In recent years, medical marijuana and CBD has gained widespread acceptance as a viable therapy option for many people. Some people claim that it significantly lessens their symptoms and enables them to live better lives, from cancer to chronic pain. Although the use of medicinal marijuana is still prohibited on a federal level, it is currently permitted in 36 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands for people who meet the necessary conditions.
The first step to purchasing legal THC goods if you reside in one of the states and believe medicinal marijuana could assist you is to get your state-specific medical marijuana card.
Despite modest differences between states, there are numerous parallels in the procedure.
When looking to get your medical marijuana card there will be things that require some research, patience, and due diligence. I don’t want you to worry, we have you covered.
Keep reading this blog to find out more about cannabis use for medical purposes, how to get a medical marijuana card, and where you can shop for the products you need.
What Does Medical Cannabis Mean?
One of the first things that come to mind when thinking about marijuana is how it makes us feel high. It produces euphoric effects that give us an overall sense of well-being and happiness.
Not only can it relieve stress and anxiety, but it can also improve your mood significantly. It has been shown to increase feelings of pleasure and satisfaction.
This is because THC (the active ingredient) acts upon the brain’s endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for producing cannabinoids.
The endocannabinoid system helps regulate processes such as memory formation, appetite, sleep cycles, immune function, and sensory perception. When this system is activated by THC, it creates an antianxiety effect.
Due to this, cannabis has become part of studies to see whether it can be an effective treatment for people with mental health problems. However, weed also produces significant physical effects on the consumer.
Cannabis is very good at getting rid of nausea, reduces pain, and it can help to relax muscles, producing a sedative-like effect.
This is enjoyable for recreational users, but is a boon for those who suffer from serious medical conditions, such as cancer or arthritis.
The marijuana plant is made up of more than 100 distinct cannabinoids in total. Each one affects the body in a unique way. The two main cannabinoids used in medicine are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is also responsible for the “high” that results from marijuana consumption or smoking.
In the US, 37 states, the District of Columbia, and four US territories have legalized medical marijuana. Similar to this, rules in all 50 states restrict the amount of THC in products while allowing access to those high in cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component of cannabis.
Using the entire, unprocessed marijuana plant or its fundamental extracts to treat the signs and symptoms of disease and other disorders is referred to as using medical marijuana.
The marijuana plant has not been acknowledged or approved as a medicine by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, one FDA-approved drug that contains cannabinoid compounds in pill form is the result of scientific research on the cannabinoids found in marijuana. More drugs could be developed as a result of ongoing study.
Many people contend that marijuana should remain allowed for medical usage because it contains compounds that may help alleviate a number of ailments and symptoms.
Where Did Cannabis First Appear?
Humans have been cultivating cannabis, a flowering plant, for thousands of years. In the eastern region of Central Asia, where wild species are still common, it was domesticated.
The earliest evidence of cannabis production, dating to the second millennium BC, was discovered in China, according to a study conducted in 2016 under the direction of Chris Stevens, Rebecca Roberts, and Charlene Murphy.
However, according to the majority of botanists, it was likely first domesticated in eastern Central Asia, where wild variants are still common.
Today, the UK is the leading provider of medical marijuana in the world, while the United States is one of the biggest cannabis growers globally.
What’s the Difference Between Hemp, Marijuana, and CBD?
What distinguishes CBD from hemp, marijuana, and other drugs? It may not be obvious to many individuals. People have questions all the time like what is a dab pen? How do bongs work? What makes you lose weight? Does it cause acne? Everything is different when comparing the differences between the three.
When you start to investigate the variations, you’ll discover that a lot of the study is ambiguous or conflicting. But we’ve already put in the effort for you and condensed things into a pretty package.
Hemp and marijuana are both varieties of the cannabis plant.
Both hemp plants and marijuana have THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, but hemp plants don’t have nearly as much of it as marijuana does, therefore they don’t give off the same intense high.
In general, cannabis plants with up to 0.3 percent THC are referred regarded be hemp, whereas those with more than that are known as marijuana.
The distinction is significant because, while marijuana is subject to less limitations than hemp (and its derivatives), which is lawful in the United States and many other countries.
Given that THC is the main psychoactive component in cannabis, authorities frequently impose access restrictions to prevent abuse and overconsumption.
