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

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!

Featured image by Esther Ann on Unsplash

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.

Featured image by stevepb on Pixabay

COVID-19 is a serious illness, especially when it comes to how it can impact the health of the lungs. Many people who dose with MMJ do so through smoking or vaping, which can also affect the lungs. Understandably, you may be wondering: is it safe to dose with MMJ if you have coronavirus? Here’s everything you need to know.

Are MMJ Users More At Risk From COVID-19?

Since COVID-19 attacks the lungs, and since inhaled substances can have an impact on the respiratory system, it makes sense to stop smoking MMJ if you have coronavirus. Researchers have found that cannabis smoke causes irritation to the lungs as well as microscopic injury to the tiny cells that line the lungs. When you expose lung tissues to smoke, you can increase the body’s inflammatory response – something that can be a problem if you have coronavirus.

While healthy people may easily handle the lung irritation that comes from smoking MMJ, a person with coronavirus may not be able to. That’s why it’s important to keep irritants to your lungs to a minimum if you’ve been diagnosed with COVID-19.

It’s also important to note that bronchitis is an established side effect of inhaling cannabis smoke. That’s why some regular users will develop chest congestion and a cough. These symptoms are normally temporary, but during a pandemic that impacts the health of the lungs, it can be a good idea to avoid cannabis smoke.

Other risk factors for lung injury include:

• Your age
• Whether you have allergies or not
• Whether you have other issues such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or an autoimmune disease that puts you at higher risk

Image by Roberto Valdivia on Unsplash: Researchers don’t yet know the exact relationship between cannabis and coronavirus.

Should You Be Smoking MMJ If You Have SARS-CoV-2?

Vaping may seem less dangerous than smoking, but the truth is that the ways vaping impacts the health of the lungs simply isn’t known. Plus, some vape cartridges have been thinned with polyethylene glycol or vitamin E acetate, which can destroy lung tissue. (If you’re buying your MMJ cartridges from a legitimate MMJ dispensary, chances are you won’t run into those products.)

If you do choose to vape, make sure it’s with a device that allows for temperature control, since higher temperatures can damage the lung tissue. You can further reduce harm by:

• Using a flower vaporizer in place of a vape pen
• Washing your hands before and after you vape
• Sterilizing the mouthpiece between inhalations with alcohol
• Keeping temperatures for vaping low – around 390 degrees Fahrenheit
• Vaping outside and away from others
• Taking small doses of vapor instead of larger ones to help reduce coughing

Precautions If You’ve Been Diagnosed With COVID-19

If you have been diagnosed with coronavirus, you will need to take precautions to ensure you don’t spread it to others. That means you shouldn’t share any type of device used to dose MMJ.

You should also try to reduce your chances of coughing when dosing, since that can send infected droplets through the air. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after you sneeze, cough, or touch your face. And be sure not to share small spaces with others in your household, especially the bathroom.

Should You Abstain From MMJ With Coronavirus?

There’s no reason not to dose with MMJ safely if you have COVID-19, as long as you explore other ways to take it that don’t involve inhaling. Think about shifting to edibles while sick – you don’t want to miss out on MMJ’s therapeutic benefits while you’re ill, such as:

• Helping to control inflammation
• Helping with anxiety
• Helping to deal with pain and discomfort

There is some evidence that MMJ may also help you to breathe better in small doses, as well as help to quell the inflammatory response called a cytokine storm that has been dangerous to many coronavirus patients.

If you have coronavirus, go ahead and dose with MMJ as you ensure you’re resting appropriately to help your body to heal.

Image by Kimzy Nanney on Unsplash: Can cannabis and CBD affect coronavirus? It’s possible.

CBD Oil And Coronavirus

CBD oil has some established antibacterial and antiviral properties, but its best feature is that it helps to control inflammation. Coronavirus ravages the body through inflammation, so anything that can help to reduce overall inflammation is a good thing.

Coronavirus is scary, but it doesn’t mean you should stop therapeutically taking MMJ. You may want to adjust the delivery method with the health of your lungs in mind, but overall, MMJ just might help to keep you healthy.

Featured image by Martin Sanchez on Unsplash

Glaucoma is a painful medical condition that affects the optic nerve. Glaucoma occurs when intraocular pressure – increased pressure in the eye caused by a buildup of fluid – irritates and damages to the optic nerve. This buildup of fluid is usually caused by a blockage in the mesh-like channel that the naturally occurring fluid, known as aqueous humor, flows out through.

