As marijuana’s legal status slowly shifts from state to state, the general public creates countless false ideas regarding the medical supplement due to lacking educational resources. Unfortunately, medical marijuana myths prevent many patients from receiving the relief they need through cannabis.
Below, we debunk the top five common myths about medical marijuana in Mississippi to help spread more truthful awareness. For further information, read our beginner’s guide to medical cannabis.
Revealing the Truth About Medical Marijuana
Mississippi’s legalization of medical marijuana has already helped many patients, but it’s also sparked confusion, rumors, and inaccurate myths regarding its future status. Many people don’t understand what medical legalization means and how medical marijuana helps people. Read on to learn the truth behind the most common medical marijuana myths in Mississippi.
Myth 1: Not Enough Clinical Research Supports Medical Marijuana’s Effectiveness
While the federal government may make it challenging for clinical research groups to study the effectiveness of medical marijuana, many still do. If you go to the National Library of Medicine website (pubmed.ncbi.nih.gov), a search engine for clinical research studies, and type in “medical cannabis,” you will find over 12,000 results.
A scientific study exists for medical marijuana’s effectiveness in improving nearly any symptom or health condition you can imagine, from headaches and insomnia to seizures, multiple sclerosis, and much more.
Myth 2: Medical Marijuana Harms Patients
While medical marijuana may have minimal potential risks, they do not compare to the average side effects of any common prescription medication. Many of the clinical research studies mentioned above state that patients experienced little-to-no adverse reactions to their medical marijuana usage. Conversely, prescription drugs frequently cause harsh reactions ranging from uncomfortable effects like headaches, nausea, and sweating to life-threatening complications like liver damage, heart problems, anaphylaxis, and more.
Myth 3: Medical Marijuana Legalization Will Lead to Recreational Allowance
The “slippery slope” theory is one of the most common medical marijuana myths. Many people believe that the legalization of medical marijuana in Mississippi also means that recreational use is legal or will be soon. However, medical and recreational legalization are two entirely separate processes.
The people supporting medical legalization come from highly respected healthcare backgrounds and care more about public health and patient outcomes than marijuana’s political debate. Whether or not recreational marijuana becomes legal in Mississippi has nothing to do with its medical status.
Myth 4: Medical Marijuana Is Highly Addictive
While marijuana addiction is possible, particularly in those with a substance use disorder, it is rare with medical marijuana. Medical marijuana strains typically have lower THC potencies than recreational strains and have very strict purchase limitations, preventing patients from receiving more than their required amount per day, week, or month. While some people may potentially abuse medical marijuana, it’s uncommon.
Myth 5: Everyone Can Easily Get Medical Cards
Receiving a medical card to purchase medical marijuana in Mississippi is not as easy as it seems. The process requires multiple complex steps that take time and effort. You must complete the following:
- Schedule an appointment with an approved healthcare provider.
- Receive a diagnosis for an approved physical or mental health condition (not all conditions qualify you for medical cards).
- Acquire a written certification from your doctor.
- Register your certification with the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program.
- Apply for the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program.
- Receive program approval.
- Purchase the card and wait for processing.
- Re-visit your doctor upon renewal periods.
You must meet strict qualification criteria to receive your doctor’s endorsement. Getting a medical card in Mississippi isn’t easy because it’s reserved for those who need it.
Visit Your Local LeafMed Medical Marijuana Dispensary Today
At LeafMed, we want to help everyone understand the value of medical marijuana. Now that you understand the truth behind the most common medical marijuana myths, you can begin your healing journey. Visit a LeafMed medical marijuana dispensary in Mississippi or contact our team to learn more.