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What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia that causes memory loss and cognitive impairment. Dementia refers to a loss of cognitive abilities, problems with remembering, and struggles with daily life and activities. Dementia isn’t considered a normal part of aging, even though many older adults do experience symptoms.

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that gets worse with time. Alzheimer’s may start out with some mild memory loss, and in later stages it can become difficult for the patient to communicate and function.

No approved cures for Alzheimer’s currently exist, but there are options to treat the symptoms. Medications called cholinesterase inhibitors are typically prescribed for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. These drugs may help reduce some symptoms and help control some behavioral symptoms. 

How Might Cannabis Help? 

When you use cannabis, cannabinoids make their way to the bloodstream attaching themselves to the endocannabinoid system’s (ECS) cannabinoid receptors, CB1, and CB2. In the brain, these receptors are concentrated in neurons associated with memory, thinking, and coordination. Research suggests that when THC binds to the CB receptors, it may affect aging brains. Its apparent ability to help the body remove amyloid-beta accumulation is massive news for Alzheimer’s patients. Cannabis, or is thought to have the ability to remove clumps of amyloid-beta protein (a toxic component that builds up like a plaque in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients) from the brain. 

According to current research, medical marijuana may play a part in disrupting the neurodegenerative process that drives the disease’s progression. A 2019 review of current research on dementia aimed to understand current trends. The study summarized findings that the CBD components of cannabis might be useful to treat and prevent Alzheimer’s. CBD is suspected to be able to suppress the main causal factors of Alzheimer’s. Research further suggested that using CBD and THC together could be more useful than using CBD or THC alone (entourage effect).

In another recent study by the National Library of Medicine, researchers found that CBD has potential as a therapy to help curb cognitive decline and alleviate some Alzheimer’s symptoms. They looked at the protein interleukin 33 (IL-33) and found that at high levels, it has been linked to beta-amyloid buildup, a biomarker of Alzheimer’s. The TREM-2 protein, encoded by the TREM-2 gene, is also linked to the neurodegenerative disease. Certain mutations in TREM2 strongly increase risk for late-onset Alzheimer’s. According to the study authors, research suggests that both the IL-33 and TREM-2 proteins are affected by CBD in a way that helps brain cell communication. 

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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

AKA: Lou Gehrig’s Disease

This disease is a degenerative, neurological disease that attacks the central nervous system, which includes the brain and the spinal cord.  The cause of ALS is not fully understood but some research would point to a few origins including gene mutation, unusual immune responses and even chemical imbalance. Smoking or toxic environmental exposure may cause ALS symptoms to begin. The symptoms of ALS include fine and gross motor skill issues such as difficulty with walking, muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing and increased risk of falling. ALS does not have a known cure.  

How can Medical Marijuana Help Patients with ALS?

Clinical evidence presented in 2004, 2010, and 2015 have shown that medical marijuana can reduce symptoms of ALS by stimulating appetite, reducing pain and relaxing muscles. In addition, the 2010 study showed Medical Marijuana to be a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory effects. This means that it has neuroprotective results and may even prolong neuronal cell life span. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic, progressive, inflammatory autoimmune disease which predominantly affects the joints of the body.

The immune system is designed to protect the body from pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. However, in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), the immune system mistakes healthy cells in the synovium of the joints as a foreign pathogen, and begins attacking the normal joint tissue; hence the term “auto-immune”. The synovium of the joints is the capsule that surrounds the joint which produces synovial fluid. Synovial fluid is the lubricating
fluid found in healthy joints.

The main symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and diminished range of motion. RA inhibits the production of synovial fluid within the synovium of the joint causing severe inflammation. Over time, the inflammation can cause long term damage in the joints. The subsequent cartilage and bone loss leads to deformity, limited mobility, and chronic pain. Patients with RA can also experience fatigue, fever, and depression associated with severe pain and loss of mobility. Rheumatoid arthritis typically affects the joints symmetrically. The most common joints affected by RA are the joints of the hands, wrists, knees, and feet; but RA is also systemic and can attack skin, lungs, and heart.

