Medical marijuana is a plant used to ease pain, nausea and vomiting, muscle spasms, glaucoma and other symptoms. It’s illegal under federal law but some states allow it to treat specific illnesses and conditions. Research shows it’s safe for adults and children who have certain health problems. But more studies are needed to confirm it’s effective and safe.
People can get medical marijuana in New York State if their doctor or health care provider certifies them for it. The certification contains a registry ID that can be used to purchase marijuana from a dispensary. A patient can also designate another person to buy and administer cannabis for them. The person must be a resident of the same state as the patient and have a valid photo ID to prove it.
In some small trials, marijuana has been found to reduce some symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). These include abdominal pain and diarrhoea. It can also make people feel more hungry, helping them to eat enough to keep up their weight. But it’s unclear whether this improves remission rates from IBD or increases how long people live with the disease.
Marijuana has chemicals called cannabinoids that have health effects. They include delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, and cannabidiol, or CBD. Some studies show CBD doesn’t have the mind-altering effect of THC. People can take CBD as drops or capsules. It can also be smoked as a cigarette or inhaled through a vape pen. Some companies make a spray called Sativex that’s approved in several countries for use in multiple sclerosis. It relieves spasticity by reducing the muscle stiffness and tightness caused by nerve damage. medical marijuana