How Does Medical Cannabis Affect Quality of Life?

Life is multi-faceted, and different people may prioritize different aspects. Health, relationships, work and career, finance, recreation, and more—they all contribute to the rich mosaic of our existence. But what happens when we introduce an unconventional element like medical cannabis into this intricate pattern? How does medical cannabis influence the overall quality of life? Let’s dive into the impact of medical cannabis on the diverse dimensions of our lives.

How Does Medical Cannabis Impact Health and Wellbeing?

People tend to prioritize their health and well-being as a cornerstone of a fulfilling life. In this part, medical cannabis has emerged as both a point of curiosity and a potential game-changer. Advocates suggest that it offers relief from various health conditions, ranging from chronic pain to anxiety. But how does this green alternative truly influence the intricate dance of well-being and health?

Medical cannabis is often associated with alleviating various health challenges. Some common struggles that people use medical cannabis to manage include chronic pain, insomnia, muscle spasms, and more. Let’s take insomnia for example. Who doesn’t like it when you just have the burden of shutting your eyes for a long time? Or just blatantly stare at the ceiling? When you soon realize it’s already morning. Those sudden pain of muscle spasms. Who likes that? Absolutely no one.

Therapeutic Benefits of Medical Cannabis

Beyond its physical impacts, medical cannabis can profoundly influence the emotional well-being of individuals facing various challenges. CBD, a prominent compound in medical cannabis, is recognized for its stress-reducing effects, promoting calm and relaxation by interacting with stress response receptors in the brain. For those contending with anxiety disorders, particularly strains rich in CBD, may provide relief by influencing serotonin receptors, leading to a reduction in anxiety symptoms.

Moreover, medical cannabis users often report mood enhancements, courtesy of THC’s psychoactive properties that induce euphoria and a sense of well-being. This not only contributes to mood improvement but also fosters emotional resilience, aiding individuals in coping with various challenges, be it chronic pain or insomnia. It’s essential to acknowledge the variability in individual responses, with factors such as strain, dosage, and unique physiology playing roles in shaping the emotional effects of medical cannabis. As we explore the emotional landscape influenced by this plant, the next section will delve into the physiological mechanisms, offering a deeper understanding of how medical cannabis interacts with both body and mind.

Medical cannabis has long been well suggested that they can help with all those. Let’s break down what’s in it with this marvelous plant, that helps so many people.

What’s the Science Behind Medical Cannabis and Quality of Life?

The therapeutic potential of medical cannabis lies in its intricate chemical makeup. Two primary compounds, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), take center stage.

• THC: This psychoactive powerhouse is the driving force behind the euphoric ‘high’ often linked with cannabis use. However, its impact extends far beyond recreation. THC engages with specific receptors in the brain, ushering in a profound sense of pain relief and relaxation. In the realm of chronic pain and insomnia, THC emerges as a key player, potentially offering a reprieve from persistent discomfort and fostering a more restful sleep. As individuals navigate these health challenges, the introduction of THC can bring about transformative effects in the pursuit of a better quality of life.

• CBD: Diverging from its counterpart THC, CBD is renowned for its therapeutic prowess without inducing the characteristic ‘high.’ This compound engages with the endocannabinoid system, exerting influence over pain perception, mood regulation, and sleep patterns. Its sought-after anxiolytic properties position CBD as a valuable ally in managing the burdens of anxiety and stress. As individuals integrate CBD into their wellness routines, the potential impact on life unfolds—a potential alleviation of discomfort, a modulation of mood, and an enhancement of overall well-being.

• Terpenes: These aromatic artisans not only compose the captivating scents that distinguish various cannabis strains but also serve as architects of therapeutic effects. One noteworthy example is myrcene, a terpene associated with sedative properties that hold promise in fostering better sleep. In everyday life, the incorporation of terpenes, like myrcene, into the cannabis experience unveils a potential impact on sleep quality. By contributing to a strain’s unique aroma, terpenes introduce a sensory dimension to the cannabis journey, and in the case of myrcene, it may offer a pathway to a more tranquil and restful night’s sleep.