Long-Term Damage Related to Rheumatoid Arthritis
If rheumatoid arthritis is not treated early or is not well controlled, the inflammation in the joints could lead to significant and permanent damage. According to the CDC, the common complications of RA include:

• Premature Heart Disease: People with RA are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease which affects the heart or blood vessels, and includes life-threatening problems such as heart attack and stroke.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: CT syndrome is a common condition in people with rheumatoid arthritis. It is caused by compression of the median nerve that controls sensation and movement in the hands. The symptoms include aching, numbness, as well as tingling in the thumbs, fingers or part of the hand.
• Systemic Inflammation: Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition which can cause inflammation to develop in other parts of the body, such as the:
  -Lungs – inflammation of the lungs can lead to pulmonary fibrosis and interstitial lung disease
  -Heart – inflammation of the tissue around the heart can lead to pericarditis
  -Eyes – inflammation of the eyes can lead to scleritis or Sjögren’s syndrome
  -Blood vessels – inflammation of the blood vessels, known as vasculitis, is the thickening, weakening, narrowing and scarring of blood vessel walls. In serious cases, it can affect blood flow to your body’s organs and tissues and can be life threatening.
• Cervical Myelopathy: Individuals with advanced RA are at increased risk of developing involvement at the top of spine known as cervical myelopathy. This condition leads to dislocation of joints at the top of the spine, which puts pressure on the spinal cord. Although uncommon, it’s a serious condition that can greatly affect mobility and lead to permanent spinal cord damage if not treated quickly with surgery.

How Can Medical Marijuana Help Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Medical Marijuana is a useful tool in the medical management of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Numerous studies reveal that cannabinoids may be beneficial in the management of pain and inflammation associated with RA. Marijuana produces anti-inflammatory effects by activating CB 2 cannabinoid receptors which decrease cytokine production and modulates immune cell mobilization. Marijuana may also be useful in treating the depression and anxiety frequently experienced by patients with RA.

Cachexia

AKA: Wasting Syndrome

Cachexia is a condition in which a patient will undergo excessive weight loss, muscle loss and fat loss.  This condition is often secondary to another disease like Anorexia, HIV/AIDS and cancer.  Cachexia can occur in elderly patients with no known underlying causes.  The effects of cachexia include inability to concentrate, fatigue, depression and overall diminished quality of life.

How can Medical Marijuana Help Patients with Cachexia?

The primary use of Medical Marijuana in treating Cachexia is its ability to stimulate appetite, resulting in increased caloric (food) intake.  It can also reduce vomiting and nausea and improve the effects of depression.  Higher THC strains of Medical Marijuana will tend to be the best options for treating patients with Cachexia. 

Cancer

Cancer can come in many forms and is characterized by abnormal cells developing and dividing in an uncontrolled manner in the human body.  Cancer can form almost anywhere in the body.  Cancer cells are invasive and continue to divide and increase in number.  Cancer can cause many symptoms from pain to changes in weight and fatigue.  Gene mutations are the cause of cancer.  Your family history and environmental factors will affect your chances of developing cancer. While some cancers can be cured, others can be fatal. Early detection and treatment can greatly improve a patient’s survival rate.

How can Medical Marijuana Help Patients with Cancer?

Studies in 2015 and 2016 found that CBD (a major chemical compound in Medical Marijuana) demonstrated an ability to inhibit the growth of tumor cells in animals. Medical marijuana is very effective at treating symptoms of cancer including alleviating fatigue, pain, appetite loss, nausea, vomiting and anxiety.  Furthermore, a 2012 study published in PubMed showed that conventional cancer treatment combined with cannabinoids (Chemical compounds in Medical Marijuana) had a synergistic effect against cancer and tumor cells.  This means that by combining conventional treatment with Medical Marijuana, patients may benefit more than from just conventional treatment alone. 

Chronic Pain

Pain or related symptoms lasting more than 3 months.

Any condition that results in pain, or related symptoms, that lasts more than 3 months may be considered a qualifying condition under chronic pain. The intensity of the pain as well as other symptoms resulting from the painful condition such as anxiety, depression and sleeplessness can be considered in the overall assessment by our physicians when conducting a patient interview. Furthermore, the cause of the chronic pain condition can be fairly broad and can include the following commonly encountered “head to toe” every day problems:

Headaches

Migraines, tension headaches, cluster headaches

Neck Pain

Muscle strains, herniated disks, and arthritis related conditions

Shoulder Pain

Labral tears, rotator cuff injuries, arthritis related conditions

Chest Pain

Rib and muscle injuries, chronic pain secondary to pulmonary and respiratory issues, heartburn and acid reflux

Arms/Hands

Muscle or tendon injuries, prior broken bones, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, any type of arthritis, vascular disease and Reynaud’s Syndrome/Disease.

