The pros and cons of using medical marijuana The argument for and against the use of medical marijuana has been ongoing for a while now. With states like Florida and many others legalizing the use of marijuana for medical or recreational purpose, proponents (marijuana doctors and marijuana users) are calling for Federal recognition of the plant as a medicinal plant and not a harmful substance. Of course, the opposition stands against such notions and campaign for the ban of marijuana use for whatever purpose. Both sides of the divide have points to support their stand. This has made the debate on the matter interesting because of the wide variety of opinion out there. If you have no knowledge of this debate or lack information to form an opinion and decide whether to use marijuana or support/go against the use. Then this article will be an exposition on the pros and cons of using Medical Marijuana. With that in mind, lets us look at some key information regarding the use of medical marijuana. At the moment, Marijuana is a banned substance in the U.S. It is classified as a Schedule 1 drug by the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency). That means; the U.S Federal law prohibits cultivation, transportation, and use of marijuana. Therefore, possessing marijuana in states where it has not been legalized is a punishable offense – from fine to prison sentence depending on the amount of substance found. In states where the use of marijuana has been legalized, only marijuana doctors and licensed dispensaries are permitted to sell marijuana. Consumers are restricted by law to purchase a certain amount of cannabis indica (marijuana) from a licensed dispensary. The pros and cons of medical marijuana The benefits of medical marijuana have been documented over the years. Although, more research is still required to get a robust knowledge of the benefits of medical marijuana use. Unfortunately, here in the U.S; research on the plant has proven difficult because of the ban on it. Some of the popular benefits are yet to be supported by scientific research. Pros of medical marijuana use Pain reliever Marijuana is widely known as a pain relief agent. Health practitioners successfully use the plant to treat people suffering from chronic pain. It is a safer chronic pain drug compared to some options such as opioid-based pain reliever drugs. Unlike Opioids, Marijuana use does not cause dependency in users except in cases of prolonged and uncontrolled use. Alleviates anxiety When taken in low doses, Marijuana helps people experiencing anxiety attacks. This effect is possible because of the sedative effect of marijuana. The THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) component of the plant has a ‘high’ effect on the body. The outcome is a relaxed and relieved feeling, which makes the user calm and aware. Aids epilepsy Several clinical reports, lab studies, and patient-drug use report show that marijuana helps manage epileptic seizures. One famous case is Charlotte Figi – an eight-year-old girl with Dravet syndrome, a rare form of aggressive epilepsy. She was treated with medical marijuana, and the results were outstanding. In Charlotte’s case, the results recorded after using marijuana wasn’t produced by other drugs. Relieves nausea and vomiting Research has shown that pharmaceutical marijuana reduces nausea and vomiting. This effect is helpful when used by patients going through treatments (chemotherapy) that induce nausea. Marijuana reduces nausea and eliminates vomiting. Reduces muscle spasms caused by Parkinson Recent studies have found marijuana’s components to be effective in treating muscle spasms caused by Parkinson. Patients who used marijuana experienced reduced spasms. Slows cancer growth A chemical found in marijuana, CBD; was found to slow the growth of cancer cells from one of the most serious brain tumors. CBD turns off the production of gene Id-1 in cancer cells. Cancerous cells release this gene to replicate throughout the body. Help to treat Glaucoma A 1972 research by the National Eye Institute found that marijuana helped glaucoma patients. The plant reduces the intraocular pressure of the eye, which is the main symptom of the condition. Glaucoma is an eye condition that increases pressure in the eyeball. It damages the optic nerve and can cause loss of vision. There are more benefits of medical marijuana use, but some of these benefits have not been confirmed by scientific research. Cons of Medical Marijuana Affects memory and body movement The ‘high’ effect of marijuana affects the brain’s short-term memory and body control. This effect has been documented in user studies and is considered a disadvantage of using the plant for treatment. Although, a decline in short-term memory occurs in people who make use of the plant regularly for a long time. Cancer risk due to consumption method The cancer danger medical marijuana possesses is a result of the method of consumption, not the plant. Consuming medical marijuana by smoking increases the risk of cancer and other respiratory diseases says many orlando marijuana doctors. The risk is as a result of smoke inhalation not the use of marijuana. Risk of abuse and addiction Although not as potent as opioids, marijuana can be addictive. This can happen when it is used for a long time. The user might become dependent on the plant for relief or whatever purpose. The risk of abuse is present in the use of medical marijuana. As a plant with brain-stimulating effect (high effect), users might consume large quantities to get a high effect. This has been the case with over-the-counter medicines that have a ‘high’ effect. So it is expected that consumers can abuse marijuana as well. Mental illness The possible mental issues that can result from the consumption of marijuana range from psychosis, depression, schizophrenia, anxiety to paranoia. Certain factors determine the effect of marijuana on the consumer. Factors such as the strength of the marijuana (the strain), volume consumed, the consumer’s mental health, consumer’s history with marijuana, and the consumers use intent (as a patient or for recreation). Bearing these factors in mind, lawmakers passed bills that obligate potential consumers to receive clearance from a medical marijuana doctor. MMJ (Medical marijuana) doctors provide medical marijuana examination to ascertain if an individual is a valid patient that can benefit from the effects of marijuana. If you or a loved one is interested in seeing a marijuana doctor in Florida, please contact our offices today!

