a dangerous and addictive drug. He thinks prescription drugs have a far greater potential for sparking addiction.

Dr Frankel stated, “In the US in 2010, there were four times more deaths among women from prescription painkiller overdose than for cocaine and heroin deaths combined.” This should make us very wary of prescription drugs and more willing to consider the alternatives.

Benefits of MMJ

If you’re in possession of a cannabis card then you have access to a lot of medical help and advice for your illness. You will be able to speak to doctors in confidence about your MMJ use and dosage. This can be done online or in person. These specialists will advise you about the best strain or strains for treating your condition and the amount you should take.

You’ll also have access to licensed dispensaries and specialized and protected medical marijuana sites. So you’ll be able to inform yourself on all the pros and cons of medicinal cannabis – something that’s not always so transparent with traditional medicine.

Traditional medication, like pills, takes longer to go into effect than if you were to consume medical marijuana.

Another plus about MMJ is that – if you choose to smoke it – it gets into your system straight away and therefore, starts working immediately. Traditional medication, of course, takes longer to have an effect. Also, providing you get the right strain and the correct dosage, you won’t suffer any of those nasty medication side-effects with medical marijuana. You just get a general good feeling and a realization that your symptoms aren’t hitting you quite so badly.

Taking the correct dosage is important though; if you take too much it can cause paranoia and/or nausea, so be sure to get advice on this. If you prefer to ingest your medical marijuana, by experimenting you can determine how long it takes to start working and you can then decide the best time to consume it on a daily basis.

If you suffer from any of the 50 or more conditions that would qualify you for a cannabis card, it’s certainly worth looking into. You have nothing to lose by giving it a try, and plenty to gain. The best way to start is to apply for your medical marijuana card online.

The medical card evaluation is a simple, quick and private process. It will include a brief discussion with a specialist over the phone or via Skype, during which you’ll be able to ask any questions you like about usage, dosage, any side-effects and MMJ versus traditional medication.

Once approved, your California medical card will be mailed to you in a matter of days. You’ll then be at liberty to grow your own plants and/or to buy your recommended strain and dosage from recognized suppliers. Remember to always seek medical advice if you decide to come off any long-term prescribed medication.

California is a trendsetter in many ways. It’s a center for entertainment and culture in the US, it’s full of the latest advances in technology and it has a massive start-up culture. Its weather is fantastic, the agricultural landscape is active and thriving and there exists the most liberal and exciting medical marijuana laws in the country.

California was the first state in the US to legislate for medical marijuana. Patients had been using marijuana for medical reasons illegally for a long time, and anecdotal evidence suggested that it provided excellent results for people suffering from a wide variety of different conditions.

History of Medical Marijuana Laws in California

Many medical marijuana professionals in California supported Proposition 215 because they had seen good results for patients with conditions like cancer, HIV and AIDS.

Proposition 215, also known as the Compassionate Use Act of 1996, was passed by 55.6% in 1996, which allowed for the use of marijuana for medical reasons for numerous conditions. The Yes campaign was spearheaded by marijuana activists from San Francisco who had noticed that marijuana had helped many suffering from HIV/AIDS in the gay community.

As well as anecdotal evidence from users of medical marijuana, many medical professionals also publicly supported Proposition 215, stating that they had also seen good results for patients suffering from conditions like cancer, which was far less stigmatized than HIV/AIDS at the time.

After the passing of Proposition 215, California was the first state to have legislated for medical marijuana. This presented problems at a federal level, as marijuana was and still is, considered a controlled and illegal substance. California held strong on its right to legislate for treatment for its citizens and the program has run successfully since 1996, inspiring other states to bring in legislation for medical marijuana.

However, there have been some DEA raids on dispensaries and farms in California, and the Supreme Court has ruled twice that federal law can overrule state law in some instances.

Despite some opposition from federal sources, patients have been happily accessing medical marijuana in California since 1996, and it is clearly the capital of medical marijuana usage in the United States.

Accessing MMJ in California

Accessing MMJ in California is much easier than in other states because there are many more medical cannabis dispensaries and open laws.

As well as its early adoption, it is also very easy to access MMJ in California. The first step is to organize a visit with a medical professional who can assert your need for medical marijuana. This does not have to be in person and you can actually do a consultation online. The medical professional will ask you about your condition and suggest ways to treat it with medical marijuana.

If you are deemed a suitable candidate, you will be sent a stamped, dated and signed letter, which you will be able to bring to any dispensary to avail of any form or strain of medical marijuana that you think will be able to help you.

Upon visiting your local dispensary, you will be able to speak to the people working there, who will be able to help point you in the right direction for the best treatments for you. There are many different forms of medical marijuana, as well as different strains. Strains contain varying levels of THC and PCP, which offer different types of relief – depending on your condition.

Choosing the right medical marijuana strain will offer different types of relief and effects, depending on your condition.

You can choose to buy joints to smoke, edibles like candies or baked goods, lotions and salves to rub into your skin, tinctures, vape liquids… amongst many other forms of MMJ. The only limit is your imagination!

Medical Marijuana Conditions in California

California is also notable with its liberal medical marijuana laws for not placing limits on the conditions that can be treated with medical marijuana. In other states, such as New York, there is  a strictly regulated list of conditions that can be treated with medical marijuana, but this does not exist in California, which is great for citizens of the state.

Evidence suggests that there are a variety of conditions, both physical and mental, that can be successfully treated with medical marijuana. These include epilepsy, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, cancer, HIV/AIDS, Huntington’s disease and Parkinson’s disease – amongst many others.

For many patients, the fear of being rejected for medical marijuana treatment can be a big deterrent for seeking treatment, as well as the stigma of using marijuana for medical reasons. Due to the proliferation of medical marijuana in California, as well as its place in the state for over twenty years, these issues do not seem to affect patients in the Golden State.

California continues to not only be a beautiful state to live in, but also the top state for medical marijuana use.

California is rightly lauded as a mecca for patients who need medical marijuana and has served as an inspiration for many states that have followed in its steps. Many patients have actually relocated to California for the sole reason of seeking treatment that they cannot access in more conservative states.

Californians are lucky to be able to access this treatment that should be available to all citizens, but the battle continues on at other state levels and federal levels to provide medical marijuana to all residents of the United States.

Ever since the dawn of the medical marijuana card, there has been rife debate over whether children should be allowed to be entered into the MMJ card scheme. The issue has long been a touchy subject, with arguments on both sides insistent that they’re morally right.

Not helping the pro-MMJ card for kids side is detrimental media portrayals of medical marijuana and those who benefit from it – especially parents. In many parts of America, marijuana is still viewed as a recreational drug whose only use is to get its users high. Unfortunately, this negative press means that the issue of children and medical marijuana is rarely explored rationally.

It should come as no surprise to anyone that the vast majority of the MMJ card naysayers are people who don’t have very sick children themselves. Having been untouched by the tragedy of having a helplessly ill child, the ‘no’ debaters’ opinions on the topic often lack validity, clarity and worst of all, empathy.

Although many Americans believe allowing children to have medical marijuana cards is not right, desperate parents all over the country feel like they have nowhere else to turn after pharmaceuticals fail them time and time again. What can start as a desperate last hope for relief, can become a gentle, effective treatment plan that sees their little ones get their lives back.

The Effect Use of MMJ on Children

Medical marijuana is currently being used to treat a number of life limiting conditions in children like cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy and other neuromuscular diseases.

It’s not surprising that a majority of the MMJ card naysayers are those who have not tried everything else imaginable to help their sick child.

One thing that the kiddy MMJ card naysayers are right about is that like all other children, cannabis card carrying kids should not be smoking the plant. For this reason, most parents treat their children with medical marijuana tinctures. A tincture is an concentrated form of MMJ that is made by mixing the beneficial elements of the plant in an alcohol based solution.

Administering MMJ to your child via a tincture is really easy and can be done simply and discreetly whenever your child needs to consume. The tincture essentially looks like an eyedropper and you use it by dropping the solution directly into your child’s mouth, or into their food. If your child is picky about taste, you can opt instead to drop it onto their skin and rub it in.

A common argument for the banning of children having medical marijuana cards is the worry that by using MMJ, children are exposed to the psychoactive parts of the plant. But what if a non-psychoactive strain could be developed? Well that’s exactly what some American scientists have done.

Charlotte Figi’s Medical Marijuana Story

The Charlotte’s Web strain – named after Charlotte Figi, a 5-year-old Colorado girl who suffers from Dravet’s syndrome – is a strictly medicinal form of MMJ that has been specially bred to not contain THC, a.k.a. the psychoactive element of the cannabis plant. Although the strain is still in its infancy, scientists are optimistic that it could be used to effectively – and gently – treat seizures in young children.

When Charlotte herself began treatment with this new wonder strain, she was initially given very low, non-psychoactive doses. In the week that followed her initial treatment, she went a full seven days without a seizure, down from the 300 that she had the previous week. Eight months later, she saw a 99% seizure reduction.

With this trial in mind, it’s clear to see how medical marijuana can be positively life-changing for certain children. With a medical marijuana card, they can live fuller, happier lives, not weighed down by the negative symptoms of their ailments.

Choose the Type of MMJ Wisely When It Comes to Kids

However, we must also take away from this trial that when it comes to treating a child with medical marijuana, choosing the right strain is key. There are plenty of other child-friendly strains on the market if you can’t get your hands on Charlotte’s Web. Strains like Harlequin and AC/DC are just as effective at treating various ailments and come with little to no psychoactive effects, thanks to the fact that they are high in CBD and low in THC.

