Having health issues can drastically hinder your physical capabilities, making it hard to live life normally. Luckily, medical marijuana can treat a number of conditions.

Can it really improve your life? Find out here as we address who can benefit from medical marijuana and how.

Conditions and Candidates for MMJ Treatments

Knowing you’re a candidate puts you one step closer to using cannabis for medical conditions and diseases. Among these diseases are:

• Cancer

Cannabis can treat neuropathic pain caused by nerve damage and reduce nausea caused by chemotherapy.

• Crohn’s Disease

Marijuana can reduce inflammation, which is the root of many Chron’s disease symptoms. It can also help combat insomnia in Crohn’s patients.

• Eating Disorders

Marijuana users usually experience “the munchies,” which means an increased appetite. Cannabis is particularly helpful for those who suffer from eating disorders because it stimulates appetite.

• Mental Health Disorders

Low doses of cannabis can help lessen the symptoms of anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health issues. It’s also effective in treating depression and stress. It can give you a kickstart in the morning as well.

• Alzheimer’s

Marijuana is expected to reduce beta-amyloid in the brain, which is assumed to be the cause of Alzheimer’s.

• Epilepsy

Cannabis can reduce motor seizures. This treatment is usually administered to patients who have tried other treatments but are resistant to them.

You might also be a candidate for medical marijuana if you suffer from less severe conditions like appetite loss, nausea, and general pain. There is significant evidence that shows cannabis benefits people who suffer from chronic pain and nausea the most. Even pets can benefit from cannabis, CBD for dogs is available.

Although there are many reasons why someone may use cannabis, the most common reason is for chronic pain. It can also help alleviate muscle spasms that are otherwise untreatable with prescription medications.

What About CBD?

A lot of research has been done on the compound CBD, which is considered to be antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antipsychotic, and more. CBD is also said to regulate the immune system and increase neuroplasticity.

Doesn’t It Harm Your Lungs?

There is a misconception that marijuana users have a decreased lung capacity if they are smoking the plant. A study revealed that this is untrue. Cannabis users actually develop an increased lung capacity due to the deep inhales taken when smoking.

How Medical Marijuana Works

Medical marijuana is beneficial for people with health issues due to the cannabinoids, which are the active chemicals in cannabis. These cannabinoids act in the same way as the ones your body produces that affect pain, appetite, movement, and even memory.

Humans have cannabinoid receptors in the body that are receptive to the cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. These receptors are even present before birth. When you consider that our bodies are meant to interact with cannabinoids, it is easier to accept the potential health benefits of medical marijuana use.

The FDA has approved a few forms of cannabinoids. Epidiolex (CBD) is used to treat seizures if patients suffer from a treatment-resistant form of epilepsy. Dronabinol and nabilone are also approved by the FDA to the side effects of chemotherapy such as nausea and vomiting. Dronabinol can also help alleviate the symptoms of weight loss and loss of appetite in people with AIDS.

How to Obtain Medical Marijuana

To begin using cannabis medicinally, patients must receive a recommendation from a doctor who operates in a state where it is legal. Of course, you may not always be able to receive a recommendation because some doctors do not support the use of MMJ.

Patients need to have one of their state’s qualifying conditions before they can obtain a medical marijuana ID card and eventually buy marijuana from a dispensary. If you think that you are suffering from a condition that medical marijuana may lessen the symptoms of, consult your doctor to see if you qualify.

Forms of Medical Marijuana

You can obtain medical marijuana in a variety of forms. Edibles are food items infused with cannabis, such as candy or brownies. You can also get it in the form of an oil or extract, as well as in its original plant form for smoking.

Whatever the form is, just make sure you’re prepared for the effects. Only seek out medical marijuana if you have been referred by a doctor and believe it can help you cope with a medical condition.

Do you have more questions about how to receive and use medicinal marijuana? See what our community of medical marijuana supporters has to offer at The Green Ace.