Abdominal Pain

Inflammatory bowel disease, hernias, prior organ injuries or surgeries involving the liver, spleen or kidneys, mesenteric ischemia, Herpes Zoster and shingles

Pelvic Pain: Male

Kidney stones, Varicoceles, Prostrate related pain, testicular pain, inguinal hernias, pelvic nerve compression and SI joint pain

Pelvic Pain: Female

Menstrual cramps, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), Endometriosis/Endometritis, Pelvic Congestion Syndrome, pain during sexual intercourse, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, pelvic nerve compression and SI joint pain

Legs

Hip and Knee pain or prior injuries, muscle or tendon strains, pulls, or tears, any broken bones, vascular pain secondary to poor circulation, Charley horse and cramps that become painful while walking or at night, restless leg syndrome

Neurological

Peripheral or diabetic neuropathy, sciatica, shingles, Lyme’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Epilepsy and Seizure disorders

Any Cancer or Surgical Related Pain

Any pain from cancer or surgical procedures

Foot and Ankle

Any type of tendon or bone injury, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon injury, bunions, ankle sprains and strains, prior foot surgeries, burning pain secondary to diabetic neuropathy

How Medical Marijuana Helps Patients with Chronic Pain

Medical Marijuana helps to control or block the pain associated with the possible causes listed above. If you have one or more of these Chronic Pain conditions, you may qualify for treatment with medical marijuana.

Schedule your appointment today with our doctors!

Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s Disease is a chronic inflammatory condition involving the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which can result in permanent intestinal damage. Patients suffering from this disease can become malnourished due to an inability to properly absorb nutrients, digest food and eliminate waste. Patients can experience severe chronic pain due to the inflammation in the intestinal tract.  This can cause patients to lose their appetite and feel nauseous.  Crohn’s Disease can also result in patients developing other health issues like bowel obstructions, ulcers, fistulas, anal fissures and even colon cancer.

How can Medical Marijuana Help Patients with Crohn’s Disease?

Inflammatory Bowel diseases, including Crohn’s, and the effectiveness of medical marijuana to treat symptoms has been heavily researched with very positive results.  Dr. Jeff Hergenrather, M.D. published a paper in 2005 that many called groundbreaking.  The benefits of Medical Marijuana were numerous and included weight gain, improved appetite, and reduced vomiting, fatigue and depression as well as an overall increase in physical activity. In another study, “Cannabis induces a clinical response in patients with Crohn’s disease: a prospective placebo-controlled study,” patients were given an 8-week treatment of Medical Marijuana. Amazingly, 45% of the patients experienced complete remission of their Crohn’s disease.

Epilepsy and Seizure disorders

Epilepsy is a seizure disorder – the severity of the condition can vary.

Epilepsy is a seizure disorder; the severity of the condition can vary from patient to patient.  A seizure occurs in a patient when the body experiences an abnormal electrical storm in the brain.  This electrical storm causes the individual to experience changes in consciousness and sensation.  It manifests outwardly in a number of different ways including small eye flickers on the mild end to full body convulsions on the more severe end. 

How can Medical Marijuana Help Patients with Epilepsy and Seizure disorders?

THC and CBD, cannabinoids abundant in marijuana, exert their effects on both central and peripheral nervous systems. CBD specifically has shown promise in early research studies to have anti-seizure potential.   

Fibromyalgia

The medical condition known as fibromyalgia can cause symptoms ranging from widespread musculoskeletal pain and increases in a pain response to pressure. Secondary symptoms include a feeling of exhaustion, problems sleeping and difficulty with memory and cognition.  Other less common symptoms include restless leg, sensitivity to light and bowel and bladder issues.  Some research would suggest Fibromyalgia can be connected to other conditions like PTSD and Anxiety.  While the root cause of Fibromyalgia is not well understood it is thought to be brought on by both genetic and environmental factors. The problem lies in the Central nervous system.  The condition is recognized by the NIH. There is not a diagnostic test and the diagnosis is arrived at by elimination of other chronic conditions.  This condition disproportionately affects at roughly twice the rate of men.

