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Myths and Facts About Medical Cannabis
People have used cannabis, otherwise known as marijuana, to treat pain and other psychological and physical symptoms for more than 3000 years. Yet, we still question its proper usage within a medical setting.
Dr. Irizarry-Román treats patients for pain and other issues at No Mercy Sports Medicine in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. He offers a variety of treatments, and can recommend low-THC cannabis, or medical cannabis, which has been approved for medical use by Florida and other states, to relieve chronic pain and more.
What is medical marijuana?
Marijuana comes from the cannabis sativa plant. Containing over 100 chemical compounds, such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), it can be ingested, inhaled, or applied to the skin. THC induces a “high” feeling, while cannabidiol doesn’t. Both are safest when consumed in capsules, food, or tea, to avoid any smoke-related health issues.
How is cannabis used medicinally?
Dr. Irizarry-Román sometimes recommends low-THC cannabis, which doesn’t produce the traditional high associated with recreational usage, to assist patients suffering from pain and other symptoms without the potentially serious side effects of many prescription drugs. The doctor can recommend medical cannabis or low-THC cannabis for:
- Chronic nonmalignant pain
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Cancer
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- And multiple other medical conditions
Fact or fiction?
There is a lot of hype circulating about medical marijuana. Here are a few facts and myths surrounding this enticing plant:
MYTH: You must smoke medical cannabis to relieve pain. This is false. It also works in pill, tincture, oil, and edible forms.
MYTH: The doctor simply writes you a prescription. This is also false. Following your medical evaluation, Dr. Irizarry-Román recommends the dosage you can purchase at a Florida state dispensary.
FACT: Pain is a qualifying condition for which Dr. Irizarry-Román recommends low-THC cannabis. This is fortunately true. After the doctor completes your Florida Medical Marijuana recommendation, which is entered into the state’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use Registry, he orders the specific type and dosage of low-THC you can purchase.
FACT: Different strains cause varying effects. Yes, some strains promote muscle relaxation, for instance, while others decrease pain and nausea. Dr. Irizarry-Román chooses the right strain for your particular medical issue.
How medical marijuana can help
Medical marijuana may assist with:
- Pain relief
- Controlling chemotherapy-related nausea
- Stimulating appetite in cancer and/or HIV/AIDS patients
- Decreasing intraocular pressure (IOP) due to glaucoma
- Reducing spasm-related pain and numbness of multiple sclerosis
It may also help patients with Crohn’s disease and Parkinson’s. More research is needed in these areas.
Marijuana use outside a medical setting
The National Cancer Institute and National Institutes of Health note some of the possible side effects of extensive non-medical marijuana use, including:
- Increased heart rate
- Dizziness
- Low blood pressure
- Problems with short-term memory
- Impairment of motor and cognitive skills
- Insomnia
- Dry mouth and drowsiness
- Low blood glucose levels
These issues mostly occur with high-dose recreational, not low-THC medicinal, usage. Discuss any adverse symptoms with Dr. Irizarry-Román as he monitors your progress.
How is CBD (cannabidiol) used?
The second most active ingredient in cannabis is cannabidiol, or CBD, which comes from the same plant as marijuana. Since it doesn’t cause a high, it has become a very popular ingredient in a range of products.
It is potentially effective in helping with various seizure illnesses, such as epilepsy, as well. The World Health Organization states, “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential…”
More research is being conducted about CBD’s healing properties, which may include:
- Reducing anxiety
- Relieving chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain
- Promoting sleep
Your health is our main concern
Dr. Irizarry-Román discusses all your options before recommending low-THC cannabis. If you’re suffering from chronic pain or another condition, schedule an appointment with Dr. Irizarry-Román in Miami or Ft. Lauderdale to discover whether medical marijuana or other treatments may work for you.
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