Debbie There are several reasons to get a medical marijuana card in Alabama. This is especially true if you suffer from one of the qualifying health conditions. You’ll need a doctor to recommend a medical marijuana card, and the state must register your physician. You’ll have to pay a fee, which won’t exceed $65, and the state will process your application and mail you your card.
Reduces Pain
In Alabama, the only way to get a medical marijuana card is to receive a recommendation from a registered physician. Doctors can only recommend medical cannabis for a list of qualifying conditions in the state’s law.
In addition, you must meet specific requirements to use the product. First, you must register with the state. You can do this online or at a local health department, and it’s required to provide proof of residency.
Once registered, your doctor can certify you to use medical cannabis for one of the 16 qualifying conditions. However, this requires you to try traditional treatments first, and the symptoms haven’t responded.
A new study suggests that medical marijuana may help reduce pain, nausea, and appetite. Patients certified to use medical cannabis for pain reported a significant decrease in the visual analog scale, or VAS, score at three, six, and nine months.
Reduces Nausea
Nausea is a common symptom that can disrupt your daily routine. It can also affect your appetite, making it difficult to eat healthy foods. Medical marijuana can reduce nausea by targeting the brain’s cholinergic and histamine receptors. This makes it effective for reducing the symptoms of several conditions, including cancer-related nausea and vomiting. The chemicals in marijuana, known as cannabinoids, have also been shown to have antiemetic properties. They can help prevent or relieve nausea, vomiting, and shakiness caused by chemotherapy, epilepsy, motion sickness, pregnancy, and irritable bowel syndrome.
But, it is essential to note that marijuana is not a cure for the underlying cause of your nausea and can only be used as a treatment when other options have failed. This makes medical marijuana a valuable addition to a patient’s arsenal of medications. To get an Alabama medical marijuana card, patients must have one of the qualifying medical conditions approved by the state and undergo a physician evaluation. Typically, doctors will require documentation that traditional treatments have not helped. However, if the doctor believes medical cannabis is an acceptable alternative, they can recommend it to the patient.
Increases Appetite
While some might find this side effect a bit of a nuisance, appetite stimulation can be an incredible benefit for patients suffering from conditions that cause a lack of food intake. This includes cachexia in HIV patients, cancer, and other illnesses. Researchers have discovered that cannabis increases the body’s ghrelin levels, which triggers the brain to feel hungry. This is a natural part of the endocannabinoid system, a chemical receptor network that controls emotions, pain sensitivity, and appetite. Similarly, the drug also affects the olfactory bulb, heightening the smell of food. This increases the brain’s craving for it, explains Susan Bissex, a holistic cannabis practitioner in Washington. This is why many patients experience a spike in appetite when using medical marijuana. This is especially true for patients suffering from eating disorders and cachexia.
Fights Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD is a mental health condition that affects how people react to trauma. It can cause emotional numbing, detachment, and lack of awareness, as well as anxiety and flashbacks or nightmares. Symptoms also include mood swings and aggression or thoughts of self-harm. Medications and psychotherapy are often used to treat PTSD, but they can be hard to find and expensive. Some patients may self-medicate with drugs like marijuana or alcohol when medications don’t work. Medical marijuana is a safe and effective treatment option for PTSD, and it can provide significant relief from many of the symptoms associated with this disorder. It can also help patients sleep better, reducing their nightmares and improving their ability to fall and stay asleep.
Treats Anxiety
In addition to reducing pain and nausea, marijuana is known to help with anxiety symptoms. Patients find that medical cannabis can effectively treat various anxiety disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Anxiety is a common mental health condition that can have a long-lasting impact on the individual. Untreated anxiety symptoms can worsen, leading to other mental health issues like depression. There are several treatment options for anxiety, including psychotherapy and prescription medication. However, many patients find these treatments insufficient to combat anxiety effectively. While a low dose of medical marijuana can provide relief, it is essential to consult your doctor to ensure your strain will not cause adverse side effects.
Additionally, some medications are contraindicated or conflict with the use of CBD. In addition to counseling and prescription medication, a healthy diet is important for treating anxiety. Eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly can improve the quality of life for those with anxiety.