How can Medical Marijuana Help Patients with Fibromyalgia?

While the benefits of medical cannabis in reducing chronic pain have been researched, studies directly looking at the effectiveness of medical cannabis at reducing symptoms specific to Fibromyalgia have been limited.  That was until 2018 when an Israeli based study was published. The study involved patients who were licensed to use Medical cannabis that were also diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. The results were hugely positive.  What’s even more impressive is that most patients were experiencing significantly less symptoms with as little as one gram a day.  So why does it help?  Research suggests that the condition of Fibromyalgia results from a deficiency in the endocannabinoid system.  The compounds in medical cannabis act on the endocannabinoid system to modulate it and decrease the pain response in both the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.  That along with medical cannabises known ability to improve sleep result in a big win for Fibromyalgia patients looking for an alternative treatment.

Huntington’s Disease

Huntington’s disease is a progressive, fatal disease caused by a hereditary gene defect. The disease affects the patient’s long-term functioning, both physically and cognitively.

No cure exists, and many of the medications used to relieve the symptoms cause unpleasant side effects or worsening symptoms. Patients with Huntington’s disease gradually lose functioning as the disease progresses. Patients eventually need help with all functions and are typically confined to bed.

Antidepressants, anti-anxiety and anti-seizure drugs are often prescribed for Huntington’s disease.These drugs carry a high risk of side effects such as nausea, insomnia, and gastrointestinal problems. Many also cause, or contribute to the worsening of, depression or other psychiatric conditions.

How can Medical Marijuana Help patients with Huntington’s Disease?

Researchers believe Huntington’s disease may be strongly connected to the body’s endocannabinoid system. Because there is no known cure for Huntington’s disease, medical treatment focuses on allowing the patient to live as normal a life as possible. One aspect of treatment is to reduce anxiety. Medical marijuana has been proven to reduce anxiety in numerous clinical studies.

Medical marijuana may offer some relief from the painful symptoms of Huntington’s Disease. Patients with Huntington’s disease often have a loss of appetite and lose weight as the disease progresses. Medical cannabis helps many patients ease discomfort, minimize nausea, and stimulate their appetites.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a viral disease that infects the liver. When an individual is infected with Hepatitis C inflammation in the liver can occur. The body’s natural response is to activate the immune system. This unfortunately leads to our own immune system attacking healthy liver cells causing further liver damage. Hep C for short, is spread from blood-to-blood contact, the sharing of drug needles, the sharing of toothbrushes, and sex. Mothers can also pass along the infection to their babies during childbirth. While symptoms are not always noticeable at first or ever, chronic Hep C can lead to depression, chronic fatigue, yellow discoloration to the skin (jaundice), fluid buildup in the abdomen, bruising easily, and dark colored urine.

How can Medical Marijuana Help Patients with Hepatitis C?

While medical marijuana cannot treat Hepatitis C, it can be used as an adjunct to other prescribed therapies to reduce the symptoms of the disease. Medical Marijuana’s ability to improve mood, reduce pain, and stimulate activity can provide you with symptom relief.

A correlation exists between the use of medical marijuana and hepatitis C symptoms. Research suggests medical marijuana has therapeutic benefits if you’re suffering from HCV. Additionally, the medicine’s side effects are typically mild and classified as “low risk,” with euphoric mood changes among the most frequent.

Scientific and anecdotal evidence tell us medical marijuana is a safe, effective medicine that helps patients with Hepatitis C endure the side effects of treatment. Marijuana can help to alleviate side effects such as aches and pains, decreased appetite and nausea.

AIDS/HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a disease that can be treated but not cured.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a disease that can be treated but not cured. The disease attacks and destroys white blood cells known as T Cells that are needed to fight other diseases and infections.  The effect is a weakening of an infected person’s immune system.  This can cause someone with HIV to suffer from a variety of symptoms and medical conditions.  The current treatment for AIDS/HIV is Antiretroviral Therapy, also known as ART.  This can help slow and in some patients stop the progression of the disease. 

How can Medical Marijuana Help patients with HIV/AIDS?

