If you possess a medicinal marijuana card, it is permissible for you to buy marijuana legally. This holds significance as recreational marijuana tends to be costly and incurs heavy taxes. The benefits of obtaining a medical marijuana card include alleviating pain, managing nausea and vomiting resulting from chemotherapy in cancer patients, and increasing appetite in individuals with HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, marijuana can effectively reduce intraocular pressure in the eyes as a treatment for glaucoma.
Reduces Seizures
The cannabis plant contains over 400 chemicals, but researchers have found that CBDs — cannabidiol — positively impact seizures. In small clinical trials, CBD has been shown to reduce seizures in patients with epilepsy. While more research is needed, it is a promising treatment for those who suffer from uncontrollable seizures and discomfort. In addition, marijuana is safer than other prescription drugs, as it is impossible to overdose on and much less addictive. Medical marijuana can help with other conditions like fibromyalgia and chronic pain and relieve symptoms of Crohn’s disease and PTSD. It can also be a great substitute for NSAIDs for people with ulcers or GERD and serve as a natural muscle relaxant.
Having a medical marijuana card is also advantageous because it allows you to avoid paying high taxes on your purchases while recreational users pay the full tax price. That can add up over time. Obtaining a medical card is best if you live in Texas, where marijuana is permitted for medical use to save money all year. Read the guide to getting a medical marijuana card in Texas to qualify for one.
Reduces Pain
Many patients who use marijuana say it is effective in reducing pain and discomfort. The cannabis plant is thought to generate cannabinoids, which bind to brain pain receptors and strengthen pain signals. It is also believed that some of the compounds in marijuana – including THC and CBD – have anti-inflammatory properties. Several recent scientific studies indicate that medicinal cannabis can effectively treat chronic pain. These studies compared cannabis to placebo in gold-standard randomized clinical trials. The results showed that cannabis significantly reduced pain symptoms in most tests. The effectiveness of medical marijuana is gaining support among doctors and patients alike. But there are still several barriers to overcome. Many patients want to discuss medical marijuana with their doctors but are hesitant because of its stigma. In a recent survey, the top reason that older adults reported using cannabis was for pain control. Medical marijuana effectively treats arthritis, back pain, fibromyalgia and migraines. It even soothes the aches of osteoarthritis, the wear-and-tear joint disease that affects 50 percent of people aged 65 and over.
Helps With Anxiety
As more and more states legalize marijuana for medicinal and recreational use, many people find it a natural anxiety reliever. It can help with traumatic flashbacks, social anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can also be helpful for individuals who have trouble falling or staying asleep due to fear or those who experience trembling or shaking when stressed. THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, seems to work at low doses to calm anxiety. Conversely, CBD does not get you high and has been shown to reduce anxiety at all doses tested in clinical trials. If you’re seeking cannabis-based anxiety treatment, look for products with a high CBD-to-THC ratio. If you’re a first-time user of marijuana, be sure to start with a low dose and gradually increase it until you find the right level that helps ease your symptoms without worsening them. Also, if you’re concerned about becoming dependent on marijuana to relieve your anxiety, talk to your therapist or primary care physician. They may be able to recommend other anxiety medications with better long-term safety records.
Helps With Sleep
Many people with insomnia or other sleep disorders use medical marijuana as a natural way to relax and get some zzzs. Cannabis has been found in studies to improve sleep quality, prolong slumber, and lessen nighttime awakenings. THC and CBD in cannabis have sedative effects that can help you get a good night’s sleep. The compounds have increased sleepiness, decreased ruminating thoughts that keep you awake, and reduced anxiety levels. The compound CBN, which forms when THC degrades, is even more sedating than THC and has been found to promote deep sleep in individuals with chronic insomnia. If you’re using cannabis to treat insomnia, select a strain with lower THC levels to prevent a high that can make it difficult to fall asleep. If you prefer not to smoke, consider vaping devices or THC-rich tinctures that can be dropped under the tongue.
Helps With Depression
A major mental health disease called depression can make a person feel unhappy, hopeless, and unworthy. Additionally, it may cause motivational decline, weight gain or loss, and adjustments in sleep habits, including hypersomnia or trouble going to sleep. While marijuana is sometimes used to improve mood, it is ineffective for everyone with depression. It can make depression worse by affecting several neurotransmitters, including acetylcholine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. It can also interfere with dopamine and several other important brain chemicals. While feeling sad or sluggish sometimes is normal, seeking help is important if you’re struggling with depression. Talk to your doctor or therapist for advice and support. They may recommend combining therapy, medication, or alternative treatments such as mindfulness or dialectical behavioral therapy.
