Once you learn the basics, however, you might overcome these hurdles.
Lets take a look at how medical marijuana works and the laws surrounding it.
For example, marijuana can lower the frequency of seizures in children with epilepsy.
It also helps a subset of people with chronic pain issues live virtually pain-free.
But Jayden Juice and Charlottes Web were not discovered in a traditional lab, and theyre not pharmaceutical products.
For a prime example, consider pain management.
(Tylenol 3) Theyre the drugs that pop up in dialogue when television shows and films discuss addiction.
Ask any recovered addict and they will tell youhow terrible the withdrawal symptoms becomeandhow quickly they beginafter stopping.
On the other hand,marijuana doesnt come with such a high level of risk and dependency.
It also makes it much harder for someone who needs these drugs to get them.
Some states, such as Colorado and Oregon, have fully legalized the drug.
Chances of prosecution are low, but these examples demonstrate that disconnect between state legalization and federal illegality.
Obviously, this process needs to change.
Its also probably obvious that I think the government should not oppose medical marijuana use.
For now, before you go get yourself a medical marijuana prescription, know these risks and limitations exist.
Although small, they are just the legal issues.
you should probably acquirea lotof knowledge to use medical marijuana safely and effectively.
How Does Medical Marijuana Work?
While I personally found less medical benefit in sativa, some people have the opposite experience.
Indica:Known as the body high, indica tends to relax you and put you to sleep.
Some people report feeling fused to their couch or bed.
Indica often serves as a better option for people with medical issues because it works well as a sedative.
This, however, may offer the opposite of what you need.
If you dont want to get sleepy, dont use indica.
Hybrid:This wont come as a surprise, but hybrid strains of marijuana contain both sativa and indica.
You may find this more effective for medical purposes because it provides the best of both worlds.
Ruderalis: Youre almost definitely not going to encounter cannabis ruderalis by name.
Its an uncommon punch in and originates in Russia.
If you end up purchasing a high CBD product, its possible it was derived from cannabis ruderalis.
The first time you useanymarijuana you will have a very different experience from subsequent times.
You may fall somewhere in between as well.
But you dont have to get high to get the medical benefits from marijuana.
THC: If your goal is to get high, THC will do it.
The psychoactive properties of marijuana lie in THC.
But beyond that, THC can relieve stress, pain, nausea, glaucoma symptoms, and insomnia.
CBD: If you dont want to get high at all, you want CBD.
rheumatoid arthritis), schizophrenia, psychosis, anxiety, and more.
Understand what youre doing so you might use responsibly.
Next, lets discuss what happens to your brain when you use medical marijuana.
Presuming you ingested a marijuana edible containing THC, it will start to work on your brain.
Compounds like THC do their thing by tellingneuronsto sendneurotransmittersalong pathways in the brain calledsynapsesto do their job.
Most neurotransmitters are made in your body, but compounds like THC mimic these neurotransmitters for various effects.
THC, for example, mimicsanandamide.
Because anandamide and dopamine work together, THC causes a significant disruption.
This first time can feel intense, especially with an edible.
You will most likely fall asleep, especially if you start with indica or a hybrid.
Depending on your tolerance, you will recover somewhere between 4-16 hours later.
But what about smoking and vaporizing?
What about sprays and tinctures?
Of course, this is just how you may feel.
It also helps to knowhow marijuana affects your brain and body, scientifically speaking.
Youll also want to take a more responsible approach to using the drug for medical purposes.
As Green Week continues, well discuss that and more.
Adam Dachisis a Los Angeles-based writer and consultant.
Youll find him writing and making stuff over atAwkward Human, including his podcast theAwkward Human Survival Guide.
