Step aside valentines day. It’s time to recognize another special time of the year. February is marijuana awareness month, and to celebrate, we’ve decided to help educate everyone about the benefits that medical marijuana provides. 

The Health Advantages of Medical Marijuana

Medical marijuana has been known to help individuals with a plethora of qualifying medical conditions. Some of the ways medical marijuana has shaped healthcare include: 

Helping Patients with PTSD Overcome Triggers

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that’s triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. PTSD can occur in anyone but is often seen in those who served in the military. Countless veterans have successfully turned to medical marijuana for help overcoming their PTSD triggers and reducing anxiety.

Patients with PTSD are often prescribed medications to help them cope, but prescription meds can have adverse side effects. Medical marijuana has been shown to help PTSD patients reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress without the side effects that come with prescription medications.

Improving Mood Disorders

Medical marijuana can help improve mood disorders and anxiety. Patients with mood disorders often turn to prescription antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs. These medications may help, but they can also cause you to feel worse.

A safer alternative to prescription medications can be found in medical marijuana. The combination of CBD and low THC levels is often the safest choice for patients dealing with mood disorders.

Alleviating Side Effects of Cancer Treatment

Cancer patients often need to undergo radiation and chemotherapy. Chemotherapy requires the patient to take powerful drugs that can be extremely detrimental to their health. Many patients begin to experience unwanted side effects from the medications, including nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.  

Cannabis can help patients going through chemotherapy fight these side effects. In addition, scientists have discovered that in some cases, cannabinoids may help inhibit cancer cell growth in lab dishes. Some animal studies have also shown that cannabinoids may reduce the spread of some cancers.

Treating Muscle Spasms

Those suffering from muscle spasms and tremors from conditions such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease may find relief through medical marijuana. Medical marijuana is often prescribed to help calm muscle spasms, making movement easier.

Strains with high levels of THC may not be suitable for everyone due to their psychoactive effects. In some cases turning to CBD strains with low levels of THC may be the best option.

What is CBD?

CBD (cannabidiol) is an active cannabinoid in medical marijuana, but it doesn’t cause the psychoactive effects that THC causes. In other words, CBD doesn’t get you high as THC does. Instead, CBD has calming and soothing effects that help with conditions like anxiety and other ailments.

Benefits of Strains High in CBD

While choosing a strain with high CBD and low THC may have more mild effects, it can also help boost mood and give users a more clear-headed feeling. This is especially beneficial to those sensitive to THC or those who use medical marijuana to treat mood conditions such as depression and anxiety.

If you are new to medical marijuana, it is best to start with a strain with low levels of THC and high CBD. When it comes to the use of THC, it is recommended to start low and go slow. Gradually increasing the dosage can help ensure that you don’t get too much of a high while giving your body time to adjust.  

Medical Marijuana: A Life-Changing Treatment for Patients

Only those with a medical marijuana card can qualify to use medical marijuana in Florida. You might be wondering who qualifies for a medical marijuana card in Florida? To be eligible for medical marijuana, you must:

  • Be 18 years or older
  • Have a qualifying medical condition      
  • Get a recommendation from an authorized physician.      

Qualifying Medical Conditions     

There are quite a few medical conditions that qualify for the use of medical marijuana. These conditions include:

For a more comprehensive list of medical conditions that qualify for medical marijuana in Florida, click here!     

Steps to Getting Your Florida Medical Marijuana Card 

In order to qualify for medical marijuana in Florida, you’ll need a medical marijuana card. Obtaining a medical marijuana card is efficient and quick with access to Florida’s medical marijuana doctors, such as those at the Medical Marijuana Treatment Clinics of Florida

Celebrate marijuana awareness month right and visit the marijuana doctors at Medical Marijuana Treatment Clinics of Florida to get the medical treatment you deserve. 

To get started:

1) Take an eligibility survey to determine if you are eligible.    

2) If you are eligible, schedule an appointment with a qualified Florida medical marijuana doctor.

3) Before your appointment, gather your medical records pertaining to any qualifying conditions that you may have.      

4) At your appointment, the medical marijuana doctor will review your records and determine whether you are qualified.

5) If you are qualified, your medical marijuana doctor will write your recommendation. 

Your application will typically take 2-4 weeks to process. Once complete, you will be notified by the state of Florida via email.

Get Your Medical Marijuana Treatment Card 

Medical Marijuana Treatment Clinics of Florida are dedicated to providing patients with an alternative, natural medication for their conditions.

When choosing a medical marijuana strain that is right for you, remember to start with a strain that has low THC levels and gradually increase the dosage over time. To find out if you’re eligible and how medical marijuana can help you, schedule an appointment with one of our qualified doctors today!