People used marijuana for centuries as a medicinal herb before it became a symbol of the 1960s counterculture movement. And while it may not be a miracle drug, medical marijuana is finding new life these days as an effective pain reliever that may also help manage seizures, muscle spasms, and even treatment-resistant insomnia.
Kadie E. Leach, MD, is a board-certified internist who offers her Washington, DC, community outstanding care for chronic health conditions. This blog post discusses why she may prescribe medical marijuana when other treatment options fail to relieve your symptoms.
Although research continues regarding the full benefits of medical marijuana, it’s shown success in relieving pain, anxiety, inflammation, muscle spasms, and other symptoms related to:
Medical marijuana may also reduce nausea and overcome a poor appetite related to chemotherapy or HIV/AIDS, decreasing the health risks of excessive weight loss.
Medical marijuana is often considered a safer alternative than opioids for chronic pain because it’s less addictive. Cannabidiol (CBD) in marijuana is also an anti-inflammatory. This characteristic offers an alternative to the long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, which can cause gastrointestinal concerns and other adverse side effects.
Marijuana also aids in restful sleep, reducing the physical and emotional effects of chronic insomnia. A full night’s sleep is also a necessary component of healing and may help decrease blood pressure, improve concentration, and reduce the depressive effects of chronic pain.
However, medical marijuana also contains small amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This is the component responsible for the “high” that recreational users seek. THC affects coordination, meaning you are not allowed to drive or operate heavy machinery when using medical marijuana. Some people also experience depression, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating.
Medical marijuana is less effective than other pain relievers in managing moderate to severe pain. Thus, Dr. Leach may prescribe a combination of therapies for optimal pain relief. Rarely, you may experience a stimulating effect from marijuana, resulting in increased blood pressure and heart rate.
Dr. Leach starts with a thorough evaluation that includes a physical exam, a careful review of your symptoms, and a detailed discussion of your treatment options. She also explains the pros and cons of medical marijuana.
Based on your evaluation, Dr. Leach may recommend medical marijuana if you haven’t responded to previous treatments or are at increased risk of adverse effects from NSAIDs or other pain relievers.
Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Leach today for more information about the benefits of medical marijuana.
