Does Medical Marijuana Help With Anxiety
Over the past few years, the idea that marijuana helps anxiety sufferers has been growing exponentially. As researchers continue to find connections between cannabiss anti-anxiety properties and our bodies endocannabinoid system, it has become more apparent than ever that there is some potential benefit here.
Before we talk specifics, its crucial to note that not every person will have the same experience with medical marijuana and anxiety. While cannabis may be beneficial for some with chronic worrying, for others.
In general, you must remember that not every person will have the same reaction to cannabis as you do. All of our bodies are different! So, even though medical marijuana for anxiety may work for you, that doesnt necessarily mean it will work for everybody. Some negative effects of using marijuana to treat anxiety include:
- increased heart rate
- problems with concentration or short-term memory
- irritability or other changes in mood
- paranoia
Research is beginning to discover that cannabis is ideal for anxiety when you enjoy a low-THC high-CBD strain. The high levels of CBD tend to counteract the potentially anxiety-inducing effects of THC, allowing for a calming, more comfortable experience.
Which Conditions Qualify You For An Illinois Medical Marijuana Card
Recreational and medical use of marijuana is a highly debated topic in the U.S. Many states legalized the medical use of marijuana, but many still are hesitant to do so. However, Illinois is now among the list of states that legalized both medical and recreational marijuana.
This is a recent development in Illinois that will also expunge the records of nonviolent individuals convicted of possessing small amounts of marijuana. But, Illinois medical marijuana will still be available to individuals with debilitating health conditions.
The new law passing the recreational use of marijuana will take effect in January of 2020. As of now, recreational marijuana will be sold at dispensaries that also sell medical marijuana.
Some people who rely on medical marijuana to treat their health conditions are concerned about availability. These individuals worry that supply will run low causing them to not get the treatment they need, but the law in Illinois states that dispensaries must legally maintain an adequate supply for medical consumers.
In addition, other benefits of obtaining a medical cannabis card are
Want to learn which conditions are approved in Illinois for medical marijuana cards? Read on to find out more about approved conditions under Illinois medical marijuana laws.
Get Certified By A Physician
Once you have registered in the Medical Marijuana Registry , the next step is to have an approved physician certify that you suffer from a qualifying medical condition.
Approved physicians also have access to the Medical Marijuana Registry and will submit their certifications directly to the system.
Approved Physicians
Physicians who recommend medical marijuana in Pennsylvania are required to register with the Department of Health. If your current physician is not registered with the Department of Health, you can find an approved physician here .
Qualifying Medical Conditions
Only patients suffering from one of the following medical conditions can participate in Pennsylvanias medical marijuana program:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
- Tourette syndrome.
Medical Marijuana Caregivers
When completing your application in the Medical Marijuana Registry, you can designate up to two caregivers to assist you in obtaining medical marijuana. Caregivers can be a spouse, a parent, or even a friend. Patients under the age of 18 are required to have a caregiver.
Caregivers also have to register for the medical marijuana program. All caregivers must complete a background check before being approved. Jump to Become a Medical Marijuana Caregiver to find more information on how to register.
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How Does This Qualifying Condition Differ From The Other Existing Qualifying Conditions Such As Chronic Pain And Neuropathy
The regulations define chronic pain as “severe debilitating pain that the practitioner determines degrades health and functional capability where the patient has contraindications, has experienced intolerable side effects, or has experienced failure of one or more previously tried therapeutic options.” The pain also must have lasted three months or be anticipated to last more than three months. Opioid replacement as a qualifying condition allows for the use of medical marijuana for pain that degrades health and functional capability as an alternative to opioid use. This condition includes, but is not limited to: acute pain, post-operative pain management, severe or persistent muscle spasms and Opioid-Use Disorder. If an opioid could be prescribed for the patient’s condition, and the condition does not conform to the definition of chronic pain, neuropathy or severe pain associated with any other existing qualifying condition, then this new condition would be selected during the certification process.
What If My Address Is Incorrect On My Temporary Id Card
If your address is not correct on the temporary ID card, your registry ID card will also not have the correct address. Please log into your account, select Health Applications, and then the “Medical Marijuana Data Management System” link. You may request a new card by selecting “Update Information/Request New Card” and selecting “Address Change” as the reason. You will need to edit the address information provided and then upload acceptable proof of your current address and submit the request to the Department for review. Once approved you will be able to access a new temporary ID card and a new registry ID card will be mailed to the provided address.
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Symptoms Of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders can cause many symptoms that interfere with your everyday functioning, including:
- Episodes of severe anxiety or fear that cause intense reactions like rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, nausea or sweating
- Racing or pounding heartbeat
- Fatigue
- Inability to concentrate
The combination of symptoms you have and their intensity can vary depending on the nature of your anxiety disorder. Just because you dont experience these exact symptoms doesnt mean you dont have an anxiety disorder only an experienced mental health professional can provide a proper diagnosis.
