TABLE OF CONTENTS. Introduction: Guide to Medical Marijuana... Chapter 1: What Is Medical Marijuana?...

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2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction: Guide to Medical Marijuana... Chapter : What Is Medical Marijuana?... Chapter 2: What Are the Different Types of Medical Cannabis?... Chapter 3: How Does Medical Marijuana Work?... Chapter 4: What Are Cannabinoids?... Chapter 5: What Conditions Can You Treat With Medical Marijuana? Chapter 6: Common Ingestion Methods... Chapter 7: How to Talk to Your Doctor About Medical Marijuana... Chapter 8: How to Get a Medical Marijuana Recommendation... Chapter 9: Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Marijuana... Conclusion: How to Start the Process of Getting Medical Marijuana ii

3 INTRODUCTION: GUIDE TO MEDICAL MARIJUANA The benefits of marijuana for medicinal purposes are gaining serious traction with more than.2 million legal medical marijuana patients in the U.S. as of March 206. They are using cannabis for a wide array of conditions, ranging from cancer to depression to neuropathic pain. Many individuals who have been suffering from debilitating health conditions are turning to cannabis because they're not getting the relief they need for their symptoms from traditional treatments and medications. Others are opting to use medical cannabis to help to deal with harsh treatment side effects which are sometimes worse than the symptoms of the condition they have. What Is Medical Marijuana? Medical marijuana is also known by the names cannabis, weed, pot and others. The medical part of the term, refers to the two cannabinoids in marijuana, THC and CBD, that have medicinal capabilities. As of April 207, medical marijuana had been approved by 29 states to treat symptoms associated with conditions like glaucoma, AIDS and cancer. Studies are showing marijuana's efficacy in treating some conditions and symptoms. Additionally, anecdotal reports from patients already benefiting from the herb are popping up all the time. Since states within the U.S. are only just starting to legalize the herb for medicinal purposes, these studies and patient reports are only just beginning. If you re wondering if medical cannabis can benefit you and if it s the right choice of treatment for your medical condition, you'll need to get a basic understanding about this potent herb and how you can legally reap the benefits of it for your health situation. Is Medical Marijuana Good for You, and Is It Legal? People have been using cannabis for almost 3,000 years for a whole range of health conditions. But, is medical marijuana legal? The answer is yes in a growing number of states. As more and more states legalize weed for medicinal uses, acceptance of this plant continually increases throughout the U.S. INTRODUCTION : GUIDE TO MEDICAL MARIJUANA

4 Here at MarijuanaDoctors.com, we created this comprehensive guide to educate you on medical marijuana. We hope that by the end of reading this guide and utilizing the vast resources on our website, you'll have the knowledge you need to make an informed decision about beginning this therapeutic treatment and the steps required to get started with medical cannabis. In this in-depth medical marijuana guide, we ll answer questions, such as: What is medical marijuana? What are cannabinoids? How does medical marijuana work? What are the various types of medical marijuana and ingestion methods? What are the common conditions that qualify for medical marijuana? How do you talk to your doctor about cannabis to see if your condition qualifies for it? How do you obtain a recommendation for it? And more This ultimate medical cannabis guide also provides a comprehensive section answering frequently asked questions about the herb. If you've had questions about your own about medical weed, such as: Is medical marijuana safe? Is cannabis addictive? Does medical marijuana have any side effects? This guide will answer them for you. 2 GUIDE TO MEDICAL MARIJUANA 2

5 CHAPTER : WHAT IS MEDICAL MARIJUANA? Marijuana comes from the cannabis sativa plant s dried buds and leaves. You can smoke it, inhale it or ingest it in tea, beverages and food. You may also find it in oil or pill form. The term medical marijuana refers to the plant's whole, unprocessed use or using extracts of the plant to treat specific health conditions and their symptoms. Depending on why you need this medicinal herb, your treatment can be short-term or long-term. Legality of Medical Cannabis While many see weed as a recreational drug, doctors and individuals have used it medicinally for many years. Marijuana is illegal in most U.S. states for recreational use, but many states have legalized it for medicinal use. Still, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved it for medicine not yet anyway. However, the FDA has approved two products containing synthetic cannabinoid compounds. These are:. Cesamet (Nabilone): This is a medicine designed to help with nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. 2. Marinol (dronabino). This medication can help with weight loss and anorexia in AIDS patients. It s also used to treat nausea and vomiting in individuals taking chemotherapy for cancer who have failed to respond to traditional antiemetic treatments. Since the cannabis plant contains these cannabinoids with the ability to help treat a wide variety of conditions and symptoms, people feel officials should lift the medical marijuana regulations against it. Luckily, with research supporting the medicinal benefits of cannabis for a variety of health conditions, many states have already made pot legal for medical use for certain qualifying conditions and the lists of states and qualifying conditions are growing. 3 CHAPTER : WHAT IS MEDICAL MARIJUANA? 3

6 Medical Marijuana Components and Effects Overview The cannabis plant has over 00 different cannabinoids with each one having its own effect on your body. Two of the primary cannabinoids in the plant are cannabidiol (CBD) and Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is what gives you the "high" feeling when you smoke or ingest cannabis, while CBD provides therapeutic value without the psychoactive effects. When you inhale or ingest marijuana, these cannabinoids bind to certain nerve cells and brain receptors and ease discomfort by slowing pain impulses. You have cannabinoid receptors in your: Lungs Brain Immune system Liver Kidneys Research is still ongoing as far as how it affects your health, but researchers do know cannabinoid receptors have a lot to do with many of your body processes, including: Immune function Anxiety Metabolic regulation Bone growth Pain Cravings 4 CHAPTER : WHAT IS MEDICAL MARIJUANA? 4

7 Conditions Medical Weed Treats Cannabis treats a variety of different health conditions which we'll discuss in detail later in this guide in Chapter 5. But, here is a partial list of some common conditions the herb can treat Appetite loss Crohn's disease Alzheimer's disease Glaucoma Cancer Multiple sclerosis Anorexia and other eating disorders Nausea Muscle spasms Pain Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia and other mental health disorders Wasting syndrome (cachexia) When you use medical marijuana as intended and directed, you can expect to experience symptom relief, to feel better all-around and to see improvement in your quality of life. According to the California Medical Association (CMA), medical marijuana provides the greatest efficacy for easing chronic neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain is from disease or nerve injury. Additionally, since cannabis makes you hungry, it also can help with appetite loss, which is common with diseases like AIDS. It can help ease the side effects of cancer treatments, such as nausea, as well. Common Symptoms Medical Pot Relieves Although the symptoms weed can help treat will vary depending on your health condition, the most common symptoms the herb treats include the following: Pain Spasticity Tremors Inflammation Nausea Bladder issues Sleep problems like insomnia Fatigue Anxiety Depression Poor appetite Weight loss Other research suggests medical pot can slow tumor growth and kill cancer cells. Studies on animals show that specific cannabinoids slowed the growth of certain types of cancer and kept them from spreading. 5 5 CHAPTER : WHAT IS MEDICAL MARIJUANA?

8 Why Use Medical Weed? A common question many people ask regarding medical cannabis is why use it when there are a wide-range of other legal medicines readily available. Some responses were patients aren't using weed to simply feel good, but rather using the herb for medical purposes for specific diseases and symptoms best treated with cannabis just like cough syrup helps with coughing. For instance, research already shows cannabis increases the appetite and decreases nausea, which is essential for those unable to maintain proper nutrition because they can't keep their food down. The herb also lowers intraocular eye pressure in glaucoma patients, relieves peripheral neuropathy pain better than traditional painkillers. It also isn't addictive and doesn't cause unpleasant side effects like narcotic pain medications. Potential Side Effects of Cannabis While experts suggest medical cannabis is safe when you use it as prescribed, like any medication or drug, it can still come with some side effects. Most, however, are either mild or rare. Potential side effects of cannabis listed by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) include: Low blood pressure Increased heart rate Temporary decrease in attention span Temporary reduced memory Lightheadedness, dizziness or fainting Reduced problem-solving skills Although the FDA hasn't approved medical cannabis yet on the federal level, more and more doctors are taking the stand and swearing by its health benefits and effectiveness. Before starting cannabis treatment, you'll want to sit down with your doctor and discuss any possible side effects. To learn more detailed information on potential side effects of weed, refer to the FAQ section in chapter nine at the end of this guide. Since you have many options when it comes to your cannabis treatment, chapter two educates you on the different types of medical 6 marijuana. 6 CHAPTER : WHAT IS MEDICAL MARIJUANA?

