Pain Takes Centerfold in Utah’s MMJ Program

Utah has been prized as a humble mecca of recreation (no, not that type of recreation) for decades, and is a tempting travel destination for any nature lover. According to a 2018 report conducted by the AHS United Health Foundation, Utah earned a fifth place overall ranking as one of the healthiest states in North America. It ranked first in a one category of health determinations, “health behaviors”, out of the four included in the study. The other three categories were community and environment, policy, and clinical care. Interestingly, Utah ranked 37th in the policy determination, which absolutely affected the overall score of average the state was given.

In the AHS or America’s Health Rankings report, One of the challenges listed for the state of Utah was the low rate of primary care physicians. Utahns in 2022 are struggling even further as the healthcare system Chronic pain is defined as any pain that lasts for more than three months. It can be caused by a wide variety of conditions, including arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraines, and endometriosis. Chronic pain can have a major impact on a person’s quality of life, making it difficult to work, exercise, and even sleep.

In Utah, chronic pain is the leading qualifying condition for medical cannabis by far. Both acute and chronic pain have been approved for the list of qualifying medical conditions. Acute pain was defined in the SB195 Medical Cannabis Access Amendments Bill as:

“Pain that is expected to last for two weeks or longer for an acute condition, including a surgical procedure, for which a medical professional may generally prescribe opioids for a limited duration, subject to Subsection 26-61a-201(5)(c).”

– Section 26–61a–104

Eligible candidates are welcome to apply for a medical cannabis card in the state of Utah with or without medical records, as long as they are 21 years of age or older. For those who will require assistance ordering, picking up, purchasing or transporting medication, all patients are eligible to have more than one caregiver who will also be licensed for admission into a Utah pharmacy.

In a recent survey, nearly two-thirds of medical cannabis patients said that their condition improved after starting treatment. While more research is needed to understand the full extent of medical cannabis’ effectiveness in treating chronic pain, the current evidence suggests that it can be a helpful tool for many people.

Chronic Pain Is Relative

A standard definition is used by QMPs who are willing to advocate for medical marijuana for chronic pain. Chronic pain is defined as persistent discomfort that occurs on a daily or regular basis or for more than thirty days. It might be the consequence of an underlying disease, surgery, or even another medical therapy, such as chemotherapy. Nonspecific chronic pain (such as lower back pain) is not associated with any known cause.

It’s important to realize that the pain people experience is relative and hard to measure for that reason. People have varying pain thresholds based on how their brains process pain signals. What feels like an acceptable amount of agony to you might be excruciating for someone else. Pain that would keep you flat on your back for weeks may appear minor to a friend.

Perhaps it’s because medical cannabis helps chronic pain sufferers the most. It’s difficult for clinicians to know how to address patients since they can’t quantify their suffering. Medical marijuana serves as a catch-all remedy, allowing patients to self-medicate as needed. That said, it’s important to understand that the risks may outweigh the benefits when it comes to treating one’s medical condition with cannabis. That is why it’s important to consult with your qualified medical provider (QMP) on a routine basis.

Products and Delivery Methods

Chronic pain sufferers have a variety of therapies and delivery systems at their disposal; medical cannabis is just one of them. Recreational marijuana is and will likely continue to be illegal in Utah. Medical cannabis patients must also adhere to the state wide no-smoke law, which essentially means cannabis cannot be heated with a lighter and inhaled – like a joint or bowl. The Utah Medical Cannabis Act does not protect individuals from criminal liability for possessing devices that facilitate the combustion of cannabis. The vaporization of cannabis products with use of a heated nail is also prohibited.

For those who wish to dry-heat plant material using safe, approved combustion methods or utilize a vape product, on the other hand, the pharmacy encourages this by providing devices and concentrates which will help the patient obtain nearly identical benefits without smoking. A tincture placed under the tongue has the same effect as smoking but takes less time. Pharmacies in Utah also have various other methods of ingestion available like pills, transdermal patches, gelatinous cubes, and RSO syringes.

Patients just need to communicate with medical practitioners and pharmacists in order to discover the greatest medicines and delivery systems. We have a team of qualified medical providers who will be happy to provide you with quick, professional, and friendly services – including getting you in touch with a good pharmacy, where you will be visiting to pick up your medication. If you were to visit our Cottonwood Heights location, you would get assistance from a QMP and a team of industry experts regarding what is best for you. You would also be automatically eligible for our Telehealth service tentative to your initial visit and approval into the treatment plan, meaning the doctor will video call you instead of having you come into the office!

Because pain is subjective, you may find that some items work for you and others don’t. Many patients find that, while the active problem or condition they have listed is something like anxiety or depression, a symptom of their condition that is commonly associated with chronic pain such as headaches or migraines. You will need to have spoken with at least one medical provider regarding either chronic or acute pain in order to qualify, however keep in mind that as long as you are 21 or older Utah does not require you to provide medical records. You could also discover that combining many treatments gives the best results. The easiest method to comprehend it all is to stay in touch with a pharmacist as well as your QMP.

Track Your Usage

Every time you visit a cannabis pharmacy, be sure to track your usage. If you’re not the bullet journal type of patient, don’t sweat it – you can track the products you like (and don’t like) on the notes app of your phone. Simply keep a record of each instance of cannabis use. What did you get at what price and amount, how did you administer it and at what dosages, and what effects did you take away from the experience? Also, note the consequences. Most importantly, did it assist or hinder your recovery? Beehive Farmacy, which currently has two locations servicing the Salt Lake City and Brigham areas, also has patient journals available for purchase that are incredibly handy, lightweight and aesthetically pleasing.

Make a point of informing the pharmacist of your condition and preferences with each pharmacy visit. It may be used by pharmacists to better comprehend how cannabis affects you. Recommendations for future items and doses can result from the data you collect and the pharmacist’s expertise. Your preferences can be communicated best by identifying the terpenes, cannabinoid ratios, and methods of ingestion that benefit you most.

According to a study conducted by Utah Medical Cannabis Program, chronic pain is the most frequently cited qualifying condition among medical cannabis patients. We hope those who have been failed by the healthcare system in the past will find comfort in knowing that pain finally has alternative options available for treatment. If you’re wanting to speak to an expert about whether or not you are eligible for the program ahead of time, look no further – the Green Team is available with answers to these questions and more. Call, text, or email today and a representative will guide you through the process from step A to Z!

Get in touch with us!
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter

Green Team Doctors | Utah Certified Qualified Medical Providers (QMP)
6975 South Union Park Avenue, Suite 600, Office 679
Cottonwood Heights, UT 84047

Call today! (801) 382-9006