How Does Medical Marijuana Work?

medical marijuana beverly hills, hudson, and tampa, flMedical marijuana is a relatively new therapeutic option in the medical field, prescribed for a number of different conditions today. Though much of the research is still in the early stages, there is no shortage of research showing positive results in the therapeutic treatment of patients, especially those who have exhausted all other options. More recently, pills (such as opioids) have come under a great deal of scrutiny for their addictive nature, and hazards to patient health when used to treat pain etc. Such scrutiny is compounded even more by the fact that natural alternatives for many conditions may have been able to prevent what is now being called The Opioid Crisis. Medical marijuana has many different, uses, and is safe and effective under the care of a licensed practitioner.

Medical Marijuana Uses

Before we can understand its usage, we first must ask, “What is medical marijuana?” Medical marijuana is marijuana that has been recommended by a doctor in the treatment of a medical condition, and is safe for patient consumption. There are a host of reasons patients may seek cannabis as a treatment for a disease or disorder. In Florida, 12 conditions can be treated using Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the main active ingredient found in marijuana. Florida currently allows doctors to prescribe medical cannabis for the following conditions: (ALS/Lou Gehrig’s disease), AIDS, cancer, chronic/severe pain, Crohn’s disease, epilepsy, glaucoma, HIV positive status, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, PTSD, and any other condition of equal severity (when concluded by a physician’s judgement) that medical marijuana benefits would exceed any potential health risks.

How Does Medical Marijuana Work?

There is a great deal of evidence to support the efficacy of medical marijuana in therapy for conditions approved by compassionate care states. So, how does it work? Each of us produces our own cannabinoids endogenously (internally), which attach to the cannabinoid receptors found throughout the body to promote proper functioning, or trigger a desired process, in the different bodily and central nervous systems. There are two cannabinoids that we know of (though it is suspected there may be up to four). The two we will discuss here are called Anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2AG). Anandamide is a neurotransmitter, produced by the brain, which is also called the bliss molecule, for its ability to help promote happiness. Like most neurotransmitters, however, it degrades very quickly in the body, rendering the state of “bliss” a short-lived one. Nevertheless, research has shown that there may be more business to anandamide than just pleasure. It may also play a role in improving cognitive function in the adult brain (to include improving memory in Alzheimer’s patients), reducing anxiety/depression disorders, and inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. Conversely, a study published in 2011 by the National Center for Biotechnology Information revealed that increasing AG-2 levels can counteract colitis and related systemic inflammation. Contrariwise, it is believed that when these cannabinoids are depleted, medical conditions may occur. Fortunately, there are a number of different cannabinoids found in medical marijuana that may satisfy the needs of the body’s cannabinoid receptors to promote proper functioning and inhibit disease.

Ask an Experienced Medical Marijuana Physician

We know having a physician you trust is important. You may have further questions about medical marijuana if you or a loved one is suffering from a qualifying condition. At The Herbal Clinic, we have the expertise and professionalism you deserve to answer any question you may have. We believe the best type of medical care is thoroughly discussed between patient and doctor, thus ensuring the most effective and safe treatment options available to you on an individual basis. Our medical marijuana treatment is all-natural and we have partnered with only quality, verified dispensaries throughout Florida to provide our patients with the best possible treatment. We provide 100% legal medical marijuana treatment in Tampa, Hudson, and Beverly Hills, Florida and follow all associated regulatory procedures. Call 727-202-4325 or click here today to learn more and schedule an appointment!