Medical Marijuana Playing a Role in Your Recovery
Is medical marijuana right for me? Many people don’t even know if they’re “allowed” to ask this question in treatment — this has been my experience as a clinician. Sometimes, when I make the suggestion, clients are shocked that they qualify, so I thought it’d be helpful to put some education out there on the basics! This can always be something you discuss in further depth and this article does not serve as a medical-professional (med-pro) consult, this is for educational purposes only.
Where to begin?
Medical marijuana has been a hot topic in recent years, and for good reason. As someone who resides in the state of PA, I’ve had the opportunity to explore the benefits of medical marijuana, particularly in the realm of mental health. The impact it can have on various mental health conditions is nothing short of remarkable.
One crucial component that contributes to the effectiveness of medical marijuana is its terpenes. Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis that not only give each strain its unique scent and flavor but also play a significant role in therapeutic effects.
Let’s delve into some common terpenes found in medical marijuana and their potential uses:
1. Myrcene: This terpene is known for its relaxing properties and anti-anxiety effects. It can be particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with stress, anxiety, or insomnia.
2. Linalool: Linalool possesses calming and sedative qualities, making it an excellent option for those struggling with anxiety or sleep disorders.
3. Limonene: If you’re looking to uplift your mood , limonene is one of the go-to terpenes. It’s often used to alleviate symptoms of depression and elevate mood.
4. Pinene: Known for its energizing properties, pinene can help combat fatigue and improve focus – ideal for individuals dealing with conditions like ADHD.
When it comes to mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD or even chronic stress – medical marijuana has shown promise as an alternative treatment option that may offer relief when traditional approaches fall short. It is important to be mindful that different strains of medical marijuana along with their terpenes can affect everyone differently, I always recommend someone get a med-pro consult at the dispensary and discuss their options with their budtenders, as they are super knowledgable!
A full list of Pennsylvania’s qualifying conditions are listed below:patients with qualifying conditions include:
Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS)
Anxiety Disorders
Autism
Cancer
Crohn’s disease
Dyskinetic/Spastic Movement disorders
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
HIV/AIDS
Huntington’s disease
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Intractable seizures
Intractable spasticity
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Opiod dependency
Neurodegenerative disorders
Neuropathies
Parkinson’s disease
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Sickle cell anemica
Severe chronic or intractable pain
Terminal illness (defined at 12 months or fewer to live)
Tourette’s syndrome
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating medical marijuana into your treatment plan as they can provide personalized guidance based on your specific needs and circumstances. MMJ isn’t for everyone!
The landscape surrounding medical marijuana continues to evolve rapidly – shedding light on its potential therapeutic benefits for various physical ailments as well as mental health disorders like never before. At Janicki Holistic Healing, we can point you in the right direction and provide assistance/psychoeducation on how to get your medical card. Have open discussions with your providers to see if PA’s medical marijuana program is right for you!
Be safe and be well,
Jay