9 CHAPTER 2: WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF You have the option to select many different medical cannabis types, strains and flavors. Choosing between them could get a little overwhelming if you re looking to relieve symptoms of one or more of your medical conditions. If you're just getting started with cannabis treatment, the mere thought of walking into a dispensary for the first time may leave you anxious. With all the options available to you and their different healing properties, it s no wonder newcomers often think twice about marijuana therapy. MarijanaDoctors.com is here to help you gain an understanding of the different types of medical cannabis available to you. In this part of the guide, you'll discover the most common types of cannabis, and what you will likely experience from each of them. You'll also learn about the different strains breeders make from the various "types" of cannabis. You should know the effects you're looking for since each type and strain of cannabis has its distinction to help your symptoms in various ways. Some will help you relax and ease your stress, while others will give you energy and uplift your spirits. You have thousands of variations of cannabis strains at your disposal. Most fall under the general indica, sativa and hybrid type. 7

10 Indica Indica strains are more suitable for relieving stress and promoting relaxation since they provide a sedating effect. They're a strong type of cannabis that comes in several flavors and contains higher amounts of resin. They are typically grown in harsh climates and commonly in countries like Lebanon, Nepal, Afghanistan and Morocco. Because of the stronger sedative properties of indica blends, doctors typically prescribe them to provide the following symptom relief: Relieve body pain Alleviate anxiety and stress Reduce seizures Relieve spasms Relax muscles Other uses of indica blends exist, but the above are the most common. Pure Indica Pure indicas are dense, dark green short plants with broad leaves and chlorophyll. They also have less accessory pigments, which are supposed to prevent excessive sunlight from damaging the plant. Indicas usually mature within six to eight weeks once flowering starts. Since they don't grow as tall as sativa plants, they cultivate better indoors. The flowers offer various aromas and flavors ranging from fruity and sweet to pungent skunk. Sativa Sativa strains offer uplifting, invigorating and cerebral effects suited more for physical activity. Sativas supposedly enhance creativity and come in a variety of flavors from fruity and sweet to earthy. They grow in places like Thailand, India, Colombia and Mexico. Sativa cannabis strains help to: Energize you Fight depression Provide you with an overall feeling of well-being Increase focus and creativity Stimulate you Offer you uplifting and cerebral thoughts 8 CHAPTER 2: WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF MEDICAL 8

11 Pure Sativa Pure sativa marijuana strains are more difficult to cultivate, especially outdoors and indoors in Canada and other parts of the northern hemisphere. Therefore, they're rare in the medical field. And, since vendors prefer stocking favorite strains, the seeds of pure sativas are also uncommon since they're not popular. They're also rare in the medical field because consuming too much pure sativa can induce irregular heartbeats and paranoia. They grow into thin, tall plants with light green narrow leaves, reaching up to 20 feet tall in just one season. After they begin flowering, pure sativas can take between 0 to 6 weeks before they are completely mature. Hybrid Hybrids provide both indica and sativa strains. Hybrids usually indicate the combination of seeds from various geographic locations worldwide where marijuana grows. Since they're a mixture of cannabis plants with various characteristics, they offer you the best of both worlds. Typically, breeders work hard to create multiple weed hybrids to cater to the needs of users. One of the main goals of creating hybrids is to mix each marijuana strain's positive properties and characteristics. In today's market, most medical cannabis is hybrid. Benefits of Specific Strains Cannabis strains carry a wide range of health benefits. There are some that help with:. Moods and Activities Some strains help with your energy level and mood. For instance, some strains help: Lift your spirits Conquer social anxiety Motivate your mind Become active Become more productive 9 CHAPTER 2: WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF MEDICAL 9

12 2. Medical Ailments There are other strains individuals use more for their medical benefits, such as to help you: Fight fatigue Combat anxiety Relieve pain Deal with depression Eliminate stomach and digestive problems Sleep better Patients suffering from depression or fatigue might turn to a sativa in the daytime, while another patient who's dealing with insomnia and pain will probably go with an indica at night. Realize a heavy or strong high, usually from potent indicas, are known as a body stone, and this means you shouldn t plan on participating in a lot of physical activity after using it. Sativas tend to produce energy so you might choose this type if you re looking for a productive day while you treat your symptoms. Hybrids tend to mix both these characteristics. Budtenders at marijuana dispensaries can inform you of the type of strain your purchasing. Strain information is also located on the product jar label since proper marijuana packaging and labeling is essential for cannabis companies to stay in compliance with state guidelines. 0 0 CHAPTER 2: WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF MEDICAL

13 Each strain comes from a type of marijuana like sativa, indica, hybrid, etc., and each has its unique name and healing properties as well. Examples include: Lemon Haze (Sativa): Happy, euphoric and uplifting. Also helps with anxiety, pain, lack of appetite, etc. Jack Herer (Sativa): Cerebral, energetic and creative. Helps with depression, fatigue, nausea, etc. Blue Dream (Hybrid): Relaxed, sleepy, pain relieving and social. Helps with headaches, inflammation, muscle spasms, etc. Blue God (Indica): Pain relief, increased appetite and a relaxed state. Helps with insomnia, stress, pain, etc. Cannabinoids Role in Strains Another fundamental factor between sativas and indicas that dictates the differences and similarities of the two are cannabinoids specifically CBD and THC. If you're an experienced cannabis user or have been researching the herb, you've likely heard of cannabinoids. We'll get into cannabinoids in more detail in chapter four, but for now, know the two primary cannabinoids in the medical pot plant are CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol):. THC: THC is psychoactive and produces the "high" you get from cannabis. 2. CBD: CBD is also the compound responsible for most of the therapeutic and medicinal properties of medical cannabis. When you're looking for a strain to treat your health condition, but you don't want the psychoactive effects, you'll want to look for a strain high in CBD and low in THC. CBD, up until recently, hasn't been as commonplace as THC. However, because CBD is non-psychoactive, scientists and researchers study it frequently in scientific studies. Medical cannabis types and strains can fluctuate widely in its percentage of CBD or THC and aren't always 00 percent reliable. You can, for instance, have sativas that have higher levels of CBD content than indicas or indicas that have higher THC than sativas. Therefore, it may be more helpful if you focus on the general species effects instead of looking at their chemical properties exclusively. While indica and sativa are the main types of marijuana, for the sake of discussion, we should include a couple more you'll find, which include ruderalis and industrial hemp. CHAPTER 2: WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF MEDICAL

14 Ruderalis Cannabis ruderalis isn't as well-known as the indica and sativa types of weed, but its properties are like those of indicas. Ruderalis is often grown in the world's northern countries. Because it doesn't produce as much psychological effect on users as the other two types, researchers don t study it as much. Like cannabis sativa and cannabis indica, cannabis ruderalis is also a subspecies of marijuana. It s derived from Central Russia and offers some extraordinary distinguishable and unique qualities due to environmental pressures and inbreeding. It has minimal amounts of THC in it, so it s rarely grown for recreational purposes. It is, however, becoming a popular plant breeding stock for medical strains since its high in CBD. The flowers of ruderalis are based on age instead of light cycle referred to as autoflowering. So, if you grew it under 24 hours of light indoors, it would begin producing flowers automatically on its genetic schedule. Therefore, if breeders crossbreed it with a sativa or an indica, the plant would probably autoflower and contain higher CBD levels. Additionally, ruderalis is very resistant to disease and insect damage. The medical benefits of ruderalis have dramatically changed how seed breeders and geneticists create strains these days. Industrial Hemp Industrial hemp also comes from the cannabis sativa plant, but it s grown for industrial purposes specifically. Its overall use is for textile, fiber and animal feed. It's not a good medical cannabis product due to its low THC content. It may take you some time to figure out your personal preference for the type of medical marijuana you prefer. Don't hesitate to ask a budtender or your marijuana doctor questions. You may even find yourself experimenting to discover the type and strain that suits you best. 2 2 CHAPTER 2: WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF MEDICAL

15 CHAPTER 3: HOW DOES MEDICAL MARIJUANA To many in the U.S. and all over the world, medical marijuana represents an opportunity to alleviate their debilitating symptoms. They see it as an essential therapeutic solution, and they couldn't treat their health conditions without it. In U.S. states where cannabis is legal, physicians recommend it medically for various qualifying diseases and conditions, most of which are chronic. So how does medical marijuana work to treat these conditions? The amazing healing properties of marijuana come from its significant levels of medical flavonoids and terpenes as well as its high levels of CBD. While its psychoactive compound THC is what recreational users are after, it s the CBD in medical marijuana that makes it therapeutic and beneficial to those suffering from chronic illnesses. Growers are starting to produce higher CBD-level and lower THC-level cannabis plants for medical use through seed exchanges and plant breeding techniques. Before you start medical cannabis therapy, it helps to learn more information about it and how your brain functions so you know why the herb affects you the way it does. While a marijuana doctor can recommend different medical cannabis types for your circumstances, you still have some leeway in deciding what works better for you. Therefore, having a better understanding of medical weed and its chemicals you'll be dealing with will help make the herb less intimidating when it comes time to use this treatment. 3 3 CHAPTER 3: HOW DOES MEDICAL MARIJUANA WORK?

16 Medical cannabis breeders can separate the different effects of the plant. The following are some of marijuana's compounds and their effects: CBD: This is one of the more important compounds for medical use in cannabis. It relieves anxiety and nausea, and reduces inflammation and the severity and frequency of seizures. CBC: This helps relieve pain when combined with THC due to its mild sedative effect. CBG: This compound has a sedative effect and antimicrobial properties. It lowers glaucoma-related eye pressure. CBN: Helpful in reducing glaucoma-related eye pressure, CBN also can reduce seizure frequency. It produces a mild high as well. THCV: A newer compound discovery to help with type 2 diabetes and metabolic disorders. Breeders are continuously adjusting their hybrid blends to balance out different compounds in each marijuana type. These adjustments help breeders to create medical cannabis that targets specific symptoms and types of therapy. Understanding Your Brain Function Your brain is a complicated organ. It manages your thoughts, emotions and bodily functions, and it works through a chemical-based communication system. Your brain and other areas of your nervous system produce chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters deliver messages to different structures referred to as receptors. Researchers have found the following cannabinoid receptors in your body.. CB receptor The CB receptor is mostly present in your: Connective tissues Nervous system Glands Gonads Organs 4 4 CHAPTER 3: HOW DOES MEDICAL MARIJUANA WORK?