• Cannabinoids Beyond the well-known THC and CBD, there are over a hundred other cannabinoids present in different amounts in medical cannabis. Each of these cannabinoids holds the potential to contribute to the overall therapeutic effects of using cannabis for health purposes.Simply put, the many cannabinoids in medical cannabis create a potent tool for relief. Their unique combinations can address various health concerns and improve overall well-being for those exploring the therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis.

Key Findings from a Comprehensive Study

This study, conducted across a network of specialist medical clinics in Australia, involved 3148 patients with various health conditions, substantial improvements in health-related quality of life were reported after commencing treatment with medical cannabis between December 2018 and May 2022. The assessment utilized the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), which evaluates eight distinct domains: limitations in physical activities due to health problems, limitations in social activities due to physical or emotional problems, limitations in usual role activities due to physical health problems, bodily pain, general mental health (psychological distress and well-being), limitations in usual role activities due to emotional problems, vitality (energy and fatigue), and general health perceptions.

The study revealed significant improvements in all eight domains following the initiation of medical cannabis treatment. Patients, initially presenting with conditions such as chronic noncancer pain, cancer pain, insomnia, and anxiety, reported positive changes in their health-related quality of life. The improvements observed ranged from 6.60 to 18.31 points, indicating substantial absolute gains across all functional domains. Factors like medication usage, comorbidities, age, gender, and employment status were considered in the analysis, providing a comprehensive understanding of the potential impact of medical cannabis on patients’ well-being.

While emphasizing a favorable association between medical cannabis treatment and quality of life, the study acknowledged limitations, including the absence of a control group and the retrospective case series design. Notably, adverse events were reported, highlighting the importance of caution in THC prescribing and careful identification of patients with contraindications. The study advocates for further high-quality trials to enhance our understanding of the efficacy and safety of medical cannabis across diverse patient populations and health conditions.

The prescribing patterns indicated a notable shift toward CBD-dominant treatments, constituting approximately 80% of all monthly prescriptions by the end of the data collection period. These treatments primarily involved orally administered products such as oils and capsules. The mean daily doses of CBD and THC varied across treatment categories but were carefully monitored, showcasing a gradual increase in THC dose over time as part of a standard titration protocol. Adverse events, while generally mild or moderate, were not negligible, underscoring the necessity for caution in THC prescribing.

This study adds to the growing body of evidence on medical cannabis, emphasizing its potential impact on patients’ quality of life. The comprehensive assessment, incorporating validated measures and considering diverse patient characteristics, contributes valuable insights into the nuanced relationship between medical cannabis treatment and health-related outcomes. As medical cannabis continues to gain acceptance, the study encourages ongoing clinical data collection to monitor safety and efficacy and calls for larger, longer-term studies to bolster the evidence base.

To summarize, the findings from this case series suggest that medical cannabis treatment is associated with significant and sustained improvements in health-related quality of life across various domains. 

Diverse Effects of Medical Cannabis Strains

Medical cannabis offers a spectrum of effects through carefully bred strains, empowering users to choose based on their specific needs. Strains vary widely, from those renowned for relaxation and sedation to others that provide energizing and uplifting effects. Each strain may address distinct concerns, such as pain relief, stress reduction, mood improvement, or alleviation of insomnia.

When selecting a medical cannabis strain, factors like desired effects and cannabinoid content—particularly THC and CBD—come into play. THC, responsible for the psychoactive aspects, varies in concentration, while CBD brings non-psychoactive therapeutic benefits. Here are examples of popular medical cannabis strains and their effects:

• Indica Strains: Recognized for relaxation and sedation, indica strains like Northern Lights, Bubba Kush, and Afghani are beneficial for pain relief, stress, anxiety, and insomnia.
• Sativa Strains: Celebrated for energizing and uplifting effects, sativa strains like Sour Diesel, Jack Herer, and Green Crack can enhance mood, focus, and creativity.
• Hybrid Strains: Blending indica and sativa effects, hybrid strains such as Blue Dream, Girl Scout Cookies, and OG Kush offer a customizable range of effects based on the specific cross, catering to individual preferences and needs.

