In recent years, medical marijuana has gained widespread acceptance for its therapeutic potential, with more than two-thirds of U.S. states, including Utah, allowing its use for medical treatment.
For those dealing with chronic pain or other persistent health conditions, medical marijuana offers an alternative to traditional therapies, many of which come with harsh side effects or limited effectiveness. At Nervana Medical in Sandy, UT, we explore innovative, patient-centered solutions like medical marijuana to help you live your best life.
How Medical Marijuana Works
Medical marijuana is derived from the Cannabis sativa plant and contains cannabinoids, which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system helps regulate many vital functions, including sleep, mood, pain, and immune response.
The two primary cannabinoids found in marijuana are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is known for its psychoactive properties, while CBD provides many of the medicinal benefits without causing a “high.”
When consumed, cannabinoids interact with the body’s ECS by binding to brain and immune system receptors. This interaction can help reduce pain, inflammation, making medical marijuana a versatile tool in integrative health.
Pain Management and Relief
Medical marijuana is often recommended for patients experiencing chronic pain, a condition that can be difficult to manage with conventional medications alone. While opioids have been traditionally prescribed for pain relief, their long-term use poses risks of addiction and overdose. Medical marijuana offers a safer alternative, especially for conditions like arthritis, neuropathy, or pain from multiple sclerosis.
Studies have shown that marijuana can reduce inflammation and change how the brain perceives pain. This makes it an attractive option for individuals who have not found relief through other methods. Under the Utah Medical Cannabis Act, persistent pain that lasts longer than two weeks is one of the qualifying conditions for medical marijuana treatment.
Anxiety, PTSD, and Mental Health
Beyond physical pain, medical marijuana is also effective in treating mental health conditions, particularly anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Anxiety disorders affect millions of people and can significantly interfere with daily life.
Medical marijuana, particularly CBD-rich strains, helps reduce anxiety without the psychoactive effects of THC. Patients who suffer from anxiety or PTSD may find relief through this natural treatment without the side effects often associated with prescription medications like benzodiazepines.
For those living with PTSD, especially veterans and individuals who have experienced trauma, medical marijuana offers promising results in reducing flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance. It can also be used with traditional therapies, such as counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy, to provide comprehensive mental health support.
Improving Cancer and Terminal Illness Care
Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy often face debilitating side effects, such as nausea, loss of appetite, and pain. Medical marijuana can help combat these symptoms, improving the quality of life for cancer patients. Additionally, marijuana’s ability to stimulate appetite makes it useful for conditions like cachexia, where patients struggle to maintain a healthy weight due to illness.
For patients in hospice care or facing a terminal illness, medical marijuana can provide comfort and alleviate symptoms when other treatments fail. The goal of hospice is to ensure the patient’s comfort during their final months, and medical marijuana is one way to achieve that without the sedative effects of opioids. Utah's medical cannabis laws support the use of marijuana for terminal illnesses, making it an option for compassionate care.
Reducing Seizures and Muscle Spasms
Medical marijuana has been incredibly beneficial for individuals with epilepsy or other seizure disorders. The FDA has approved a CBD-based drug called Epidiolex to treat rare forms of epilepsy like Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. For patients with treatment-resistant seizures, medical marijuana can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of episodes.
Patients who have multiple sclerosis (MS) or persistent muscle spasms may also benefit from medical marijuana. MS patients often experience painful spasms, and cannabinoids have been shown to help reduce both the occurrence and intensity of these spasms, improving mobility and daily function.
Understanding the Legal and Medical Landscape
Despite its benefits, the FDA does not yet approve medical marijuana, and its use varies from state to state. However, more states continue to propose bills allowing medical marijuana for various conditions.
Under Utah’s Medical Cannabis Act, there are several qualifying conditions for medical marijuana treatment, including chronic pain, Crohn’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, HIV, and autism, among others. Patients may also petition the Compassionate Use Board for conditions not explicitly listed, which offers hope for those with rare or complex conditions resistant to conventional treatment.
Nervana Medical: Your Partner in Wellness
At Nervana Medical, we understand that each patient's health journey is unique. Founded by Cassie Debenham, a seasoned Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, our practice blends modern medicine with holistic alternatives like medical marijuana. With over 15 years of healthcare experience, Cassie has dedicated her career to helping patients manage complex conditions through a multidisciplinary approach.
We work with you to develop a treatment plan that includes the best of both traditional and alternative medicine. Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic pain, anxiety, or another qualifying condition under Utah's Medical Cannabis Act, our team at Nervana Medical is here to guide you through your options. We aim to help you live your best life with treatments tailored to your needs.
Medical marijuana has shown remarkable potential in treating a wide range of conditions, from chronic pain management and anxiety to epilepsy and cancer symptoms. As research continues, more people are turning to this natural alternative for relief from conditions that are difficult to manage with conventional medicine alone.
If you’re curious about how medical marijuana could fit into your health plan, Nervana Medical is here to help. Contact us today at 801-335-5243 or hello@nervanamedical.com and take the next step toward better health and wellness.
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