How Medical Cannabis Can Improve Your Health & Quality of Life
Understanding the many benefits of medical marijuana can help change your approach to personal health. Wondering how?
This guide on the top ten medical benefits of marijuana is supported by scientific evidence and research – whether you or a loved one are dealing with a life-debilitating condition, remember – there is hope!
Besides the medical benefits of marijuana, you will uncover how to gain access to these healing effects in Utah – luckily, it’s easy and quick once you know what the process looks like.
On top of this, you will learn what a medical marijuana card is and how it can help you secure the highest-quality cannabis from authorized and reputable dispensaries.
By the end of this article on the benefits of medical marijuana, you will grasp the effects of this healing herb and you will enhance your personal health management strategy.
Keep reading to uncover the full benefits of medical marijuana!
Benefits of Medical Marijuana: What the Research Shows
Before understanding the benefits of medical weed, let’s talk about your options!
What kind of medical weed can you get?
In essence, you can choose between Indica, Sativa, and hybrid cannabis strains – each has a unique set of medical effects.
For example, Indica strains have relaxing and sedative effects, making them a great option for night-time use or treating conditions like insomnia or chronic pain.
On the flip side, Sativa strains uplift the spirit and energize you. These cannabis strains are a good choice for daytime use. They are also some of the best cannabis strains for managing fatigue and mood disorders such as depression.
Finally, if you want to enjoy the benefits of medical weed but you are looking for a more balanced effect, we recommend hybrid strains.
Now, let’s jump straight in and discuss the top ten benefits of medical marijuana. Some of the most common conditions that can be treated with medical cannabis include:
- Cancer: Medical cannabis has the power to alleviate symptoms related to cancer and the side effects of treatments. Some of these symptoms include appetite loss and nausea.
- Autism: Medical cannabis can also help manage behavioral issues in patients diagnosed with autism.
- Alzheimer’s disease: Medical cannabis can reduce symptoms experienced by Alzheimer’s disease patients such as anxiety, confusion, and insomnia.
- Nausea: As mentioned earlier, medical cannabis can be helpful for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy – nausea is a common side effect of this treatment.
- Acute and chronic pain: Medical cannabis is a powerful pain reliever.
- ALS or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Medical cannabis can treat symptoms of ALS, such as muscle spasms, cramps, and anxiety.
- Ulcerative colitis: Medical weed can help patients manage pain and inflammation linked to this condition.
- HIV: According to experts, cannabis can improve the appetite levels of patients with HIV. Also, cannabis can reduce neuropathic pain in these patients.
- PTSD: Again, medical marijuana can help manage symptoms of PTSD such as insomnia, anxiety, and flashbacks.
- Epilepsy: Last but not least, medical marijuana can help manage seizures in patients with epilepsy.
As you see, there are many benefits of medical marijuana. But what does the research say? Most importantly, are the medical benefits of marijuana long-lasting?
Yes! An extensive study conducted in 2023 which involved 3148 patients reaffirmed these benefits of medical marijuana. Of the study participants, the majority were women (53.6 percent), about 30.2 percent were unemployed, and the average age was around 56 years.
Moreover, chronic noncancer pain was the most common condition treated, followed by cancer pain, insomnia, and anxiety.
These findings show impressive and long-lasting improvements in the symptoms of the mentioned conditions and others. In brief, medical cannabis is a fantastic treatment option for a wide spectrum of conditions, and the effects are lasting.
If you too want to try out the benefits of medical marijuana, we are here to help. Don’t hesitate and reach out to our team of highly compassionate Qualified Medical Providers to learn more about your options.
The Medical Benefits of Marijuana for Seniors
All adults can reap the benefits of medical marijuana – especially seniors! Namely, its benefits, some of which have been touched on earlier, are particularly potent for age-related conditions.
How can senior citizens benefit from the healing effects of medical marijuana? Consider the following:
- Managing chronic pain symptoms: Among seniors, chronic pain is a common problem. This condition often leads to suffering, social isolation, and disability.