17 2. CB2 receptor The CB2 receptor is what your immune system cells express. Your bodily tissues have these two receptors with different associated actions. Your receptors read and react to the messages. They sometimes send chemical messages out to alter different physical functions like moving your hand from a hot burner or slowing down your heart rate. Others generate brain chemicals inducing emotions to increase sensations of euphoria or stress. This all occurs in your brain. You already have cannabis-like chemicals your body makes affecting inflammation, pain and other processes. Cannabis often helps these natural chemicals work more effectively. Your brain areas containing most of the cannabinoid receptors are the: Hippocampus Hypothalamus Cerebellum Amygdala Brain stem Neocortex Basal ganglia They widely exist in the areas of your brain related to your memory, motivation, reward and drive. Therefore, when you use weed, your motivation and reward areas light up, which delivers a sense of euphoria as your brain continues to release more reward neurotransmitters. However, you also lose your ability to form new memories due to the herb impairing your short-term memory and ability to differentiate between what is and isn't important. This will likely make you feel relaxed and easily distracted. 5 5 CHAPTER 3: HOW DOES MEDICAL MARIJUANA WORK?

18 Additionally, since cannabis affects your hippocampus, it also affects your appetite. That s why many people get what's known as "the munchies." You can break your brain down into numerous neurotransmitter types and their equivalent receptors. Although a basic message could indicate a certain neurotransmitter being sent out and the appropriate receptor receiving it, most messages are the result of a combination of unique neurotransmitters going through your brain. These neurotransmitters work in groups. For instance, you have a few different feel-good chemicals: dopamine, serotonin and adrenaline. The balance between these chemicals in various brain areas determines your shades of emotion. Your neurotransmitters in your brain make it so you can do everything from wiggle your finger to remembering your first crush. Researchers have begun mapping out the receptors and neurotransmitters involved in specific functions of your brain. That information is then used to create different medicines to help improve your life quality. Why Patients Turn to Cannabis Patients turn to medical cannabis for many different reasons, one of which is the treatment of chronic pain. Marijuana can relieve stubborn pain, or at least reduce it enough to make it tolerable. Studies most encouraging are those evaluating medical cannabis use in cancer patients with chronic pain. That pain is due to various things such as: Nerve injury Inflammation Tumor growth in sensitive areas Bone invasion Cancer pain tends to be persistent, severe and resistant to opiate painkiller treatment. Because of this, researchers are trying to find other pain medications besides opiates. In a study with 0 participants who had advanced stages of cancer, researchers gave them four different doses of THC pills and a placebo. All patients received a whole range of similarly-looking pills over the length of the study period. When patients were given 5 and 20-milligram doses of THC, the highest doses, they reported substantial relief of their pain compared to the days they were given 0 through 0 milligrams. Every person has receptors and an endocannabinoid system in their body. Their cannabinoid system in each tissue performs a different role, but the main objective is to maintain a stable internal environment regardless of external environment fluctuations. Cannabis compounds mimic your body's natural chemicals. 6 6 CHAPTER 3: HOW DOES MEDICAL MARIJUANA WORK?

19 CBD and THC have displayed various pharmacologic activities giving them their ability as therapeutic agents. THC works as an antagonist to decrease pain when breeders combine it with CBD. Brain imaging displays little decrease in the regions of the brain coded for pain sensation, as you'd normally see with opiate-type drugs. Instead, marijuana seems to affect the emotional reaction to pain mostly. Because weed doesn't affect your brain s pain centers, it doesn't have addictive traits to it like opiates and, therefore, patients are less likely to become addicted to it. Lab experiments also suggest cannabinoids in marijuana can have antitumor effects, helping to reduce their growth. Other reasons people turn to medical cannabis includes benefitting from CBD s therapeutic properties, such as: Antiepileptic Neuroprotective Antipsychotic Anxiolytic Anti-inflammatory Cannabinoids engage with your system through your natural, cell membrane-embedded receptors throughout your body. You have these receptors in your lungs, brain, immune system, kidneys and liver. Both psychoactive and therapeutic properties of cannabis occur when a cannabinoid activates one of your cannabinoid receptors. 7 7 CHAPTER 3: HOW DOES MEDICAL MARIJUANA WORK?

20 Body Processes Cannabinoid Receptors Are Part Of Although research is still ongoing in terms how marijuana affects your health, as of today, researchers know cannabinoid receptors play a considerable role in the processes of your body including: Cravings Metabolic regulation Anxiety Pain Immune function Bone growth And, different patients experiences vary. While one may feel the release of stress, another will feel stressed or over-stimulated. Someone else may feel on-task and energized. Various factors, such as those below, affect these experiences, too: Diet or nutrition Amount/dosage used Biochemistry Setting/Environment Mood or mindset Types of marijuana History and experience of marijuana use Strain of weed or consumption method With these personal variables and the different plant variations, there are plenty of opportunities to consume medical cannabis in a manner offering you the most benefit for your health ailment. If you try medical cannabis treatment and you don't experience results, or you experience some side effects you don't like, simply try another variation until you find success. As you'll learn in the next chapter, you can work with different strains to achieve your desired results. 8 8 CHAPTER 3: HOW DOES MEDICAL MARIJUANA WORK?

21 CHAPTER 4: WHAT ARE CANNABINOIDS? You probably already know how marijuana affects you, but do you ever wonder how a single plant can produce so many different effects? From an enjoyable high to being able to treat various medical conditions, many of marijuana's best qualities are due to cannabinoids. The medical pot plant creates various compounds naturally, and each has its own potential side effects and specific benefits. Research is ongoing and continues to show promise of potential medical benefits from a variety of compounds. Getting an understanding of the various types of cannabinoids and how they affect you will provide you with more insight on the plant and its therapeutic benefits for our medical condition. What Are Cannabinoids? Cannabis has a whole range of chemical compounds in the plant comprising its characteristics. Chlorophyll in its leaves make the plant green, while terpenes provide aromas and flavors. However, cannabinoids are essential chemicals in cannabis. Cannabinoids provide the marijuana plant with its medical properties. CBD, THC and other cannabinoids interact with various body receptors to deliver a whole range of different effects. The cannabis sativa plant contains more than 480 natural components. Sixty-six are cannabinoids, which are unique chemicals of the plant. You're probably already familiar with THC, as it is already researched and well known. It s the cannabinoid producing marijuana's psychoactive effect. Cannabinoids and other plant components reduce the effects of THC. 9 9 CHAPTER 4: WHAT ARE CANNABINOIDS?

22 Cannabinoids work a lot like other chemicals your body makes involving memory, appetite, pain and movement. Research shows cannabinoids may: Relieve pain and reduce inflammation Reduce anxiety Relieve nausea and vomiting chemotherapy causes Slow tumor growth and kill cancer cells Increase the appetite and promote weight gain in individuals with AIDS and cancer Relax tight muscles in MS patients Cannabinoid agonists or cannabinoid-related compounds help with a whole range of health conditions, including: Anorexia Multiple Sclerosis Alzheimer's disease Parkinson's disease Tourette's syndrome Schizophrenia Osteoporosis Cancer Glaucoma Inflammation Pain Cardiovascular disorders Obesity What Is the Difference Between Cannabinoids? The primary differences between each cannabinoid are dependent on how psychologically active they are. There are subclasses of cannabinoids, which include: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Cannabidiols (CBD) Cannabigerol (CBG) Cannabinol (CBN) Cannabichromene (CBC) Cannabidiol (CBDL) Cannabielsoin (CBE) Cannabicyclol (CBL) Cannabitriol (CBT) 20 CHAPTER 4: WHAT ARE CANNABINOIDS? 20

23 Probably the most abundant of all the cannabinoids is CBD which contributes more than 40 percent of marijuana resin. This cannabinoid is also said to lessen THC's psychoactive effects and has anti-anxiety effects. When you expose THC to air, it oxidizes and turns into CBN. CBN is only mildly psychoactive and reduces the effects of THC when interacting with it. So, if you were to leave unused cannabis out for a while, it would end up with more CBN and less THC, losing its potency. Cannabinoids (primarily CBD and THC) are secreted by marijuana flowers to offer relief to a whole range of symptoms like inflammation, pain, nausea and anxiety. They imitate our body's natural compounds called endocannabinoids for activating health maintenance and internal stability. So, how can they interact with our bodies? It has to do with your endocannabinoid system and its cannabinoid receptors. Your Endocannabinoid System To completely understand cannabinoids, you'll need to learn a little about your endocannabinoid system. This is a human body system consisting of cannabinoid receptors and cannabinoids. These cannabinoid receptors and cannabinoids mimic a lock and key mechanism. Much like you insert a key into a lock, cannabinoids bind to your receptors and unlock them to cause a change in how your cells function. This results in a certain effect in your body. Your endocannabinoids play an important role in providing homeostasis (internal stability) and keeping you healthy. They facilitate cell communication. When you have issues with your endocannabinoids, it can lead to physical difficulties and other problems caused by an imbalance in your body. 2 CHAPTER 4: WHAT ARE CANNABINOIDS? 2

