The Future of Medicine: How Medical Marijuana is Revolutionizing Healthcare in Charlotte, North Carolina
Medical cannabis is a hot topic these days as most states have legalized the use of marijuana as an alternative treatment for various health disorders. While medical marijuana in North Carolina isn’t entirely legal yet, the future is incredibly promising as patients can now begin pe-registering for medical marijuana cards in Charlotte and most other cities.
With North Carolina being one of the few states left gearing up to add medical marijuana to the roster of potential courses of treatment, it’s safe to say that the future of medicine is leafy and green.
Let’s talk about how medical marijuana is revolutionizing healthcare in Charlotte, North Carolina, and everywhere else.
The Science Behind Medical Cannabis
Why and how does medical marijuana work?
All living beings, including animals, have an endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS plays a vital role in maintaining the body’s homeostasis — or the balance of all biological systems and functions. Scientists have only been able to tap into the ECS and how it works over the past 20 years, but a lot of critical information has been discovered that’s led us to view marijuana in a different light.
Here’s what is known so far about the ECS and medical marijuana:
- The ECS creates endogenous cannabinoids or endocannabinoids. These are the body’s natural cannabinoids, which are recognized as lipid-based retrograde neurotransmitters. Whenever molecular stimuli occur in the body, such as pain, the ECS sends out these endocannabinoids to bind with the brain and body’s receptors to activate them.
- There are two types of receptors: CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are primarily found in the central nervous system, whereas CB2 receptors are found in peripheral systems, like the immune system. The endocannabinoids sent out by the ECS will naturally bind with whichever receptors are sending out signals.
- The ECS also sends out metabolic enzymes. These enzymes are tasked with breaking down and dissolving the endocannabinoids once they’ve served their purpose.
Medical experts have theorized that most chronic illnesses are attributed in part to Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CED). The theory explains that an endocannabinoid deficiency works similarly to a neurotransmitter deficiency in other conditions, such as a serotonin deficiency in individuals diagnosed with depression.
The cannabinoid found in marijuana — THC — has been found to primarily bind with the CB1 receptors. This allows THC to mimic the behavior of the body’s natural cannabinoids in regard to responding to the signaling for pain. Additionally, the only side effects associated with THC are incredibly mild and can often be mitigated by using the right dosage.
This is precisely why medical marijuana has been deemed an excellent alternative treatment for a long list of medical conditions.
What Can Be Treated By Medical Marijuana?
In States where medical marijuana is legal, there is usually a significant list of medical conditions that allow patients to qualify for a medical marijuana card. Generally speaking, the conditions and issues that can be treated by medical marijuana as an alternative medicine or a supplementary medicine include:
- Chronic and severe pain
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Epilepsy and seizures
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Severe nausea and vomiting (caused by cancer treatment)
- HIV/AIDS
- Crohn’s disease
- Chronic migraines
- Anorexia
- Neuropathy
- Parkinson’s disease
- Extreme weight loss and weakness (wasting syndrome)
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety and depression
There is a growing body of evidence proving the benefits of the active cannabinoids in medical marijuana. So far, this evidence suggests that the cannabinoids in medical marijuana can
- Control vomiting in patients undergoing chemotherapy for cancer.
- Mitigate and significantly reduce pain in patients with MS, rheumatoid arthritis, nerve damage, cancer, and other conditions.
- Reduce muscle spasms in patients with MS and some patients with spinal cord injuries.
- Improve sleep for patients experiencing sleep apnea, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, and MS.
- Increase appetite and prevent weight loss for patients with HIV, AIDS, and anorexia.
- Reduce tics in patients with Tourette’s syndrome.
- Reduce instances of seizures in epileptic patients.
- Improve symptoms of PTSD and reduce anxiety in patients with generalized and social anxiety disorder.
As medical marijuana proves promising results, more and more clinical studies and trials are being created to realize the plant’s full potential as an alternative treatment to serious medical conditions.
Medical Cannabis Benefits Revolutionizing the Healthcare Industry
There are several medical cannabis benefits that go beyond treatment. These benefits are the reason why medical cannabis is taking the healthcare and wellness industries by storm.
It Improves Patient Quality of Life
One of the most common issues with modern medicine and treatments is that they’re often associated with awful side effects. Chemotherapy for cancer patients is a prime example of this, as the treatment compromises the immune system and brings on uncomfortable and sometimes painful side effects.
In addition to addressing pain and nausea, medical marijuana also helps most patients manage stress by putting them in a state of relaxation and euphoria.
It May Help Combat the Opioid Crisis
Arguably, the greatest health crisis North America is facing is the opioid epidemic. Many patients rely on prescription opioids to offset the pain caused by accidents and other conditions. Every day, these patients build a higher level of tolerance to the pharmaceutical, raising the risk of addiction and potential overdose.
Medical cannabis has become the preferred alternative to opioids in managing chronic pain. In fact, states that have legalized medical cannabis have seen a 14% reduction in opioid prescriptions.
More Potential For a Positive Economic Impact
The medical marijuana industry is also significantly contributing to economic growth on a state and national level. The plant’s legalization has provided a path for all kinds of businesses to emerge, including dispensaries, cultivation facilities, manufacturing facilities, and ancillary businesses. It has also created a number of jobs, which has stimulated local economies immensely.
The cannabis industry as a whole is projected to see more than $53.5 billion in sales by 2027. The tax revenue generated from cannabis alone will be enough to channel into public services that genuinely benefit local communities while continuing to create jobs.
Accessing Medical Marijuana in Charlotte, North Carolina
Whether you’re a patient in Charlotte or elsewhere in the state, you may be interested in trying medical marijuana as an alternative treatment for your medical condition. This means you’ll have to seek out a certified medical marijuana doctor to view your medical record and ensure that you have a condition that qualifies for a medical marijuana card.
Charlotte Marijuana Doctor is a group of certified medical marijuana doctors who can provide you with the proper clinical evaluation and help you get started on the path to obtaining a medical marijuana card. Contact us today to learn more about how medical marijuana cards in Charlotte work!
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