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Cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. But until recently, it was illegal in most of the United States. States have only started recognizing the benefits of cannabis and legalizing it recently, but more and more people are considering this option for their health needs.
Medical cannabis, or medical marijuana, is used for specific medical purposes, and it’s legal in Florida under certain circumstances. Heather Auld, MD, and our team provide cannabis consultations and recommendations at SWFL Integrative Medicine, in Fort Myers, Florida. Learn five reasons why medical cannabis might be right for you.
One of the most common reasons people use medical cannabis is for chronic pain relief. Cannabis contains compounds called cannabinoids, which interact with the body's natural endocannabinoid system to help regulate pain and other functions.
Medical cannabis can reduce pain and inflammation for several common conditions, including arthritis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease), multiple sclerosis (MS), severe muscle spasms, and fibromyalgia.
Medical cannabis can also relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. That’s because cannabis can have anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and antidepressant effects on your brain.
Using cannabis can help you manage symptoms of anxiety and depression, particularly if traditional medications or therapy aren’t working well enough. However, it's important to note that cannabis can also exacerbate symptoms in some people, so it's important to work with a doctor to find the right treatment plan for you.
PTSD is a type of disorder that can develop after experiencing a traumatic event. It causes symptoms like anxiety, nightmares, difficulty sleeping, and flashbacks.
Because of its anxiolytic effects, Dr. Auld and our team may recommend medical cannabis for PTSD. Cannabis can also help induce sleep and improve your quality of sleep, so you feel more rested and you’re better able to focus on other treatments like therapy.
Cancer and its treatments can cause a range of severe side effects, from pain to nausea. Medical cannabis has a long history as a treatment for nausea and vomiting, and it can be especially helpful for managing cancer and cancer treatment.
Cannabis offers relief from cancer pain as cannabinoids can help reduce nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy and radiation by interacting with receptors in your brain and gut.
Along with its other benefits, medical cannabis has anticonvulsant effects. It can reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in people with epilepsy and other seizure conditions, especially if other treatments haven’t been effective.
If you're looking for a natural, alternative treatment option for your health needs, medical cannabis may be right for you. Book an appointment with Dr. Auld and our team to learn if you’re eligible for a cannabis recommendation. Call our Fort Myers, Florida, office at 239-208-6676 or request a consultation online today.
