Common Medical Conditions That Qualify for a Medical Marijuana Card

Medical marijuana is an pivotal treatment option for many kinds of ailments. Most patient require a medical marijuana card in order to acquire it legally, having qualified under certain medical conditions enumerated in the applicable state laws. The blog will discuss some of the most common medical conditions under which a patient qualifies for a medical marijuana card and explain why cannabis is used in treatment.

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is likely the most common indication for patients asking for medical marijuana. Chronic pain conditions can range from back trauma to arthritis, fibromyalgia, and neuropathy and often involve chronic pain that does not fully respond to conventional medications. Medical cannabis has been shown to lessen pain perception in its users, improve their quality of life, and help to reduce their use of opioids, which are incredibly dangerous both because they are addictive and as prescription medications.

Cancer

Most cancer patients are probably capable of getting a medical marijuana card to lessen the signs and symptoms of their disorder and its treatment. Chemotherapy can cause nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite, all of which hashish can relieve to some extent. A few initial studies have cautioned that hashish compounds can also have anti-tumour benefits, but additional studies are needed.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple sclerosis (MS), as one may say, is a neurological disease affecting the brain and spinal cord, giving rise to symptoms such as muscle spasms, stiffness, pain, and mobility problems. Medical marijuana works to reduce spasticity and thereby increases mobility for a person suffering from MS. Hence, MS is recognized by the majority of states as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana.

Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders

Some forms of epilepsy and seizure disorders are debilitating and unmanageable with conventional medicines. Cannabis and cannabidiol or CBD appears to be of some benefit in reducing seizure frequency and intensity of seizures. The approval of Epidiolex, an FDA approved drug containing purified CBD, is an indication of the medical efficacy of cannabis in the fight against epilepsy.

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)

Rarely do we find PTSD actually, especially amongst veterans and persons who have undergone trauma, laying down symptoms of anxiety, nightmares, flashback episodes, and sleep disturbances. Medical marijuana has proven to alleviate anxiety and increase quality deep sleep. Some states allow PTSD as a qualifying condition, meaning in those states, patients can use cannabis medicine.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye disorder that is usually characterized by increased pressure inside the eye, which can damage the optic nerve and cause loss in vision. Cannabis has been demonstrated to reduce and keep lowered ocular pressure in a temporary manner, presenting it as a possible alternative for glaucoma treatment. Thus, the effect, being very short, is often joined in conjunction with other treatments.

HIV/AIDS

An individual diagnosed with HIV/AIDS may experience chronic pain, nausea and appetite loss, and wasting syndrome. Medical marijuana can stimulate the appetite, relieve nausea, and also be a general feel-good plateau. As a matter of fact, many states have approved HIV/AIDS as a qualifying condition due to these supportive effects.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

IBD which stands for Crohn's and ulcerative colitis is two diseases that cause inflammation to the digestive tracts causing abdominal pain, diarrhea and weight loss. Cannabis may alleviate some symptoms including the pain and cramping because it is an anti-inflammatory. IBD patients find medical marijuana invaluable in securing their treatment.

Anxiety and Depression

While studies persist, medical marijuana is increasingly being utilized to help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Marijuana can produce a feeling of relaxation and stabilization of mood in some patients. Use it, however, and only use it with the guidance of a doctor, as its effects can vary widely and sometimes exacerbate symptoms.