More people than ever are considering medical marijuana to treat health conditions such as anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and more. Some patients may be hesitant about using it, though, because of the potential high associated with marijuana use.
Recreational users seek out marijuana varieties that cause the high. Medical marijuana patients can receive effective treatment from marijuana strains and delivery methods that are designed with their needs in mind. In other words, you do not need to get high to receive the benefits of medical marijuana.
With guidance from a local doctor who specializes in medical cannabis treatment, Florida residents can safely use medical marijuana for the treatment of anxiety. To further alleviate any concerns, it helps to know the facts on medical marijuana and what sets it apart from recreational marijuana.
The Facts on Medical Marijuana
Patients new to the world of medical marijuana may find it overwhelming. Sorting through the myths and stereotypes around medical cannabis helps many patients feel more at ease with medical cannabis. Here are the facts:
- Although there are thousands of chemical compounds in medical marijuana, the two main compounds are cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
- CBD will not get you high. Research has shown it to be calming, so patients may feel less stressed and more relaxed, but they will not feel any other psychoactive side effects from using CBD.
- CBD oils made from hemp have negligible levels of THC (less than 3 percent). CBD oils derived from a whole marijuana plant may have higher levels of THC.
- CBD has numerous health benefits. These benefits include:
- Lowering anxiety
- Lessening depression
- Alleviating insomnia
- Easing nausea
- Stimulating appetite
- Reducing seizures
- Reducing pain
- CBD is so safe and effective that the Federal Drug Administration has recently approved the first prescription medication based on CBD (Epidiolex).
- THC has therapeutic properties. Although THC may be best known for its psychoactive properties, many medical marijuana patients use cannabis strains with THC because of its many medical benefits. These benefits include:
- Lowering anxiety
- Relieving pain
- Alleviating insomnia
- Reducing inflammation
- CBD can dampen the psychoactive effects of THC. Medical cannabis varieties often have both CBD and THC. In the right ratio, this allows medical marijuana patients to take full advantage of the benefits of both compounds without experiencing any high, as CBD can lower the psychoactive effects of THC. A knowledgeable medical cannabis doctor can recommend the best THC:CBD ratio for your needs.
- Patients do not have to smoke medical marijuana. To use medical marijuana for anxiety in Florida, though, patients may want to use a delivery method that impacts the whole body, such as vaping or a tincture. Vaping heats the marijuana without burning it, allowing patients to inhale it without the side effects associated with smoking. Tinctures are liquids that patients administer under the tongue using a dropper.
Medical marijuana is safe, effective, and gives patients the ability to enjoy their lives more fully, without being held back by conditions such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia. The key to avoiding the high of marijuana and taking full advantage of its therapeutic benefits is consulting an experienced medical cannabis physician, such as Dr. Daniel P. Stein at Neurology of Cannabis in Sarasota, Florida.
Professional Medical Marijuana Advice
Dr. Stein founded Neurology of Cannabis to provide medical marijuana advice and treatment recommendations in a professional, friendly setting. He has more than 25 years of medical experience and completed his fellowship training at the prestigious National Institute of Health in Immunology of Neuromuscular Disease.
Patients who are concerned about the potential side effects of medical cannabis, such as feeling high, can openly share these concerns with Dr. Stein and his staff during their visit. A visit with Dr. Stein includes:
- Completing intake forms. These forms ask about the patient’s medical history, current medications, and the reasons why the patient is seeking medical cannabis. Patients concerned about medical cannabis side effects can indicate their concerns on their intake forms.
- A review of medical records. Dr. Stein reviews patient medical records to have a complete understanding of their background and how medical marijuana can assist them.
- A discussion with Doctor. Dr. Stein will ask the patient questions about their medical history and health conditions. Patients can ask Dr. Stein any questions they have regarding medical marijuana treatment, including concerns about potential side effects.
- A medical marijuana treatment plan. With their concerns and needs in mind, Dr. Stein formulates a medical marijuana treatment plan.
With their treatment plan in hand, Dr. Stein’s office staff will help patients navigate the process of completing the state-required medical marijuana application. Dr. Stein and his staff are available once patients leave, though, to answer questions or alleviate concerns about medical cannabis treatment.
It can take time to find the right dosage and delivery method for each medical marijuana patient. That is why Neurology of Cannabis uses a simple pricing model for its patients. For an annual fee of $250, patients receive their initial visit and certification, their six-month recertification, medication renewals, and access to office staff for medication adjustments, and for answers to any questions they may have.
Patients who are navigating the medical marijuana process for the first time may be nervous, and that is understandable. With the professional assistance of Dr. Stein and his friendly staff, though, patients get the guidance they need to reduce their anxiety and live fuller, happier lives. Contact Neurology of Cannabis today to get started on your path to peace of mind.