Best Medical Marijuana Strains For Depression And Anxiety Disorders
Some patients might decide to go the medical marijuana card route, perhaps because of another qualifying condition or because the patient lives in a state where anxiety and depression are qualifying conditions. If this is the case, then products that are low in THC and high in CBD are a better choice.
Below are a few of the more popular cannabis strains that are high in CBD and low in THC.
- Charlottes Web
- Valentine X
- Ringos Gift
- Harle-Tsu
- ACDC
- Harlequin
Although anxiety and depression patients cant yet purchase these strains in Pennsylvania, there are many states where marijuana is legal for adults 21 and older. If one were to find oneself in one of these states these would be better options for anxiety and depression patients than strains that are high in THC.
And for those who can tolerate higher levels of THC, here are some cannabis strains that offer a balance of CBD and THC.
- Sour Tsunami
- Stephen Hawking Kush
- Warlock
Not every medical marijuana dispensary carries these particular strains. However, a qualified budtender will be able to point you in the direction of other strains with similar CBD to THC ratios.
Another option would be to buy both CBD-rich hemp flower and marijuana thats high in THC and just mix a little marijuana into the hemp flower. This gives you a high-CBD, low-THC mix at a lower price than if you were to purchase something like ACDC at 20:1 CBD.
Dispensary Updates
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Where Can I Find My Temporary Registry Id Card
Log into your account, select “Health Applications,” and then the “Medical Marijuana Data Management System.” Click on the three white lines on the top-left side of the screen. Select the “My Temporary Card” option from the drop-down menu. Select the blue link to open and print your temporary ID card.
Benefits Of Medical Marijuana To Qualified Anxiety Patients
While its hard to gauge the effectiveness of medical marijuana for people with anxiety due to limited research, there are reports marijuana helps reduce stress and creates calm for people who suffer from anxiety. Specialists believe that cannabis deals with brain receptors that enhance a positive impact on mental health.
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Can You Get A Medical Card For Anxiety
More than two-thirds of Americans live in a state that has some form of medical marijuana program.
Unfortunately, in some of those states, anxiety is not among the list of conditions that qualify patients to obtain a medical marijuana card. On the other hand, some states permit medical marijuana doctors to decide whether or not a patients medical condition warrants the use of medical marijuana.
Youll need to check the laws in your state to determine whether or not the state has a medical marijuana program and whether or not anxiety can qualify you for access to marijuana dispensaries.
- Remedy CBD-dominant
Medical marijuana patients should ask budtenders at their local dispensary which strains they carry that produce good results in anxiety patients. They might not carry these exact strains but might have others that are just as effective.
Moreover, there are some medicinal formulations that contain only purified THC and CBD which makes these products non-strain-specific.
You Dont Want The Side Effects Of Traditional Meds
Tell the doctor that youve seen what opioids do we all have, right? The same as we all know that long-term NSAIDs use is damaging to organs. Sleeping pills have scary side effects. Even Benadryl can give a groggy hangover. If youve experienced any of these side effects or have a fear of them, this is a legitimate concern. It makes a great argument for the safer MMJ alternative.
If youve had a friend who has self-medicated with alcohol and was able to get off that train with MMJ, then this is a good point. Bring up MMJ success stories. It shows that you have put thought into your decision to try it.
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Which States Allow Medical Marijuana For Anxiety
Unfortunately, there arent many states right now that do consider anxiety a qualifying condition for a medical marijuana card. However, there is a good chance that with more research and evidence, this may change in the future. For now, these are the places that allow you to get your MMJ card for your anxiety disorder:
What If My Registry Id Card Has Not Been Received In The Mail And My Temporary Id Card Is Expired
Your registry ID card should be received within 10 business days from the date your temporary ID was issued. If necessary, log into your account, select “Health Applications,” and then the “Medical Marijuana Data Management System” link. You may request a new card by selecting “Update Information/Request New Card.” Confirm the mailing address is correct, and includes any applicable apartment numbers. If the address is correct, select “Lost Card” as the reason. If you need to edit the address, please select “Address Change” then edit the address information listed on the screen. You will then need to upload acceptable proof of your address , and submit. You will be able to access a new temporary ID card and a new registry ID card will be mailed to the provided address.
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Medical Marijuana Strains And Delivery Methods Commonly Used To Treat Ptsd
Not all medical marijuana strains and delivery methods will reduce all symptoms of anxiety and PTSD for all patients. Each patients needs are unique.
Treatment options should be discussed with a qualified Ohio medical marijuana doctor. However, there are some strains of cannabis with which PTSD patients have reported experiencing positive results.