Common Conditions Prescribed Using Medical Marijuana For Florida Patients

 The legal use of marijuana for medical purposes was approved in over more than 29 states. this information was made available by Vox. That gives more treatment options to a wide range of people suffering from common health problems. Little negative impact on life has been the case even in a state where recreational pot is legal. To this end, so many people and even politicians are giving a looking to marijuana as an affordable and safer option with the cost of prescription drug reaching unprecedented levels.

 If you have been diagnosed with one of the following, the treatment option you need might be medical marijuana on the recommendation of one of many orlando marijuana doctors.

 Cancer

 According to the American Cancer Society, patient in chemotherapy benefits from marijuana as a treatment for treatment for nausea and vomiting. It was also noted by ACS of the use of the drug as a pain reliever. Users may experience lung pain and shortness of breath when smoked. Marijuana oil suffices as the best treatment option.

Alzheimer’s

In line with the list of legal marijuana treatments available on Leafly, not less than ten states in the U.S permit patients of Alzheimer to use marijuana. The drug helps with insomnia, aggression, depression, etc., according to studies. With the help of a marijuana doctor, you can get a recommendation on how your condition could best be treated using medical marijuana.

Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS)

At least 17 states approved the use of substances derived from marijuana as a treatment option for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) as of spring 2018; it is commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. With studies, drug reducing symptoms of ALS patients have been shown.

 According to other studies, there is a delay in the progress of the disease in animals without many clinical trials says a few jacksonville marijuana doctors.

Chronic pains

Almost in all states where marijuana is used as a legal treatment option makes the drug available for the management of chronic pain. The same can be said for terminal illnesses, including the end-stages of diseases.

 Since 2015, Minnesota has approved the use of Marijuana for medical use. It was recorded that 60% of patients did agree that they would benefit highly from using the drug. On a remarkable note, 63% is of the opinion they eliminated or reduced opioid dosages after the use of marijuana.

 In the state of Florida, once the marijuana doctor is able to determine your chronic condition fulfils the Department of Health requirements for Florida medical marijuana use, a recommendation is made, establishing a care that works for you.

Arthritis

Canada offers help for patients suffering joint condition even as at least 15 states allow treatment of arthritis with medical marijuana. Marijuana has long been a viable option for people suffering from arthritis since 2001, and up to two-thirds of medical cannabis users in Canada use it for treating the symptoms.

PTSD    

Post-traumatic stress disorder was added to the list of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana in New York as of November 2017. The treatment is available to only military veteran, survivors of domestic violence and first responders.

 Crohn’s Disease

 There are several TV advertisements about treatment of Crohn’s disease using prescription drugs. However medical marijuana is a safer alternative. 22 states listed Crohn’s disease as a condition that can be treated with marijuana as of March 2018.

Need recommendation on medical marijuana? All Natural Medical Solutions can help in that regard for the right prescription for your illness. Our Marijuana doctor will evaluate to determine if medical marijuana will benefit you.

If you or a loved one is interested in getting certified for medical marijuana in Florida, please contact our offices today or apply online!