If you’re considering using MMJ on your child, you must consult with your child’s doctor before embarking on a medical marijuana treatment plan.

It’s important to remember that as is the same case with adults, every child will not respond to medical marijuana treatment the same way. Effectiveness of the treatment will vary among different children, with some of them simply not being compatible with the drug. It’s vitally important that you consult with your child’s doctor before they embark on a medical marijuana treatment plan.

Whether you are for or against the use of medical marijuana to treat sick children, you can’t deny the mountains of evidence piling up to suggest that MMJ is an effective, kind treatment for sick children. Children across the country are seeing the very real results of being on a medical marijuana treatment plan, with many of them getting full control of their life debilitating illnesses.

If you feel like your child could benefit from having their own medical marijuana card, get in touch with us today and we’ll guide you through this life changing process.

It can be very difficult to navigate the world of medical marijuana if you are unfamiliar with it, so it’s important to do your research and shop around to get the best treatment available to you. As well as the stigma associated with the treatment, the options available are just mind-boggling!

We’ve compiled a list of ways to ensure you find the right MMJ strain for you so that you can live the best life possible with the condition you have.

Research the Treatment

If you’re unsure of the best type of MMJ strain to use for your illness or condition, contact a medical professional.

Most people who are eligible for treatment with medical marijuana may not be aware that they can access it. Depending on the state that you live in, if you suffer from cancer, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, anxiety, depression, anorexia nervosa, epilepsy or countless other conditions, you may be eligible for treatment with medical marijuana.

First, find out if your state allows medical marijuana treatment. If it does, research the terms and conditions of the conditions allowed for treatment. Some states, such as California, are quite liberal about allowing citizens access to MMJ but others, such as New York, have very strict guidelines.

Go to a Reputable Medical Professional

To learn more about medical marijuana strains, you can go online and talk to a medical professional, who will answer any questions.

If you live in a state with liberal MMJ laws, you may be familiar with the sketchy establishments that can assign you a medical marijuana letter. These are often quite intimidating, so a good option for first-time patients is often an online consultation. You can log on, have a video chat with a qualified medical professional who will ask about your condition.

Don’t worry about judgement. These professionals are open and really believe in the power of MMJ to treat people like you. They will then send you a stamped and signed letter that you can then use to access medical marijuana.

Get a Good Dispenser

Along with a good medical professional to recommend the treatment of medical marijuana for you, it is so important to get acquainted with the best dispensary possible. Put simply, dispensaries can make or break your medical marijuana experience. They are the experts who can advise you on the best strains and delivery methods available to you.

If you’re someone who doesn’t know a lot about MMJ, the best thing to do is to go in, be completely honest about your lack of knowledge and let the dispensary employees point you in the right direction. Think about it like asking a bartender for their advice on the best kind of cocktail to drink!

Research the Strains

It’s best to know the differences between the different MMJ strains so you can get the proper one for your personal needs.

As well as speaking to your dispensary, it is possible to do your own, independent research. There is a wealth of knowledge available online on different strains and how they can effect and treat different conditions. Using strains with CBD, THC or a combination of the two in different strengths will have differing effects, so it’s important to be educated in relation to what works best for your condition.

Luckily, there is a wealth of knowledge online relating to strains that can treat different illnesses and if you have any difficult questions, this is something to ask your dispenser or medical professional. There is no such thing as a stupid question!

Research Methods of Delivery

When it comes to MMJ strain edibles, the possibilities are sweet… and endless!

Often, when people think of medical marijuana, they think of stoners lighting up massive joints, but the reality is that MMJ can be delivered in so many different ways. People rely on edible MMJ in the form of cakes, candies or brownies, vape pens, body rubs, oils, tinctures and joints. These are just some of the ways that MMJ can be administered, but the sky is the limit.

Again, doing research online for some fun DIY projects or speaking to your dispenser about the wide range of treatments available are the best ways to go. There are treatments that you may not even consider, for example, women often use MMJ medicated body rubs to treat extreme pain associated with endometriosis or period pain, often reporting excellent results.

Enjoy Your Treatment!

Amongst all the paperwork, travel and research associated with medical marijuana, people can often forget the most important part of the journey: enjoy yourself! MMJ is truly a miracle drug that also offers some fun side-effects, aside from the soothing treatments associated with its medical administration. Don’t feel the need to be boxed in to any one form of treatment. Be flexible and play around with different things until you find the options that work best for you.

Make it fun and a treat that becomes the highlight of your day. It’s not like the mundane routine of popping a pill daily. You will be able to live your life better, stronger and unfettered by your condition, so make sure you celebrate that!

As medical marijuana becomes a widespread treatment across the United States, patients are familiarizing themselves with the various strains, and sussing out which ones work best for their particular ailment. It might come as a surprise to newer patients not used to marijuana that the drug even comes in different MMJ strains; but there are in fact subtle differences between the various different strands.

When it comes to treatment of the various afflictions for which MMJ is affective, the components and of each strain can have varying effects.  As medical marijuana becomes legal in more and more states across America, it benefits patients to know which strain is best to treat their particular ailment.

One of the most common causes of pain in humans is a headache. They can be debilitating and resilient, but can be largely managed with over-the-counter painkillers. Migraines are a different sort of headache altogether, and can’t be so easily tackled with the usual methods. Migraines usually affect one side of the head, pulsating with a constant rhythm and producing waves of often searing pain. The onset of a migraine can be accompanied by visual disturbances known as scintillating scotoma, where zigzag rainbow patterns distort the patient’s vision.

Unlike normal headaches, which usually disappear with a good night’s sleep, migraines can last from a couple of hours for up to three days, and will usually not abate or ease during the attack. They can be accompanied by nausea or vomiting, and can often make the sufferer extremely sensitive to light and sounds.

Migraines, which are extremely debilitating and usually last days on end, can be treated with some specific MMJ strains.

Migraines are uniquely debilitating, and usually take days to fully recover from. Despite them being fairly common (over 15% of the global population have suffered from them at one time or another), not a lot is known about how they’re caused. It’s suspected that a mixture of genetics and environmental factors conspire to cause an attack, but the exact reason that they flare up remains unknown (for now).

What is known is that medical marijuana can successfully treat migraines, and that it has been used as a remedy for many years. It’s undeniable that marijuana is an extremely effective pain reliever, and as it comes to prominence as a legal, reliable treatment in 2017, we are in as good a position as any to explore how MMJ can help patients even further.

A number of recent studies have shown that MMJ can not only combat migraines when they flare up, but it can also help prevent them in the first place, which makes medical marijuana a vital tool in fighting these vicious headaches. But which strain is best? Well, in fact, there are a few strains that can effectively treat migraines; here are five of the best.

With studies proving that medical cannabis can not only combat migraines when they flare up, but they can also prevent them, it’s no wonder more people are trying MMJ strains.

White Widow

This is a powerful and potent strain of marijuana that can help you relieve some serious pain when the situation arises. A classic strain that hails from the Netherlands, it should assure patients of its quality. You can avail of it uplifting, euphoric effects while still being assured of powerful pain relief, as it settles the body into full relaxation mode. Its strength is derived from the icy white resin that dusts its buds, and works especially well at removing that muscle tension which makes migraines so insufferable.

Sour Diesel

Also known as Sour D, this strain is a lot more appetizing than it sounds. A sativa-dominant concoction that smells a lot like diesel, Sour D is a fast-acting solution for when migraines spring up without any prior warning. The effects of this particular MMJ strain include a dreamy, heady sensation, as well as a potent burst of energy.

Sour D is not just useful for migraines; it is one of the go-to strains for those suffering with general headache pain and depression as well, making it a serious contender for the title of best strain currently on the market.

Purple Kush

When all that migriane pain just gets the better of you and nothing’s taking the edge off, often the best thing to do is simply sleep. Purple Kush is a pure indica, which is pretty easy to come by. Heavy indica strains have long been renowned for their significant sleep-inducing effects, and sometimes, this can be just what the doctor ordered; literally.

Purple Kush creates long-lasting body-numbing sensations, which can be just what you need to sleep your way through a migraine. Just be careful when you decide to take this strain; its knock-out effects means it’s best used just before bed.

The person in the best position to advise on your medicine is of course your doctor, but it’s no harm to know what works best for your specific ailments. Migraines are severely debilitating afflictions, but with the right medicine, most of their symptoms can be combated effectively, or even prevented altogether.

Luckily for sufferers, this medicine is becoming more and more accepted all over the United States, meaning that help is well and truly at hand.

Why would anyone choose to leave sunny California? The weather is amazing, the people are chill and most importantly, the medical marijuana laws are pretty relaxed.

The Golden State was the first to bring MMJ laws onto its books. While many states have followed suit, not many have as relaxed laws as California does. There is also a great rivalry between the east and west coasts, so how do Californian medical marijuana laws measure up to those in New York state?

MMJ Laws in New York and California

The main difference between New York medical marijuana laws and California medical cannabis laws are the forms that are legal to consume.

The short answer is that New York has far stricter rules on medical marijuana than California. While California has had MMJ laws on the books since 1996, New York only brought in limited medical marijuana laws on 2014.

The main difference between MMJ in the states is the forms that are legal. In California, you can consume smoking cannabis, edibles, tinctures and pretty much any kind of medical marijuana. However, in New York, there are strict laws in place relating to what can be consumed. Patients may only consume MMJ via oils or sprays to be vaporized or consumed orally. Edibles and cannabis cigarettes are still strictly illegal.

