Medical Marijuana Evaluation - Florida

Florida is one of a number of states that allows the medical use of marijuana. Dr. Peter Candelora with Coastal Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine in New Port Richey, Florida, has found it works well for some patients with chronic pain, due to arthritis or injury. In this state, the therapeutic use of marijuana requires a prescription from a practitioner like Dr. Candelora when its use is medically appropriate.

To consult with Dr. Candelora use the easy online scheduling tool, or call Coastal Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine today.

What exactly is medical marijuana?

In some states, people can buy marijuana without a prescription. Florida only allows the medical use of marijuana, so it requires you to get a prescription to gain access to this medication.

In the U.S. medical cannabis is often used to treat disease or to relieve severe pain symptoms. The drug is made from the leaves and buds of the Cannabis sativa plant. Under federal law, marijuana is still a Schedule 1 drug, but some states have made it available for medical use, though it is often restricted and only available for specific conditions. Each state has its own rules and regulations regarding this drug.

Is medical marijuana legal?

That's a tricky question. At the state level, it is legal, however, at the federal level, it is not. Federal laws trump state laws, so this means there is a minor risk of being arrested by federal authorities when carrying medical marijuana. Until this changes there are no guarantees.

What conditions benefit from medical marijuana?

Studies show that medical marijuana has benefits for a variety of conditions, including:

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• HIV/AIDS
• Chronic pain
• Crohn's disease
• Epilepsy or seizure disorders
• Glaucoma
• Multiple sclerosis
• Nausea
• Terminal Illness
• Tourette syndrome

Dr. Candelora specializes in orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine. He might use medical marijuana to help his patients suffering from chronic joint pain or pain from a musculoskeletal injury. It might be part of a comprehensive pain management plan or a short term remedy as the patient heals from an injury or surgery.

Is medical marijuana safe?

It's unclear without further studies about the effects of medical marijuana, but there are some known risks such as:

• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Impaired concentration
• Poor memory
• Increased heart rate
• Increased risk of heart attack
• Negative interactions with other drugs
• Slow reactions times
• Withdrawal

There is a small risk of addiction, as well, especially in young people. Dr. Candelora monitors his patients using medical marijuana very closely to ensure their treatment is safe.

What forms does medical marijuana come in?

There are a number of ways to use medical marijuana including:

• Oil
• Pill
• Vaporized liquid
• Nasal spray
• Dried leaves and buds for smoking or ingestion

Dr. Candelora will go over the different types marijuana with you to find the best solution for your pain.