Critics of marijuana legalization claim that legalization is bad for public health. “When states legalize recreational marijuana, fatalities increase and the lives of children and teenagers are put at stake, president and CEO of Spectrum Health Systems, a substance abuse and mental health treatment provider, recently wrote in an opinion piece for Stat News. But the data on how both recreational and medical legalization of marijuana tells a different story. It’s still early — marijuana hasn’t been legal for long, even in these states but so far, legalization hasn’t had a negative impact on public health, according to a report recently published by the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA). That report and other recent studies help show how marijuana legalization for medical or recreational purposes in these states has changed things. Nationally, the number of students both men and women who used marijuana in the past 30 days leveled out in 2010 after rising for several years, according to the DPA report. In his opinion piece, rep says that youth use marijuana at higher rates than any other kids in the country. But as other notes as experts say that trend existed before legalization, too. A 2015 article in the New England Journal of Medicine states that legalizing doesn’t seem to have increased the prevalence of youth usage. While the percentage of kids who described marijuana as “highly risky” decreased after legalization, the percentage of students who reported ever trying decreased slightly as well. There’s some debate about the effect that cannabis legalization has had on traffic deaths. Rep says that data shows that an increased percentage of the people involved in traffic fatalities have had marijuana in their systems since legalization. However, traffic death rates since legalization have not increased and are lower than the national average, according to National Highway Transportation Safety Administration data analyzed in the DPA report. At the same time, DUI rates seem to have decreased since legalization, potentially an overall benefit, since the risks of driving under the influence of alcohol are much more obvious than the risks of driving under the influence of cannabis (people who combine the substances perform the worst on driving tests, however). The DPA report says that more people may test positive for cannabis now since officials are now more likely to test for it in the first place. Also, since people can test positive for cannabis long after they’ve stopped feeling the effects, the report says the “data only illuminate that tested drivers consumed hours, days, or weeks prior to the test” — not that cannabis was involved. As Stat News pointed out in another story, there are several studies that show that states that allow medical marijuana have fewer opioid deaths. This effect seems to stack over time, with states who pass these laws seeing a “20 percent lower rate of opioid deaths in the laws’ first year, 24 percent in the third, and 33 percent in the sixth.” Isaacson says that doctors at Denver’s Children’s Hospital have reported treating an increased number of children who have accidentally ingested edibles since legalization. The overall numbers are small  in the JAMA Pediatrics study documenting these cases, doctors say that the rate of these visits has gone from 1.2 per 100,000 population 2 years prior to legalization to 2.3 per 100,000 population 2 years after legalization. As Ingraham has pointed out in the Post previously, parents are far more likely to call poison control centers because of kids ingesting diaper cream, toothpaste, tobacco, or crayons. If you’ve ever seen someone who has been surprised by the strength of a marijuana edible, you know these moments aren’t fun but luckily, people recover from these events and no one has ever died from a marijuana overdose. The DPA report notes that no longer arresting and prosecuting possession and other low-level marijuana offenses, states are saving hundreds of millions of dollars,” based on the fact that Washington spent $200 million enforcing marijuana laws between 2000 and 2010. Arrest rates in these states for marijuana offenses have plummeted, though the report notes that people of color are still twice as likely to be arrested despite using marijuana at similar rates to white people. Financially, the DPA report says taxing and selling marijuana in has been “overwhelmingly successful in generating revenue,” with revenues exceeding projections in both states. One State brought in $129 million in the second year of legalization and Washington $220 million significant amounts of money and medical strains for various conditions, though as Ingraham notes, still only a tiny fraction of the overall state budgets. There are still plenty of questions about how legalized in florida will affect states in the future. Some people have expressed concerns that powerful THC-loaded varieties available today could potentially have more of an impact than we know, especially if used by young people with developing brains. On the other hand, if people are using marijuana instead of more dangerous substances like alcohol, there could be some benefit to public health there, though so far, it’s hard to say whether legalization makes people drink more or less. Now, we’ll be able to see the effects in several additional states. Hopefully, that will encourage study into marijuana’s effects, something that scientists say is still incredibly difficult to research because of federal regulations. Get a medical marijuana card today.