Unfortunately, most pharmaceutical options prescribed for chronic pain come with many side effects that can be particularly challenging for seniors. Medical cannabis is a less harmful alternative to these drugs.
According to a study that investigated the safety and efficacy of medical cannabis in older adults, 93.7 percent of respondents reported an improvement in their pain levels after using medical cannabis.
- Helping with neurodegenerative disorders: Medical marijuana can also be beneficial for conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease, all of which are most prevalent in seniors.
A study investigating the use of medical cannabis for Parkinson’s disease found it could improve symptoms without significant adverse effects.
- Getting relief from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): PTSD is common among seniors, especially war veterans.
In the U.S., over 70 to 90 percent of adults aged 65 and above have been exposed to at least one potentially traumatic event in their lifetime.
In sum, these benefits of medical cannabis show that weed can enhance life quality for adults, especially older people.
Who Can Gain Access to the Medical Benefits of Marijuana?
To take advantage of the benefits of medical marijuana in Utah, you must understand the qualifications that apply.
Yes, medical cannabis is legal in Utah, but you need to meet some prerequisites to receive a medical marijuana card and gain access to its healing benefits.
Firstly, the person needs to be at least 21 years old to be eligible for a medical marijuana card in Utah.
Secondly, you must establish residency status. You can do this by presenting a Utah driver’s license or a Utah ID. Alternatively, you can provide two documents that clearly demonstrate you are a Utah resident, such as utility bills or rental agreements in your name.
Lastly, you must have a valid medical diagnosis. This means that a certified healthcare professional must diagnose you with one or more qualifying health conditions.
Accessing the Benefits of Medical Weed: Cannabis Card in Utah
As just mentioned, to get a medical marijuana card in Utah, a doctor must diagnose you with one of the following qualifying conditions:
- Cancer
- ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)
- Autism
- Alzheimer’s disease
- PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
- HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
- Chronic pain
- Cachexia (wasting syndrome)
- Crohn’s disease
- Terminal illness
- Epilepsy
- Ulcerative colitis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Any rare disease or condition affecting fewer than 200,000 individuals in the U.S
- Any terminal condition requiring hospice care.
You must meet these criteria to successfully apply for a medical marijuana card. Fortunately, we are here to make the entire process easier for you.
Don’t wait any longer and book an appointment with a Qualified Medical Provider today – find out how to enjoy the benefits of medical marijuana.
FAQ
What are the medical benefits of cannabis and is anxiety a qualifying condition?
If you are suffering from anxiety, you may be wondering whether you qualify for the medical benefits of cannabis.
Unfortunately, anxiety alone is not a qualifying condition for the benefits of medical weed.
However, if you have a qualifying medical condition that causes anxiety as a symptom, you could be a good candidate for a cannabis card in Utah.
For example, anxiety is a common symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder, a recognized qualifying condition in Utah.
In other words, if your doctor diagnoses you with post-traumatic stress disorder and one of your symptoms is anxiety, you are eligible to seek relief via medical cannabis.
To remind you, there are many scientifically validated medical benefits of cannabis, including:
- Relief from pain: Cannabis can be a good alternative to addictive painkillers.
- Relief from vomiting and nausea: These are some common side effects in cancer patients undergoing chemo.
- Seizure control: This can benefit epilepsy patients.
- Improved sleep quality: Insomniacs will enjoy the sleep-inducing and relaxing medical benefits of cannabis.
What do I need to do to gain access to the medical benefits of marijuana?
The medical benefits of cannabis are plentiful, but you will need a Utah cannabis card to gain access to herbs. The first step you need to take is to get diagnosed with a qualifying condition.
Once you receive a diagnosis, you can proceed to the following steps. If you need help or assistance regarding obtaining a medical cannabis card, don’t hesitate and reach out to us today! We are here to assist!
Are the benefits of medical marijuana proven?
Absolutely, a growing body of scientific research supports the medical benefits of marijuana. That being said, more research is required to understand the full scope of benefits this herb offers.
Give us a Call Today
Are you ready to embrace the benefits of medical marijuana? We’re here to help.
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