Considering Cannabis For Medical Purposes?
There are numerous benefits to using cannabis, but there are also some contraindications you should be aware of. We’ll go over the benefits of cannabis and outline some key things to keep in mind if you’re thinking about using it. Keep reading to learn more!
Evolving Landscape of Medicinal Cannabis: A Historical Overview
First, some brief history about cannabis. Marijuana, or cannabis, is a psychoactive drug that has been used for centuries for medical and recreational purposes. Yasmin Hurd is the Ward-Coleman Chair of Translational Neuroscience and the director of the Addiction Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She has stated that “Cannabis contains over 500 chemicals, including over 140 cannabinoids that have a greater or lesser degree of psycho-pharmacological activity.”
Weed in Ancient Civilizations
Findings of cannabis use have been recognized as far back to 2800 BC, when it was listed as a medicine by the father of Chinese medicine, Emperor Shen Nung in their pharmacopeia. Various other cultures participated in medical cannabis use such as; Indians, Hindus, Assyrians, Greeks, and Romans while other documented evidence suggests continued cannabis use as medicine from over 5,000 years ago in the area we now call Romania.
Cannabis' Entry and Exit from the U.S. Pharmacopeia
It landed in the United States Pharmacopeia back in 1850, exactly 30 years after it was founded. It became federally restricted to be used or sold in 1937 when the Marihuana Tax Act was passed while simultaneously being redacted in the US Pharmacopeia in 1942. As of June 6th, 2022, the website Procon.org notes that medicinal cannabis is now legal in 38 states and public opinion about the drug continues to change favorably.
Understanding the Dual Sides of Cannabis: Benefits and Contraindications
Cannabis has a variety of potential benefits, including relief from chronic pain, anxiety, and depression. However, cannabis can also have adverse effects, so it’s important to understand both the risks and benefits before using it. This post will provide an overview of the benefits and contraindications of cannabis use. It should be noted also that to use medical cannabis properly and legally in the state of Illinois should include a consultation with a qualified medical provider like the physicians at 1Body1life. You will be advised everything necessary to achieve the best results if you decide to get your medical cannabis card.
Cannabis and Its Therapeutic Uses: Medical Conditions Most Frequently Studied That Qualify in Illinois:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Appetite loss
- Cancer
- Crohn’s disease
- Diseases affecting the immune system like HIV/AIDS or Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Eating disorders such as anorexia
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- schizophrenia
- Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Multiple sclerosis
- Muscle spasms
- Nausea
- Pain
- Seizures
- Wasting syndrome (cachexia)
Understanding THC: The Four Major Types
Cannabis has five (5)major types of Tetrahydrocannabinol: Delta-9 THC,THCV, THCA, THCV, and Delta-8 THC. THC variances may affect people differently depending on the person’s weight, consumption and frequency of prior use. Less tolerant people may have adverse reactions. The three most common side effects are coughing fits, anxiety, and paranoia. The least common are fainting, hallucinations, or cold sweats.
Interactions with Prescription Medications
Marijuana or cannabis products can interact with prescription medications to cause rare but serious side effects. These include bleeding complications potentially for recent cannabis user (last 3-30 days) that has had a certain type of bleeding stroke called aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) stroke that may double the chances of a serious stroke complication, the potential for increased drowsiness caused by slowing down heart rate or breathing rates which may make a person become more relaxed but some people may become reckless after ingesting them.
Some people may have confusion, poor judgment translating into poor decision making ability. Some may get mentally stimulated from consuming THC -the psychoactive cannabinoid found in marijuana and have irritability.
Breakdown of the Indications and Contraindications for Medical Cannabis:
Indications for Medical Cannabis:
- Chronic Pain: Particularly neuropathic pain or pain related to conditions such as fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS): To manage spasticity and pain.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Especially when associated with chemotherapy treatments.
- Appetite Stimulation: Commonly used for patients with HIV/AIDS or those undergoing cancer treatments.
- Epilepsy: Specific strains or products, like CBD oil, have been found effective for certain forms of epilepsy, notably Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
- Glaucoma: To reduce intraocular pressure, although it’s often a short-term relief.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): To manage symptoms in some patients.