What qualifies you for a medical marijuana card in Florida? Please view the list of conditions below to see if you qualify for the medical marijuana program in Florida.

• Cancer
• Epilepsy
• Depression
• Diabetes
• Fibromyalgia
• Glaucoma
• HIV/AIDS
• Hepatitis C
• Pain
• Lupus
• Lyme Disease
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Crohn’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Medical conditions of the same kind or class as or comparable to those above
• Post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD)
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• A terminal condition diagnosed by a physician other than the qualified physician issuing the physician certification
• Chronic nonmalignant pain caused by a qualifying medical condition or that originates from a qualifying medical condition.

• To being the process with All Natural Health you must first request an appointment with our practice.
• At time of appointment the Doctor will qualify you and approve you into the medical marijuana use registry.
• Once approved into the State registry, you will receive your login credentials allowing you access to the registry.
• Once logged into the State registry, you will be able to complete the medical marijuana ID card process.
• Once your ID card is approved by the State (10-12 days), you can visit any marijuana dispensary in Florida to start purchasing product.

 

At All Natural MD, our staff is friendly, knowledgeable and trained in the field of medical marijuana recommendations. We know you need the medical benefits and pain management relief of cannabis, and we’re here to help you with all aspects of acquiring your doctors certification.

Reported rates of marijuana use have more than doubled in the past decade. Marijuana is now legal in nearly half of US states and is increasing access to the drug for current and potential future users. Although it is often portrayed as harmless, and sometimes even therapeutic, there has not been nearly enough studies done to prove this. In fact, marijuana is often prescribed for issues like anxiety, though studies cannot comprehensively show this to be true. The current available information of the impact marijuana has on the neurophysiology of the brain show, predominantly, depressive effects. 

In a recent study using pet imaging to demonstrate the release of dopamine in the striatum, a region of the brain that is involved in working memory, impulsive behavior, and attention, results showed that heavy marijuana use has similar dopamine releasing behaviors as cocaine and heroin. Several studies in chronic cannabis users show structural changes to the hippocampus persist, even after six months of abstinence. 

U.S. Surgeon Generals have already warned that we’re too quick to legalize the popular drug when research still hasn’t shown whether or not it’s truly safe. With our new research, there is proof that concerns are well warranted.

Research finds that, after studying imaging of 1,000 cannabis users’ brains, there were signs of noticeable deficiencies of blood flow.  The study, which included 25,168 non-cannabis users, and 100 healthy controls, shows a scary and obvious difference in blood flow levels for those that used cannabis. Additionally, those that used marijuana showed a significant lack of blood flow in the right hippocampus, the area of the brain that helps with memory formation. This part of the brain is severely affected with those that suffer from Alzheimer’s disease.

Our research has shown that marijuana users have lower cerebral blood flow than non-users. The most predictive region separating these two groups is low blood flow in the hippocampus on concentration brain imaging.This work suggests that marijuana use has damaging influences in the brain – particularly regions important in memory and learning and known to be affected by Alzheimer’s. Our research demonstrates that medical marijuana can have significant negative effects on brain function. The media has given a general impression that marijuana is a safe recreational drug, this research directly challenges that notion.

Several studies of perfusion imaging in marijuana users have shown similar results compared to ours. A small O15 PET study in a sample of 12 marijuana users used a randomized clinical trial design to examine brain perfusion before and after marijuana use. The study results found frontal, temporal and occipital lobe hypo-perfusion – all findings concordant with our study.

Who can legally use medical marijuana in Florida?

Medical marijuana is a treatment option for Florida residents who have documented cases of Parkinson’s disease, PTSD, Crohn’s disease, glaucoma, AIDS/HIV, ALS, cancer, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, chronic pain, seizure disorders, muscle spasms or any similar debilitating condition. It is also available to people suffering from any condition determined to be terminal by two physicians.