You are also not permitted to grow medical marijuana for your own use, whereas this is permitted in California. This can present issues for patients who experience the best results from cannabis cigarettes or edibles, as opposed to tinctures, oils or vapes.

Medical marijuana benefits different people in different ways, and the forms that you consume them in can often have differing effects. It’s unfortunate that New York state cannot cater to all of its medical marijuana patients, some of which live with chronic and unmanageable pain, but a broader law may come into effect with continued campaigning.

Obtaining Medical Marijuana in New York and California

In California, the process of obtaining an MMJ card is much easier than obtaining one in New York.

The ways in which you obtain a medical marijuana card in both states are also slightly different. In California, you can visit a medical marijuana professional for an in-person or online consultation. They will ask you the nature of your condition and prescribe medical cannabis to you based on your needs. You then receive your MMJ card and go to your dispensary to pick the form and strain of medical marijuana you need.

In New York, things are far stricter. Patients must suffer from a specified condition that appears on a list that has been ratified by the Commissioner. These conditions include Alzheimer’s Disease, chronic pain (which is very strictly defined) HIV/AIDS, cancer or epilepsy. This means that you need to fit very strict medical criteria before you can even consider seeking a medical marijuana card.

After you have deemed yourself suitable for medical marijuana treatment, you have to visit a registered medical marijuana practitioner. All medical marijuana practitioners must be registered with New York State and noted on a public register. When you visit an MMJ practitioner in New York, they will also decide the appropriate dosage and strain for you, as well as the form you consume it in.

When you visit an MMJ practitioner in California, you get to decide your appropriate dosage and strain.

In California, that decision is left up to the patient. For example, you can go to a medical marijuana practitioner in New York State, who will decide you need a certain strain, in a certain amount to be administered and consumed in a certain form. You then bring the “prescription” to a dispensary, who can only give you the medical cannabis that the registered practitioner has decided is most appropriate for you.

As medical marijuana practitioners must register with the state, so too must patients. When you receive your MMJ certificate from your practitioner, you must register as a medical marijuana patient online. You will then be sent a card, which will allow you to receive your treatment. You cannot receive any treatment without your identification card.

Dispensaries in New York are also required to be fully registered and can only carry pre-approved products that can be designated to patients. While there is a wide variety of ways to take medical marijuana in California, practitioners in New York are only allowed to certify patients to take certain types and brands, with varying rates of THC and CBD.

As you can see, the measures in New York are far stricter than those in California, and this mostly just comes down to stigma. In California, MMJ has been around for over twenty years, and most citizens are comfortable with the concept, as it has changed so many lives for the better. New York is still coming around to the idea, and is being incredibly strict so as not to be seen to be condoning recreational drug use.

Hopefully, with time, New York will be able to relax its incredibly strict MMJ laws and allow more people access to a lifeline that has changed people from being in so much pain that they cannot function, to being functional members of society.

Now that the medical marijuana card revolution has spread to New York, it can be easy to compare and contrast its laws to those in other states. While it’s not fair to compare MMJ card states with marijuana gold standard states – we’re looking at you, Colorado – comparing MMJ-friendly states against each other gives us a better picture of which state is best to live in if you’re a cannabis card holder.

California was a trailblazer in the legalization of medical marijuana with the introduction of Proposition 215 all the way back in 1996. For this reason, MMJ laws in the Sunshine State are some of the best in the country, leaving other MMJ states in its shadow.

Unfortunately for New York MMJ card carriers, the liberal bastion of the eastern seaboard just hasn’t caught up to California’s super lax laws. In fairness to them, they only legalized the use of medical marijuana in 2014, so we can’t exactly hold them to California’s standard, which has been over 20 years in the making.

Qualifying Ailments for MMJ

The biggest area where Californian cannabis laws outshine New York’s is by their classification of qualifying ailments. In California, there is a broad lists of qualifying conditions that allow you to apply for a medical marijuana card. This includes anything from menstrual cramps and anxiety, to cancer and everything in between. Thanks to this, anyone in need of the ameliorative effects of cannabis can access it.

New York’s list of qualifying conditions is significantly smaller, and comes with specific stipulations. To get a medical marijuana card in New York, you must suffer from a life-threatening illness. According to the medical marijuana program, this is limited to cancer, HIV, AIDS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal damage, epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease, neuropathy, Huntington’s disease and chronic pain.

In addition to these limitations, your condition must present you with life-limiting symptoms in order to qualify for an MMJ card. A doctor can not, and will not, prescribe you medical cannabis outside of these conditions due to the intense pressure put on them by the New York Medical Marijuana Program.

Cannabis Cultivation Laws in New York and California

One downside for MMJ card holders in New York: it’s strictly banned in the state to grow cannabis at home.

Home cultivation is strictly banned in New York, with the state’s needs for cultivation limited to production by ten companies. This presents problems for cannabis card holders who prefer to home grow due to mobility issues.

California, by contrast, allows MMJ card carriers to grow six mature plants or 12 immature plants at home once they have the required growers license. Unfortunately for New Yorkers, there doesn’t seem to be any plans on the horizon to ease home growing laws.

Consumption Laws for Medical Marijuana

Noticeably, you won’t see any medical marijuana card holders smoking MMJ in New York, as smoking the plant is strictly illegal. Governor Cuomo never gave a real explanation as to why this is, with many people speculating that he wanted to distance his MMJ program from methods of consumption that would typically be associated with recreational use. While this isn’t a major problem for most cannabis card carriers – a lot of them would steer clear from smoking due to the obvious health effects. This can be a nuisance for the small few who prefer to smoke their MMJ.

Similarly, the consumption of medical marijuana edibles is banned in New York. Unlike smoking, a significant amount of MMJ card holders would consume this way. Using edibles has a whole host of benefits – and is tasty, to boot – so some patients were very disappointed with this law. Being the bastion of MMJ goodness that it is, Californian medical marijuana law allows both smoking and the consumption of edibles once you’re suitably discreet about it.

Getting a Cannabis Card in California and New York

Acquiring a cannabis card in California is a much easier process than it is in New York. In Cali, all you need to do is complete a short, noninvasive online consultation with a licensed mental health professional and voilà, you got yourself a California medical marijuana card! In New York, it takes a little bit longer to do.

Just like sitting in New York traffic can be a painfully long process, so can acquiring a New York MMJ card.

First, you must go to a doctor and tell them about your illness and your need for a medical marijuana card. It’s important to note that the doctor you go to must be registered with the Department of Health’s Medical Marijuana Program – if they’re not, they won’t be able to prescribe you MMJ, and you’ll be left feeling disappointed. If you have a qualifying ailment and they think you’re suitable for it, they’ll recommend you for medical marijuana certification.

Following this, you’ll have to register for your Registry ID Card. You do this by applying via the Department of Health’s Online Patient Registration System. Once your application is rigorously reviewed, you’ll be sent out your ID in the mail. You’ll need to bring this with you when you visit the MMJ dispensary in New York.

New York’s medical cannabis laws are only in their infancy, so it’s pretty understandable for them to be so far behind their western cousins on the MMJ front. Thankfully, further relaxations of New York’s MMJ laws are on the horizon, with the possibility of total legalization looking likely within the next five years – not bad for a state who only decriminalized MMJ three years ago!

Until then, New York can continue to look to California for inspiration on how to make their state more MMJ-friendly.

It’s pretty safe to say that California medical marijuana card holders have it pretty easy. MMJ laws in the Sunshine State are famously lax, meaning that acquiring a cannabis card can be done in a few short minutes from the comfort of your own home. Soon, California’s marijuana laws will become even better when state wide legalization is introduced – way to go Cali!

Unfortunately, on the east coast, New York MMJ card carriers aren’t afforded the same weed friendly legislation. Since its legalization in 2014 by Andrew Cuomo, medical marijuana in New York hasn’t been easy to come by. Acquiring an MMJ card has been a legal minefield fraught with uncertainty. As a result, many people suffering from medical marijuana compatible illnesses have had to go without the miracle plant.

New York’s Case Against Medical Marijuana

Governor Cuomo and his department don’t want the New York Medical Marijuana Program to be abused, so they’re making it very difficult to get a MMJ card.

The legislation of medical marijuana in New York came as a surprise to some as Governor Cuomo does not support the decriminalization of the plant. It is thought that the tough MMJ laws could be as a direct result of this. Although Cuomo does recognize the usefulness of medical marijuana as a form of treatment for certain illnesses, he is vehemently opposed to decriminalization, so it’s natural that he would want to keep MMJ laws as tough as possible to safeguard them from abuse.

Interestingly – and in spite of Cuomo’s beliefs – New York state lawmakers recently submitted two bills which could potentially pave the way for a state wide legalization of marijuana for recreational use. The bills – namely the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act – would create a system whereby marijuana would be taxed and regulated in the same way that alcohol is, creating a new market and providing millions of dollars in Revenue for the state.

Under this law, possession of up to two ounces of marijuana would be legal for people aged 18 and over, and people aged 21 and over could legally buy cannabis from state licensed dispensaries, regardless of whether they had an MMJ card or not.

Until total legalization is introduced, it’s unlikely that getting a medical marijuana card will become much easier. Cuomo and his department don’t want the New York Medical Marijuana Program to be abused and thus, make getting the card particularly difficult. While these conservative views are restricting access to the plant for those in need, they see this as a necessary evil to stop people who they think shouldn’t be consuming it.

New York’s MMJ Laws

One thing that majorly irked medical marijuana card holders in New York: the state banned edibles.

