Medical marijuana is derived from the dried buds of the marijuana plant. People have smoked marijuana buds for centuries, and recently, various research studies have discovered the medicinal benefits of marijuana.
Although the federal government still considers marijuana illegal, several states have legalized medical marijuana to help patients manage various symptoms such as chronic pain, nausea, epilepsy, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, anxiety, etc. However, EPIDOLEX used to treat some seizure disorders is the one cannabis-derived medicine approved by FDA, the US agency that regulates drugs.
Read to find out more about medical marijuana.
The key compounds of medical marijuana?
Generally, marijuana has chemical compounds known as cannabinoids, but the key ingredients found in medical marijuana include cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the psychoactive element that leads to the high, while CBD does not have any mind-altering effects. Researchers focus on these two compounds believed to have health benefits.
The different types of medical marijuana
Before you type the best dispensary near me for medical cannabis, it is best to familiarize yourself with the different forms of medical marijuana. Medical marijuana comes in flowers, oils, tinctures, capsules, topicals, and edibles. That means you can smoke the buds, take a cannabis pill, inhale the vaporized spray or eat marijuana edibles such as cookies. But all the forms differ in dosages, how often you use them, the experience, and the side effects you are likely to feel.
What does medical marijuana treat?
Although state Marijuana laws differ, your doctor may recommend medical marijuana if you have chronic pain, severe nausea, Crohn’s disease, Alzheimer’s, cancer, ALS, AIDS, multiple sclerosis, seizures, epilepsy, hepatitis, and post-traumatic stress. More research is also underway to determine the full benefits of medical marijuana. Thankfully, online sites such as Ayr wellness Instagram can help you learn more about medical marijuana.
How medical marijuana works on your body
According to research, the human body has cannabinoid receptors in the immune system and the brain. So the specific components in medical marijuana interact with your body through these receptors, but more studies are underway to ascertain that.
FDA approved forms of medical marijuana
The FDA-approved forms of medical marijuana you will find in licensed dispensaries Epidolex used to treat two rare types of epilepsy. Other than that FDA has approved three synthetic marijuana-related products: Cesamet (nabilone), syndors (dronabinol), and Marinol (dronabinol).
Are there any risks of medical marijuana?
The risks for medical marijuana have more to do with the type of medical marijuana product you use. For instance, smoking marijuana exposes you to respiratory health problems such as chronic cough. It can also affect the unborn baby if you use it while pregnant. Various studies have also shown a relationship between marijuana and psychotic problems like schizophrenia. So you need to consult with your doctor when using medical marijuana constantly.
How do you get it?
If medical marijuana is legal in your location, you can purchase it from a medical marijuana dispensary as long as you are 21years and have a medical marijuana card. Generally, the cannabis regulations differ depending on the state.