What used to be a taboo is now seen as a natural alternative treatment. Yes, we are talking about medical marijuana. It has become increasingly popular due to its therapeutic benefits. Many Americans have found it extremely helpful in managing their chronic conditions, such as back pain and anxiety. People who have not found relief from traditional treatments, and want to avoid the risk of side effects are seeing Marijuana as a safer and effective alternative.
Glaucoma patients also started asking: Can medical marijuana help with their condition? What are the benefits of using marijuana for glaucoma? And that’s what we’re going to explore today. In this article, we will explore some studies to find out if you can use medical marijuana for glaucoma.
Schedule your appointment today for Medical Marijuana Card in Florida with My Florida Green’s certified doctors.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of conditions in which the main optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, becomes damaged due to increased eye pressure. It can lead to vision loss and, in severe cases, full blindness. It can affect anyone, but it’s more common in adults. Glaucoma is rare in people under 40. Some of the early signs of glaucoma are:
- Eye pain
- Double vision
- Loss of peripheral (side) vision
- Headaches
- Read eyes
- Nausea
What does medical marijuana do for glaucoma?
Recent research has shown that Marijuana may have some potential to manage glaucoma. However, more research is required to discover concrete evidence. Marijuana must always be taken with the guidance of a state-certified doctor.
According to one research done in 1971 shows that medical marijuana may help in reducing intraocular pressure (IOP), which improves Glaucoma. Many recent studies have backed those claims. A study has found that cannabinoids may help reduce IOP by 60% to 65%. Another study showed marijuana can drop eye pressure by 30%.
A pre-clinical 2025 study showed that cannabinoids can help protect retinal neurons from inflammation and damage. However, more research is required to give concrete evidence. Other conditions need to be considered before Marijuana can be added to glaucoma management.
There are still risks associated with Marijuana use. Intraocular pressure needs to stay normal throughout the day. And that’s where things don’t favor the use of medical marijuana for glaucoma.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology found that to keep eye pressure down for 24 hours, you’d have to use medical marijuana six to eight times a day. They believe that the short-lived effects of marijuana and potential side effects make it unsuitable to treat glaucoma. We can conclude that medical marijuana alone is not enough to manage glaucoma symptoms. You can use it alongside standard glaucoma treatments for better results.
Can you get medical marijuana for glaucoma in Florida?
Yes, you can get medical marijuana for glaucoma in Florida. However, for that, you need to meet a simple criterion:
- Be a seasonal or permanent Florida resident.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a qualifying medical condition diagnosed by a certified MMJ doctor.
- If you’re under 18, a registered caregiver has to administer your medical marijuana use.
If you meet all these requirements, you need to see a medical marijuana doctor. Yes… a medical marijuana doctor, not any regular doctor.
The MMJ doctor will evaluate your condition and provide a recommendation based on whether you qualify for a medical marijuana card.
Your profile will be created on the Medical Marijuana Use Registry. You have to upload all the necessary documents and apply for a medical marijuana card. Our guide on how to apply for a medical marijuana card in Florida may help you.
The process completes once you pay the application fee. You will receive your medical marijuana within 10-14 business days.
You can use this MMJ card to buy cannabis from licensed medical marijuana dispensaries at discounted prices.
Is Marijuana beneficial for Glaucoma?
So, can we say medical marijuana can be used for glaucoma? The short answer is yes. It can help manage glaucoma. It might also help ease the side effects of glaucoma, including vomiting, pain, and nausea. However, relying on it as the only treatment is not recommended. It can be used along with your current treatment.
Planning to use medical marijuana to manage glaucoma symptoms? Good news! Florida law lists glaucoma as a qualifying condition for a medical marijuana card. You can start your medical marijuana journey with My Florida Green. We have certified medical marijuana doctors who can help you understand your condition and make it easy to get a marijuana card.
Book your appointment today to see if you qualify for medical marijuana!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I get a marijuana card with controlled glaucoma?
Yes, you can get a medical marijuana card with controlled glaucoma. However, you must consult a certified medical marijuana doctor to get your card.
2. What is the best medication for glaucoma?
The best medication for glaucoma is to use eye drops that may help you reduce eye pressure. You can also use medical marijuana for glaucoma to reduce intraocular pressure.
3. Is it true that medical marijuana may help in glaucoma cases?
Yes, it is true that medical marijuana may help with glaucoma. However, the effects don’t last more than 3-4 hours, so it’s not the best option.
