Medical Marijuana

The term medical marijuana refers to  the use of the entire, unprocessed marijuana plant or its basic extracts in the quest to treat physical symptoms of illness and chronic conditions causing inflammation. Preliminary studies suggest that medical marijuana legalization could be associated with decreased prescription use and overdose deaths. The National Institute of Health continues to explore the use of cannabinoids for medical treatment.

So what are cannabinoids andwhat can they do for me?

Cannabinoids usually refer to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). They provide the following possible benefits:

CBD

  • doesn’t make you “high”
  • reduce pain and inflammation
  • control epileptic seizures
  • treat mental illness
  • reduce side effects of cancer treatments
  • impossible to overdose
  • studies show possible reduction in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), migraines & depression
  • studies show possible slowing of progression of Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis (MS)

THC

  • increase appetite
  • reduce nausea
  • decrease pain
  • treat inflammation
  • treat muscle control problems
  • treat auto-immune disease
  • anti-tumor properties

Not all strains of marijuana are created equal…

Click each strain type below to learn more.https://h5p.org/h5p/embed/229631?wmode=opaque

Although the buds of the cannabis plant can be smoked, you can reap the benefits of medical marijuana in other ways:

  • vaporizer pens
  • concentrates
  • oils
  • topicals (lotions, rubs)
  • tincutures
  • edibles (cookies, brownies, gummies, teas, drinks)

Now what?

Ask your doctor.

Times are changing and medical doctors are often far less dismissive of medical marijuana. Be open and honest and have high expectations. Your doctor should be knowledgeable or willing to educate themselves and assist you in finding the information you need.

Ask your coach.

When trying to take back control over your body, your life and your health, medical marijuana can be one piece of the puzzle. Pain management coaching can help you assemble those pieces.