Medical marijuana can help ease symptoms of certain health conditions. However, it’s important to note that many people still suffer stigma and discrimination.
Stigma can be individual, such as when someone is labeled as crazy or “weird.” It can also be structural, where entire systems of power maintain inequities.
Pain Relief
Studies have shown that medical marijuana (or cannabis) is effective for many types of pain. It’s an excellent alternative to opioids and benzodiazepines for adults experiencing chronic pain. Many people who switch to cannabis report being able to stop taking other prescription medications or significantly reduce their dosages.
Many scientific studies, including randomized controlled trials (the gold standard in medical research), have found that cannabis is an effective pain reliever. It includes chronic pain from migraines, fibromyalgia, arthritis, and other conditions. It also includes neuropathic pain, such as that caused by damaged nerves.
Valid medical marijuana cards with certification from a physician are readily accepted at dispensaries in Utah for cannabis purchases. This card protects patients from legal repercussions for possessing and using medical marijuana per state law. Patients can obtain a medical marijuana card by booking an appointment at Compassionate Clinics of America. This appointment can be made by calling the number on their website.
Sleep
Sleep problems are one of the most common issues for people with a mental illness. For many, medical marijuana can help improve their symptoms and get better rest.
Research is limited on cannabis and insomnia, but anecdotal evidence shows it can be effective for many. Indica strains are usually the best option for insomnia because they can induce a sleepy feeling that helps you fall asleep. The cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) breaks down into another cannabinoid called cannabinol BN over time, giving the plant its sedating properties. Insomnia patients can also try edibles containing the compound, but this typically takes 30 minutes to a few hours before the effects occur.
Stress Relief
If you’re battling chronic stress, you may find relief from medical marijuana. Marijuana’s natural properties can relieve stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. It can also help with PTSD, which is a condition that manifests as extreme anxiety, depression, and avoidance, often after a traumatic life event.
Those who suffer from nerve pain and muscle discomfort due to conditions like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or fibromyalgia can also find relief with cannabis. Studies have shown that marijuana effectively minimizes the nerve pain associated with these conditions and can ease muscle discomfort, too.
Patients can only purchase marijuana at dispensaries if they have a valid medical marijuana card issued by a qualified medical professional. Because the plant is federally illegal, smuggling it across state lines can create legal complications, and most doctors have a limit on how many patients they can recommend medical cannabis for each year.
Anxiety Relief
Addressing anxiety with a comprehensive treatment approach is crucial for restoring mental well-being. Effective anxiety treatment often begins with psychotherapy, where individuals work with trained professionals to explore and understand the root causes of their anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), in particular, has proven highly successful by helping individuals identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with anxiety.
In some cases, medication may be prescribed as part of the treatment plan. Anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants can provide relief by regulating neurotransmitters in the brain. However, medication is typically considered in conjunction with therapy for a more holistic approach.
Lifestyle modifications also play a pivotal role in anxiety treatment. Incorporating regular exercise, adopting a balanced diet, and ensuring sufficient sleep contribute to overall well-being and can positively impact anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and yoga, are increasingly recognized for their effectiveness in promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.
Ultimately, successful anxiety treatment involves a tailored approach that considers the unique needs of each individual.
Outpatient Treatment:
Comprehensive in scope, outpatient facilities offer a diverse range of services, covering everything from routine check-ups to specialized treatments across various medical disciplines. The patient’s active involvement in their treatment plan is encouraged, fostering collaboration and empowerment. Continuity of care is ensured through regular follow-up visits, enabling healthcare providers to monitor progress and make adjustments as necessary. Outpatient treatment proves particularly effective for conditions that do not demand constant monitoring or intensive interventions, providing individuals with tailored, personalized care. In essence, outpatient treatment exemplifies a modern, patient-friendly paradigm in healthcare, where health and well-being seamlessly integrate with the demands of everyday life.
Pain Management
For those suffering from pain management issues, medical marijuana dispensaries in Utah are a safe and effective option. According to clinical studies using double-blind placebo-controlled trials, cannabis has been found to reduce self-reported pain in patients with chronic illnesses.
Through modulating the patient’s endocannabinoid system, the compounds THC and CBD found in marijuana have been shown to decrease pain perception effectively. Depending on the specific condition, it lessens nociceptive and neuropathic pain.
Another benefit of using cannabis for pain relief is that it is a natural alternative to prescription and over-the-counter medications. Unlike opioids, it does not cause serious side effects like addiction or overdose.
To acquire a medical marijuana card, patients must obtain a qualifying illness or disease diagnosis from a qualified cannabis medicine provider (QMP). Patients with chronic pain must demonstrate that their symptoms have not responded to other pharmaceutical treatments. Individuals with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) must be diagnosed by a psychiatrist, master’s prepared psychologist, or licensed clinical social worker who is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). Patients with other conditions must provide a valid physician’s note confirming the severity of their condition.
