In recent years, the medical community has witnessed a significant shift in treatment approaches, with medical marijuana emerging as an alternative to traditional prescription drugs. As we navigate this evolving landscape, it’s important to understand the nuances of both traditional western pharmaceuticals as well as plant based medicines like medical marijuana to make informed decisions about health and wellness.
Today, many states including Pennsylvania have legalized the use of medical marijuana for specific conditions, recognizing its potential therapeutic benefits. This shift has been driven by a growing body of research suggesting that cannabis and its compounds may offer relief for a wide range of conditions, often with fewer side effects than conventional pharmaceuticals.
Approved Conditions for Medical Marijuana in Pennsylvania
The 24 conditions for which patients are allowed the use of medical marijuana in Pennsylvania include the following. This versatility is one of medical marijuana’s most significant advantages over traditional prescription drugs, which are often designed to target specific conditions or symptoms.
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
- Anxiety
- Autism
- Cancer (including remission therapy)
- Chronic Hepatitis C
- Crohn’s Disease
- Central nervous system damage (brain and spinal cord) with resulting neurological indication of intractable spasticity, and other associated neuropathies
- Dyskinetic or spastic movement disorder
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Huntington’s Disease
- Irritable Bowel Disease
- Intractable seizures
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Neuro-degenerative diseases
- Neuropathies
- Opioid use disorder
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Post traumatic stress disorder
- Severe, chronic or intractable pain
- Sickle Cell Anemia
- Terminal illness
- Tourette Syndrome
The Case for Medical Marijuana
Medical marijuana offers several advantages over prescription drugs in treating several conditions.
- Milder Side Effects
Many patients report experiencing fewer and less severe side effects with medical marijuana compared to traditional pharmaceuticals. Common side effects of cannabis use, such as dry mouth, are often considered more manageable than the extensive list of potential side effects associated with some prescription medications.
- Lower Risk of Dependency
The potential for dependency on medical marijuana appears to be significantly lower than that of certain prescription drugs, particularly opioids and benzodiazepines. This reduced risk of dependency is especially crucial in the context of pain management, where opioid dependency has become a national crisis.
- Versatile Treatment
Unlike many prescription drugs designed for specific conditions, medical marijuana can address multiple symptoms or conditions simultaneously. This versatility may prove beneficial for patients with complex medical profiles who might otherwise need to juggle multiple medications.
- Diverse Consumption Methods
Medical marijuana offers a range of consumption methods, such as edibles, tinctures, topicals, troches, elixers, and flower and vaporized oils . This allows patients to choose the method that best suits their needs and preferences, potentially improving treatment adherence.
- Potential Mental Health Benefits
Beyond its physical effects, medical marijuana has shown promise in addressing mental health issues such as anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, and even dementia. This dual action on both physical and mental well-being is a unique advantage over many traditional pharmaceuticals.
CBD and the Entourage Effect
Within the realm of medical marijuana, CBD (cannabidiol) doesn’t produce a “high”, unlike THC. It has shown promise in treating a variety of conditions, from epilepsy to anxiety. Many patients find relief with full-spectrum CBD products, which contain a range of cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant.
The effectiveness of full-spectrum products is often attributed to the “entourage effect,” a theory suggesting that the various compounds in cannabis work synergistically, enhancing each other’s beneficial effects while mitigating potential negative impacts. This holistic approach to plant-based medicine is completely different from the isolated, single-compound focus of many prescription drugs.
Medical Marijuana OR Prescription Drugs?
The choice between medical marijuana and prescription drugs is highly individual and depends on various factors:
- Nature of the Condition: Some conditions respond better to cannabis-based treatments than others.
- Previous Treatment Experiences: Patients who have had limited success with traditional medications may be more inclined to try medical marijuana.
- Personal Health History: Factors like mental health history, substance use history, and current medications can influence the appropriateness of medical marijuana.
- Lifestyle Considerations: The potential cognitive effects of marijuana may be more or less problematic depending on an individual’s job and daily responsibilities.
- Legal Status: While medical marijuana is legal in many states, its federally illegal status can create complications, particularly for individuals who travel frequently or work in certain industries.
Importance of Professional Guidance
Regardless of whether you choose medical marijuana or prescription drugs, professional medical guidance is crucial. A healthcare provider can offer personalized advice based on your unique health profile, help monitor for potential side effects or drug interactions, and adjust treatment plans as needed.
For those considering medical marijuana, working with a healthcare provider, such as Dr Cindy Finkelman in PA, experienced in cannabis-based treatments can be particularly valuable. These professionals can provide guidance on strains, dosages, and consumption methods most likely to be effective for specific conditions while minimizing potential risks.
The debate between medical marijuana and prescription drugs is not about declaring a universal winner. Instead, it’s about expanding the toolkit available to patients and healthcare providers in the pursuit of optimal health outcomes.
For some, medical marijuana may offer relief where traditional pharmaceuticals have failed or produced intolerable side effects. For others, conventional medications may remain the most effective and appropriate choice. It is not uncommon to combine both traditional pharmaceuticals and medical marijuana. The key lies in personalized medicine – recognizing that each patient’s needs are unique and that the best treatment approach may involve a combination of traditional and alternative therapies.
If you want to obtain a medical marijuana card for one of the approved conditions in Pennsylvania, you can now make virtual telemedicine appointments, with no need to travel to an office. Meet Dr. Finkelman from the comfort of your own home using ZOOM. Schedule your appointment directly from the website, https://greendoc-pa.com/ or call/text 215-350-4766 right away to schedule your appointment. New patients $150 / Recertification $100 (money back guarantee, minus credit card processing fee, if not certified due to not meeting criteria for state qualifying conditions).
References:
- Cannabis Significantly Reduces the Use of Prescription Opioids and Improves Quality of Life in Authorized Patients: Results of a Large Prospective Study
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7971472
- Marijuana as a Substitute for Prescription Medications: A Qualitative Study