Although recreational cannabis is now legal throughout the world, doctors of cannabis continue to prescribe it for certain conditions. Now that anyone of legal age can obtain marijuana, some are questioning whether medical cannabis — and the additional work required to become certified as a medical user — are even necessary. However, there are several reasons for using medical marijuana to treat specific health issues.
Supply
You’ve probably seen headlines declaring that entire provinces have run out of cannabis. While there have been reports of medical users having difficulty locating supplies, many manufacturers prioritize access to the product for their medical clients. Some medical cannabis suppliers also contacted their clients before nationwide legalization, urging them to stock up ahead of time. And, if specific suppliers run out, patients can switch to another provider offering the product they require. They can even buy outside of the province because, unlike recreational users, they have no geographical restrictions on purchasing products.
Cost
Because medical marijuana is a medicine, users can obtain coverage through their insurance. This access, however, is not limited to the armed forces. Major insurers have given plan sponsors the option of including it in their employee coverage plans. This means that organizations that use these insurers can reimburse their employees for the cost of medical marijuana, just like any other prescription medication. Expensing medical cannabis is usually allowed for those of us who have health spending accounts.
What Does Medical Marijuana Treat?
While cannabis (both medical and recreational) is used for a variety of conditions, evidence-based research does not currently support all of them. Because marijuana has been illegal for nearly a century, scientists have had difficulty obtaining approval and funding for clinical trials. Limited trials are being conducted on a variety of issues, including whether cannabis can help alleviate certain symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. However, doctors are likely to be hesitant to prescribe medical marijuana for such purposes. Marijuana is increasingly being used to treat chronic pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and loss of appetite. Medical cannabis can help cancer patients and AIDS patients combat nausea and promote appetite, improving quality of life while combating the malnutrition and wasting that are common with these conditions.
Uses Of Medical Marijuana
In many cases, marijuana is prescribed to treat conditions that can be treated with other drugs. Many of the other medications, on the other hand, have additional side effects that consumers are wary of. Chronic pain is a condition treated by medical cannabis that was previously treated with opioids. Given the ongoing opioid crisis, many people prefer cannabis to highly addictive drugs such as oxycodone. Cannabis can also be used to replace or supplement other prescription medications for AIDS or cancer patients.
Medical Advice
Doctors monitor prescription medication to ensure that patients are correctly treating their conditions. Currently, doctors do not prescribe cannabis unless they believe it is the best course of treatment for the patient. Furthermore, inform patients of the material risks and benefits, effects and interactions, material side effects, contraindications, [and] precautions. This means that when you get a prescription for medical marijuana from a doctor, you’re also benefiting from the doctor’s knowledge. They will explain how much to take, how it will affect you, and any other information you require. When it comes to treating medical issues with marijuana, your local cannabis retailer simply does not have the same knowledge.
