It’s taken time, but many people are opening up to the idea of smoking marijuana or consuming edibles as a treatment for chronic conditions, including nerve pain and post-traumatic stress disorder. If you’re struggling with the side effects of traditional drugs, getting a medical marijuana card can open up new avenues of treatment.
At her practice in Columbia, Missouri, Dr. Bonnie Friehling can help diagnose your medical condition and walk you through the process required to obtain your Missouri medical marijuana card.
Conditions improved by medical marijuana
In recent years, studies surrounding medical marijuana have provided promising results. Many participants who previously struggled with treatment-resistant conditions have found some relief in cannabis. This has led many people to begin considering medical marijuana for themselves, especially those suffering from chronic illness.
Among these, five conditions have responded particularly well to medical marijuana. They include:
1. Cancer pain
Cancer patients were among some of the first people who began advocating for medical marijuana. Cannabis not only reduces pain caused by cancer and chemotherapy, it also alleviates nausea and loss of appetite. However, it’s important to note that marijuana does not treat cancer, it only relieves symptoms and makes treatments like chemotherapy easier to cope with.
2. Post-traumatic stress disorder
The studies regarding medical marijuana and PTSD are scant, but promising. Post-traumatic stress disorder has a reputation for being hard to treat, especially when it’s severe. In these cases, the mood-lifting effects of medical marijuana can help reduce anxiety and soften “fear memories” associated with certain triggers (such as loud sounds).
3. Multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis, or MS, can cause painful, debilitating muscle spasms. These spasms can be difficult to treat, but medical marijuana is gaining traction as an alternative treatment for MS. In fact, 66% of people with multiple sclerosis are turning to cannabis as their primary medication, making them one of the largest groups of medical marijuana users.
4. Insomnia
People struggling with insomnia have few options when it comes to treatment. Sleep medications can come with many negative side effects, and more “natural” solutions like melatonin supplements might not do the trick. Because of this, many sufferers are using cannabis as a sleep aid instead. THC and CBD, the two primary active ingredients in marijuana, can help you fall asleep, leading to relief from insomnia.
5. Chronic pain
This is a broad term that refers to pain caused by chronic conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, peripheral neuropathy, and even spinal cord injuries. These conditions are notoriously painful, but getting relief through traditional medications can lead to further issues. Medical marijuana provides a different form of pain relief with fewer side effects, risks, and intoxication. Chronic pain is now the most common reason for medical marijuana use.
Getting access to cannabis
If you’re interested in using medical marijuana to treat your chronic condition, the first step to treatment is getting a medical marijuana card. The dispensaries are a safe, easy way to obtain cannabis, and you don’t have to worry about the legality of your medication.
To learn more about getting a medical marijuana card in Missouri, get in contact with Dr. Friehling. You can schedule a consultation by calling 573-446-1200, or fill out the form on the contact page.