All 50 states in the US have legalized marijuana use and sales as a result of the 2018 Farm Bill. This include the production of hemp on a federal level.
How Does Marijuana Appear? (The Leaf)
What do the leaves of marijuana resemble?
You might see that marijuana plants differ slightly from most other plants in appearance when identifying them. This is so because they are members of the hemp family and the cannabis genus.
These plants’ fan-shaped leaves are one of their most distinguishing characteristics. These leaves are distinguished by their identifiable form and serrated edges.
They are frequently utilized as symbols for marijuana in pop culture, art, and other contexts.
Fan leaves on marijuana plants serve as the plant’s principal source of energy by performing photosynthesis. These leaves enable the plant to transform solar energy into energy for growth and development.
A marijuana plant can be recognized by its green fan leaves with serrated edges. However, it should be mentioned that because of their low cannabinoid content, these leaves are rarely employed for therapeutic or recreational purposes.
The Buds
How does marijuana appear?
Cannabis blossoms don’t resemble conventional flowers. They are small, tightly packed, and resemble dense buds; the center is made up of tiny branches that resemble a cluster of leaves.
They are frequently utilized as symbols for marijuana in pop culture, art, and other contexts.
Although cannabis flowers are frequently green, they can also be blue, purple, red, orange, or yellow. Cannabis flowers have long, thin sugar leaves that extend from the flower itself in addition to branches.
Due to the way that these leaves appear, they were given the name since they look like they are coated in sugar.
Is Cannabis Used Medically?
The use of plant-based medicines including THC, CBD, CBG, and other substances is nothing new.
For decades, scientists have studied marijuana to see if there are any potential medical uses for it. Some people think weed is a depressant. We are already seeing the positive effects of CBD oil on it’s own.
The use of THC to treat the typical lack of appetite experienced by cancer patients is one of the most well-known medical uses of marijuana. There is no doubt the benefits of weed. Having it expire may cause different things to happen as well, even changing the taste.
Furthermore, studies have shown that cannabis may have a considerable impact on the signs and symptoms of serious illnesses like epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and others.
The simple answer is… Absolutely.
Types Of Medical Cannabis
In the past, users had to smoke the flower to obtain the desired effects, but medical marijuana administration has made significant strides in recent years.
Today, many people have the choice of taking marijuana tablets, inhaling or spraying the drug, or eating candies and gummies.
When consuming cannabis for therapeutic purposes, several techniques of consumption provide more reliable dosing. Even topical medicinal marijuana therapies, such as lotions and patches, are accessible.
Because the cannabis plant’s components must be processed before they can be ingested, eating the raw plant has no discernible effects. Only through a procedure known as decarboxylation can cannabis chemicals become active in the human body.
How Does It Function?
What effects does marijuana have on the brain?
The THC chemical in marijuana enters the bloodstream whether it is smoked, consumed, or administered topically.
When it reaches the brain, it engages with and affects cannabinoid receptors, certain places on the nerve cells.
These receptors are found in regions of the brain that control sensory perception, thinking, memory, mood, and coordinated movement.
What Are Marijuana’s Side Effects?
Using cannabis in a variety of ways can have various impacts. When smoked, its effects can be felt anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes after inhalation, with their peak usually plateauing around 30 minutes.
It could take up to two hours after eating an edible before you feel its full effects.
Generally speaking, when cannabis is ingested as opposed to smoking or vaping the effects can last longer.
Cannabis comes in a variety of strains with distinct chemical make-ups and concentrations that can have varied effects on you. Cannabis, however, generally has an impact on both the body and the psyche. The following are a few possible cannabis adverse effects:
Both sedation and relaxation
Increased hunger, joy, and excitement
Improved sensory perception
Higher heart rate
Reduction in blood pressure
Diminished motor coordination
Cannabis is frequently used as a medication because some of these effects, including drowsiness, are beneficial. Others, such impaired motor coordination, are frequently brought on by excessive intake and are less severe.
Why Marijuana?
Mary Jane is less addictive than opioids, medical marijuana has a huge following and is used frequently for pain management.
It also offers an effective substitute for ibuprofen or paracetamol.
Even better, it’s one of the few substances that can increase appetite in people receiving treatment for cancer, AIDS, and even anorexia, making it even more advantageous.