24 When you use weed, the THC activates your endocannabinoid system as it attaches to your cannabinoid receptors. You have two types of these receptors:. CB receptors: CB receptors are mainly in your brain and cause marijuana's psychoactive effects. 2. CB2 receptors: CB2 receptors are in other areas of your body and cause many biological functions. The endocannabinoid system functions can help you understand marijuana's effects. Your endocannabinoid system regulates memory, appetite, pain, mood, sleep and more. Common Benefits of Cannabinoids While each cannabinoid has its specific benefits, there are some common ones in most types of these cannabinoids. Some main benefits of cannabinoids include the following. Pain relief: Cannabinoids in cannabis provide an analgesic effect, so they can be helpful for chronic pain. Patients who use medical marijuana can control their pain. Some individuals even find weed to help improve their health condition causing their pain. The herb improves pain so well, it often works better than traditional pain relievers. Antibacterial: Many cannabis cannabinoids provide an antibacterial effect to help with antibiotic-resistant infections. Those who can't get relief from their infection now have another option to treat it. Other cannabinoids have antifungal effects. Anti-inflammatory: Some medical conditions, such as Crohn's disease, cause inflammation. Cannabinoids reduce this inflammation, so they offer medicinal effects for health conditions like this. Appetite stimulant: When you use cannabis, you may find getting the munchies funny. However, for some people who are sick and need to gain weight, the munchies can be a benefit. Antitumor effects: Some cannabinoids reduce or slow tumor growth. For people dealing with cancer, this is huge since it gives them another way to fight the disease. Marijuana also gives cancer patients receiving chemotherapy a way to reduce their nausea and vomiting, which are typical side effects of the treatment. 22 CHAPTER 4: WHAT ARE CANNABINOIDS? 22

25 Brain and nerve cell protection: Some cannabinoids help protect brain and nerve cells. They may even help you to grow new ones. Antispasmodic: Patients with epilepsy or other disorders causing spasms or seizures often use cannabis due to the antispasmodic effect certain cannabinoids have. They reduce or get rid of seizures epilepsy causes, improving patients lives tremendously particularly those who frequently have seizures. Cannabis allows them to live their lives more normally. Antioxidant: Medical marijuana provides your body with an antioxidant effect as well because of certain cannabinoids. These cannabinoids are helping to fight the free radicals in your body that cause damage. Antidepressant: Although some individuals may experience anxiety or paranoia when they use marijuana because of the THC, many cannabinoids provide an antidepressant effect. Medical weed balances out and improves your mood which is good for people struggling with depression. The areas of your brain cannabinoids interact with determine their actual effects. Interactions occur in your limbic system. This is the area of your brain affecting cognition, memory and psychomotor performance. They also interact with your mesolimbic pathway, the area linked to feelings of reward, as well as in areas of pain perception. Although researchers and scientists are still learning about the endogenous cannabinoid system, they re putting a lot of focus on the potential of man-made cannabinoids known as synthetic analogs and their potential medical uses. Exploring the CBD Cannabinoid in Medical Cannabis When it comes to medical pot, CBD is the central cannabinoid coming into play. However, there are other cannabinoids at work, too. When you're struggling with a chronic medical condition negatively impacting your life, CBD can help. It's the cannabinoid that s changing the way people think of marijuana as a medicine. CBD doesn't affect you as THC does. You don't get the euphoric effect making you high. 23 CHAPTER 4: WHAT ARE CANNABINOIDS? 23

26 The evidence is growing about all the medical benefits CBD provides. CBD activates receptors in your body, including: Adenosine: A receptor involving the regulations of your sleep-wake cycle Serotonin: A receptor involving your mood control Vanilloid: A receptor involved in mediating your body's pain signals CBD also regulates your endocannabinoids. The compound blocks the FAAH (fatty acid) known to break down your body's anandamide (natural endocannabinoid). Anandamide helps to regulate many essential functions you have like pain, sleep, pleasure, reward and more. CBD boosts the anandamide in your body and keeps the FAAH from breaking it down into smaller parts. CBD also connects with your body's receptors to regulate your immune system and body temperature as well as actively reduce inflammation. Whether cannabinoids are produced in a plant or your body, they interact with your body's cannabinoid receptors and your endocannabinoid system, causing different positive effects on your health. 24 CHAPTER 4: WHAT ARE CANNABINOIDS? 24

27 CHAPTER 5: WHAT CONDITIONS CAN YOU TREAT Marijuana remains illegal at the federal level in the United States. However, many states have elected to legalize the drug for medical reasons. Some states have also legalized it for recreational purposes. To obtain medical cannabis, you must have a physician diagnose a medical condition, and it must be on your state s qualifying medical marijuana list. Once you ve qualified, you ll receive a medical marijuana card authorizing you to visit authorized marijuana businesses to purchase the drug. The sale of marijuana is tightly controlled and regulated by the government. Each state regulates: Who can use it Who can sell it Where to purchase it How much can be sold What form of marijuana can be sold All individuals using and selling the drug have to be authorized and registered with their state and follow the regulations set in place. Please realize some states allow doctors to approve other medical conditions on a case-by-case basis not listed as qualifying by the state, so check with your physician if you have an unlisted condition CHAPTER 5: WHAT CONDITIONS CAN YOU TREAT WITH MEDICAL MARIJUANA?

28 Listed below are several conditions qualifying for medical marijuana treatment in some states:. AIDS Patients with HIV often experience lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting and weight loss. Others experience pain because of their antiretroviral therapy. Medical marijuana can help with these symptoms, including the peripheral pain some HIV/AIDS patent have. Combating the symptoms of AIDS has caused many to consider the use of medical marijuana. Some studies have shown THC can reduce the spread of the disease. Those suffering from the debilitating effects of AIDS may benefit from the use of THC and its wide-range relief combating nausea and severe pain. One of the major symptoms of AIDS which is weight loss and loss of appetite seems to lessen with the use of medical pot. 2. Alcoholism Alcoholism is a condition affecting millions of people. More than 7 million Americans are alcoholics, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Medical marijuana can reduce symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, such as nausea, vomiting, inability to sleep and a lack of appetite. 3. Alzheimer s Studies have shown benefits of cannabis on the growth of beta-amyloid, which is the protein involved in the creation of neural plaques. Neurological studies on CBD have found it can help the cell death process, referred to as apoptosis. Cannabis can also play a positive role in reducing inflammation, improving memory, increasing social engagement, improving sleep and more to make the quality of life better for Alzheimer s patients. 4. Arthritis One of the most common painful conditions to many Americans is arthritis. Arthritis is not a disease, but it includes many types of conditions causing joint pain and inflammation under one umbrella term. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the more common forms of arthritis. It s a disorder in the joints causing inflammation and a great deal of pain in the body s tissues. Because of the intense pain, many who suffer from RA find it difficult to perform normal daily activities. Some have resorted to using medical marijuana to lessen or reduce the pain CHAPTER 5: WHAT CONDITIONS CAN YOU TREAT WITH MEDICAL MARIJUANA?

29 Many who have used medical marijuana to combat their RA have experienced positive results, which include: Increase in movement Pain reduction Reduced need for other medications Medical marijuana has shown to have pain relief properties that can reduce the chronic pain those with RA suffer from. One of the main symptoms and causes of arthritis is inflammation of the joints, and marijuana may be able to reduce that inflammation, also lessening the pain arthritis sufferers may experience. 5. Cancer As mentioned, THC is beneficial in lessening the effects of chemotherapy, such as vomiting and nausea. Medical marijuana can also boost one s spirits and emotions as well as their appetite. A few more benefits for cancer patients using medical cannabis is: It fights cancer cells by reducing and eliminating their growth. It promotes programmed cell death. Its cannabinoids have anti-tumor activity. 6. Chronic Pain One of the biggest advantages for medical cannabis is its reduction of chronic pain, and many states have qualified it for medical cannabis use. Medical marijuana is used as therapy for those with chronic pain, which includes patients with: Cancer and AIDS Back pain Arthritis Other inflammatory conditions producing chronic pain. Cannabinoids in cannabis can reduce inflammatory conditions in the nerves, muscles and joints CHAPTER 5: WHAT CONDITIONS CAN YOU TREAT WITH MEDICAL MARIJUANA?

30 7. Crohn's Disease A few intestinal diseases are common among the general population, and they are: Crohn s disease Inflammatory bowel disease or IBD Ulcerative colitis All these have similar symptoms, but Crohn s disease is more severe, with symptoms ranging from abdominal pain and fever to rectal bleeding, diarrhea and skin and eye irritations. It s very painful and can be fatal in rare cases. Most patients experience severe flare-ups and pain at different times for long periods of time, and it can last a lifetime if the disease is not treated properly. Because of the inflammation and chronic pain involved, some believe marijuana can treat this disease effectively. Some ways medical marijuana may help reduce symptoms and help those who suffer from Crohn s disease suffer less, include: Reducing inflammation with its anti-inflammatory properties Providing pain relief from analgesic effects Reducing levels of anxiety Reducing nausea and vomiting Increasing appetite CHAPTER 5: WHAT CONDITIONS CAN YOU TREAT WITH MEDICAL MARIJUANA?

31 8. Depression Medical marijuana may be able to help those who suffer with depression since it has mood-boosting capabilities. The THC in marijuana can produce a euphoric state by increasing serotonin levels. The key is to use the correct amounts of marijuana, however. Too much THC can potentially make depression worse by increasing anxiety. 9. Epilepsy People with epilepsy have a condition in the nerve cells of their brain causing excessive activity, which results in seizures. These seizures can happen at any time and any place, which makes the person unable to engage in normal activity like driving, cooking or holding certain jobs. Research and anecdotal evidence suggests marijuana shows promise in managing the symptoms of epilepsy. 0. Fibromyalgia Fibromyalgia is somewhat of a mysterious and complex disease, but its sufferers experience chronic pain throughout the body. The pain may be somewhat inconsistent in its intensity, but it occurs in the joints, tendons and muscles. Researchers don t know for sure, but they believe the cause of fibromyalgia may come from hypersensitivity to stimuli causing chronic pain. In simple terms, the body or nerves don t respond to pain as they should. The disease affects more than five million Americans, and most of them are women. Unfortunately, there is no cure for the condition, and many who suffer from it deal with very intense pain interfering with their normal daily functions. Medications, such as the below, may reduce the pain and treat the symptoms: Pain relievers Antibiotics Other medications Medical marijuana is also used to treat the chronic pain from fibromyalgia, and, to date, a handful of states have approved it as a qualifying condition for medical cannabis use CHAPTER 5: WHAT CONDITIONS CAN YOU TREAT WITH MEDICAL MARIJUANA?

