Medical Marijuana has been a hot button issue over the last few years. As doctors and patients have found it to be an excellent alternative to opioids and other prescription drugs, the public at large has found itself in the midst of a debate over its use. Should it be lawful? How does one regulate such a product? Is it really effective? Is it addictive? While these are all questions that should be addressed, it is easy to get lost in the minutia surrounding the debate and this is not why we are here today. Rather than address these topics, we are going to focus on the health benefits of medical grade marijuana and why it can be so beneficial for those suffering from a number of debilitating diseases.
On January 3, 2017, the state of Florida implemented Amendment 2 which allows for the use of medical marijuana for certain health conditions. It is important to note that while the use of medical marijuana is legal within the state of Florida it is not a federal law, so patients must be sure to use it wisely and stay informed of their rights. The process to obtain a prescription for medical marijuana is heavily regulated and only certain diseases and ailments qualify. According to the Florida Department of Health Office of Medical Marijuana Use the following conditions qualify:
- Cancer
- ALS
- Glaucoma
- Epilepsy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- HIV/AIDS
- Crohn’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Comparable conditions as diagnosed by a physician
- Chronic pain caused by any of the above conditions
- A terminal diagnosis that has been made by a physician other than the one prescribing
The pain and disruption of a debilitating illness are enough to disrupt the quality of life in anyone. When you add the additional tasks of daily life into the mix, it can become incredibly challenging for those who are suffering to cope. This is why medical grade marijuana is so important to those who are in the midst of a health battle.
According to a post from Harvard Health, medical grade marijuana utilizes CBD, cannabidiol, and is extracted from the hemp plant. It contains little, if any, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, the chemical that gives a “high” to users). It is incredibly useful for the management of pain, however. It has been proven highly effective in the treatment of epilepsy, provides relief to nerve pain, and because it acts as a muscle relaxant, has given relief to patients suffering from tremors due to Parkinson’s disease. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. PTSD patients report significant improvement through the use of CBD. Those suffering from nausea and weight loss due to their ailments have experienced improvement through its use. In short, medical marijuana has given hope and life to many patients who have been searching for hope.
If you are suffering from any of the qualifying condition and think that medical marijuana could assist you, please contact Fountain of You Med Spa in Melbourne, FL today. Dr. Zipper has the ability to provide patients with a recommendation for the use of medical marijuana provided they have a legitimate diagnosis. You do not have to suffer in silence. You do not have to settle for opioids and the like for pain management. There may be a better way for you.