Dosage and Individual Response: Striking the Right Balance

Finding the ideal dosage is a personalized journey influenced by factors like body weight, metabolism, and individual tolerance. Biochemical uniqueness ensures that what works for one may not for another.

1. Biochemical Uniqueness: Body weight, metabolism, and tolerance create a unique biochemical landscape, influencing how individuals respond to cannabinoids.
2. Start Low, Go Slow: The mantra is to ‘start low and go slow.’ Initiate with a minimal dose, gradually increasing to observe your body’s response and minimize the risk of adverse effects.
3. Varied Consumption Methods: The method matters. Smoking, vaporizing, or ingesting edibles affects how cannabinoids are absorbed, influencing the onset time and duration of effects.
4. Consultation with Healthcare Professionals: Seeking guidance from medical professionals experienced in cannabis use ensures personalized advice based on health conditions, medical history, and individual responses.
5. Monitoring and Adjusting: Regular self-monitoring is crucial. Adjust doses based on observed effects, ensuring a tailored and optimal experience.

Navigating dosage and individual response is dynamic, requiring patience and self-awareness. Approached with diligence, it unveils the potential of medical cannabis to enhance individual well-being.

The Legalities of Medical Cannabis and the Advantages of Getting a Medical Card

We all know, medical cannabis is the use of cannabis or its derivatives to treat or alleviate symptoms of a medical condition. It is legal in 37 states and the District of Columbia, but it is still illegal under federal law.

To obtain a medical cannabis card, you must first consult with a doctor who is certified to recommend medical cannabis. If the doctor determines that you have a qualifying condition, they will write you a recommendation. You can then submit the recommendation to your state’s medical cannabis program to obtain a card.

The specific requirements for obtaining a medical cannabis card vary from state to state. However, most states require patients to have one of the following qualifying conditions:

• Cancer
• Chronic pain
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• HIV/AIDS
• Multiple sclerosis
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Seizures
• Terminal illness
• Other medical conditions that are approved by the state

Once you have obtained a medical cannabis card, you will be able to purchase and use medical cannabis from licensed dispensaries.

Advantages of Getting a Medical Cannabis Card

There are several advantages to getting a medical cannabis card, including:

• Legal protection: Medical cannabis card holders have legal protection to purchase and use cannabis in their state. Recreational users do not have this protection.
• Access to a wider variety of products: Medical cannabis dispensaries offer a wider variety of products than recreational dispensaries, including edibles, concentrates, and topicals.
• Lower taxes: In some states, medical cannabis is taxed at a lower rate than recreational cannabis.
• Employer protections: In some states, medical cannabis card holders are protected from discrimination in the workplace.
• Reciprocity: Many states have reciprocity programs that allow medical cannabis card holders from other states to purchase and use cannabis in their state.

How to Get Your Medical Card

The process of getting a medical cannabis card through Marijuana Doctors is as follows:

1. Fill out the appointment request form on the Marijuana Doctors website.
2. A provider will review your information and determine if you qualify for medical marijuana in your state.
3. If you qualify, you will be connected with a provider who specializes in your qualifying condition(s).
4. You will have an online or phone appointment with the provider.
5. If the provider approves you for medical marijuana, you will be able to download your medical card or receive a physical card in the mail within a few days.

You can find more information here.

Positive Transformation through Medical Cannabis

Medical cannabis can have a positive impact on our lives in a number of ways. It can help us to achieve holistic well-being, empower us through choice, connect us to a supportive community, foster personal growth, and introduce hope and possibility.

Holistic Well-Being

Medical cannabis can address both physical and emotional ailments, helping us to achieve a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Empowerment through Choice

By choosing to use medical cannabis, we take control of our health journey and explore alternative therapies tailored to our individual needs.

Connection and Community

The exploration of medical cannabis often leads us to connect with a supportive community where we can share experiences, insights, and wisdom.

Personal Growth

Navigating the nuances of dosage, strains, and individual responses to medical cannabis can foster self-awareness and resilience, contributing to our personal growth.

For some, medical cannabis offers hope for relief from challenging health issues, bringing a positive change in their perspective on life. Overall, medical cannabis can be a powerful catalyst for positive transformation, helping us to embark on a journey of well-being, empowerment, and renewed possibilities.