32 The National Pain Foundation surveyed some participants who tried marijuana to relieve some of the chronic pain associated with their condition. Sixty-two percent of the participants said it was very effective in relieving pain, while 33 percent said it gave them some relief, and five percent said it provided no relief. Some researchers have discovered the THC in marijuana may assist the endocannabinoids in their functioning. If so, this reduces the hypersensitivity to pain and helps patients feel less pain or a normal amount of pain. Medical marijuana may also reduce nausea and insomnia in patients who experience these symptoms.. Glaucoma While more research is needed, the belief is cannabis is neuroprotective and can help control intraocular pressure (IOP). Medical pot can also help ease nausea, vomiting and headache pain present with a glaucoma attack. 2. Migraines If you ve ever had a migraine, you know it can be very painful. Some people have migraines so severely, they interfere with their daily activities. Although migraines are very common, they are very difficult to treat. They may arise from other conditions unknown or known. Symptoms of migraines include: Intense pain on one side of the head, all around or at the front of the head Sensitivity to light Sensitivity to smells CHAPTER 5: WHAT CONDITIONS CAN YOU TREAT WITH MEDICAL MARIJUANA?

33 Sensitivity to sounds Nausea Vomiting Medical marijuana may help reduce some of these symptoms. 3. Multiple Sclerosis Multiple Sclerosis, known as MS, affects the central nervous system. Some of the symptoms include headaches and chronic pain, which medical marijuana can reduce. Cannabis can also reduce muscle spasms and tremors in MS patients. 4. Parkinson's Disease Those who have Parkinson s disease suffer from: Tremors Reduced movement in limbs Muscle stiffness Trouble with balance Sleep disruption Marijuana shows promise in reducing pain, sleep disturbances and tremors associated with Parkinson s disease. Many states have included the disease as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana. 5. Severe Nausea Several conditions can cause severe nausea, including Crohn s disease, acute gastritis and anxiety disorder. The treatments for some conditions, such as chemotherapy for cancer, can also cause you to feel severely nauseous. 3 CHAPTER 5: WHAT CONDITIONS CAN YOU TREAT WITH MEDICAL MARIJUANA? 3

34 Research has shown medical cannabis, including THC and cannabinoids, works as an antiemetic. In some cases, medical marijuana works better than other medications physicians may prescribe for nausea. For instance, in a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, 20 study participants found nausea relief when they used specific types of THC. Marijuana s analgesic and anti-emetic properties have been recognized by several government-sponsored agencies such as: The world-famous Institute of Medicine (IOM) The comprehensive United Kingdom House of Science and Technology The effective Australian National Task Force on Cannabis A few committees have recognized the effectiveness of THC and have worked hard to produce research and studies promoting the use of medical marijuana. Resource for Conditions Qualifying for Medical Marijuana For more information about the type of conditions listed as eligible in most states and more information about medical marijuana use and laws refer to our conditions website section. Can You Get Medical Cannabis as a Prescription Medication? As mentioned briefly in the beginning of this guide, there are two drugs in synthetic forms of marijuana approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Cesamet (Nabilone) and Marinol (Dronabinol). Doctors can prescribe these legally if you re suffering from nausea or vomiting caused by any number of the conditions mentioned and approved on your state s medical marijuana list. Dronabinol may be effective in treating weight loss, too. You can also get medical marijuana by getting a recommendation from a licensed physician after being diagnosed with a qualified medical condition CHAPTER 5: WHAT CONDITIONS CAN YOU TREAT WITH MEDICAL MARIJUANA?

35 CHAPTER 6: COMMON INGESTION METHODS Once your physician informs you medical marijuana is a treatment option for you, your next question might be How do you ingest medical marijuana? Not everyone is interested in the more traditional ingestion methods, such as smoking, and you might want to explore your other options for using medical marijuana before deciding there is only one choice right for you. The good thing is there are a few options, and you don t have to commit to one or another method right from the start. In fact, your doctor may have some suggestions about what the best way for you to ingest medical marijuana is based on your condition, lifestyle and other factors. You'll ultimately have the final choice, within the letter of the law in your state. Below are among the common methods for ingesting medical marijuana:. Smoking Perhaps the most widely known and recognized form of ingesting medical marijuana is smoking. It involves using dried cannabis that has either been rolled into small cigarettes, placed in a pipe or put into a bong and then smoked. There are a few distinct advantages to smoking marijuana as the form of ingestion. These benefits include things like: Fast-acting relief from pain, nausea or other symptoms Easy dosage regulation Minimal processing of the leaf, so you get purer results Low cost While the dosage is much easier to regulate when smoking, pipes and bongs provide the most reliable results for the dosage. Medicinal properties aren t as quick to escape from the other end of the pipe or the bong as they are with cigarettes. One recommendation is to start small when smoking marijuana especially for firsttime users. Inhale lightly and exhale quickly with the first hit. Give it a moment to see if you re experiencing the desired effect. If not, consider a deeper draw. Of course, you don t want to go into a coughing fit, so don t draw too deeply CHAPTER 6: COMMON INGESTION METHODSMARIJUANA?

36 Considerations to Keep in Mind Before Smoking Medical Marijuana While smoking does offer a practical solution for medical marijuana ingestion, it isn t the right answer for all patients. If you have asthma, suffer from frequent respiratory infections or your doctor is treating you for lung cancer and other lung conditions, this might not be the best solution for you. This method of ingestion is not the healthiest way to consumer medical marijuana, because in order to smoke medical marijuana, you must burn it and it produces waste products. The tar and other waste products are inhaled into your lungs and throat, which can affect the mucous membranes that protect your organs. Further, the dry air from inhaling can dry out these mucous membranes further, making your for susceptible to infection. Another consideration is the smoke clings to your hair, skin, clothing and objects in your home if you smoke inside. Some people don t want the smell of any smoke to follow them. Fortunately, for those who find smoking an unattractive choice for ingesting medical marijuana, there are other alternatives to consider. 2. Vaporization Another popular, fast-acting option for taking your medicine is to use a vaporizer. Vaping involves preheating the device to the prescribed temperature, inserting a small amount of cannabis flower into the vape and then inhaling. Much like with smoking, you don t want to inhale too deeply at first as it could result in a coughing fit. Plus, you can always take a deeper hit later if the initial hit doesn t do the trick for you. Benefits of Vaping Medical Marijuana The primary benefit is the speed of use. Like smoking, vaping provides instant relief minus the time required to heat up the vaporizer. However, it is not quite as damaging the lungs as smoking can be, and it doesn t provide the same lingering odor smoking medical marijuana leaves behind CHAPTER 6: COMMON INGESTION METHODSMARIJUANA?

37 The Downside of Vaping It s important to consider a few potential negatives before deciding if this is the right choices for you. First, vaping devices can be costly. Further, vaping can be difficult if you re inexperienced when it comes to consuming medical marijuana. The effects can be intense for individuals aren t sure what to expect. 3. Edibles Edibles provide a viable solution for many people who have an aversion to inhaling medical marijuana. But there are many benefits to consider when it comes to this method of ingestion the first of which is the most pleasant. It feels like you re getting a treat it doesn t feel like you re taking medicine at all when it s disguised as one of the following: Cookies Brownies Ice cream Chocolate bars Lollipops Crackers Chews This form of ingesting medical marijuana is especially popular among children and elderly patients, but there are some downsides to consider as well. One of the primary considerations is it can take quite a few hours for the effects to kick in. Therefore, you should start slowly with edibles and increase dosages as needed over time. Additionally, because edible marijuana products look like treats, you must take great care to lock your edible medical marijuana away from children and pets. You should also be aware that the feelings associated with edibles are different than those associated with smoking medical marijuana. Once they kick in, some people feel the effects with edibles are even stronger than with inhaled products CHAPTER 6: COMMON INGESTION METHODSMARIJUANA?

38 4. Tinctures Tinctures offer their own variety of options for ingesting medical marijuana. You will find many kinds of tinctures, including those that can be applied topically to the skin or can be taken orally either by placing drops under the tongue or adding to a cup of hot tea. Tinctures also offer a few benefits, including the fact they are faster acting than most edible solutions, though not quite as quick as inhaled varieties. Other benefits of tinctures include: Mild flavors Easy to administer to children Gentle on the lungs unlike inhalable varieties In small doses, tinctures can even be quite affordable. However, for those who require higher doses of cannabis, the costs of tinctures can add up fast. Most people, in the beginning, only need a few drops of tinctures to feel the effect or a short spray if using a sprayable. Start small and work your way up to ensure you don t get too much at one time. 5. Oils/Concentrates For some medical marijuana patients, traditional methods of administering the required dose are difficult, if not impossible to do. This can be the case for some Alzheimer s patients as well as others. Oils and concentrates present an attractive option because it isn t something smoked. They are also not applied topically or taken orally. Instead, concentrates are cooked in with the foods in the forms of marijuana-infused cooking oils much like olive oil or coconut oil you use when cooking. These oils can easily be added to favorite meals and desserts without patients being any the wiser. When you consider how hard some patients fight taking medications, this can be a blessing for both the patient and the caregiver. The patient doesn t have to experience the stress of taking traditional medication, and the caregiver can be confident their patient is getting the medication they need CHAPTER 6: COMMON INGESTION METHODSMARIJUANA?