 

How do patients get a medical marijuana card?

People 18 or older must visit one of the more than 1800 doctors who are permitted by the Florida Department of Health to recommend medical marijuana. Those under 18 are required to see two doctors. If a physician agrees that the use of medical marijuana has more benefits than risks, the patient is entered into the registry and can apply for an Office of Medical Marijuana Use ID card.  Once the initial certification is issued, patients must be reevaluated by their physician once every 30 weeks in order to be able to have their certification renewed.

 

Where is medical marijuana sold?

Registered patients in Florida can take their doctor’s recommendation on one of the 29 licensed medical marijuana retail dispensaries to make purchases once approved by the state. Patients are allowed to purchase up to a 70-day supply at one time. Although federal law doesn’t allow marijuana to be sent through the mail, for patients who don’t live near a dispensary or can’t travel to one, most MMTCs deliver statewide.

 

How much does it cost?

An initial visit to a doctor to become certified generally costs around $300 with follow-up visits running at about $200. State ID cards from the Office of Medical Marijuana Use cost $75.

What forms of medical marijuana are available?

Patient’s can buy marijuana & many other areas in what’s commonly known as “flower” form. Also, medical marijuana is delivered through vaporizers, pills, creams, transdermal patches, suppositories, oral drops, edibles or nasal sprays. It’s illegal to smoke any form of marijuana whether medical or recreational in Florida however there are many other uses.

 

Can people grow marijuana themselves?

With the exception of the state’s licensed MMTCs, growing marijuana is illegal in Florida. Even a registered medical marijuana patient will be charged with a felony and could serve jail time for possession of a cannabis plant.

 

Is marijuana a legitimate medicine?

Because the Food and Drug Administration has not approved the use of marijuana for any medical condition—landing it in the Schedule 1 category along with heroin and LSD—it is tightly controlled, and studies on its efficacy are limited. Current science supports the use of marijuana and many other states as a painkiller, anti-emetic, neuroprotectant and appetite stimulant. Ongoing research includes studies focused on pinpointing how it may affect certain body systems and disorders.

 

How does medical marijuana work in the human body?

The human body’s endocannabinoid system naturally makes marijuana-like chemicals that bind to receptors embedded in cell membranes in the liver, brain, lungs, kidneys, nervous system and immune system. When a patient uses medical marijuana, the chemicals in the drug are delivered to the blood through the lungs (when inhaled), the digestive system (when consumed), or the skin (when applied topically). When those chemicals interact with key endocannabinoid receptors, they can suppress signals such as pain, nausea and depression, while boosting signals of appetite and euphoria.

 

Is marijuana still illegal at the federal level? 

Yes. However, the federal government hasn’t pursued criminal charges against people who sell or use medical marijuana within state registries. Because of the disconnect between federal and state laws, health insurance companies can’t cover medical marijuana, and doctors can’t prescribe it—they can only recommend it. Additionally, banks can’t accept deposits from cannabis companies, so patients must pay cash when they make purchases at dispensaries. Employers are allowed to fire workers who test positive for marijuana, even if they consume the drug as a part of the state’s registry.

 

At All Natural MD Florida marijuana doctors and cards we can help you and your loved ones overcome the stigma and suffering associated with cancer, anxiety, depression, weight loss, addictions, memory issues, brain fog, and other emotional, cognitive issues and a lot more. If you are ready to regain control over your life or help a loved one, give us a try.

 

References:

https://pro.psychcentral.com/the-neuroscience-of-marijuana/

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00213-014-3523-4

https://journals.lww.com/neuroreport/Abstract/2003/06110/Marijuana_alters_the_human_cerebellar_clock.9.aspx

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/article-abstract/2604134

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/645188

https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ben/cpd/2005/00000011/00000025/art00002

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK230711/

 

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