Disclaimer

 

Marijuana is a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance under the Controlled Substance Act (21 U.S.C. 802) (“CSA”) and the cultivation, distribution, and possession of marijuana is a crime under federal law. Keep all marijuana and marijuana products out of reach of children and animals. Intoxicating effects of marijuana and marijuana products may be delayed up to two (2) hours. Use of marijuana while pregnant or breastfeeding may be harmful. Consumption of marijuana and marijuana products impairs your ability to drive and operate machinery.  Please use extreme caution.

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Always consult your primary care physician or other qualified healthcare provider prior to using marijuana or a marijuana product for treatment of a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or fail to seek it following receipt of Medical Marijuana information from this or any other website.

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What is Medical Marijuana?

 

Medical marijuana refers to any part of the marijuana plant that is used to treat health problems. It is derived from the Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica species with two major active compounds: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). 

 

The THC compound has a mind-altering effect on patients if consumed in large enough quantities.  The amount of the effect is different for everyone. The more consumed, the more the effect.  Medical marijuana is not intended to be used to get "high." 

 

CBD compounds will not have a mind-altering effect on most patients.  Keep in mind that CBD products MAY have a small amount of the THC compound in them.  If a patient consumes a large enough amount of a CBD product, they may consume enough THC to have a mind-altering effect.  Furthermore, if a patient consumes a large enough amount of CBD it MAY result in a positive urine drug test for marijuana.  Urine tests can detect marijuana in the urine for approximately 30 days after use.

 

A patient can consume Medical Marijuana in three different forms; smoking the flowers (leaves and buds from the marijuana plant), vape the oils extracted from the marijuana plant, or eat an edible product made from the oils.  Patients will receive an almost immediate affect when smoking or vaping a Medical Marijuana product.  It takes approximately 1 – 2 hours to feel the affect from eating an edible product.

 

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How Effective is Medical Marijuana?

 

Scientists are studying medical marijuana to determine if it can help treat conditions such as:

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• Alzheimer's disease

• Appetite loss

• Cancer

• Crohn's disease

• Diseases effecting the immune system like HIV/AIDS or Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

• Eating disorders such as anorexia

• Epilepsy

• Glaucoma

• Mental health conditions like schizophrenia and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Multiple sclerosis

• Muscle spasms

• Nausea

• Pain

• Seizures

• Wasting syndrome (cachexia)

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Researchers have collected anecdotal data demonstrating that some patients have received benefits from Medical Marijuana.  But current research data is insufficient to prove whether or not Medical Marijuana is beneficial for every patient.  In addition, researchers have not fully identified Medical Marijuana’s long-term side-effects on patients.

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How To Become a Virginia Medical Marijuana Patient

 

To legally use Medical Marijuana in Virginia, you must become a registered Medial Marijuana Patient.  After registering, you’ll receive a Medical Marijuana registration identification card.  Take the card to a Medical Marijuana pharmacy to receive advice from the pharmacist on which products to use to address your medical conditions(s).  The pharmacists will advise how much to use and how often.  You can purchase the products at the pharmacy. 

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1. You must be at least 18 years of age.  Although Virginia will allow patients under the age of 18 to become certified for qualifying conditions with a parent or guardian as a registered caregiver.

2. You need to meet applicable Virginia residency requirements.  

3. You must have been diagnosed with one or more of the state’s specific qualifying conditions.

4. A registered physician has certified you as a Medical Marijuana Patient.

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Conclusion

 

Deciding whether or not to use Medical Marijuana is a personal choice.  It’s legal in most states in the U.S., but is still illegal under United States federal laws.  Before trying Medical Marijuana conduct your own research that includes talking with at least one medical professional.  If you decide to use Medical Marijuana, obtain a Medical Marijuana registration identification card, visit a Medical Marijuana dispensary, discuss your needs with the Medical Marijuana pharmacist and follow their directions.  It’s best to first use Medical Marijuana at a location where you are comfortable, such as your home or the home of a relative, friend or care giver.  Track how it affects you and if it provides relief you are seeking from your medical condition.  Most patients need to make adjustments to the dosage and product types to find the right combination that works for them. 

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References

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The following references are included on this website to help the reader begin their personal research.  Investigate other resources as well. 

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Virginia Medical Marijuana Pharmacy:      www.Beyond-Hello.com

Virginia NORML website:                         www.vanorml.org

Virginia licensed practitioner:                  www.medicalwellnesscenterva.com

Virginia licensed practitioner:                  www.rethink-rx.com

A typical Medical Marijuana website:        www.leafly.com

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