The legal restriction on marijuana dispensaries in Florida

After a drawn-out legal action between the State of Florida (defendant) and Trulieve, Medical Marijuana dispensary (plaintiff), a circuit judge has ruled in favor of the plaintiff. Striking out the law limiting the number of dispensaries a Medical Marijuana retail company can own in the state.

The repealed law was part of a 2017 constitutional law passed to control and possibly correct the constitution that legalized the sale of medical Marijuana in the state. At its passing, Quincy-based Marijuana retailer, Trulieve challenged the law. Pointing out that the restrictive constitution “arbitrarily impairs product availability and safety” and “unfairly penalizes” pot providers.

Trulieve filed a case at the Leon County Court, which was presided over by Judge Karen Gievers. After studying the facts from both parties, Judge Gievers ruled in favor of Trulieve. The Judge had reached a decision in favor of Trulieve last month, but lawyers representing the company pressed for a revisit of an order that affected the states perpendicular integration policy. The law required medical Marijuana sellers to handle every aspect of the Marijuana trade from planting to the point of sale. Gievers ruling on the second case replaced the Jan 2 constitution, which was an unanticipated victory according to Trulieve.

In typical fashion, Judge Gievers criticized the legislature and state health officials for disregarding the constitutional amendment approved by over 71% of voters in 2016. The annulled 2017 law limited the number of dispensaries a licensed Marijuana retailer could own. The initial cap was set at 25 and could increase as the number of eligible Marijuana patients increased statewide. The cap, which is now at 30 dispensaries per retailer, will end by 2020.

In their prosecution case, Trulieve argued that the 25 store cap was problematic to their company growth as it was set after the company had opened 14 retail stores throughout the state. The company pointed out that if the cap law were enacted before their stores were opened, the company would have chosen different locales for their stores.

Friday’s 22-page ruling annulled the constitutional amendment, which placed a cap on licensed Marijuana retailers.

For her reason to overturn the constitution, Gievers opined that the legal cap created barriers that unnecessarily increased patients’ risks, costs, and inconvenience in getting products. Gievers further added that the cap delayed access to products, limited patients’ product options and exposed their information, privacy, and safety. The Judge stressed that even though the cap on the number of outlets was time limited, it was the type of law that the bill was meant to remove.

Gievers refused the department of health’s argument that the cap was put in place to give the state and local official ample time to review the law guiding retail medical marijuana dispensaries.

To Gievers, there was no need for more time; adding that the state had passed into law the use of medical marijuana in 2014.

In the court’s findings, the state health department showed no evidence why local officials and state officers did not study the effect of the law and created corrective laws and ordinances before the enactment of the 2016 amendment. Or why they needed more time to review the law guiding retail medical marijuana dispensaries.

The Judge also struck off the notion made by the health departments that the cap constitution was put in place to protect medical marijuana dispensaries from overexpansion. Gievers pointed out that the effect of the cap law contradicts the notion and MMTCs faced increased risks after the 2017 cap law.

In the Judge’s statement, she noted that putting established, viable, competitive businesses at a disadvantage to help less competitive businesses thrive, thereby adversely affecting consumer efficiency and choice, is not logically associated to a genuine public purpose.

In the ruling, Gievers ordered health department officials to allow Trulieve open 34 outlets and warned the department against enforcing the cap ban on licensed retailers, which she found to be against the voter-approved constitutional goals.

In a statement, Trulieve’s CEO Kim Rivers lauded the ruling, noting that her company had originally received a license to operate in Florida’s Northwest region, which is the most rural part of the state.

Gievers had previously overturned a law that banned the smoking of medical marijuana in public. On this matter, Governor DeSantis acknowledged that the practices of the state were against the constitution. The Governor gave the legislature until March 15 to remove the ban on smoking medical marijuana. To this end, Governor DeSantis threatened to pass up the state’s appeal of Judge Gievers ruling if the legislation failed to reverse the ban.

The new chief of state has a lot of hurdles to scale regarding Marijuana law. The approach of the governor’s regime in handling other aspects of Marijuana law is still unknown. It is worth noting that his predecessor, Governor Rick Scott defended the law until his last day in office.

In Friday’s ruling, Judge Gievers in trademark fashion reprimanded the legislature and health department for failure to correctly implement the amendment, which she described as a pivotal bill, which there were obligated to implement.

If you or a loved one is interested in seeing a medical marijuana doctor in Florida, please contact us today!