Research from the University of Washington and the University of California concluded that the cannabinoids in medical marijuana may have immunological benefit by reducing the frequency of activated T Cells.  This in turn may reduce the patient’s risk of developing illnesses that can often complicate the health of HIV/AIDS patients. 

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye disease that results in damage to the optic nerve causing vision loss.  Glaucoma can be broken down into two different types. Open-angle, which is the most common type, is caused when the drainage angle for fluid within the eye remains open.  This type of glaucoma happens over time and does not cause pain.  Peripheral vision will begin to decrease followed by central vision resulting in blindness if left untreated.  Closed-angle glaucoma can happen gradually or without warning. This type of glaucoma can cause severe pain, blurred vision, redness, dilated pupils and nausea. The risk factors include age, family history and prolonged steroid use.  Higher eye pressure has been shown to be connected to an increase in the tendency to develop glaucoma as well.  Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness.

How can Medical Marijuana Help Patients with Glaucoma?

Several studies have shown smoking marijuana can result in a decrease in eye pressure.  This is precisely the purpose of prescription medications given to those who suffer from glaucoma.  This makes medical cannabis a wonderful adjunct to traditional medicine or useful in cases where patients cannot tolerate traditional treatment.  The studies have shown the decrease in eye pressure can last on average 3 to 4 hours.  Future studies are looking at the effectiveness of edible forms to reduce eye pressures for longer durations.  Even further down the road will be research to understand what elements of medical cannabis result in the reduction of eye pressure. 

Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy (MD) refers to a group of genetic disorders characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of the muscles. It primarily affects the voluntary muscles, which are responsible for movements such as walking, breathing, and swallowing. Muscular dystrophy is caused by mutations in the genes responsible for the production of proteins that are necessary for maintaining the structure and function of muscle fibers.

There are several types of muscular dystrophy, and the specific symptoms, age of onset, and rate of progression can vary. The most common forms include:

• -Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD): It is the most severe and prevalent form, typically affecting boys. Symptoms usually start in early childhood, and affected individuals often have difficulty walking, climbing stairs, and performing other physical activities. DMD progresses rapidly, leading to the loss of ambulation and eventually affecting the muscles involved in breathing and the heart.
• -Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD): Similar to DMD, but with a milder progression and later onset. BMD predominantly affects boys and may not become evident until adolescence or adulthood. Individuals with BMD often maintain the ability to walk for a longer period compared to DMD.
• -Myotonic dystrophy: It is the most common form of adult-onset muscular dystrophy. It affects both males and females and can manifest at any age. Myotonic dystrophy can cause muscle weakness, myotonia (prolonged muscle stiffness after contraction), and various other symptoms affecting different body systems, including the heart, eyes, and endocrine system.
• -Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD): It usually begins in adolescence or early adulthood and primarily affects the muscles of the face, shoulders, and upper arms. Weakness progresses slowly, and individuals may have difficulty raising their arms, closing their eyes, or smiling.
• -Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD): A group of disorders that primarily affect the muscles around the hips and shoulders. The age of onset and progression can vary depending on the specific subtype of LGMD.

How Can Medical Marijuana Help?

Treatment for muscular dystrophy focuses on managing symptoms, maintaining mobility, and improving quality of life. This may involve physical therapy, assistive devices, respiratory support, medications, and other supportive measures. Research efforts are ongoing but some studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that medical marijuana may offer potential benefits for individuals with muscular dystrophy in certain aspects such as: 

• -Pain management: Chronic pain is a common symptom in muscular dystrophy. Some components of cannabis, particularly THC, have analgesic properties that may help alleviate pain. Medical marijuana may be used to potentially reduce pain and improve the quality of life for individuals with muscular dystrophy.
• -Muscle spasms and stiffness: Muscle spasms and stiffness can be challenging symptoms in muscular dystrophy. Cannabis, particularly strains rich in CBD, has been reported to have muscle relaxant properties. It may potentially help reduce muscle spasms and stiffness, improving mobility and reducing discomfort.
• -Appetite stimulation: Some individuals with muscular dystrophy may experience difficulties with appetite and maintaining a healthy weight. Cannabis, specifically strains high in THC, can stimulate appetite, also known as the “munchies” effect. This may be beneficial for individuals with muscular dystrophy who struggle with weight loss and poor appetite.

