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In July 2014, New York became the 23rd state to legalize medical marijuana. It was a momentous occasion for not only the health care industry but also users of the drug. But, if you don’t fit into either of these categories, you’re probably wondering why this legislation is so important. According to the elite primary care doctors at Urgent & Primary Care in East Greenbush, this substance has helped thousands of Americans with a variety of ailments gain a higher quality of life.

5 Conditions Commonly Treated With Medical Marijuana

1. Physical Illness

medical marijuanaMarijuana contains many biologically active components called cannabinoids, the most recognizable being delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Each has different effects on the body. THC, for example, has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. CBD, on the other hand, is a natural antidepressant, antioxidant, and anticonvulsant. Some have also found it to be anti-tumoral, meaning it inhibits the production of tumors. Together, THC and CBD are an invaluable resource for patients with conditions like cancer, HIV/AIDs, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and more.

2. Mental Illness

Likewise, medical marijuana also treats mental illnesses. As mentioned above, CBD is a natural anti-depressant, making the drug a viable treatment for those with major depression, persistent depressive disorder, or depression as a result of a pre-existing condition. When taken before bed, cannabis will also decrease one’s REM sleep cycles, meaning it can eliminate the stressful nightmares that often accompany post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

3. Insomnia

Decreasing REM isn’t the only effect medical marijuana has on sleep. According to Urgent & Primary Care’s leading primary care doctors, it also increases deep sleep while reducing the time needed to fall asleep as well as nighttime restlessness. Thus, those with insomnia may see an improvement in their sleep patterns after beginning a cannabis-based treatment plan.

4. Chronic Pain

Being an anti-inflammatory, THC also alleviates many types of chronic pain. In fact, a systematic review from Harvard University found that chronic pain sufferers who used the drug experienced significant improvement in their symptoms across 28 different studies. Plus, additional research suggests that it’s not as addictive as opioids and other painkillers are – if it is addictive at all.

5. Adverse Side Effects

Sometimes medical interventions for the above conditions have adverse side effects. Chemotherapy, for example, can cause severe nausea and loss of appetite. Other illnesses also have comorbid conditions – like AIDs and wasting syndrome – that have their own symptoms. Fortunately, cannabis can counteract these reactions, allowing the patient to achieve complete recovery.

primary care doctorIf you have any of the above conditions, medical marijuana may be a viable treatment option. However, you must first check this list as well as consult your primary care doctor to see if you qualify for a prescription. In New York, for example, only those with a debilitating, life-threatening disease or severe comorbid condition are eligible.

If you meet those requirements, you should then obtain a formal diagnosis from your family care physician, fill out the proper documentation, and apply for your medical marijuana card. Just don’t forget to get a written certification from a state-approved certifying doctor like those at Urgent & Primary Care.

To schedule your medical marijuana consultation, call Albany’s leading primary care doctors at (518) 463-8262 today. For more on the practice or the additional services they offer, visit Urgent & Primary Care online.

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