39 6. Topicals Addressing pain is one of the most common reasons physicians recommend medical marijuana. Whether the pain is from arthritis, conditions like fibromyalgia or chronic pain from old injuries, topical applications for medical marijuana provide a particularly beneficial option for pain sufferers. You apply topicals at the point of pain. Unlike edibles, they do not need to travel throughout your body before kicking in. This means you will feel relief much faster. Some topicals, like lotions, act faster than others. Other topical treatments, though, like patches, provide consistent relief over longer periods of time. Some patients use both patches for continuous relief and lotions for intense and immediate although shortlived relief. Some people have unpleasant reactions to the patches. Mostly it s the adhesives people are reacting to rather than the medications in the patches themselves. If you have an adverse reaction to the patch, consult your doctor to see what they suggest as an alternative. There are a few other methods of dispensing medical marijuana to consider as well. Though not as common or popular as the methods mentioned above, some people take marijuana in the following forms: Suppositories Eating the leaves Marijuana-infused drinks Juicing Capsules The key to remember is medical marijuana is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. What works best for one patient may not be the best solution for you. Everyone has unique needs, different comfort levels and different ideas about what medical marijuana is and how it can be used to help relieve pain and various illnesses CHAPTER 6: COMMON INGESTION METHODSMARIJUANA?

40 CHAPTER 7: HOW TO TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR The healthcare field as an industry has evolved a great deal over the last couple of decades. Gone are the days when doctors were the only voice you listened to, and patients had little choice in their treatment and care. As is often the case, you know your body better than anyone, and you know when something isn t quite right. This is why it is up to you to act as an advocate for your own health and quality of life. You need to conduct research about your condition and explore your treatment options. One option some people today remain reluctant to discuss with their doctors is the issue of medical marijuana. This chapter provides you with tools and information on how to talk to your physician about it. Gather the Facts Before you discuss medical marijuana with your doctor, you need to understand a variety of facts. You want to know more than the basic medical marijuana laws and regulations in your state and community in some states, the laws vary from one city to the next. You also need to have the facts about the following: Will medical marijuana affect your ability to do your job? Can you be fired from your job for taking medical weed? Do you risk losing security clearances necessary for your employment due to medical marijuana use? What if you re required to travel across state lines while using medical marijuana? Can you buy medical marijuana in other states if you travel for business or recreation? The answers vary from person to person, job to job and state to state. You will need to conduct this research according to laws in your specific state and the rules of the company you work for. While many states do have laws in place protecting the use of various medical cannabis types, the federal government has not yet come around. You need to understand all potential sides of the issue, so you can go to your doctor armed with accurate information when you decide to have this important conversation. Other things you need to know, beyond medical marijuana regulations in your state, involves the conditions medical cannabis is used to treat and how they relate to you and your ability to qualify for medical marijuana cards CHAPTER 7: HOW TO TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT MEDICAL MARIJUANA

41 As we detailed in Chapter Five, some of the conditions commonly treated by medical weed, include: Arthritis Cachexia Cancer Chronic pain Crohn s disease Epilepsy Fibromyalgia Glaucoma Multiple sclerosis Muscle spasms Post-traumatic stress disorder Seizures There is also evidence to support medical marijuana can help with many of the symptoms of diabetes such as neuropathy and help to prevent incidents of diabetesrelated blindness. And medical cannabis is used to treat severe nausea, which is a symptom or side effect of some conditions and treatments, respectively. In other words, medical marijuana isn t only about treating the conditions themselves. Sometimes, it s about treating the symptoms of conditions you may have. So, before you talk to your doctor, conduct your own research and find out for yourself if medical marijuana is something you re interested in taking and if your condition is qualified in your state for use CHAPTER 7: HOW TO TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT MEDICAL MARIJUANA

42 Understand the Basics Arm yourself with some basic information before beginning the cannabis conversation with your doctor. This includes:. How Do You Ingest Medical Marijuana? Several methods of ingesting medical marijuana are available for you to choose from, and each one offers its strengths and weaknesses. Options include: Capsules Eating the leaves Edibles Juicing Marijuana-infused drinks Oils and concentrates Smoking weed Suppositories Tinctures Topicals Vaporization or vaping The key is to find the method that s not only the most palatable to you, but that will also provide the most direct benefits for your condition. You must also take other health considerations into account as well. An example is smoking marijuana, which might exacerbate asthma, allergies or respiratory conditions, and physicians don t recommend this method for people with certain lung conditions. 2. How Does Medical Marijuana Work? If you have one of the conditions that qualify for medical marijuana in your state, and your doctor is approved to write recommendations for medical cannabis, you ll be issued a medical marijuana card. This card allows you to shop from state-licensed CHAPTER 7: HOW TO TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT MEDICAL MARIJUANA

43 dispensaries for your medical marijuana prescription among the types of medical marijuana available for purchase in your state and your condition. 3. What Are Cannabinoids? Cannabinoids is a term used to refer to various chemical compounds found in the marijuana plant. These compounds create medicinal responses when they interact with certain cells in your body. The two best known cannabinoids are THC and CBD. Together they offer medicinal benefits for a huge list of conditions. Beginning the Conversation With Your Doctor While many medical professionals have come around to the idea of medical marijuana, there are still some who are hesitant to bring it up to patients. Some fear their patients will be reluctant to consider the benefits of medical cannabis, while others may have their own reservations. This places the onus on you to get the conversation started, in many cases. The best place to begin is with your primary physician. They understand your condition best and know the pain you re in, the quality of life issues you face and the treatments you ve already tried with little, if any, success. The best way to start the conversation is becoming knowledgeable about medical marijuana. Make sure you print off information from reputable sources online, like here at MarijuanaDoctors.com, about how medical cannabis is being used to treat your condition, success rates and quality of life improvements. You might even want to bring in information from studies conducted on medical weed to treat your condition. The more information you have from reputable sources, the more likely you are to know whether medical cannabis might be an option for you. Be Honest Sincerity is the best policy when starting this conversation with your doctor. If you come into the conversation armed with the facts, as you know them, and questions of your own, it lets your doctor know you re taking the matter seriously and haven t made your mind up one way or another. Of course, it pays to come into the conversation with an open mind and listen to what your doctor has to say about medical cannabis and whether they believe it can help you with your condition. 4 4 CHAPTER 7: HOW TO TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT MEDICAL MARIJUANA

44 Make Your Case Chances are you ve given this a lot of thought. Many of the patients who decide to try medical marijuana are living with constant pain and suffering from chronic conditions. When you talk to your doctor, be sure to: Talk about how your illness or the pain you re experiencing interferes with your quality of life. Discuss how it impairs your ability to complete menial tasks much less continue to work and how you are desperate for something to provide you with a break from the pain or symptoms. Ask your doctor if they can offer any treatment that might deliver comparable results for the management of pain and other symptoms you re experiencing. Perhaps there are treatments your physician has not yet tried, believing you were coping well enough on your own. Sometimes, it is best to let your physician know the full extent of the pain you re experiencing or the severity of your symptoms, so they can consider you for new treatment options. Ask Pertinent Questions One of the most important things you can do when bringing up medical cannabis with your doctor is to come armed with studies, statistics and formulas as well as a list of questions of your own. Some of the questions you might want to consider addressing with your doctor when discussing medicinal weed, include the following: Will medical marijuana interfere or interact with medications you re currently taking? How will medical cannabis affect your current treatment plan? Does your doctor have recommendations about which types of medical marijuana will work best for your condition? Are there potential side effects of medical cannabis you should be concerned CHAPTER 7: HOW TO TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT MEDICAL MARIJUANA

45 about? These questions bring your doctor into the decision-making process, but it also reminds them that ultimately decisions about your health are up to you. Be Ready to Move On If your personal physician is reluctant to consider the potential benefit medical marijuana has to offer you and your condition, you aren t likely to change their mind by arguing the point. Accept your doctor s opinion, and seek a second opinion from another doctor who is more open to the idea of medical marijuana as a treatment. Through the web portal at MarijuanaDoctors.com, you can search for a doctor with a medical cannabis practice. Upon doing so, you can view the directory of doctors along with reviews, location information, hours of service and more. Be prepared, however, that just because a doctor is willing to recommend medical marijuana doesn t mean they will do so in your case. Most physicians consider medical cannabis on a case-by-case basis, and you ll likely be required to demonstrate a genuine need for this treatment for a doctor to recommend it CHAPTER 7: HOW TO TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT MEDICAL MARIJUANA

46 CHAPTER 8: HOW TO GET A MEDICAL MARIJUANA When it comes to obtaining a medical marijuana recommendation, each state has its own set of regulations. Having a medical marijuana card allows you to gain access to all local marijuana dispensaries in your state. And, depending on what state you live in, this means you may have access to many different: Tinctures Strains Edibles Topicals And more To purchase medical marijuana from legal dispensaries in your state, you must obtain the medical marijuana cards that are required by law. All cannabis cards require a certified written letter of consent from your physician. This also means you must have a condition that s listed on your state s medical marijuana list to get one of these cards. Remember, you should be using your medical cannabis to treat your medical condition. The point of medical weed is to treat a medical condition, like chronic pain or epilepsy, effectively. If your doctor recommends it, the next step is to get a certified letter of consent from them. But, not many primary care physicians are up-to-date on medical cannabis. You may have to find a licensed marijuana doctor online, which is where the Find a Doctor tool on the MarijuanaDoctors.com website is extremely valuable and helpful CHAPTER 8: HOW TO GET A MEDICAL MARIJUANA RECOMMENDATION

