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Using Cannabis As Medicine? Things To Know

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Cannabis medication is an emerging trend in today’s medical industry. Researchers and experts are fascinated by its extensive medicinal properties. Though patients have used it to aid their treatment, many are still unaware of its forms and proper use.

If you are considering using Cannabis as a treatment aid and have a lot of unanswered questions lingering, this is the guide for you. Read this guide to be able, to begin with confidence and leverage the benefits of this miraculous herb. 

Benefits

As you might know, Cannabis has become a very important herb in today’s healthcare research and medicine. It has been used for a long time to treat –

  • all kinds of pain, 
  • inflammation, 
  • fatigue, 
  • epilepsy, 
  • depression, 
  • menstrual cramps,
  • nausea, and many more

It is because of these therapeutic benefits that, from Ayurvedic scriptures to modern science, all acclaim it.

Dosage

Even though cannabis-based medication is immensely beneficial, finding the correct dosage can be a concern for doctors and patients alike. The amount of medical Cannabis you consume will depend on your body chemistry, the problem you have, and the medicine concentration.

So, before consuming this herb, get the best medical consultation possible to understand the apt dosage and how to incorporate it into your regimen. 

  • Is an overdose possible? 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been no fatalities from medical cannabis usage. However, an overdose might increase the risk of side effects. The “Overdose” limit is different for different people. Over long-term use, people become more tolerant towards higher doses compared to people who are just beginning. 

It is recommended to start small and then gradually increase the dose. 

  • Side effects 

For a cannabis beginner, it is very crucial to know the possible side effects of cannabis consumption. Though cannabis medicines have a favourable safety profile, their usage without proper consultation and guidance can yield adverse effects.

Fatigue, dry eyes, headache, and lightheadedness are some common side effects of improper cannabis use. 

Drug Interaction

Cannabis medication may affect the way your prescribed drugs work. Cannabis-alcohol and cannabis-tobacco combinations lead to increased impairment and risks to the body. Similarly, it can also inhibit the proper working of your prescription medicines.

Always talk to your doctors about the other medicines you’re taking with cannabis. You should be aware of the possible side effects of different cannabis drug combinations. 

Effect on lactating/pregnant women.

There is limited research available for understanding its impact on pregnant/ breastfeeding women, a few concerns are, and hence it is advisable to avoid it.  

Can I drive while being treated with medicinal cannabis?

Cannabis medicines containing THC might decrease your ability to perform tasks, coordination, and mental alertness. Also, there is no specific recommendation of the time gap between cannabis consumption and driving. Hence, it is recommended not to drive and carry out risky tasks like operating heavy machinery, when consuming cannabis medicine containing THC.

What to look for while buying cannabis-based medications?

Here are a few things to consider when buying cannabis medication for the first time:

  • Safety. Before buying a cannabis medication, ensure that it is made of plant-based ingredients and is safe for your health. 
  • Non-GMO. GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism and is used to produce more consistent food and medicines. But it is unhealthy and can trigger allergic reactions from people. So choose a Non-GMO medication.

Furthermore, make sure that the medicine is:

  • Top-quality.
  • Based on proper research.
  • Environment-friendly.
  • Preservative-free.
  • Cruelty and dairy-free.

The legality

Developed countries like Germany, the US, Canada, Spain, etc., are using reformed restrictive policies to legalize Cannabis and encourage its dutiful medical usage. The NCCIH (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health) is also funding the research in this direction to explore the herb’s properties further. 

In India, cannabis is legal in Ayurvedic prescriptions for medical research and therapeutic use. This has helped a lot in establishing clinical confidence in this herb and making it available for more people. 

How to get a prescription to avail cannabis medicines?

If you have a condition that certifies you for medical cannabis usage, all you need is a medical prescription from a certified Ayurvedic doctor. 

You can now obtain top-quality, research-based, medical cannabis hassle-free thanks to Hempstreet’s wide network of ayurvedic clinics and doctors. Hempstreet is the country’s first and largest research-to-retail player in the medicinal cannabis industry with over 60,000 Ayurvedic doctors and 220 Ayurvedic clinics, spread across India. The company’s central goal is to target a wide spectrum of diseases and disorders prevalent in India, ranging from chronic pain to menstrual health, through the power of responsibly dispensed cannabis medicines.

Avail the best medical consultation and treatment with certified medical practitioners by booking an appointment for consultation today. 

Summary 

Dr Jacob M. Vigil from the University of New Mexico says that “There is no other medication with such a wide therapeutic potential.” 

Proper research is needed to understand how cannabis works in our bodies, react to different illnesses and show its possible side effects. We need to open up about it and get rid of the stigma if we want to endorse its immense value.

Hempstreet is India's first and largest research to retail player in the medicinal cannabis space with a network of 60,000 ayurvedic practitioners across the country.

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