(WellnessPursuits.com) – Medical marijuana is legal in more than 30 U.S. states, but a lot of us are still hesitant to discuss cannabis with our healthcare providers. While there is still some stigma surrounding this medical-grade herb, you should not be embarrassed to broach the topic with your doctor.
Medical marijuana helps soothe the symptoms of everything from anxiety to Alzheimer’s disease, and it may even help you manage your own health conditions. Keep scrolling to learn why it may be time to have a conversation about cannabinoid medications with your doctor.
Recreational Marijuana Isn’t Always a Safe Choice
Some adults choose to self-medicate with recreational marijuana, but there are numerous issues with this decision. For starters, approximately 80% of U.S. states have not legalized recreational marijuana yet. If you’re caught smoking marijuana without a prescription in one of these states, you may face fines, community service or even jail time.
Even if you’re in a state that approves recreational marijuana use, you may feel more comfortable getting a prescription for it. Depending on where you live, medical marijuana providers may have to follow rigorous regulations before distributing cannabinoid medication. The same is true of recreational marijuana in states where that is legal. This helps ensure that medical marijuana users receive a safe, pure product. Legalities aside, you should always avoid purchasing from unverified street sources because you don’t truly know whether you’re getting authentic cannabis or a dangerous substitute laced with additives and chemicals.
Medical Marijuana Can Benefit Your Health
When prescription drugs fail to improve your symptoms, consider the potential benefits of medical marijuana. Prescription cannabinoids help patients manage symptoms from many common conditions, including:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Epilepsy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Cancer
- Crohn’s disease
- Glaucoma
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Anxiety
- Chronic pain disorders
- IBS
Medical marijuana can also help reduce pain or nausea that stems from certain health conditions or treatments. It must be noted that in some states prescription cannabinoids are only available for certain debilitating conditions, like irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, Parkinson’s disease, Lupus, post-concussion syndrome, polycystic kidney disease (PKD), traumatic brain injury and cancer. You will need to check your state’s guidelines for the use of medical marijuana, or speak to your physician, to see if your condition qualifies. Click here for a list of guidelines by state.
Talking to Your Doctor Can Alleviate Your Concerns
Medical marijuana is still fairly new to the United States, so many people are still learning about its risks and benefits. You may have heard things, both good and bad, that may be untrue about cannabinoid medications. Your doctor can help you separate fact from fiction so you can make a truly informed choice about marijuana use for your health.
Medical marijuana has numerous benefits, and you may find that it’s a good choice for your overall well-being. Talk to your doctor about your current conditions, and ask if prescription cannabinoids are something that can improve your physical or mental health.
~Here’s to Your Healthy Pursuits!
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