New York’s stringent MMJ laws are none the more evident than in the fact that smoking medical marijuana is strictly forbidden within the state. While smoking is not the consumption method of choice for most MMJ card holders – due to the obvious detrimental health effects – for the few users who prefer to smoke, this is problematic.

Edibles are similarly banned in New York, which irked medical marijuana card holders further. When this news was announced, some cannabis card holders were at a loss as to why these strict rules regarding consumption methods were enforced. It’s likely that the New York MMJ Program wanted to distance itself from recreational cannabis use as much as possible, thus outlawing methods of consumption that are more typically associated recreational users.

Type of Conditions

In the same vein, the list of qualifying conditions that deem you suitable for a medical marijuana card is considerably shorter in New York than it is in California. By and large, to obtain an MMJ card in New York you must be suffering from a life-threatening illness such as HIV or cancer, and your ailment must present you with associative and complicating conditions like seizures or chronic pain.

Thankfully, these laws have become slightly more lax in recent times, as PTSD and chronic pain have been added to the list of qualifying conditions.

Access to a Licensed MMJ Physician

Due to the uncertainty of New York’s MMJ Laws, unless you live close to New York City, it can be hard to find you a doctor who will happily recommend you for a medical marijuana card. Prospective MMJ card applicants across the state have consistently been disappointed, as their own trusted physicians refuse to recommend them for the program should, they step out of line and potentially lose their practice.

The best way to overcome this problem is to apply for your medical marijuana card online. This way you can complete your consultation with a state licensed physician from the comfort of your own home, and have it posted out to you within a few short days.

Essentially, it’s harder to get an MMJ card in New York than in California because the New York Medical Marijuana Program is still in its infancy. California legalized medical marijuana all the way back in 1996 – nearly 20 years before New York – so it’s no wonder that Cali is more weed-friendly than the Empire State.

Thankfully, New York is catching up fast, and it looks likely that we’ll see the full legalization of marijuana within the next five years. Until then, if you need access to MMJ in New York, it’s prudent that you apply for you medical marijuana card online today!

So you want to win friends and influence people? Well, there is nothing in the world that will do that job better than a few interesting medical marijuana facts sprinkled judiciously into your conversations. People will find you irresistibly good company when you are armed with these little nuggets of golden information!

Here are eight strange and surprising facts about medical marijuana that you can use to impress and entertain your friends, colleagues, dispensary buddies and family.

Carl Sagan Wrote About the Benefits of Cannabis Under a Pseudonym

It was only after Carl Sagan’s death that it was revealed that he had written about medical marijuana under a pseudonym.

Sagan, the iconic astrophysicist and science writer, wrote at least one article singing the praises of his favorite herb. It was published in a 1971 book called Reconsidering Marijuana. It was only after his death that it was revealed that he had written the piece under a pseudonym. Marijuana was strictly prohibited in the early 1970s in America, and a high-profile interstellar explorer such as Sagan had to keep his cannabis use a closely guarded secret — hence the concealed identity.

The Iconic English Playwright William Shakespeare Enjoyed Smoking Weed

Of the 24 pipes found at Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon home that were tested in a laboratory at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, eight were discovered to contain marijuana residue. This strongly suggests that the great writer liked to get high (maybe he had a ye olde cannabis card). This is not very surprising given the mind-expanding and creativity-inducing qualities of smoking cannabis.

American English Contains More Than 200 Slang Words for Marijuana

And that means there are also more 200 words for medical marijuana, too:

Medical ganga, medical weed, medical grass, medical doobie, medical chronic, medical blunt, medical bammer, medical wacky tobaccy, medical herbal refreshment, medical skunk weed, medical left-handed cigarette, medical hippie lettuce, medical fatty boom blatty, medical bubonic chronic and — best of all — medical sticky icky icky!

Denver Has More Cannabis Dispensaries Than Starbucks

This is bad news for fans of beige, middle-of-the-road, mega-twee folk playlists and ever-so-slightly burnt coffee but good news for fans of all things marijuana-related in Colorado’s biggest city. Denver’s streets contain more weed dispensaries than Starbucks locations. Soon, they will have more weed shops than McDonald’s restaurants, too, and then shortly after that, maybe Denver will just become one giant marijuana dispensary! 

Yosemite Rock Climbers in the 1970s Loved to Use Medical Marijuana

In 1977, a Mexican plane carrying 6 tons of cannabis crashed in Yosemite National Park. The local rock climbers who practically lived in the park were first to the crash site — and they took the weed. That was a good summer in Yosemite! They smoked the weed for its medicinal effects (it did wonders to ease aching limbs after a long day climbing) and because they liked the feeling of being high! Rock climbing became more creative in the summer of 1977. Many strange and interesting new routes up El Capitan were discovered thanks to those 6tonss of Mexican herb!

George Washington Used Medical Marijuana

George Washington wrote in letters on numerous occasions about his weed-growing exploits.

The first president of the United States of America wore some horrendously uncomfortable dentures. For some releaf (hehe) from the discomfort, he smoked cannabis. This was long before the California medical marijuana card came on the scene, so the great politician grew his own herb. He wrote in letters on numerous occasions about his weed-growing exploits. He took his pot growing very seriously and was always experimenting with ways to create the best, most pain-zapping weed possible. 

Medical Marijuana Legalization Reduces Suicide Rates

A study has shown that since medical cannabis was legalized in the state of Colorado, the overall suicide rate fell by 5 percent, the suicide rate of males between the ages of 20 and 29 fell by 11 percent, and the suicide rate of 30- to 39-year-old males fell by 9 percent. So, living in a legal medical marijuana card state makes you quite a bit less likely to kill yourself. Good news! 

The Chilean Miners Trapped Underground in the Atacama Desert in 2010 Medicated with Cannabis

When the San José copper–gold mine collapsed in 2010 trapping 33 men underground, one of the first things that was dropped down to them (after absolute essentials) was some medical herb. It was a highly stressful situation for the men involved, and medical cannabis was used to keep them calm and relaxed under such extreme conditions.

Those eight interesting facts will absolutely win you friends, lovers, discounts, free drinks, complimentary bowls, invites to dinner parties, promotions at work and, hell, maybe even a wonderful spouse!

When Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed medical marijuana legalization into law in July 2014, he made New York the 23rd state to do so. Although this was most definitely a step in the right direction, New York’s medical marijuana laws are still among the strictest in the country, so it can be hard for medical marijuana card holders to keep up with what’s allowed and, more importantly, what’s not. For those of you who may not be au fait with the MMJ 411 in the Empire State, we’ve made a list of seven things that all New York medical marijuana patients need to know.

Acquiring Medical Marijuana in New York Takes a Few Steps

If you are specifically interested in getting medical marijuana, it’s important that you choose a physician who is registered with the New York Department of Health’s Medical Marijuana Program.

The process of getting medical marijuana in New York isn’t quite as straightforward as it is elsewhere. The first step in doing so is going to your doctor to discuss with them the issue you think might qualify you for medical marijuana certification.

If you are specifically interested in getting MMJ to treat this ailment, it’s important that you choose a physician who is registered with the New York Department of Health’s Medical Marijuana Program. This doctor will do an assessment of you and your illness, and if they think you are suitable for it, they will issue you with a medical marijuana certificate. After this, you need to register with the Department of Health’s online Patient Registration Program. This will get you your Registry Identification Card, which will enable you to acquire MMJ.

You Can Only Get Medical Marijuana at Registered Dispensaries

Once you have your Registry Identification Card, bring it to any one of the registered dispensaries that are dotted around the state to acquire your medical marijuana. It is important that you bring your certificate with you, too, or else you will be denied service. If you are acquiring MMJ as a caregiver, you must bring your caregiver’s registry identification and your patient’s certification. To find out where the nearest registered dispensary to you is, see this list.

New York Medical Marijuana Laws Are Much Stricter Than Elsewhere

Although any kind of legalization should be welcomed with open arms, New York’s medical marijuana laws are unfairly restrictive. Unlike California, in New York, you must be suffering from a life-threatening illness such as cancer, ALS, HIV or multiple sclerosis to receive medical marijuana certification. Even then, your ailment must have “associative or complicated conditions” such as chronic pain or persistent muscle spasms.

Additionally, some methods of medical marijuana consumption have been banned (more on that later), and you cannot deviate from the method of administration appointed to you by your doctor. When you’re at the dispensary, you can only acquire 30 days or less worth of medical marijuana. Unfortunately, unlike other states, you cannot grow your medical marijuana at home.

Different MMJ Strains Help Different Ailments

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to marijuana strains. Every strain is different, and different strains relieve different ailments differently. Choosing the right strain of medical marijuana to use to treat your ailment is a vitally important part of the treatment process, and you and your doctor should put a lot of consideration into it. Although this can be a long and boring process, it’s well worth the benefits you’ll be reaping once you find the right one. For more information on what strains are best to tackle different types of pain, check out our blog post on the topic.

You Cannot Smoke Medical Marijuana in New York

Medical marijuana card holders are safe in the knowledge that they have access — albeit restricted access — to the plant that brings them so much relief.

Unlike other states that have legalized the use of the plant, New York has banned all smoking of medical marijuana. This bizarre news came as a surprise to just about everyone who had been campaigning for legalization. Although smoking is not often the preferred method of consumption for medical marijuana card holders — due to the obvious detrimental health effects — it is still annoying for those who are most comfortable consuming this way.