47 About an Online Medical Marijuana Evaluation Most people get their medical marijuana cards online. It s a simple and quick process. What Can You Expect? If you have internet access, you ll be able to apply for a medical marijuana evaluation and card online. Simply fill out the online form. Don t worry about privacy. Your information is kept private in accordance with the federal HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) laws. Once you ve uploaded your documents, you can choose to use your doctor s recommendation, which is all you need legally, or you can opt to purchase a medical marijuana ID card, depending on your state s requirements. It s convenient, and you can carry it around with you in your wallet or purse with your other important cards, like your driver s license and credit cards. Steps to Get Your Medical Cannabis Recommendation Letter Each legal state varies slightly with its requirements, so be sure to review your state s requirements. Below are the general steps to take to obtain your medical marijuana recommendation: Step : Make sure you qualify before contacting the doctor online. Qualifications include: 8 years of age or older Valid proof of ID Legitimate medical condition based on your state s list of qualifying conditions You should have documentation or medical records from your primary care physician supporting the diagnosis of your qualifying condition. You ll want to have these records available for your marijuana evaluation appointment CHAPTER 8: HOW TO GET A MEDICAL MARIJUANA RECOMMENDATION

48 If you re the parent or caregiver of a child who has a qualifying health condition, you ll be able to follow the below steps to obtain a letter/card for them. You still must be at least 8 years old and be the primary caregiver for your child to get them medical weed. A primary caregiver is an individual who consistently provides for the child or another person who requires assistance or medical care regarding housing, safety and health. In some cases, you may need to take courses to qualify yourself as a primary caregiver, particularly if you re providing specialist care. Step 2: Go to the MarijuanaDoctors.com website. Once you ve accessed the website, you ll be able to contact a doctor and have a oneon-one qualifying interview. Again, there s no reason to be hesitant with providing your medical information over the phone. However, you also can set up an interview to speak with someone in person if you d prefer. Step 3: Fill out the application thoroughly First, create an account. Second, fill out a medical evaluation form asking for your: Name Date of birth Address address You ll answer questions about your medical condition to properly assess your need for medical marijuana. The next step is uploading your ID or taking a photo of your medical marijuana card. You can upload your driver s license or passport. If you re a U.S. resident, you can obtain a cannabis card. Step 4: Consult with a fully screened, medical marijuana doctor. You will meet with a licensed doctor for a short session discussing your current medical condition, history and how the drug may help relieve your condition. The physicians at places like MarijuanaDoctors.com will make you feel at ease CHAPTER 8: HOW TO GET A MEDICAL MARIJUANA RECOMMENDATION

49 Step 5: Get approved. Once the doctor approves you, you ll receive a temporary ID card in a PDF template you can download or print out via . However, since most dispensers require a hard copy recommendation and ID, you may have to wait to purchase the medical marijuana until you receive these documents by regular mail. It takes about two to three business days to receive your official recommendation letter with your: Name Picture Patient ID number Expiration date of your card The doctor s signature will also be on the card. This will be your official medical marijuana card and will allow you to purchase medical marijuana at legal dispensers. The wallet ID fits perfectly in your wallet or purse. It s important to remember not all states issue the medical cards. Sometimes, it s the doctor s office issuing them. Just like any other important documentation or card, be sure to keep your card in a safe place. You can ask for an extra ID card or recommendation letter if you feel you need one, too. Make sure you always carry your documentation, especially when you travel. You will need it to show the dispensary staff for them to issue or prescribe your dose and give it to you. The staff member will verify your patient ID number and let you proceed once they confirm your recommendation letter is genuine. Your recommendation letter should be good for one year. After one year is up, you ll need to obtain another one. Once approved, your doctor will: Come up with a treatment plan specifically for you. Explain the side effects of medical cannabis. Discuss the benefits and risks of medical cannabis. Ask if you have any questions. Arrange a follow-up visit if you met in-person. They may provide a follow-up online chat or phone call. As you can see from these steps, consulting online is easy and simple CHAPTER 8: HOW TO GET A MEDICAL MARIJUANA RECOMMENDATION

50 You have certain responsibilities as a patient. After you get your official recommendation in the mail, keep it in a secure place. Be sure to bring it with you each time you go to your local dispensary, even if you ve been there more than once. Don t expect the staff members at the dispensary will allow you to obtain your cannabis treatment without your documents. It s also important to remember a few things about possessing marijuana for medical use. Follow the rules. Never carry over the legal amount. Never make purchases for nonpatients and never use it while driving. Those things are against the law and will send you to jail despite obtaining it legally. Most people who honestly use medical marijuana strictly for the purpose to relieve the symptoms of their medical condition will follow the rules. They understand why and appreciate the fact they can purchase this drug to help reduce certain effects of their medical condition. During your evaluation, be sure to show the doctor you understand the implications completely of using medical pot, why you believe it can help relieve your symptoms and why you should take it. You might not get an approval if you don t do this part of the process properly. Once your doctor feels you completely understand everything and believes your condition qualifies for the medical herb, you should have no problem getting your recommendation letter CHAPTER 8: HOW TO GET A MEDICAL MARIJUANA RECOMMENDATION

51 CHAPTER 9: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Chances are you likely have some questions or concerns about medical cannabis. In this section, we've covered some of the most frequently asked questions: Will I Get Addicted to Marijuana? If you're using medical cannabis for your disabling and chronic symptoms, you may question whether the herb is safe for long-term use and/or if it s addictive. Conducted studies show cannabis is safe for long-term use with fewer adverse side effects and less risk of addiction when compared to prescription drugs like opioids. But, marijuana addiction, although it probably shouldn't come under that label, does exist. It's a different type of addiction than opioid abuse or alcoholism. In a traditional sense, dependency on cannabis doesn't look the same as alcohol or prescription drug addiction as it doesn't include the withdrawal symptoms and physical side effects. A better way to describe marijuana addiction would be having a psychological dependence on it. When you're using the drug on a regular basis, it can become part of your routine where you could become psychologically fixated on it. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, individuals who start to use cannabis before they turn 8 years old are four times more likely to depend on the drug than adults. But, unlike other addictions, you don't get the harmful psychological or physical symptoms. Typically, an unhealthy dependence on weed may include: Missing out on work or activities because of it Not being able to function without it Causing you to engage in troublesome behaviors CHAPTER 9: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MEDICAL MARIJUANA

52 So, it is important to note while no deaths have occurred due to marijuana use, moderation is essential. You can avoid this type of dependency by working a treatment plan out with your physician or medical cannabis dispensary budtender. Also, keep in mind those using medical marijuana responsibly to treat their health conditions like chronic pain show an improvement in their quality of life. Is Cannabis a Gateway Drug? You may have heard claims cannabis use is likely to come before the use and addiction of other illicit and licit substances. In fact, you've probably already heard of the marijuana gateway drug theory from those supporting this misconception. These people claim smoking cannabis naturally leads to harder drug use, but what they didn't mention is marijuana isn't the first drug of choice by teens. While weed is typically the first "illegal drug" teens (and others) use, it is still fourth on the choice of drug list they use. And, looking at this "Gateway Theory", you'd see pot isn't the guilty party here. The order of use is:. Alcohol: Teens abuse alcohol the most and more than 26 percent of 2th-grade high school students report getting drunk in the last month. 2. Tobacco: Next on the list is tobacco which follows closely behind alcohol. 3. Prescription Medications: Not surprisingly, teens tend to favor prescription drugs. Popular prescription medications used include: Vicodin OxyContin Sedatives Cough Medications Adderall Ritalin They're probably third on the list since many teens can easily get them from their medicine cabinets at home. 4. Cannabis: Coming in fourth on the list is cannabis. Public perception of the drug does seem to have an influence, but since the legalization laws in some states, teen use appears to be dropping significantly. Among the biggest U.S. public health issues is the opioid crisis. Opioids not only serve as a gateway drug to harder drugs like heroin, but they can also lead to addiction and worse, overdose. Every day, health officials are searching for a solution to this evergrowing problem, and medical marijuana may be part of the solution CHAPTER 9: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MEDICAL MARIJUANA

53 It only took a little more than an hour for the mention of medical application of marijuana as a solution to the opioid epidemic by subcommittee members in a Senate hearing. A cited NIH study found states making medical marijuana legal showed an almost 25 percent lower opioid overdose mortality rate annually. Since the legalization of medical marijuana in the U.S., the drug hasn't shown any signs of being a gateway drug. Numerous studies show criminalization and prohibition are primary factors leading to the use of harder drugs. Prescription medications seem to be the most harmful step toward drug abuse. Prescription drug fatalities, in general, are greater than firearm and vehicle accidents combined. What Are the Side Effects of Medical Marijuana? Regardless of whether people use it for its euphoric or therapeutic properties, it has the potential of producing a variety of psychological and physical side effects. Not all people experience the same effects. The reactions often depend on what type of marijuana you consume and the way you consume it. Still, it s a good idea to have some knowledge of potential side effects of the drug in case you do experience any. Marijuana's main effect many people are already familiar with is its "euphoric high" which is a psychoactive response to the THC in it. The cannabinoid THC gets into your bloodstream, eventually interacting with your brain cell receptors. If you don't want this euphoric side effect, you can find strains low in THC and high in CBD. Cannabis strains containing high THC amounts may: Impair body movement and slow reaction time Cause dizziness, disorientation and alter your senses Cause sleepiness and drowsiness Cause memory issues and difficulty problem solving Create "cottonmouth" the term used for dry mouth Increase heart rate 5 5 CHAPTER 9: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MEDICAL MARIJUANA

