Benefits of Medical Marijuana

Medical Marijuana is complete green-field (pun intended :)) territory for the state of Ohio and many of our residents.  There’s several misconceptions, misunderstandings and flat out myths about this awesome, all-natural plant. There’s been thorough research and deep studies to uncover the true benefits of medical marijuana.  What’s more, state after state has been legalizing this plant/medicine in some capacity at a prolific rate. After much discussion and review, here are the top benefits of medical marijuana from the doctors at Ohio Green Team:

Pain Relief

No matter which part, organ, or system of the body is affected, many medical conditions cause noticeable discomfort or pain.  Chronic pain has overarching negative effects on nearly every aspect of your life: physical capabilities, emotional state, career performance, personal hobbies, leisure activities or mood in general just to name a few.

While traditional painkiller drugs such as morphine and oxycodone can be effective, they are also associated with a high risk of addiction and dependence, and can be dangerous or even fatal when administered in improper amounts.  Given the severe opioid crisis we face today, we highly advise against such opioids. Cannabis offers similar palliative benefits, with significant less risk of substance abuse and consequent health issues.

The scientific basis for marijuana’s pain-killing ability lies in the way the active ingredients, called Cannabinoids, affect the brain. Cannabis contains at least 80 different cannabinoids — notably delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC — which activate the body’s Cannabinoid receptors.  These receptors are found in brain and throughout most body organs. Furthermore, hemp and cannabis is grown naturally as a plant with the THC being extracted to create holistic medications.

Appetite & Nausea

As we know, food is a basic tenet of life and required for survival.  With obesity and fast food restaurants at the forefront of media topics, the dangers of under-eating has become a rising concern.  Persistent, long-term caloric deficiencies can lead to a myriad of serious health problems such as decreased bone density, impaired circulatory function, vitamin deficiencies, and even death caused by heart failure.

Some patients experience chronic nausea or loss of appetite related to chemo treatments, while others are impacted by conditions such as anorexia, depression, HIV/AIDS, or Crohn’s Disease.  If you struggle to maintain a healthy appetite due to a medical issue, Ohio Green Team recommends cannabis as an alternative to help you eat and get the nutrition your body needs.

Yes, we’ve all heard the common joke that marijuana causes the ‘munchies’ which in many cases it does increase eating and weight gain in underweight individuals.  Strangely enough, it does not appear to increase weight gain in normal to overweight users. Nonetheless, “Win” all the way around!

Mood Disorders

Emotional pain can be just as devastating and dangerous to patients as physical pain.  Conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and chronic insomnia can lead to poor mood, uninspired performance at work, strained interpersonal relationships, and even thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Current medications for these emotional disorders work to varying degrees, and have various side effects that may or may not make them helpful to an individual.  Medicinal marijuana offers many patients with mood disorders an effective alternative.

Additionally, medical cannabis can be safely and effectively use in conjunction with most current psychiatric medications. It doesn’t have to be viewed as an “either or” situation. In fact, in many instances the combination of Cannabis with other medications is the most effective treatment route.  What’s more, cannabis has over 100 compounds known as cannabinoids. These cannabinoids produce certain biological effects in your body which can help treat mental disorders such as PTSD, anxiety or depression.

Insomnia & Sleep

While insomnia is not yet an approved condition or symptom for patients to receive a recommendation for medical marijuana, there’s certainly proof that cannabis helps individuals sleep and beat insomnia.

Many people underestimate the importance of regular sleep, but the long-term consequences of chronic insomnia go far beyond just feeling tired.  Over time, sleep deprivation can put you at increased risk for developing high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and stroke. In the short-term insomnia can also lower your energy, make it dangerous to perform activities, create a foggy memory, negatively affect your mood and put a strain on your professional, personal, and romantic relationships.  

Because of the long-term and immediate risks insomnia can pose, it’s important to find an effective treatment ASAP.  Though every patient responds to treatment regimens differently, this often turns out to be a blend of both conventional medication and medical marijuana, which has repeatedly proven effective not only in improving sleep, but also in alleviating the mental and emotional components which often lie behind insomnia, such as anxiety, depression, and stress.   While prescription medications may be effective in treating the physiological causes of insomnia, they simply cannot provide wellness, the holistic benefit to both body and mind.  Ohio Green Team doctors are lobbying the Pharmacy Board to add this to their approved list immediately!

While the Ohio Green Team physicians reviewed just a few benefits of medical marijuana, the advantages are far-reaching while treating a multitude of symptoms at granular levels.  #HappyHealing #NoMorePills

In need of a medical marijuana recommendation?  We’re here to help, schedule today:

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