Medical Marijuana (Medical Cannabis)

Overview

This is a name we give to marijuana products used to treat medical conditions. Marijuana is a drug and it comes from the Cannabis sativa plant. U.S. federal law outlaws it. But many states allow you to use it for medical reasons. In these states, your doctor can give you permission.

How it helps you

How can it help you? Marijuana eases lasting pain. It controls nausea and vomiting. It also helps give you a feeling of hunger. So it helps you eat when you have a condition that takes away your appetite. Medical marijuana treats symptoms for many conditions. These include cancer, HIV/AIDS, epilepsy, glaucoma and others. Ask your doctor for a full list.

Forms of the drug

Medical marijuana comes in many forms. Some are for smoking. Some can be vaporized and inhaled. Marijuana can be mixed into foods and eaten, or taken orally as liquid drops. Some forms are stronger than others. And not all affect you the same way. You may need to try different forms to find what works best for you.

Conclusion

Medical marijuana is not right for everyone. It can have mental and physical side effects that you may not like. These include things like drowsiness, dizziness and slow reaction times. It can make you anxious and forgetful. It can affect your heart rate. Discuss these with your doctor before you take the drug. And always make sure you follow the usage directions to keep yourself and others safe. For more info, talk to your doctor.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.