As of this writing, 38 states and the District of Columbia have introduced medical cannabis (marijuana) programs that allow residents to legally purchase and consume cannabis products with doctor-issued cards. Mississippi joined the ranks in 2022 by passing the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act.
This article answers some common medical cannabis questions you may wonder about before getting a medical marijuana card.
4 Common Questions About Medical Cannabis
At LeafMed, we help medical marijuana patients in MS find relief using leaf medicine. We hear all kinds of questions about medical marijuana, including the following:
1. How Are Recreational and Medical Cannabis Different?
Recreational and medical marijuana are the same in terms of the cannabis plant. The difference lies in legality and user intent.
Medical cannabis refers to the medicinal use of marijuana for symptom relief. Patients with medical cannabis cards typically adhere to specific doses and schedules to help with a particular medical condition. For example, a cancer patient may use medical cannabis during chemotherapy treatments to get rid of nausea and boost appetite.
Recreational marijuana refers to the legal adult use of cannabis not sanctioned or monitored by a physician. Some states allow residents to legally purchase and consume cannabis for recreation, but others, like Mississippi, have not legalized recreational cannabis.
2. Is Using Medical Cannabis Safe?
Medical cannabis involves certain risks like any medication and may not suit every patient. Physicians who issue medical marijuana cards must weigh the best options for each patient and the potential risks and side effects of any medication they recommend. For many patients, cannabis may replace other risky medications, such as opioids.
Possible side effects of using cannabis include:
- Temporary worsening of cognitive functioning and short-term memory
- Cardiovascular and lung damage, such as bronchitis
- Heightened anxiety, especially when used in high doses
- Drug interactions (with CBD in particular)
- Impaired ability to drive or operate heavy machinery
Researchers continue to explore the potential benefits and risks of medical marijuana and typically don’t recommend its use for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding or anyone under the age of 25.
3. Will I Get Addicted to Medical Cannabis?
Marijuana’s potential to cause addiction is one of the most common cannabis questions. While many people can stop using cannabis with little effect, according to research, up to 30% of users may struggle with cannabis use disorder to some degree. Users may experience irritability and other discomforts for a week or two after stopping use, but cannabis doesn’t cause debilitating or dangerous withdrawals like other addictive substances.
4. Do I Have to Smoke Medical Cannabis?
Although some medical users prefer to smoke or vape cannabis for the quicker onset and ease of dosing, others prefer non-smoking consumption methods that don’t irritate the lungs. Medical marijuana comes in a wide variety of non-smoking options, including edibles, tinctures, and topical products like lotions and creams.
These products can contain different concentrations of the chemical compounds found in cannabis to provide varied effects. For example, you may choose a high-CBD, low-THC tincture, or edible to help reduce inflammation and pain without the psychoactive effects of cannabis.
Visit a LeafMed Dispensary for Medical Cannabis in MS
If you want to pursue a medical marijuana card, talk to a physician who specializes in medical cannabis. They can help you understand the potential effects, such as the long-term effects of medical cannabis on brain health. If you already have a medical cannabis card in MS, you can bring your cannabis questions to our LeafTech Counselors at LeafMed.
LeafMed has three locations in Gulfport, Vicksburg, and Bay St. Louis, MS. Visit one of our dispensaries today to browse our selection of flower, edibles, and more.
Our staff has the expertise to help you find a great medical cannabis option for your needs. We can also answer common questions about marijuana for health and help you explore your options.