Medical marijuana card holders are still somewhat at a loss as to why exactly this strange rule was brought in with many speculating that it could be because smoking marijuana is typically more associated with its recreational use rather than its medical use. Although this is likely to change eventually, until then, medical marijuana card holders are strictly advised to stick to other methods of consumption.

There Are Several Ways You Can Consume Medical Marijuana

Unfortunately, the New York restrictions on medical cannabis don’t just disallow smoking, but the use of MMJ edibles to treat your ailment is also prohibited. Although this does limit medical marijuana card holders somewhat when it comes to how they can consume, there are still other options available.

The main method of consumption that New York medical marijuana laws allow is the use of liquids or oils for vaporization or inhalation. Vaporization — or vaping as it is more commonly known — is a very popular method of consumption even outside of New York. With vaping, you use a vape pen which heats up your MMJ and creates a cloud from it that you then inhale. Vaping doesn’t overheat cannabis, which means that you’re benefiting from every one of those all-important cannabinoids, which would be destroyed by other methods such as smoking. Alternatively, you could inhale the MMJ liquid using a purpose-built inhaler, which can be easily obtained at a dispensary.

New York medical marijuana laws also allow for the use of MMJ capsules, which can be taken orally. This is a great option for those medical marijuana card holders who might not be comfortable with inhaling MMJ.

You Can Consume Medical Marijuana Anywhere in New York

Like in other states, the key to the consumption of medical marijuana in New York is discretion. Although you may be completely within the realms of the medical marijuana laws by consuming in an obvious manner, this won’t be taken well by the local authorities, and you could find yourself in a spot of a bother anyway.

To ensure this doesn’t happen, make sure you’re always discreet. Consuming discreetly is pretty easy to do in New York as the only methods of medical marijuana consumption allowed here are discreet ones. Most vapes come with a scent to mask the weed smell from vaporizers so those around you while you’re using will be none the wiser.

Although New York is slightly more restrictive than other states when it comes to their medical marijuana laws, as the world becomes more marijuana friendly, these laws will become laxer. Whether we’ll eventually see full recreational legalization, we won’t know for a while, but for now, at least medical marijuana card holders are safe in the knowledge that they have access — albeit restricted access — to the plant that brings them so much relief.

Medical marijuana has been legal in the U.S. since 1996 — if you live in California that is. For other states, it’s been an uphill battle to legalize medical cannabis, and for some, the battle rages on. As of May 2017, medical marijuana is legal in 29 states, and several others allow the use of marijuana in its oil form, with limitations on THC content (i.e., the psychoactive component of the drug).

Even where medical cannabis is legalized, the medical marijuana laws regarding its use vary wildly from state to state. The legalization of marijuana for recreational use is also shifting rapidly across the U.S., muddying the waters on medical marijuana laws and marijuana usage as a whole.

Although California is leading the charge on both fronts, especially when it comes to medical marijuana, over on the East Coast, the traditionally liberal and progressive New York has put in place a surprisingly restrictive and limited medical cannabis program. The state became the 23rd in the U.S. to embrace medical marijuana when it was made legal in mid-2014 under an act known as the Compassionate Care Act, signed by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

At the beginning of his tenure, Cuomo announced plans to introduce medical marijuana legally to the state but was also noted and criticized for his long-held anti-marijuana position. Although Cuomo stated he was receptive to change on the medical marijuana front and approached the subject with an open mind, many feared that his medical marijuana laws would be too strict.

Medical Marijuana Laws in New York

The state became the 23rd in the U.S. to embrace medical marijuana when it was made legal in mid-2014 under an act known as the Compassionate Care Act, signed by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

These fears turned out to be well-founded upon the introduction of the CCA, which contained a critical clause that allows the New York Department of health to pull the plug on the medical marijuana program any time it chooses.

The list of qualifying conditions is also fairly short compared to other states, with only severe illnesses entitling patients to medical cannabis. On top of this, doctors can be punished under federal law for suppling marijuana to a patient who doesn’t fit the required conditions.

The narrow qualifying conditions include cancer, ALS and other motor neuron diseases, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and AIDS. This means that only around 10 percent of patients who could benefit from marijuana can actually legally avail of it, which is seen by many as far too restrictive.

The number of dispensaries allowed statewide is also pretty narrow, with only up to 20 dispensaries being grated licenses and only five manufacturers being granted the permission to grow marijuana. For as state composed of just under 20 million people, this seems relatively minuscule to medical marijuana advocates.

No Smoking Medical Cannabis in New York

Another measure that is seen as overly harsh, particularly when compared to other states, is the decision to forbid the smoking of medical marijuana, the most traditional method of taking the medicine. This is regarded as another attempt to appear anti-marijuana by the overly conservative Cuomo.

But it considerably limits patients’ methods and ease with which to avail of their medicine. As it stands, patients are only allowed to consume medical marijuana through vaporization, oils, foods and pills, which is, unfortunately, not the cheapest ways to consume the drug — or the most effective.

In New York, you can’t legally smoke medical marijuana.

Smoking marijuana has traditionally been held as the quickest way to avail of the drug’s effects. When it comes to chronic and severe pain relief, most patients will want their medicine to work as quick as possible, forcing them to illegally smoke it or purchase a vaporizer, costing them hundreds of dollars on top of the amount they’ve already paid for the medicine. Cuomo and his supporters argued that smoking is not in the interest of public health, but this particular decree is seen by many as yet another attempt by Cuomo to straddle the line.

Just before the bill’s introduction in 2014, the governor spoke about the upcoming legislation.

“We’re going to be sending up a bill shortly that we believes strikes the right balance,” he said.

It was the result of near-constant pressure from medical marijuana advocates, lead by Sen. Diane Savino, the Senate sponsor of the bill, and Assembly sponsor Richard Gottfried. Assemblyman Gottfried admitted the bill was a compromise and also expressed concerns about the projected 18-month implication, concerns which turned out to be largely unfounded as the program got up and running on schedule.

It was a thorny path to medical marijuana legalization in New York, but now that it’s here, hopefully, things can continue to improve. There are certainly signs of it, with advocates campaigning for new conditions to be added to the list of qualifiers. Just recently post-traumatic stress disorder was accepted on the list, expanding some horizons in that sense. At the end of last year, the state Department of Health announced that it will be lifting and revising growth limits due to increased pressure from advocates and patients alike. All in all, things look good for the future of medical marijuana in New York.

California medical marijuana use became legal in 1990 after the Compassionate Use Act (also known as Proposition 215) was passed. This act allows citizens the right to access medical marijuana as a form of treatment for a variety of debilitating conditions as well as gives doctors the opportunity to prescribe an alternative treatment regime for their patients. Since this act has passed, more and more people are seeking out medical marijuana as a form of treatment for a variety of ailments including AIDS, depression, anxiety, anorexia, migraines, cancer, glaucoma, insomnia and chronic pain. Below are just some of the reasons why people are turning to California medical marijuana as a means of treatment for their medical conditions.

More Research and a Better Understanding of MMJ

Legalization means more research into the benefits of California medical marijuana.

Doctors and research facilities are now able to assess the efficacy of the drug properly through in-depth investigations, randomized trials and the collation of different data sets from public records. From this research, they’re constantly uncovering innovative ways to harness the positive effects of MMJ to help better treat patients.

This has opened up many doors for people suffering from debilitating illnesses and reduced much of the stigma attached to the controversial medicine. California medical marijuana usage and dosage can now be finely tuned to suit an individual’s needs with tailor-made treatment programs that will ensure the best level of care for afflicted patients.

With backing from the medical community, society’s trust and acceptance of the drug is growing rapidly and is becoming seen as a sensible treatment option for a variety of ailments that would otherwise leave patients taking too many prescriptions and experiencing the unpleasant side-effects of traditional medicines.

Finely Tuned Medical Marijuana Strains to Suit Specific Needs

Indica medical marijuana strains are known for their sedative effects.

Different strains of California medical marijuana can be cultivated to manipulate the levels of the compound THC, which is the main cannabinoid responsible for the many positive psychoactive effects felt by consuming MMJ. In this same way, growers can also alter the potency of the medical marijuana and the different effects that dosing with it may have. Sativa, for example, is a strain of marijuana that’s known to be more upbeat than indica, which is better known for its sedative effects. Being able to manipulate the genetics of the raw material in this way means that patients can be very selective in the kind of effects they wish they receive from their MMJ, which means they can avoid many of the “negative” side-effects they might associate with the drug.

Different, Inconspicuous Dosing Techniques

Smoking isn’t the only way to get high on California medical marijuana.

More information on dosing techniques is another major contributor in leading many to consider using medical marijuana as a means of medication. For many, the idea of smoking isn’t all that appealing. Although social acceptance of the drug has definitely grown over the past few decades, lighting up in public can make many patients feel uncomfortable. Thankfully, there are a variety of ways you can consume your California medical marijuana.

Tinctures

Tinctures are a concentrated, alcohol-based cannabis extract that you dose with by placing one or two drops of the extract underneath your tongue. This form of consumption was actually the most common in the U.S. during the 1920s before Prohibition outlawed the drug completely.

Topical Lotions

Topical lotions are made by decarboxylating (a process that activates the cannabinoids present through heat) your California medical marijuana and extracting the active cannabinoids to create a concentrated cannabis oil. This oil can then be mixed in with regular body lotions or butters and applied directly to the skin for topical pain relief.

Edibles

The world of edibles has moved on a great deal from the stereotypical weed brownies that repopularized the drug in the 1960s and ’70s. Edibles also rely on decarboxylation of the medical marijuana. This can be done simply in the oven with baked goods, or more commonly, a cannabis oil is created and added to recipes to create anything from cakes and cookies to savory sauces and soups. This form of consumption makes dosing in public seem completely inconspicuous and helps put patients at ease.