Multiple Sclerosis

A degenerative disease of the central nervous system

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a degenerative disease of the central nervous system affecting the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Symptoms of MS vary in range from a single symptom to multiple symptoms and mild in intensity to severe. Symptoms can include pain, fatigue, muscle stiffness or spasms, tremors, inflammation, depression, loss of muscle coordination or bladder control.

MS is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks the protective covering called myelin, that insulate nerve fibers. This myelin sheath enables the brain to communicate with the rest of the body by allowing electrical impulses to travel along the nerve fibers quickly and efficiently. When myelin is damaged, electrical impulses or communication from the brain to the body is slowed or blocked causing MS symptoms.

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How can Medical Marijuana Help Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

Much of the data or research collected on the effects of medical marijuana on MS symptoms come from patient surveys, self-reported assessments and observational studies. Two active compounds found in medical marijuana that have been studied in the management of MS include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).  According to a study published in American Academy of Neurology among patients from the University of Rochester MS Center, results found majority of subjects found medical marijuana helpful in managing symptoms such as spasticity and pain.  The study also reported more than half the subjects felt their quality of life improved with the use of medical marijuana. Another promising study published in 2016 in European Neurology studied patients with treatment-resistant MS spasticity.  Real-life data from the study confirmed that adding THC:CBD oromucosal spray was an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for those patients.

Neuropathies

Neuropathy is nerve damage in the body that causes pain, weakness, or numbness. Neuropathies are typically the effect of an underlying condition that affects the peripheral nerves, which is why it’s also known as peripheral neuropathy.

How can Medical Marijuana Help Patients with Neuropathies?

Neuropathies can be extremely painful and affect various parts of your body. Using cannabis for neuropathy is an alternative treatment option to consider if you cope with the condition and can’t find relief from traditional therapies.

Parkinson’s Disease

A disorder of the nervous system that affects movement.

Parkinson’s disease is a disorder of the nervous system that affects movement. This progressive movement disorder can start in one limb or one side of the body and may worsen and spread to the other side.  The first sign of Parkinson’s disease is often a tremor or involuntary shaking of a hand.  Other common symptoms include stiffness or rigidity of muscles, slowness of movement, poor coordination, difficulty with speech and sleep.  

One cause of Parkinson’s disease is a loss of nerve cells in a specific part of the brain.  Those nerve cells, or neurons, produce chemical messengers called dopamine that help regulate movement.  Dopamine is essential to movement as well as coordination, cognition, attention, motivation, and pleasure.  Without enough dopamine, it becomes more difficult to start and maintain movement, learn, or sleep.

How can Medical Marijuana Help patients with Parkinson’s Disease?

While there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, our goal is the management of symptoms and an improvement in quality of life. The effects of medical marijuana in specific parts of the brain and its interaction with dopamine and different receptors is quite complex but its use in Parkinson’s patients has been suggested to help with motor and non-motor symptoms.  Patients have reported improvement of tremors, better sleep, the ability to move easier with less muscle stiffness, pain relief and reduced anxiety.

Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome

A mental health disorder that develops after you experience a traumatic, life-threatening, or highly stressful event.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that develops after you experience a traumatic, life-threatening, or highly stressful event.  Examples include sexual assault, war, death of someone close, or a natural disaster.  This is an anxiety disorder that can make it difficult to function to have a “normal” life.  It can last from months to years effecting social relationships, the ability to work and carry out daily tasks like going to the grocery store.  Common symptoms include overwhelming feelings of fear, sadness, anger, hopelessness, or irritability, nightmares, negative outbursts, and being on guard. 

In PTSD, the part of the brain responsible for the “flight-or-fight” response, called the amygdala, becomes overactive. Its job is to heighten our senses to be ready to act during perceived threat.  Another part of the brain that assesses the threat and brings the “flight-or-fight” response down when there is no actual threat is called the prefrontal cortex, and it becomes under-active.

How can Medical Marijuana Help patients with PTSD?

Many patients have reported medical marijuana to help in PTSD. According to an article published by Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute at University of Washington, anecdotal and case-reports showed evidence marijuana decreased flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety and hyperarousal in PTSD.  A recent trial showed canniboids, an active compound found in medical marijuana, lowered the amygdala’s response and increased the prefrontal cortex response to threat.  Other research has noted participants re-experienced the trauma decreased and had less avoidance of situations that reminded them of the trauma.  These continued reports make medical marijuana an effective treatment for PTSD.

