Medical marijuana is the use of cannabis and its chemicals to treat a number of different conditions, including glaucoma and chronic pain. It is becoming more widely accepted as a form of treatment in many different states throughout the US, and as it becomes more integrated into mainstream healthcare, more research it being conducted to study its effects and potential uses.

Medical marijuana is used to treat a wide number of different ailments and conditions, although its accepted uses vary by state. In general, medical marijuana can treat:

– Chronic pain, such as back or joint pain
– Neurological disorders, such as seizures
– Psychological disorders, such as PTSD
– Eating disorders, such as anorexia
– Eye disorders, such as glaucoma
– Physical disorders, such as cachexia, muscle spasms and nausea

While the risk of developing a dependency to marijuana is low, it is possible to exhibit symptoms of addiction. These include symptoms such as building a tolerance (needing to take more to feel the same effects), and side-effects when stopping use, like headaches, shaking or irritability. Although most people will not experience these symptoms (approximately 1/10 cannabis users do), the potential for misuse and abuse is high.

Medical marijuana has a long list of health benefits, some of which include:

Relief of chronic pain — Medical marijuana can help relieve chronic and severe pain caused by a number of different injuries, illnesses and conditions.

Help lose weight — Although medical marijuana is used to stimulate appetite, it has been shown to regulate insulin in some patients, helping manage the efficient intake of calories.

Regulate seizures — One of the most common uses for medical marijuana is to help people with epilepsy and other ictal (seizure-related) conditions control their seizures.

Treatment for glaucoma — Characterized by an increase of internal ocular pressure, glaucoma causes gradual loss of sight. Cannabis can help relieve the internal pressure of the eye, providing temporary relief for some patients.

Helps with PTSD symptoms — PTSD is a complex condition with both physical and psychological aspects. Only recently have scientists and researchers discovered effective methods for the treatment of PTSD, including medical marijuana, which helps to regulate the fight or flight response, preventing any unstable changes.

Helps improve appetite — Most people have experienced the sensation of hunger without the desire to eat. This is common in many patients undergoing certain types of treatment. In cases where the sensation of hunger is suppressed, such as in anorexia, medical marijuana is particularly effective at stimulating hunger and the desire to consume food.

The regulations of medical marijuana vary from state to state. In the state of Maryland, medical marijuana is cash based. Patients must have a relationship with their provider and see the provider regularly in order to receive a prescription. There is a fee for filling out the application. Then it is sent to the state and they charge a fee for the actual card. The conditions that are eligible are:

– Anorexia
– Cachexia
– Chronic or Severe pain
– Glaucoma
– Persistent muscle spasms
– PTSD
– Seizures
– Severe nausea