Easier to Access California Medical Marijuana

If you believe that you have an illness or condition that would be eased by the use of MMJ, then access to your drug of choice could not be easier. After the passing of the Compassionate Use Act, dedicated medical marijuana sites such as MMJ Recs created a quick and easy platform in which to apply for your 420 card. They even provide access to specialized medical marijuana physicians who help to guide you through your new treatment regime and approve your access to the drug.

If you’re at all informed regarding medical marijuana use, then you’ll be aware that it is considered by some as a trigger for certain mental illnesses. But is it really a trigger, or is that a conspiracy theory preached by those who intend to demonize medical marijuana. It can’t be hard with things such as medical marijuana to separate fact from fiction and then make sound judgments. That’s why in this article we will be discussing whether medical marijuana should be available to those with a history of mental illness. We won’t mince the truth. Rather, we will lay it all out on the table so you can make an informed decision. If you haven’t already, make sure you get your medical marijuana card online.

In spite of government, media and doctors’ warnings about potential mental health issues, many people view medical marijuana as a harmless substance that alleviates stress. On one side of the fence, you have convincing data proving the powerful medicinal properties of the drug in the treatment of many chronic illnesses, diseases and disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, Crohn’s disease, nausea, seizures, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, poor appetite and weight loss. Combined with this you have the fact that it’s nontoxic and cannot cause death by overdose.

Furthermore, THC — the main cannabinoid in marijuana — has been shown to have positive effects on brain cells. THC is a potent neuroprotectant and sparks neurogenesis (the growth of new brain cells)! So if you haven’t already, get your medical marijuana card online!

Medical marijuana is a drug, and every drug has notable physiological effects.

With all these benefits, medical marijuana can seem to do no wrong. However, it must not be forgotten that marijuana is a drug, and every drug has notable physiological effects when ingested or otherwise introduced into the body. Anything that changes how your body or brain functions, even temporarily, will have certain drawbacks. This includes even milder drugs such as caffeine. Any decision to use a drug should take into consideration the positives and negatives. Marijuana holds no distinction here.

Although there are almost innumerable benefits to using medical marijuana, it does have its detriments. THC is a psychoactive compound, meaning it affects the mind. Even though THC is a relaxant, in higher doses, it can have the reverse effect, increasing anxiety. Some cannabis users may suffer from hallucinations, delusions and paranoia. Frequent use of the drug seems to double the risk of developing long-term schizophrenia in those with a genetic vulnerability. Those who use cannabis while still developing — teenagers and young adults — have a far higher risk of developing schizophrenia, depression or bipolar.

Medical marijuana isn’t right for everyone.

Who should avoid smoking marijuana then? Generally, those in their formative years or those with a family history of mental illness. Even those who start noticing heightened anxiety or stress during or after smoking should cease usage. The risk is just too high.

Medical marijuana definitely should not be available to those with a history of mental illness. But often mental illness goes undiagnosed, so how to enforce this on a state level becomes especially difficult. Far easier to implement would be the introduction of marijuana education in schools. This would allow students to make informed decisions based on their family history and their age.

But if those with a history of mental illness want to smoke cannabis despite the risks, then finding MMJ strains very low in THC and high in cannabidiol (another major component of the plant) is the next best thing. Unlike THC, cannabidiol is non-psychoactive. As it doesn’t affect the brain, it far less likely to trigger mental illnesses. There are even CBD oils that contain only trace amounts of THC, and these are likely the best option if you wish to get all the benefits of CBD — anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antioxidant, antiemetic, anxiolytic and antipsychotic agent — without any of the THC drawbacks.

CBD is an antipsychotic agent. There is much evidence suggesting that the use of CBD in isolation can actually be used to treat psychotic disorders. Ask your local marijuana dispensary for details. If you need a cannabis card, the best place to get it is online!

Hopefully, you now feel a certain illumination concerning medical marijuana use among those with mental illness and can inform others of when (and when not) to avoid weed. There certainly is no simple answer, but having all the facts at hand will lead to better decisions.

If you need to figure out how to get a medical cannabis card online, be sure to check out our other articles, which clearly spell out the process. 

Insomnia is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Most people will experience the inability to sleep at some stage in their lives, but true insomnia can be a debilitating condition. It can be a symptom of an illness such as stress, heart disease or sleep apnea and can cause health issues such as irritability, poor concentration, stress and even depression. Fortunately, there is a medical marijuana strain that can help!

Insomnia can be divided into three types depending on how long it lasts. Transient insomnia, which lasts less than a week, is the most common type. Acute insomnia tends to last longer than a week but less than a month. It is most commonly linked to stress. The most serious and long-lasting type of insomnia is chronic insomnia, which can cause serious health issues including hallucinations.

The problem is that insomnia is incredibly debilitating. We need sleep to allow our brains and bodies to rest, so if you’re not sleeping properly, your work, personal life and health will suffer. Conventional treatments for insomnia can be problematic as many of the pharmaceutical solutions can be dangerous or addictive and won’t always help in the long term. Other solutions such as meditation, diet or lifestyle changes won’t work for everyone.

This is where medical marijuana can help. In obtaining a medical marijuana card online, a whole new world will be opened to you in terms of managing insomnia. Different medical marijuana strains have different effects, so you’ll need to know which strains are the most suitable for you. If you get it wrong, you could make your insomnia even worse!

Medical Marijuana Strains: Indica vs Sativa

To treat insomnia, choose a medical marijuana strain with higher levels of CBD.

Generally, indica strains are better than sativa strains for treating insomnia. The ways in which you consume the weed are many and varied, but avoiding sativa is recommended if you need to drift off. Sativa strains tend to induce more of a giddy feeling, and this should be avoided if you’re trying to fall asleep. It’s also important to go for an indica strain that has smaller amounts of THC because high THC levels can induce anxiety, which could make your insomnia worse, especially if its roots are in mental illness or depression. It’s also important to choose a medical marijuana strain with higher levels of cannabidiol (CBD) as this has sedative effects and has been shown to work to treat other conditions such as extreme epilepsy and psychosis.

Afghani indica is often recommended as a good medical marijuana strain for those who are suffering from insomnia. This strain characterized by a soft and stress-free high that will allow your mind to wander and your body to relax, encouraging sleep to take hold. It also encourages pain relief, which is good if you suffer from other issues alongside your insomnia. A word of warning: This strain can often encourage a strong sense of the munchies so it can be helpful to keep some snacks on hand or else consume it via edibles to curb your hunger. Being full can also help to soothe you to sleep as the body expends energy digesting. This is why we often feel exhausted after having a big meal.

Choosing the Right Medical Marijuana Strain

If your depression or anxiety is keeping you up at night, a CBD/THC combination can be a helpful treatment.

Sometimes it can be helpful to figure out if your insomnia is a stand-alone condition or a symptom of something larger. Picking strains that can treat the main illness, as well as the symptom of insomnia, can be helpful. The charmingly named Girl Scout Cookies strain contains a combination of THC and CBD that mixes to produce a mildly psychoactive high, which proves very relaxing for the body. It is known for helping to physically and mentally calm users and is also known as a helpful antidote to depression and anxiety, both of which can be the initial causes of insomnia. If your depression or anxiety is keeping you up at night, a CBD/THC combination can be a helpful treatment.

It’s also recommended that you consume your medical marijuana via edibles as their effects tend to be the longest lasting of all the methods of consuming cannabis. If you’re good at baking, the process of cooking your own edibles can also be relaxing enough to help bring on sleepiness. Baking and cooking have been shown to be a therapeutic process, so coupling your medication with an activity that is naturally relaxing can be very helpful in curbing insomnia.

Depending on the cause of your insomnia, there is a medical marijuana strain out there that can help you. It’s very easy to feel as if you’re the only one suffering, but the fact is that the vast majority of adults will suffer from insomnia at some stage in their lives. Medical marijuana can be an effective treatment, and once you’ve found the best medical marijuana strain for you, it won’t be long before you’re counting sheep and fast asleep.

Anxiety can attack a person in many different ways. For people who suffer from generalized anxiety disorder, just being out and about, living a normal life, can be a real ordeal, whereas acute anxieties and phobias can render victims totally unable to face even rewarding activities, such as flying in a plane or asking an attractive stranger on a date. One way to cope with these crippling anxieties is to get a medical marijuana card online, and use your 420 card to acquire some of the MMJ strains that are especially good at alleviating the symptoms of anxiety.

Here is our list of the nine best MMJ strains for anxiety. 

Strawberry Cough

Many people report that certain MMJ strains, such as Strawberry Cough, help them enjoy being out in public.

This high-THC strain has a very uplifting high. It gives the user a real pep as well as some nice and relaxed psychoactive effects. Its energizing effects make it ideal for daytime use, as it leaves its user full of life and ready to get out into the world and connect with others, which is perfect for the person struggling with anxiety. Many people report that this strain makes them really enjoy being out in public, meeting people and chatting. It has a THC content of 18 percent and a lovely strawberry flavor. This strain makes you lively and alert while also maintaining a solid sense of control and calm — a great strain for the anxious patient to pick up with their medical card California.

Blue Dream

A high-THC hybrid that is very popular with cannabis card carrying anxiety sufferers, Blue Dream is predominantly sativa, so its effects are energizing and enlivening. This makes the user clear-headed, happy and eager to go out and be social. This strain has a nice little hint of indica in the mix, too, so the happy energy is accompanied by a pleasant calm and relaxed sensation in the body. Ahh … lovely.