How to Obtain a Medical Cannabis Card in North Carolina
In most states, communicating to your general practitioner about your intention to obtain a marijuana card is the initial step toward obtaining medicinal cannabis. If you are looking how to get a medical marijuana card you need to make sure you understand the right process.
We anticipate that the requirements will resemble the following in order to be eligible for a North Carolina Medicinal Marijuana Card that will allow you to legally acquire medical marijuana from one of the clinics once they are operational:
Be at least 18 years old
Patients under the age of 18 require their parents’ permission.
Current confirmation of a qualifying condition’s diagnosis
Possess a formal, written certification from a doctor
Possess proof of residency in North Carolina, such as a valid driver’s license or state identification card.
What Illnesses Are Suitable for Medical Marijuana Treatment?
If the North Carolina Compassionate Care Act is enacted by the state Senate as it is now written, the following requirements will qualify you for a medical marijuana card:
Cancer\sEpilepsy HIV/AIDS ALS Crohn’s illness Aplastic anemia Parkinson’s condition PTSD a number of sclerosis The wasting syndrome or cachexia chronic or severe nausea (for hospice patients or the bed-bound)
Being in North Carolina once the dust settles and the Care act goes through this will be the process:
Meet with certified physician to determine illness and request medical marijuana as the treatment
If you qualify have medical marijuana doctor assign you a valid medical marijuana card.
Once you have paid your fee and the state has received your Marijuana Doctor’s certification, you will be entered into the patient registry.
After your submission, you will receive your North Carolina Medical Marijuana Card in the mail (or via email).
From there you can take your North Carolina card and go to any dispensary of your choosing!
What Conditions Make You Eligible For Medical Marijuana?
Your doctor can provide you detailed instructions on the conditions that medical marijuana is approved for in your state, although most states accept it for the following:
Cancer
Lou Gehrig’s disease, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,
Crohn’s illness
AIDS and HIV
Glaucoma
a number of sclerosis (MS)
seizures and epilepsy
Parkinson’s condition
Anorexia
acute nausea
Fibromyalgia
Migraines
fatal neurodegenerative conditions
By discussing the use of medical marijuana to treat these ailments with your doctor, you give them the opportunity to alert you to any potential negative effects, risks, or interactions with your current prescription drugs. Your doctor might give you the go-ahead to obtain a card following a thorough discussion of the benefits and drawbacks.
Where Are We Going From Here?
Some states additionally demand that you register with their medical registration after receiving a prescription or physical card.
Providing documentation showing your doctor has prescribed or advised medical cannabis to assist you manage your symptoms is a requirement of the registration procedure.
To apply with your doctor’s approval attached, you’ll probably need to create an account online.
You should be informed that there can be a cost associated with obtaining a medical marijuana card. Prices can be related to your doctor or the registration process and vary by state.
Where Can I Buy Medical Cannabis?
You cannot purchase medical marijuana products at a pharmacist, unlike regular prescriptions.
While some states have a small list of authorized dispensaries, others have one on every corner.
You might even be permitted to grow the plants yourself for personal use, depending on your health and where you live.
Topical creams, tablets, oral treatments, vaporizing oils, dried flower for smoking, tinctures, sprays, and edibles are a few of the items you might find at a dispensary. Gummies, chocolate, mints, and sodas are just a few examples of edibles.
Additionally, clinics can give you more information on dosage and strain suggestions if you’ve never used medicinal marijuana before.
As each sort of product has distinct impacts, first-timers may wish to try out many varieties to identify the ones that work best for their lifestyle.
While edible medications can take over an hour to take action and may last between 8 and 10 hours, inhaled products often take effect within a few minutes and last for many hours.
Conclusion
It’s time to move forward now that you know a little more about medical marijuana. To find out if medicinal marijuana is right for you, consult your primary care physician or another qualified medical professional. Then, get a card and properly register yourself online by adhering to all state rules and laws.
My name is David Lumis and I am a self-proclaimed smoker. Five years ago, after I had been made redundant from my job as an engineer, my anxiety hit an all time peak. I have always struggled with it since I was a teenager, but that life event sent me into overdrive.
My story is exactly why I want to educate more people about cannabis and show them that it isn’t a dirty drug, but a form of medicine. If you are struggling, I urge you to read through this site to see how cannabis can help you.
