Medical marijuana is a popular solution for pain management. It is considered a great alternative to traditional pain relievers. As of 2015, anyone in Texas with a qualifying medical condition can get a prescription for medical marijuana to help alleviate pain. In this blog, our medical marijuana doctor answers frequently asked questions about this versatile and effective treatment.
What Is Medical Marijuana And What Is It Used For?
Medical marijuana, also known as medical cannabis, is a drug that contains THC, a psychoactive anti-inflammatory painkiller. Colloquially, marijuana is used to make one feel “high,” but research shows that small quantities of THC cause less psychoactive effects but still contain pain-reducing effects. This makes it a great way to treat pain symptoms safely.
How Does Medical Marijuana Relieve Pain?
THC is similar in structure to the hormone dopamine, which regulates mood. Because of the structural similarity between THC and dopamine, medical marijuana stimulates dopamine production in the brain, which relieves pain and regulates the central nervous system.
What Conditions Can Be Treated With Medical Marijuana?
In general, medical marijuana is effective in treating three types of conditions:
- Chronic pain conditions, especially pain related to nerve damage
- Central nervous system disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy
- Conditions and treatments that affect appetite and nausea, such as HIV/AIDS and chemotherapy
More specifically, the state of Texas has determined specific medical conditions for which it has approved the use of marijuana as medical treatment under the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas (CURT). These conditions are:
- Epilepsy and seizure
- Spasticity
- Multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Neurological disorders with no known cure
- Alzheimer’s and dementia
- Parkinson’s
- Autism
- Nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy types 1-4)
- Degenerative disc disease
- All types of cancer
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Are There Any Side Effects of Medical Marijuana Use?
There are both physical and mental side effects of medical marijuana, but they are often not strong, and many people find the benefits of cannabis strongly outweigh the side effects. Physical side effects of medical marijuana include a fast heartbeat, drowsiness, and slow reaction time. Mental and emotional side effects include strong feelings of happiness, changes in anxiety (some people find their anxiety decreases, while others find that it increases), trouble concentrating, and short-term memory loss.
How Is Medical Marijuana Consumed?
This is up to the patient’s personal preference. It can be consumed by smoking, vaporizing, incorporating it into food and eating it, or taking it as a liquid extract. Inhaling medical marijuana causes it to act more quickly in the body, and consuming it takes a longer time but the effects last longer. Talk to your doctor about which method may be best for you.
How Can I Get A Medical Marijuana Prescription?
In Texas, you must qualify to be on the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas (CURT) to get a medical marijuana prescription. The Texas Compassionate Use Program was created in 2015 to provide people with a qualifying medical condition access to low-THC cannabis. If you qualify, you can get a prescription for medical marijuana from a doctor and fill it at a medical marijuana dispensary, such as TX Cann MD.
Medical Marijuana Doctors in Texas
The easiest way to find out if you qualify for a medical marijuana prescription is to make a telemedicine appointment with one of our board-certified doctors at TX Cann MD. Request an appointment online today. You will get an automated text from Klara, the telemedicine portal. Respond to the text to set up your initial consultation telemedicine appointment in minutes.
To get started with your medical marijuana treatment, text us at (512) 601-5926 or fill out our new patient form. We care deeply about your health and look forward to helping you feel better!