54 The amount of cannabis you consume with THC impacts the length of time it takes you to develop these effects. For those who are seeking marijuana's natural health benefits without the psychoactive effects, they can choose strains with little or no THC. The CBD cannabinoid is also commonly found in cannabis and hemp, and it's not psychoactive like THC. The side effects of medical weed are mild. But, synthetic marijuana is another story. Synthetic weed typically imports from Asian countries and sells by the names: Herbal incense Potpourri Plant food Synthetic weed is not natural like regular marijuana. Rather, it s a synthetic powder manufactured in a lab and imported to the United States where retailers then spray it on spices, herbs or leaves. You smoke it just like you would weed. It also binds to your body's cannabinoid receptors like marijuana, but it's up to,000 times stronger than regular weed, making it very dangerous. While you can't overdose on genuine marijuana, you absolutely can overdose on synthetic weed. Is Medical Marijuana Legal in My State? Even though marijuana continues to remain federally illegal in the U.S., numerous states have made the drug legal for valid medical reasons. As of the end of December 207, 29 states plus the District of Columbia have legalized medical marijuana. With a doctor's recommendation, you can: Get a medical marijuana card Gain authorization and entry into cannabis dispensaries Buy medical cannabis products California was the first state in the union to legalize medical use of cannabis as voters in the state passed Proposition 25 in the year 996. The Institute of Medicine, responding to California's Proposition 25, issued a report analyzing marijuana's potential therapeutic uses. According to the report, there was potential therapeutic value found by scientific data of cannabinoid drugs, especially THC, for: Controlling nausea and vomiting Relieving pain Sedation Stimulating the appetite CHAPTER 9: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MEDICAL MARIJUANA

55 Reducing anxiety Cannabis continues to be a Schedule I substance at the federal level under the Controlled Substances Act. Under this act, Schedule I substances are believed to have no accepted medical use and a higher potential for addiction. This makes cannabis distribution a federal offense. However, in 2009, the Obama Administration encouraged federal prosecutors in a memo to not prosecute individuals distributing cannabis for medical reasons conforming to state law. Attorney General Sessions, in January 208, issued a memo regarding marijuana enforcement allowing federal prosecutors the ability to decide how they'd like to prioritize federal marijuana law enforcement. They encouraged U.S. attorneys to weigh all relevant factors such as: The seriousness of the crime The cumulative affect the crime has on the community The Attorney General's federal law enforcement priorities The criminal prosecutions deterrent effect To stay safe, go over your legal medical cannabis laws and state qualifications thoroughly. Each state legalizing medical marijuana has its own process involving how you obtain your medical marijuana card. Each state has rules involving its medical marijuana program and whether you can benefit from and are approved for medical cannabis to treat your health condition and improve your quality of life. Here is a current list of states that have legalized medical cannabis and have a state medical cannabis program in place CHAPTER 9: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MEDICAL MARIJUANA

56 What Conditions Can Be Treated With Medical Marijuana? People are increasingly recognizing the benefits of medical weed and are using it to relieve their suffering and improve their quality of life. Those struggling with a disabling condition may finally get the relief with marijuana products they haven't been getting from traditional treatments. Many ailments and conditions have been approved by states for the use of medical marijuana as we discussed in chapter five. Some common conditions medical weed helps treat include:. Arthritis Many arthritis patients are now seeking out medical pot to help relieve their symptoms. With marijuana treatment, they are experiencing outstanding results, including: Improved movement Less pain Less need for other medications 2. Chronic Pain Many conditions can cause chronic pain, including: Back and neck pain Fibromyalgia TMJ disorder Chronic fatigue syndrome Sciatica Doctors usually prescribe opioid narcotics like Percocet and Vicodin to treat severe chronic pain. Narcotics and opiates can relieve severe pain effectively, but they come with significant harsh side effects and are highly addictive. Medical marijuana is an effective treatment for chronic pain, and it 54 is much safer than opioids. 54 CHAPTER 9: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MEDICAL MARIJUANA

57 3. Cancer Several studies researching medical weed show it has promising results as an anticancer treatment. For example, certain components of the marijuana plant show promise in stimulating tumor cell death (apoptosis) and may even be able to hinder cancer tumor growth in numerous types of cancers like breast, brain and liver cancers. 4. Other Conditions Some conditions aren't as common, but medical marijuana might still provide relief for: Acute gastritis Bruxism Vaginal cancer Motion sickness Post-polio syndrome (PPS) Stuttering Post-concussion syndrome The list of common and uncommon medical conditions cannabis treats goes on and on. You can refer to our comprehensive list to see if you can relieve your symptoms of your health condition with this miracle herb. How Do I Consume Medical Marijuana? Once you obtain your recommendation and/or card, you're qualified to enter marijuana dispensaries and purchase cannabis products. With so many consumption options available to you, you might be wondering, how do you ingest medical marijuana? While smoking cannabis is a popular method of treatment delivery, there are various other alternative methods of delivery as we discussed in detail in chapter six each having its own benefits and drawbacks CHAPTER 9: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MEDICAL MARIJUANA

58 Ways to take medical marijuana include: Edibles Topicals Tinctures Vapors Transdermal patches Suppositories Dabbing Ingesting fresh cannabis Cannabis beverages If you are searching for a healthy way to consume cannabis, there are some things to consider: Smoking: This method is not the healthiest way to consume your medical weed. When you smoke marijuana, you need to burn it, and this produces waste products. When you smoke, tar and other harmful waste products get into your lungs. Inhaling hot air is harmful to your lungs and throat, too. Mucous membranes line these organs and are supposed to stay moist. Hot air, however, dries them out, causing irritation. Dry mucous membranes can become damaged easily allowing infections to set in. Vaporizing: Vaporizing is much like smoking, but it's the healthier choice. You're not breathing in hot smoke, but rather moist vapor. It doesn't harm your mucous membranes in the same way smoking does. Since it doesn't burn the marijuana and create waste products, it's purer than smoke. Edibles: Beverages and edibles are also healthier methods of consuming medical weed. Just the word "green juicing" makes you think healthy. You're essentially taking fresh cannabis and mixing it in a juicer with healthy fruits or veggies to make a healthy smoothie. This by far seems like the healthiest consumption option out there. It doesn't involve heat, smoke or drying out mucous membranes. You also don't dry out the plant's nutrients. Topicals: Topicals are healthy since they don't put marijuana into your entire system. Instead, they target specific areas of localized pain CHAPTER 9: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MEDICAL MARIJUANA

59 Start With Low Doses When first beginning your medical marijuana treatment, start slow using low doses at first. Gradually take in more until you reach your desired effect. Since you don't always feel the effects of the herb immediately, going slow with smaller doses is a good way to "get a feel" for your new treatment and gradually work your way up to a regular treatment plan. Medical marijuana is safe overall with little to no risk of overdose. But, you still need to be cautious until you completely understand its effects and find the right dose for your symptoms. To learn more about the different ways you can consume your medical cannabis treatment, refer to Chapter 6 of this guide. How Do I Find a Doctor to Recommend Medical Marijuana for My Qualifying Condition? When looking for a medical marijuana doctor or clinic, your one-stop resource is MarijuanaDoctors.com. All doctors on their website are fully screened, guaranteeing you strict state law compliance. Not all doctors approve of medical cannabis. Some may even refuse to give you a written recommendation, thinking other treatments will provide you with more benefits. All doctors listed on MarijuanaDoctors.com believe in cannabis's therapeutic benefits and will be more inclined to give you a required recommendation than your primary care physician or other doctors. A good first step is to contact a willing doctor who believes in the powerful effects of medical cannabis. Chances are, you'll have a few questions about medical cannabis or your state's laws surrounding it. Or, maybe you just need help finding the right doctor you feel comfortable with. Either way, MarijuanaDoctors.com is here to help. You can begin the process by CHAPTER 9: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MEDICAL MARIJUANA

60 CONCLUSION: HOW TO START THE PROCESS OF Hopefully, by now, you've learned enough about medical marijuana to decide if it can help relieve the symptoms of your health condition. Many people have been benefiting from the healing properties of cannabis for a long time now. Studies are showing how effective the herb is in treating a whole range of health conditions from arthritis to migraines to chronic pain and more. In this ultimate Guide to Medical Marijuana, you've learned what medical cannabis is and how it works. You've learned about the three most common types of marijuana (indica, sativa and hybrid) and how there are hundreds of various strains and flavors. You've also found out about the various methods of consuming medical cannabis. Whether you choose to smoke the herb, eat it or apply it to your skin, the chemical compounds in marijuana are very therapeutic and work like your body's natural chemicals involving movement, pain, memory and appetite. Through medical cannabis, you can find relief from an array of different conditions and symptoms. It lifts your mood, eases pain, motivates your mind, combats fatigue and so much more. The only things left to do are to see if your health condition qualifies for medical cannabis, find out if it s legal in your state and get your recommendation letter from a marijuana doctor. Once you do this, you're ready to enter the marijuana dispensaries and get your medical weed products. Why go through the hassle of trying to talk to a doctor who isn't up-to-date on medical marijuana? Instead, take advantage of a one-stop resource available to you here at MarijuanaDoctors.com where you can connect with a doctor, get your recommendation letter and locate a marijuana dispensary of your choice all in one place CONCLUSION: HOW TO START THE PROCESS OF GETTING MEDICAL MARIJUANA