The healthcare industry strives to make advances in patient care, and medical marijuana is helping millions of patients now. And California was the first to approve MMJ at the state level.
Voters in 1996 approved the bill allowing marijuana to be prescribed to patients with certain conditions.
Most of the US has followed California since then in letting doctors treat patients with medical marijuana.
What is a medical marijuana doctor?
A marijuana doctor performs the same role as any general practitioner. The difference between a regular GP and a medical marijuana doctor is the latter can prescribe MMJ.
The first step to using MMJ is to find a certified medical marijuana doctor in your state. A marijuana doctor will be knowledgeable about the conditions MMJ can treat, and will be willing to recommend its use.
At the time of writing, only the following states still prohibited medical marijuana and CBD oil for patients:
- Idaho
- Kansas
- Nebraska
- South Carolina
- North Carolina
- Wyoming
However, there is movement in some of these states now. It appears that South Carolina is set to allow medical marijuana usage. And North Carolina and Idaho may follow suit for certain conditions too.
The laws surrounding medical marijuana differ by state and region, and not all conditions qualify for treatment.
How might a medical marijuana doctor help you?
A marijuana doctor might see patients in person, or by telehealth link-up. Patients must then be evaluated. The patient’s medical history will be checked. And only then can treatment be recommended.
If the patient is approved for MMJ they will receive a recommendation letter. This letter allows the patient to purchase medical marijuana.
A doctor’s recommendation letter also helps patients apply for a medical marijuana identification card. A medical marijuana ID card identifies patients to law enforcement officers and brings some tax benefits too.
A medical marijuana identification card exempts the patient from sales tax.
What ailments can a medical marijuana doctor treat?
Over 3.6 million people have benefitted from MMJ. However, some illnesses which qualify patients for medical marijuana in one state might not be applicable in another.
This list of illnesses is commonly accepted for medical marijuana treatment.
- Crohn’s disease
- Cancer
- HIV and AIDS
- Epilepsy
- Anorexia
- Parkinson’s disease
- Fibromyalgia
- Migraines
- Multiple Sclerosis
Medical cannabis is also commonly prescribed for chronic pain including nerve damage and inflammation. Treating stress at the root cause is the best solution, but many patients are finding medical marijuana helpful for relaxation. And, MMJ is being used by some to manage other conditions including autism.
Autism treatment
A few small studies have shown evidence of a link between cannabis and autism treatment. More research needs to be undertaken. However, this may indicate that medical marijuana has uses beyond pain relief.
Sleeping disorders
THC can help to promote a deep sleep state which may help to treat insomnia sufferers. Medical marijuana can help patients to fall asleep quicker and remain in deep sleep for longer.
Sleep disorders harm the physical and mental health of people. And poor sleep patterns can be the cause of several serious illnesses. MMJ might improve sleep patterns for patients, and in turn, improve future health.
Managing the menopause
Medical marijuana is also being prescribed to help improve female health. Conditions such as menopause are found by many to be more manageable with medical marijuana. This may be because MMJ helps to reduce stress and relieve hot flashes.
Loss of appetite
It is somewhat of a stereotype to link marijuana and munchies together, but stereotypes exist because they contain some truth. MMJ is being used by some doctors to help stimulate hunger in patients. Many illnesses can result in an extreme loss of appetite, and MMJ triggers hunger pangs and encourages eating.
Relieve symptoms of mental health conditions
Medical marijuana might alleviate some symptoms associated with depression. Introducing MMJ into the system helps patients feel more relaxed and calm. Medical marijuana also boosts mood and makes patients feel happier.
Medical marijuana might help depression but it can’t provide a complete cure. Nevertheless, medical marijuana has helped patients with PTSD and other conditions such as bipolar disorder.
MMJ may help some patients to manage mood swings too.
Summary
A medical marijuana doctor is a fully qualified and licensed practitioner. The only difference between a medical marijuana doctor in California, and a GP in Idaho for instance, is the former is legally able to prescribe MMJ to patients.
Anyone who feels medical marijuana could help them must first approach their primary health practitioner. Once a patient has been evaluated, the doctor can then recommend MMJ to treat qualifying conditions.
As time moves forward, medical marijuana will likely be approved for more conditions. But, first, more research must be carried out on the likes of autism patients.