- Crohn’s Disease: Some patients report symptom relief.
- Parkinson’s Disease: Can be useful for some symptoms like tremors or sleep disturbances.
- Insomnia: Certain strains can help promote sleep.
Contraindications for Medical Cannabis:
- History of Psychosis: Cannabis can exacerbate symptoms or trigger the onset in predisposed individuals.
- Severe Cardiovascular Diseases: Cannabis can increase heart rate and affect blood pressure, posing risks for some patients.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Potential risks to fetal and neonatal development. History of Substance Misuse: Particularly in individuals with a predisposition to cannabis or other substance use disorders.
- Respiratory Diseases: Smoking cannabis can exacerbate symptoms.
- Young Age: Regular use in adolescents can impact cognitive development.
- Interactions with Other Medications: Especially with drugs that affect liver enzymes or are CNS depressants.
It’s essential to understand that the efficacy and safety of medical cannabis can vary based on the individual, strain, dosage, and method of consumption. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting or stopping any medication or treatment.
The Medicinal Silver Lining
Despite the cautionary tales, it’s essential to remember that cannabis isn’t just about recreation. Marijuana has been shown to have a wide range of medicinal benefits, particularly for people with debilitating pain or PTSD. If you’re taking any type of prescription drug or over-the-counter medication then there is always the chance that using marijuana may have some negative implications when combined due to their reactivity. That is why it is extremely important to discuss this with an experienced marijuana doctor that understands these potential contraindications. As with any powerful substance, the key lies in understanding and respect.
The Most Common Ways to Consume Cannabis:
- Oral consumption -gummies, brownies, lollipops, & chocolate
- Topical Skin Application- cream, lotion, oil, spray, oil, or cream
- Sublingual- Tinctures
- Pills or capsules
- Smoking it or inhalation with a vaporizer, joint, bong, dab, or pipe
Always Consult an Expert
If you are considering cannabis as a treatment option, it is important to be aware of the benefits and risks. Cannabis has been shown to have a wide range of medicinal benefits, but every human being is different and each individual needs to discuss their unique circumstances with a qualified healthcare provider about the potential side effects when used with other medications. If you have a qualifying medical condition you should consider discussing if cannabis maybe right for you. An experienced marijuana doctor can provide insights into potential contraindications, ensuring you get the benefits while minimizing the risks.
Classes Of Pharmaceutical Drugs That May Cause Contraindications With Cannabis Consumption:
- Sedatives – Sedative drugs like Ambien®, Lunesta®and Benadryl
- Anti-Anxiety Drugs– Xanax, Valium, Librium, Antidepressants, Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro
- Painkillers– Codeine Percocet Vicodin
- Anticonvulsant medicines-Tegretol, Topamax, Depakene, Coumadin, Plavix, Heparin
Evaluating Cannabis as a Medical Treatment Option with Expert Guidance
At the crossroads of medical innovation and personal well-being stands cannabis. As an evolving natural remedy, it’s essential to have an authoritative voice guide you through the intricate web of decisions associated with its use. Our team of medical experts is here to help you make an informed decision about whether cannabis is right for you.
The Cannabis Decision: Pros and Cons
The idea of using cannabis as a treatment can be daunting for many. Every individual’s journey with health is unique. Every patient journey with 1Body1Life starts with a personalized consultation with medical professionals. We discuss things like your current medications and supplement consumption, diet, medical condition(s), symptoms, prior usage, and lifestyle. We can help you weigh the pros and cons of using cannabis based on scientific evidence and personal anecdotes, giving you a clear picture of what to expect. Once you know what to expect we will guide you through the entire process of obtaining your marijuana card in Illinois. This comprehensive approach ensures we understand the entirety of your health profile.
Your Path to an Illinois Marijuana Card: Risk-Free Consultation
1Body1Life offers free medical cannabis card consultations so that you can find out if you qualify for this natural medicine and if it may be right for you or someone you are a caregiver for. Give us a call today to get started! It doesn’t hurt to see if you qualify. It’s 100% risk-free with 1Body1life wellness and cannabis clinic.
Your health, your decision. Our expertise, your guide.