Glaucoma is a painful condition and can sometimes lead to sight loss and even blindness. So can MMJ treat glaucoma? And if so, exactly how does medical marijuana help glaucoma? Put simply, glaucoma patients can use medical cannabis to lower intraocular pressure. This reduction in IOP greatly reduces the painful symptoms of glaucoma.

If you’ve been wondering “Can a medical marijuana recommendation help glaucoma?”, read on for all you need to know.

Image by analogicus on Pixabay: Many older glaucoma patients use medical cannabis.

Does Glaucoma Count As A Qualifying Condition For A Medical Marijuana Recommendation?

In the vast majority of legal MMJ states, glaucoma counts as a qualifying condition for a medical marijuana recommendation. Glaucoma was one of the first medical conditions that health care professionals realized could benefit a lot from treatment with MMJ.

What Are The Symptoms of Glaucoma?

The symptoms of glaucoma include eye pain, nausea, headache, blurred vision, sight loss, visual disturbance, and reddening of the eye. Glaucoma patients and medical cannabis can go hand in hand, with MMJ helping to alleviate the painful symptoms of the condition when used correctly.

Who Usually Suffers From Glaucoma?

Before we answer the question “Can MMJ treat glaucoma?”, here is a list of people who are most likely to suffer from the condition:

• People over 40
• People with a family history of glaucoma
• People of African, Irish, Japanese, Russian, Hispanic, Innuit, or Scandinavian heritage
• People with diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure
• People with high eye pressure, or who have suffered an injury to the eye

How Does Medical Marijuana Help Glaucoma?

A medical marijuana recommendation can help treat glaucoma because MMJ lowers intraocular pressure. Cannabinoid receptors are myriad in ocular tissue and they play a large role in pressure reduction. Because intraocular pressure causes the painful symptoms as well as long-term eye damage associated with glaucoma, lowering IOP by ingesting medical marijuana helps glaucoma patients to feel more comfortable and to stave off long-term sight loss.

What Are The Limitations Of Medical Marijuana As A Treatment For Glaucoma?

MMJ cannot cure glaucoma; it can only alleviate the symptoms of the condition. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe MMJ for glaucoma because they believe the health risks involved in smoking outweigh the benefits of symptom reduction for glaucoma sufferers. This can be mitigated by ingesting medical marijuana in other ways, such as through vaping or edibles.

Another limitation when treating glaucoma with medical marijuana is that the intraocular pressure-lowering effect of MMJ only lasts for about four hours, so MMJ needs to be ingested regularly throughout the day and night to maintain the positive IOP-reducing effects.

Which Medical Marijuana Strains Are Best For Treating Glaucoma?

Glaucoma patients consistently rate certain medical cannabis strains as being most effective for treating their condition. These strains are:

• Sour Diesel
• Tesla Tower
• Sour Grape
• Bubba Kush
• Girl Scout Cookies
• Blue Dream

All of these strains have robust pain-killing properties and are also effective at reducing intraocular pressure.

Image by 7raysmarketing on Pixabay: Can MMJ treat glaucoma? Research indicates that it can definitely help!

How Can I Get Medical Marijuana For Glaucoma?

You can get MMJ to treat your glaucoma by first getting a medical marijuana card. Once you have an MMJ card for glaucoma, you can then purchase MMJ products from your local dispensaries, or depending on what state you live in, you can cultivate your MMJ for glaucoma at home.

Where Can You Get Further Information About Medical Marijuana And Glaucoma?

If you want to learn more about how a medical marijuana recommendation helps glaucoma, it is best to go to your local dispensary and ask the staff. In 2020, MMJ dispensaries not only dispense MMJ products, but also knowledge and education. The MMJ market is now super-competitive and dispensaries try to set themselves apart by offering the best service possible. A big part of this is providing cutting-edge information and education to their customers, so take advantage of this!

What Medical Marijuana Dosage Is Best For Treating Glaucoma?

There are many ways to ingest medical marijuana for glaucoma. As mentioned earlier, the intraocular pressure-reducing effect of MMJ only lasts for about four hours, so it is necessary to ingest MMJ regularly to get a constant effect. Glaucoma patients often choose to use medical cannabis by vaping or in the form of edibles, to avoid the health risks associated with smoking.

How Can You Get A Medical Marijuana Card For Glaucoma?

The best way to get an MMJ card for glaucoma is to have an online consultation with a medical professional through MMJRecs. This can be done quickly, from the comfort of your own home. Once the consultation is complete, the medical professional will recommend a medical marijuana card for glaucoma, and this will enable you to begin treatment with MMJ.

Featured image by Skitterphoto on Pixabay

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.