With the legalized status of cannabis use in Florida, advocates highlight its potential therapeutic benefits for managing chronic pain, nausea, and other health conditions, offering patients alternative treatment options. Its legalization has led to increased access to safe and regulated cannabis products, reducing reliance on potentially harmful opioids. Additionally, the excellent properties and availability of marijuana products are enhancing the life quality of several individuals in the Sunshine State. However, there are legal considerations and other areas that require further exploration. Moreover, using a medical marijuana card in St. Petersburg is an important aspect that necessitates attention.
In this article, we will focus on the benefits of medical marijuana and the variety of cannabis products available on the Florida market.
Use of Medical Cannabis
Medical cannabis has been utilized for thousands of years in various regions worldwide for different therapeutic purposes. Moreover, it was used in Asia for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anticonvulsant nature.
Medical cannabis rose to prominence in Western medicine throughout the nineteenth century. Also, several individuals used it for relieving pain, spasms, and nausea. However, as concerns over drug abuse and addiction increased, the use of cannabis in medicine declined in the early twentieth century.
In contemporary healthcare settings, the rising amount of medical cannabis research has helped improve knowledge about its potential benefits. However, its use requires the guidance of a medical marijuana doctor.
Eligibility Check for Medical Cannabis Use
In Florida, the legalized status of marijuana enables its use as an alternative drug alongside other medications. Moreover, among the qualifying conditions for medical marijuana are:
- Glaucoma
- Crohn’s Disease
- Diabetes
- Anxiety
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Insomnia & Sleep Disorders
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Severe & Chronic Pain
- Cachexia
- Migraine Headaches
- Sickle Cell Anemia
- Severe Nausea
- Spasticity
- Hepatitis C
- Epilepsy
- Lyme Disease
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Muscle Spasms
- HIV/AIDS
- Anorexia & Eating Disorders
This list also includes conditions similar to those mentioned or suggested by a medical marijuana doctor. However, you must discuss your concerns with a medical marijuana expert rather than self-medication. Moreover, you must talk to a medical marijuana doctor to purchase the right marijuana product based on your health needs.
Top Benefits of Medical Marijuana
Utilizing the healing effects of medical cannabis can assist patients in getting relief from their conditions. If you are willing to opt for medical marijuana, you must learn about its properties and benefits. Some of them are as follows:
Chronic Pain Management
Medical cannabis is a considerable alternative to opioids and traditional medication. Conditions that involve chronic pain can also be managed using cannabis, such as neuropathy and fibromyalgia. Moreover, the main compounds in medicinal cannabis can help address chronic pain as a co-occurring symptom of various diseases.
Muscular Health issues
Medical cannabis can help patients with muscular spasms and stiffness. Also, it can help with the symptoms of various diseases, including multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. Furthermore, the vital constituents of marijuana help the body as they relax muscles while reducing inflammation.
Anti-Nauseous Effects
Nausea often results as a side effect of chemotherapy in cancer treatment. However, medical marijuana is an effective remedy for reducing nausea. THC, one of marijuana’s vital psychotropic components, attaches to cannabinoid receptor types 1 and 2, particularly in the immune system (CB1) and the brain (CB2). As a result, THC’s activation of CB1 can offer favorable therapeutic effects, such as reduced nausea and vomiting.
Sleep Cycle Regulation
CB1 and CB2 are the major endocannabinoid receptors in the nervous system, peripheral organs, and brain. CBD influences these receptors and alters the effects of hormones and neurotransmitters. Also, it enhances various functions, including sleep-wake cycles and inflammation, and improves mood.
Epilepsy
Medical cannabis helps reduce seizures in epileptic patients. CBD, in particular, has anticonvulsant characteristics. Moreover, CBD’s healing nature has helped develop FDA-approved medicines for managing seizures in some types of epilepsy.
However, medical marijuana should only be used after talking to a qualified marijuana doctor. Furthermore, their support can help you choose the correct dosage and marijuana form that suits your condition.
Different Forms of Medical Cannabis
Marijuana products come in various shapes and sizes, each with its own effects and usage method. However, some popular forms of medical marijuana are:
Flowers: These are dried and cured flowers or buds of the marijuana plant. They have intoxicating effects when smoked or vaporized. Thus, expert consultation is necessary when using flowers or buds.
Edibles: These are marijuana-infused food products. They offer an appealing way to consume medical marijuana. Also, edibles are available as gummies, chocolates, brownies, and beverages.
Topicals: Marijuana-infused lotions, balms, and patches administered directly to the skin and intended for topical usage.
The choice of product depends on the medical condition of a patient. Thus, doctor recommendations and careful consideration of strains are crucial in using cannabis from licensed dispensaries. Moreover, some popular medical marijuana dispensaries in Florida are:
- The Cannabist
- Green Dragon Dispensary
- Liberty Health Sciences
How do I get a Medical Marijuana Card?
Getting a medical marijuana card is not a complex task. If you think you have any of the qualifying illnesses for cannabis use, you can follow some easy steps:
Check if you qualify
The first step is to ensure you have one of the qualifying medical conditions as per Florida state law. Thus, you can check the list of qualifying medical conditions to confirm your eligibility.
Consultation with a Qualified Physician
You must book a consultation with a competent doctor to examine your condition. Moreover, the doctor will check your medical history and symptoms to know if you qualify.
Get Recommendation
If the doctor finds out that you qualify for cannabis use, they will forward a recommendation to the Medical Marijuana Use Registry.
Apply Away
With your information added to the registry, you will receive an email with a link to complete your application. Thus, you can submit your application with a passport-size photo, proof of residency, and the required application fee.
Wait for Approval
The OMMU will review your application and send you an approval email.
Get your Medical Marijuana Card
After receiving approval, you will get your medical marijuana card in a few days. After receiving the card, you can visit any licensed dispensary in Florida to purchase medical marijuana products.
If you seek more guidance, you can contact My Florida Green. Also, we have a team of licensed experts who can help you learn more about cannabis use.
Conclusion
Medical cannabis is a potential therapeutic drug for a variety of conditions. However, you must have your marijuana card in St. Petersburg to lawfully use cannabis. Moreover, seeking assistance from a state-verified doctor is essential. We can help you to embrace wellness with medical cannabis. Conclusively, medical marijuana can have a life-altering impact and several benefits if you use it after speaking with a medical marijuana expert.
