In the Sunshine State, medical marijuana is legally available for patients with certain qualifying medical conditions. Medical marijuana offers healing effects against neuropathic pain, tremors, muscular spasticity, and seizures that result from the mentioned illnesses. Patients must, however, get certified for cannabis use with the help of Florida’s health department to use Cannabis lawfully. Also, getting a medical recommendation from a competent marijuana doctor is crucial in the process. With a recommendation and an active card, you can buy cannabis for medical uses.
In this article, we will delve deep to explain how you can use medical marijuana for neurological disorders.
Qualifying Neurological Conditions and Cannabis Use
In the Sunshine State, several neurological disorders are eligible for medical marijuana (MMJ) use. Some of these qualifying neurological disorders include:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Epilepsy
- Parkinson’s disease
- Huntington’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Spinal cord injury or disease causing spasticity
- Chronic non-malignant pain
Patients need to consult with their healthcare providers to determine if MMJ is a suitable treatment option for their specific neurological condition.
How can Medical Marijuana Cope with ND?
With the healing effects and efficacy to deal with symptoms of specific health issues, medical marijuana is among the best drug alternatives. Let us look at how marijuana can effectively manage specific ND.
Epilepsy
For epilepsy, particularly treatment-resistant forms, MMJ, specifically CBD (cannabidiol), has shown promise in reducing the frequency and severity of seizures. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the brain, which helps regulate neuronal activity.
Research suggests that CBD may modulate neurotransmitter release and decrease neuronal hyperexcitability, leading to fewer seizures in some patients. However, you must note that CBD is not a cure for epilepsy and should not be used without proper medical guidance and supervision.
Thus, consulting a healthcare professional to determine if CBD is a suitable treatment option and to develop a safe and effective treatment plan is necessary.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
In MS, MMJ can help manage symptoms such as muscle spasticity, neuropathic pain, and bladder dysfunction. Both THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing spasticity and pain associated with MS. THC acts as a muscle relaxant. At the same time, CBD possesses anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce neuropathic pain.
Parkinson’s Disease
Although research is in its infancy regarding cannabis use for Parkinson’s, some studies reveal that Cannabis can aid with some of its symptoms. In Parkinson’s disease, MMJ may provide relief from symptoms like tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia.
THC and CBD’s neuroprotective properties have been of interest in Parkinson’s research, potentially slowing the progression of the disease. Additionally, MMJ’s anti-inflammatory effects may mitigate neuroinflammation, which causes the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in Parkinson’s.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
MMJ can help manage symptoms associated with ALS, including muscle spasticity, pain, and appetite loss. THC’s muscle-relaxing properties can reduce spasticity, while both THC and CBD may help ease pain and stimulate appetite, improving the quality of life for ALS patients.
Huntington’s Disease
MMJ may offer symptomatic relief in Huntington’s disease by reducing chorea (involuntary movements), anxiety, and depression. THC’s neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects may help mitigate the progression of neurodegeneration in Huntington’s, potentially slowing symptom onset and severity.
Chronic Nonmalignant Pain
MMJ is used to manage chronic nonmalignant pain associated with various neurological conditions, including those mentioned above. THC and CBD have analgesic effects that can help reduce neuropathic pain, muscle spasms, and inflammatory pain. They can provide relief and improve the overall life quality of patients.
It is important to note that while MMJ shows promise in managing symptoms of these neurological disorders, individual responses may vary, and further research is needed to understand its efficacy and long-term effects.
Therefore, you must contact healthcare providers to develop personalized treatment plans considering your medical history, symptoms, and needs.
Finding the best dispensaries for cannabis purchase
To purchase medical Cannabis, you must have an MMJ card. With your card, you can buy marijuana from licensed dispensaries. You can follow the given steps to locate an MMJ dispensary in the Sunshine State:
- Take help from the Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) website.
- Use the search feature to find licensed MMJ dispensaries by county or city.
- Check online directories or apps dedicated to MMJ dispensaries in Florida.
- Ask your recommending physician for recommendations on nearby dispensaries.
- Explore community resources or advocacy groups focused on medical marijuana for additional recommendations.
With the help of licensed marijuana doctors, you can apply for your card to access Cannabis in Florida. It must be noted that Cannabis is not safe for self-medication as it can have adverse effects. Thus, contacting an MMJ doctor is necessary.
The Takeaway
Medical marijuana holds promise as an alternative drug for managing neurological disorders. Although more research is required in this field, certain studies reveal its effectiveness for neurological disorders. Thus, you can speak with a licensed doctor to get your medical marijuana card and begin medical cannabis use.