Stress Killer

In times of high anxiety, a patient may benefit from certain MMJ strains such as Stress Killer, which brings on a mild, sedative high. This is a high-CBD strain with relatively low THC levels, so the effects are felt mostly in the body, and the mind is only lightly massaged by a very gentle psychoactive high. Stress Killer’s physically relaxing properties can be the perfect antidote to an acute case of nerves.

Alternative Cannabinoid Dietary Cannabis

Some MMJ strains are breed as a form of dietary marijuana.

ACDC, as you may have guessed from the catchy name, was bred specifically as a form of dietary marijuana. It is certainly good to cook with or juice, but it’s also great smoked or vaped. It is a high-CBD strain with minimal THC, so a very mild psychoactive high flutters above a very calm and relaxed physical demeanor. A clear mind operating inside a highly relaxed and mellow body is often a recipe for success, especially in a task that would otherwise provoke anxiety. ACDC is proving to be one of the very popular MMJ strains among anxious patients.

Harlequin

This solid and dependable strain of medical cannabis has a CBD to THC ratio of 5:2. It has quite a bodily high, but it leaves the mind pretty clear. Using Harlequin allows a patient to feel physically calm and relaxed without compromising rationality or the ability to think clearly in any big way.

Afghan Kush

For anxiety sufferers who like to knock themselves out from time to time, this potent indica is the ideal strain. With your California marijuana card, you can get Afghan Kush at all good dispensaries. It’s a favorite of big-time stoners the world over because its powerful punch brings on deep relaxation from the first hit. It is excellent at alleviating the symptoms of acute anxiety and bringing on a deep relaxation and dreamlike sense of calm. Best not to call your mother-in-law on this stuff.

Girl Scout Cookies

GSC is an iconic strain of herb that people from Amsterdam to Anaheim, California, to Afghanistan have been using to calm their nerves and enliven their mood for many years. It has a high THC content of approximately 25 percent, so it packs quite a psychoactive punch. A lot of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients with high anxiety use GSC to replenish their levels of a THC-like brain compound called anandamide, which studies have shown is often deficient in PTSD sufferers a

Catatonic

This pleasant high-CBD hybrid strain has a CBD to THC ratio of 1:1, so it is a very safe bet to use as a mild balm to cool the sting of anxiety feelings when they arise. This strain is relaxing without being overly strong, and it leaves the mind clear and focused.

Canna-Tsu

This strain is similar to Catatonic. It has a high CBD content that allows the patient to relax the body while maintaining an alert mind. The low THC content means you can focus on work while alleviating anxious bodily sensations. This is a practical anti-anxiety strain of medical cannabis.

If you have a medical marijuana card California, making cannabis oil at home is easy-peasy!

Cannabis oil is a potent substance that can be eaten, inhaled, or rubbed on topically. It is the foundation to many tasty edible marijuana recipes. The THC content in the oil brings on an enjoyable psychoactive effect when ingested, so it’s a great base for chocolate brownies!

Cannabis oil is also a potent medicine containing large amounts of healthy cannabinoids. The two cannabinoids with the strongest medicinal value are THC and CBD. Both are present in a well made cannabis oil. The oil can be used to treat a whole host of physiological and psychological conditions, including headache, insomnia, muscle pain, inflammation, arthritis, glaucoma, anxiety and depression. Cannabis oil can even have anti-cancer effects. Studies are suggesting that cannabinoids can inhibit tumor growth by disrupting the formation of new blood vessels that the tumors need to grow. Cannabinoids even seem to attack cancerous cells while leaving healthy cells intact. Go cannabinoids!

Using cannabis oil is a very effective way to get a high dose of health-promoting cannabinoids, because the refining process removes all of the plant material and leaves only pure oil behind. This oil contains high levels of THC and CBD, so it’s possible to consume higher doses of the healthy cannabinoids than if you smoke your medical cannabis.

It is definitely advisable to choose a high-quality strain of medical marijuana to make your cannabis oil with. If you have a cannabis card you can ask at your local dispensary which strain they recommend for making a nice and pure oil, or you can grow your own weed at home and use that. It is good to use an organic strain because otherwise the unpleasant chemical fertilizers and pesticides that are used in the growing process in some 420 card states will end up in your oil in concentrated levels. The purer the strain, the better.

It is important that you choose the right location to make your oil. You will need to find a well-ventilated and open space with windows and a gas or electric stove.

Step 1: Assemble the ingredients and tools you will need

You will be using are 1 ounce of medical marijuana, available with a California medical marijuana card, and 1 gallon of high proof alcohol, such as Everclear. Be certain to use alcohol that is intended for human consumption, do not use rubbing alcohol.

The tools you will need are 1 medium glass or ceramic mixing bowl, a wooden spoon, a straining device such as a muslin bag, cheesecloth or coffee filter paired with a mesh strainer, a container to catch liquid, a silicon spatula, a double boiler, a plastic syringe, and glass jars.

At various stages in the process you will need to wear a respirator mask, non-latex gloves, safety glasses and oven mitts.

Step 2: Extract the cannabinoids from the cannabis

Soak the cannabis buds in the alcohol by putting the MMJ into the ceramic bowl and submerging it in the pure alcohol. Stir and mash the mixture with the wooden spoon for about 3 minutes. Strain the mixture, letting the dark green cannabis infused alcohol pour into the second container while trapping the solid mash in the strainer.

Step 3: Do a second strain

Put the mashed up contents of the strainer back into the first bowl, submerge in fresh alcohol and mix and mash for another 3 minutes. Then strain the new mixture and add the remaining green liquid to the green liquid from the first strain.

Why not invite your friends round to help you make the cannabis oil?

Step 4: Boil off the alcohol from the green liquid in a double boiler

Fill the bottom half of the double boiler with water, and pour the dark green liquid into the top section. Put the double boiler on the stove and bring the water in the bottom section to the boil. Once the water is boiling it will begin to heat the green liquid. Once the green liquid is bubbling the alcohol will begin to evaporate. Let the contents bubble away at a low heat, occasionally scraping the sides and bottom of the top section with your spatula. When the liquid stops bubbling and becomes a thick, dark green syrup, all the alcohol has evaporated and your cannabis oil is ready! Remove the top section of the double boiler and allow the oil to cool.

Step 4: Fill glass jars or syringes with cannabis oil

Draw the cannabis oil into the plastic syringe by pulling on the plunger. Transfer the oil from the syringe into a clean glass jar with an airtight lid.

Step 5: Store in a cool, dark place

Keep the oil in the airtight glass jars in a cool, dark cabinet. The oil gets hard in cool temperatures, so gently warm the oil to turn it back into liquid before use.

Enjoy!

In today’s world of constant stimulation from social media, email, text messages and phone calls, rising job insecurity, and both national and international tension, stress is at an all-time high. Feelings of stress or anxiety release cortisol – the stress hormone. Cortisol plays a significant role helping us deal with stress by shutting down unnecessary functions, like reproduction and the immune system, so that the body may direct all focus toward dealing with the stress. The functions of cortisol are beneficial in their natural state, believe it or not, but they are supposed to be temporary, lasting just long enough to narrow your focus on dealing with the stressor by fighting or fleeing. However, modern-day stressors are complicated and often resolution cannot be found with fight nor flight. So we live out lives on a constant supply of cortisol which leads to high blood pressure, less sleep, sickness and disease, loss of muscle and bone density, loss of hair, and neurodegeneration. It’s obvious then, that we should avoid stress as much as possible, but in those situations where it is inescapable, how do we go about reducing stress, how do we ensure we have down time, how do we ensure we relax? Well, one of the best ways we know of is to use medical marijuana.

But with an almost endless supply of strains, each producing its own unique set of effects inside the body, it can be a slow and arduous process of elimination trying to find the elixir of relaxation. That’s why we’ve written this article to help you find the best of the best medical marijuana strain for relaxing so you can get right to the smoking, eating, or drinking the potent plant. 

Fancy a calm blue ocean in your mind? Get the right medical marijuana strain and you just might find it.

Don’t Strain For a Strain!

In deciding on a strain, a knowledge of THC and CBD and the difference between the two is the most important thing, so that’s what we’ll go into first.

The strands available – indica, sativa, and hybrids – all contain a whole host of cannabinoids. In fact, there are at least 113 different cannabinoids isolated from cannabis, each responsible for distinct effects in the body. A cannabinoid is a class of chemical compounds that acts on cannabinoid receptors (involved in a variety of physiological processes including appetite, pain, mood, and memory) in cells that alter neurotransmitter release in the brain. THC is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid of cannabis – responsible for the high as well as being anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antiemetic. However, those suffering from anxiety, paranoia or those with a propensity toward mental illness are likely to react poorly to the psychoactive THC. In fact, unless your particular ailment calls for it, we recommend finding a strain lower in THC and higher in CBD.    

Cannabidiol (CBD) is another major component of the plant and the one accountable for many of the medicinal properties. Scientists say that CBD modulates electrical and chemical activity thereby quieting the excessive activity in the brain that causes seizures. Users of strains high in CBD describe a cerebral high and studies have shown that it is an anti-psychotic likely to help with stress, anxiety, mental illness, and behavioral issues.     

As we just mentioned, there are two main species of marijuana: sativa and indica, as well as also hybrids of the two. Both come with a unique smell, taste, and strength profile. Sativa has a fruity, sweet aroma while indica tends to have an acrid, stinky odor. But the most important distinction between the plants is the amounts of THC and CBD in them. Plants with high levels of THC are typically considered indica; while plants with high levels of CBD are typically considered sativa.

