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.
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.
Studies show that medical marijuana has benefits for a variety of conditions, including:
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.
It's unclear without further studies about the effects of medical marijuana, but there are some known risks such as:
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.
There are a number of ways to use medical marijuana including:
Dr. Candelora will go over the different types marijuana with you to find the best solution for your pain.