Strains used to treat PTSD which are high in CBD include:
-
CBD Mango Haze
-
CBD Critical Cure
-
Northern Lights
A variety of delivery methods are also available to medical marijuana patients.
Inhalation methods such as smoking and vaping offer the fastest onset time. This makes inhalation ideal for patients suffering from the frequent sudden onset of anxiety and panic attacks.
It should be noted, however, that smoking and vaping can cause or worsen lung conditions such as chronic bronchitis or asthma in some patients. Furthermore, determining dosage can also be difficult with inhalation methods.
Edible cannabis products have a slower onset time and provide a much lower bioavailability than smoking or vaping. However, when a sudden onset of symptoms is not a problem, such as when dealing with ongoing depression or sleeplessness, then edibles might be a better choice. Oral capsules also offer accurate dosing and a somewhat faster onset time than edibles.
How Should Medical Marijuana Products Be Disposed Of
When disposing of approved medical marijuana products, it must always be done in a manner that renders the product nonrecoverable beyond reclamation. It is recommended that unused or unwanted product be returned to the certified patient or a designated caregiver who is a natural person for destruction. If the product cannot be returned, the designated caregiver facility must dispose of the product in a manner that renders it nonrecoverable beyond reclamation. Approved medical marijuana products cannot be disposed of using medication drop boxes, DEA drug take-back events or via Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement drug destructions. Designated caregiver facilities should develop policies and procedures that provide for the method of destruction and recordkeeping of disposal.
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Am I Eligible To Use Medical Marijuana After A Surgery Instead Of Using Opioids
Yes. Patients have the option to use medical marijuana instead of, or in conjunction with, opioids for post-operative pain management. Patients must be certified by a registered practitioner and registered with the New York State Department of Health Medical Marijuana Program. Patients can check with the facility where surgery will take place about policies and procedures related to use of medical marijuana while in the facility.
The Chronic Pain And Anxiety Cycle
Chronic pain is one of the most common health problems among adults in the United States, and the majority of patients who have an Ohio marijuana card qualify because of this condition. The relationship between anxiety and chronic pain is well-documented, and qualifying for medical marijuana because of chronic pain may mean that you can also treat your anxiety with cannabis as a result.
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How Does A Designated Caregiver Facility Obtain A Temporary Registry Id Card
Facilities who have submitted the required designated facility caregiver form to the Department, and whose registration as a facility caregiver has been approved, will be issued a registry ID card in the approval response sent via email. No temporary registry ID cards are issued for facility caregivers.
How Does Medical Marijuana Help Treat Anxiety And Ptsd
Although PTSD is often the result of a traumatic experience, not all trauma patients develop PTSD. Many researchers believe that PTSD and other anxiety disorders might be the result of a cannabinoid deficiency.
Research has shown that PTSD patients tend to have lower levels of particular neurotransmitters involved in the fear extinction process called endocannabinoids. These cannabinoid compounds are produced naturally by our own bodies.
If this is the case, then these conditions might be relieved by supplementing the patients natural endocannabinoids with phytocannabinoids found in cannabis such as THC and CBD.
In particular, CBD helps to regulate the production of a hormone known as serotonin that is thought to be involved in the fear response. The production and uptake of serotonin is mediated by an endocannabinoid called anandamide. CBD has the ability to mimic the effects of anandamide and increases serotonin levels.
Because of its ability to induce feelings of euphoria, THC can also be beneficial if the patient is suffering from depression and irritability. However, it should be noted THC can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and paranoia in some patients.
For this reason, some medical marijuana experts recommend that PTSD patients avoid THC at first or use it very sparingly, and only before bedtime.
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Can Nurse Practitioners And Physician Assistants Recommend The Use Of Medical Marijuana For Patients With Opioid Use Disorder
Physicians, Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants registered with the New York State Department of Health’s Medical Marijuana Program can recommend medical marijuana for any of the qualifying conditions. Physician Assistants must have a supervising physician who is registered with the program. These practitioners must be qualified to treat patients with one or more of the qualifying conditions, be licensed and in good standing as a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant in New York State and have completed a two to four-hour course approved by the Commissioner.
What Are Anxiety Disorders
When you have an anxiety disorder, you have feelings of anxiety and worry that interfere with everyday functioning. The anxiety disorder umbrella includes multiple conditions that have different triggers and symptoms. It includes a wide range of mental illnesses such as:
Like other mental illness patients, people with anxiety disorders are often dismissed as overreacting. Sometimes, people will tell them just to calm down. But people with anxiety have a much harder time calming down than someone without it.
Most people have to make a living by working, getting an education, taking care of their household or serving another important purpose. Regardless of your goal in life, constant anxiety impairs your ability to meet it.
But there is hope. Your feelings of anxiety are valid. Were here to give you support for your medical marijuana treatment, and there are many professionals out there who can help you feel better.
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