Sativa increases creativity, energy, and serotonin (a neurotransmitter that is responsible for the maintenance of mood balance and plays a huge role in the prevention of depression) with its high concentration of CBD.

Make sure that you purchase the correct medical marijuana strain to help you live a stressless life.

Note: Asking your local dispensary about specific strains for relaxation will help pinpoint your ideal strain, but nothing beats a bit of experimenting: each of us has a different composition and, as such, will react uniquely to each strain in ways that may differ from expectations garnered from the norm.  But below are our two favorite strains for relieving anxiety.

White Widow (Hybrid)

A cross between a South American Sativa and an Indian indica, this strain creates a sense of euphoria and positivity making it ideal for those who suffer from generalized anxiety, PTSD, and depression.

OG Kush (Hybrid)

Possibly the most popular hybrid is OG Kush. It creates a gentle elation ideal for users with extreme anxiety and PTSD. Not so relaxing you are left bed-ridden: this is high-functioning stuff.

So now you know how to find yourself the ideal medical marijuana strain to leave you relaxed and happy. Make sure you have your medical marijuana card so you can start to benefit from the drug’s long list of health benefits.

Despite the fact that a raft of new states voted to legalize medical marijuana, and many voted to legalize even recreational use of the drug, there is still a lot of controversy surrounding cannabis use in the United States. The herb is still illegal at a federal level, and simply crossing a state line with your medical marijuana can turn you from a law abiding citizen into a felon with the potential to do some actual jail time.

The nation is now a patchwork of legal and illegal states. Many forward-looking jurisdictions have opened their eyes to the medicinal benefits of this ancient plant and are issuing suitable patients with an mm card. Unfortunately, many other jurisdictions are still convinced that pot is the devil’s pubic hair – poisonous, maddening, and deeply evil.

So why the controversy? Why do different states, and even different people, look at marijuana in such a different way?

Physicians of the 19th century had a great deal less complicated, synthetic, expensive (and massively profitable) pharmaceutical drugs at their disposal. But one treatment they relied heavily on, to treat labor pains, asthma, nervous disorders, sexual dysfunction, and even colicky babies, was a fluid extract of “Indian hemp extractums”, also known as Cannabis Indica. In the late 1800s marijuana was considered a “superstar” drug in America and Europe, with over 100 scientific studies published in the 19th century verifying its effectiveness.

MMJ was the most popular medicinal drug for much of the 19th century in America, only being overtaken slightly by morphine and aspirin towards the end of the century.

There are a lot of half-truths and myths surrounding medical marijuana use.

All was well. But then dark forces stepped in…

In 1937 the Marijuana Tax Act was introduced. This made possession, sale or transfer of cannabis within the United States illegal, apart from a few industrial exemptions which were massively taxed. This was a sad day in American legal history because the bill was passed based on extremely shaky evidence that dubiously suggested marijuana was addictive and lead to antisocial behavior. Preston Peet, in his book ‘Under the Influence: The Disinformation Guide to Drugs’ suggests that the real purpose of the prohibition on cannabis was to destroy the hemp industry, making synthetic fiber more valuable and enriching the fat cats who owned the synthetic fiber patents. Was it an early taste of how brutally, nation-destroyingly effective Washington lobbyists would become?

This new prohibition on marijuana really muddied the waters and confused a nation about the possible effects, good or bad, of marijuana. It lead to generations of people assuredly, proudly, fearfully, but ignorantly, exclaiming that weed ‘sent people crazy!’ and was a harmful ‘gateway drug’ that made people violent, destitute, and demented. Misinformation was peddled at a national level and millions of people were successfully brainwashed.

Thankfully we are now managing to claw our way, as a nation (some states quicker than others), out from underneath that particular rock. The light is bright, too bright for some, but we are slowly getting used to it.

A Renaissance is taking place. Rafts of genuine studies are being done, and the truth about marijuana and the medicinal benefits of using a California medical marijuana card are becoming irrefutably clear.

In the last few decades a host of studies have been done that show medical marijuana to have massive potential in treating a myriad of ailments and diseases. Conditions as diverse as nausea, anxiety disorder, vomiting, premenstrual syndrome, insomnia, migraines, multiple sclerosis, muscle spasms, spinal cord injuries, alcohol abuse, arthritis, asthma, atherosclerosis, bipolar disorder, depression, Huntington’s disease, sickle-cell disease, Parkinson’s disease, sleep apnea, Alzheimer’s disease, glaucoma, PTSD, and anorexia nervosa have all been successfully treated with the use of a 420 card.

Excitingly, it is looking promising that cannabinoids may also be a useful weapon in the battle against cancer, both its prevention and its treatment. Many studies on laboratory animals have now shown that cannabinoids can inhibit tumor growth. They appear to kill tumor cells without harming the surrounding healthy cells, mainly by inhibiting the process of angiogenesis, which is the formation of new blood vessels that tumors need in order to grow. This gives cannabinoids an advantage over chemotherapy, because the latter tends to destroy healthy cells as well as cancerous cells.

Studies have demonstrated that cannabinoids can be effective in killing cells from many types of cancers, including lung, thyroid, leukemia, skin, uterus, breast, colorectal, stomach, pancreatic, prostate, as well as a type of brain cancer called glioblastoma.

This is all very positive news and is adding to medical marijuana’s new, positive image.

Many doctors and physicians in medical cannabis-friendly states are now more willing than ever to learn about the benefits of MMJ, and are more open minded to prescribing their patients cannabis cards, than at any time since the late 19th century.

After almost 80 years of controversy, ignorance, and misinformation, this versatile and useful plant is coming in from the cold and taking its rightful, and uncontroversial, place at the top table of modern medicine.

You may be thinking that marijuana is marijuana regardless of how it gets into your system, but you’d be sorely mistaken. Smoking, eating, and drinking medical marijuana creates different strength profiles and each process has hugely varying half-lives. And therefore, the type of ailments that each form of ingestion is best suited to treating differs greatly. The two most common forms of marijuana consumption are smoking and eating. Knowing exactly how each form works in the body allows you to make an informed decision as to which is most appropriate to your needs. This article is going to give you the ability to make that informed decision. The only other thing you need to stock up on MMJ is a medical marijuana, card which can be purchased online. Without further ado, let’s get into the differences between smoking and eating marijuana!

Whether you’re more suited to smoking or eating MMJ will depend on your tolerance, preference and ailments.

The Science

There are two places where THC can be processed: in the brain and in the liver. Where THC is processed is dependant on how it enters the system. Eaten cannabis gets metabolized by the liver. Smoked or vaporized cannabis is instead absorbed by the lungs and moves to the THC receptors in the brain.

Getting from edible cannabis to cannabinoids being released through the blood is a slow process – taking between 60 and 120 minutes. The metabolizing of these cannabinoids in the liver happens below the surface with no effects presenting themselves until the cannabinoids are released into the blood plasma. Once released, the effects can last anywhere from four to six hours.

The delayed onset of edible marijuana can mean that inexperienced users may consume too high of a dosage as they confuse the delayed onset with low potency. This can lead to folk to have extremely poor experiences that take many hours to subside. Due to the difficulty in titration with edibles, we recommend the lowest dose possible to achieve therapeutic effects. And from there you can work toward your sweet spot. Patience is key here.

As well as producing a longer-lasting high, eating marijuana produces a much stronger high. This means consumption rates and dosage amounts can be reduced. Many people become interested in edibles because they don’t enjoy the harsh experience of smoking or are worried about the long-term health effects associated with it – this is particularly true of those with lung conditions. Let’s not forget that every drug that has positive effects on the body, also comes with a slew of negative effects – some of which may seem non-existent because they are undetectable. Medical marijuana is no different. So for those requiring frequent marijuana consumption in order to temporarily reduce the effects of chronic pain, or to help with epilepsy etc, having a method to reduce daily dosage while increasing the length and potency of the drug is hugely helpful: meaning they are able to tap into the benefits with much less risk.

Due to the way cannabinoids are metabolised in the liver, in order to have the release of the psychoactive effects of cannabis when eating it, marijuana needs to be heated in some way with a form of fat. You won’t feel a high if you eat it straight without preparation as the digestive system is unable to process THC directly. THC is fat soluble. So cooking with fat – olive oil, coconut oil, butter –  will release the THC from the cannabis and allow it to bind with the fat. Once bound to fat, THC becomes processable by the liver. On top of this, it becomes palatable (don’t try eating raw cannabis unless you are seeking tastebud misery).

Brownies aren’t the only form of edible MMJ…but they might be the tastiest!

Though edible marijuana is often associated with brownies, or a similar assortment of divine, sugary deserts, almost anything you can think of can be infused with cannabis. It has a strong taste, however, so ensure it doesn’t overpower the other ingredients being experimenting with dosage and dishes.     

On the other hand, the effects of smoked marijuana can be felt within seconds. Smoking marijuana gets THC into the blood much faster and at higher concentrations, but it dissipates far sooner too. This allows even the greenest of users to stop before the point of no return. For this reason, we prepose starting with smoking and moving onto edibles if it suits your ailment or your preferences.

And there you have it, the difference between smoking and eating medical marijuana! Pick whichever suits you and your ailment or settle for a combination of the two. But whatever you do, make sure you have your medical marijuana card before you attempt to purchase. The easiest and quickest way to get your medical marijuana card is online. Happy smoking/eating!