Sickle Cell Anemia

A genetic blood disorder that affects the shape of red blood cells and their ability to carry adequate oxygen to the rest of the body.

Sickle cell anemia is a genetic blood disorder that affects the shape of red blood cells and their ability to carry adequate oxygen to the rest of the body.  With sickle cell anemia, red blood cells die easily, become moon shaped and get stuck in blood vessels instead of having a round shape, flowing freely and living long.  As the name suggests, the disorder is characterized by anemia and severe fatigue. Another major symptom are episodes of pain, called pain crisis, lasting from hours to weeks intense enough to require a hospital stay. This pain
often starts from infancy and increases in severity as a patient ages, and can lead to recurring hospitalization,
reduced quality of life, depression, and disability. The episodes of pain can increase especially
during times of stress, infection, and dehydration.

How can Medical Marijuana Help Patients with Sickle Cell Anemia?

Research suggests that medical marijuana may be a useful tool in managing pain while reducing the use of opioids frequently prescribed to patients with SCD. A recent survey taken by Yale New Haven Hospital and Yale University found many sickle cell patients use marijuana for its medicinal benefits.  A 2020 study done at the University of California published in Science Daily found that participants using cannabis reported less pain than participants that were not given cannabis.   That study also found that cannabis appears to be safe and potentially effective in treating chronic pain.  Another study published in the American Society of Hematology, also done in 2020, showed lower rates of hospital admissions with patients taking medical marijuana.  These recent studies of the positive effects of medical marijuana on sickle cell patients is now gaining speed as patients report reduced pain.

Patients utilizing medical marijuana have also reported improved mood as well as a reduction in anxiety, commonly associated with sickle cell disease. At the right dose, medical marijuana has been shown to regulate the GABA and the glutamate neurotransmitters which affect serotonin levels thereby reducing anxiety. Sickle Cell Disease is a life-long battle.

Seizures

Seizures are classified as either nonepileptic or epileptic. When a seizure occurs two or more times, unprovoked by other health issues like blood clots, and spaced more than 24 hours apart, it’s often diagnosed as epilepsy.

Spinal Cord Disease or Injury

A fairly broad term used for any disease or damage that effects the spinal cord

Spinal cord disease or injury is a fairly broad term used for any disease or damage that effects the spinal cord.  Extending from the neck to lower back, it is full of nerves responsible for movement and sensation.  Symptoms related to the spinal cord can vary greatly and may include pain, altered sensation, numbness, muscle weakness, or muscle spasms.  Damage to the nerve fibers can affect movement in your arms or legs, bladder control, sexual function, even the ability to breath.

How can Medical Marijuana Help patients with Spinal Cord Disease or Injury?

A positive link between marijuana and the management of symptoms related to spinal cord injury has been known for years.  In 2014, the Spinal Cord Injury Wellness Summit spoke of how well medical marijuana works for nerve pain and muscle spasticity.  It can also enhance the effects of other anti-spasticity medications you may also be taking.  Studies throughout the years have found cannabis extract to give significant pain relief and improvement in bladder control with minor side effects.  Recent studies also show promise in cannabis potentially improving recovery after a spinal cord injury as well as easing symptoms related to the injury. 

Any Terminal Illness

Patients diagnosed with terminal illnesses suffer a broad range of physical and emotional symptoms. Families of patients with terminal illnesses have to quickly cope with the devastating news while preparing for the last days of their loved one’s life.

Conventional palliative medicine aims to make a patient feel as comfortable as possible in their last remaining days. Because many prescription drugs that treat terminally ill patients can cause enormously unpleasant side effects, natural therapies can help ease the pain that terminally ill patients and their families experience.

How can Medical Marijuana Help Patients with Terminal Illness?

For terminally ill patients, medical cannabis is recommended as a complementary treatment solution alongside prescription opiates or other drugs for symptom management. Cannabis can also be an effective alternate solution when terminal patients decide they no longer wish to take conventional medications. Research on medical cannabis for terminal illness has shown its effectiveness in treating specific symptoms often associated with end-of-life difficulties.