THC vs. CBD

THC, the main cannabinoid in recreational marijuana, is famous for its mind and mood-altering effects. It’s the compound that produces the “high” that people experience after consuming cannabis products. Like CBD, THC is also known for its potential health benefits, including:

• Improved sleep
• PTSD relief
• Reduced pain levels
• Lowered inflammation

While most forms of recreational marijuana contain THC, many forms of medical marijuana contain CBD alone — not THC — which means you will notice a positive impact on your mood, sleep, inflammation, or pain without any kind of psychoactive effect.

However, some forms of medical marijuana do contain THC. The best way to find out what kind of medical marijuana is right for you is to consult a licensed medical marijuana doctor.

Some medical marijuana products (as well as many recreational products) contain both THC and CBD. There is research that suggests THC and CBD provide more effective pain relief when combined than either provides alone. Other, minor cannabinoids (like CBG) can also play a role in this.

Medical Card

To purchase medical marijuana, you must be registered in your state. Once you’ve registered, you’ll typically receive a medical marijuana card to serve as convenient proof of registration. To receive a medical marijuana card, you will first need to be evaluated by a doctor for a qualifying condition. Some qualifying conditions in the State of Florida include:

Legal Age

While recreational cannabis is generally restricted to consumers 21 years of age or older, the minimum age for medical marijuana treatment varies by state. In Florida, patients with qualifying conditions can obtain medical marijuana cards with the help of a doctor when they turn 18.

How and Where It’s Sold

One of the biggest differences between medical marajuana and recreational marijuana is how it’s sold and taxed. Recreational marijuana sales are usually taxed heavily, whereas medical marijuana is usually exempt from marijuana taxes.

In Florida, registered medical marijuana patients can fill orders from qualified physicians at licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers. In states where both recreational and medical marijuana are legal, dispensaries are often permitted to sell both kinds of products. (In fact, some fully-legal states do not differentiate between “medical” and “recreational” cannabis at all. “Medical” cannabis is simply any cannabis product that has been specifically selected for its qualities to treat a particular condition.)

Medical Marijuana Port Charlotte

When it comes to the effects of cannabis, medical marijuana and recreational marijuana share many of the same properties and potential benefits. The major differences come down to how it’s sold, taxed, and regulated by law.

If you’re thinking about getting your medical marijuana card in Port Charlotte, our friendly, licensed physicians at Iona Cannabis Clinic can help you through the process and answer all your questions. Schedule an appointment today!

The post The Difference Between Medical and Recreational Marijuana: A Guide from ICC Port Charlotte appeared first on Iona Cannabis Clinic Port Charlotte.

Everything You Need to Know About Medical Marijuana Laws in Florida

According to the OMMU, the following conditions are eligible for medical marijuana treatment:

• Cancer
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• HIV/AIDS
• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
• Crohn’s Disease
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Seasonal residents who reside in Florida for at least 31 consecutive days each year are also eligible for medical marijuana cards, as are caretakers of registered Florida medical marijuana patients who need assistance purchasing their medications.

CBD vs. THC: Which Is Legal in Florida?

CBD is the non-psychoactive component of marijuana, while THC is the psychoactive component. While many types of marijuana contain both THC and CBD, most types are either low in THC and high in CBD or high in THC and low in CBD. Both components have specific medical applications, and both are legal for medical use in Florida. You should consult with your physician to determine which type of marijuana is appropriate for your treatment plan. The Science Behind CBD.

Public Possession and Consumption

Medical marijuana must be kept in sealed, tamper-proofed containers purchased from medical marijuana dispensaries. Only CBD medication may be consumed in public; public possession of high-THC medication is legal, but public consumption is not. Every registered Florida medical marijuana patient must carry a valid medical marijuana card at all times and be able to present it upon request by a law enforcement officer.

Transporting Medical Marijuana

Taking medical marijuana purchased legally in Florida into another state is illegal, even if that state has also legalized marijuana (medically or recreationally). Marijuana regulations differ significantly between each state, including legal states, so you should never transport any amount of any type of marijuana across state lines.

Maintaining Eligibility

Registered Florida medical marijuana patients must be re-examined by a qualified physician at least once every 210 days. Some patients may benefit from more frequent re-evaluations, so you should work with your doctor to determine the best ongoing qualification plan for your needs. Additionally, all Florida medical marijuana patients are required to renew their medical marijuana cards on an annual basis.

Other Laws and Regulations

Here are a few more rules that medical marijuana patients in Port Charlotte, Florida need to know:

• It is illegal to buy, sell, possess, or consume recreational marijuana anywhere in Florida — even if you have a medical marijuana card.
• It is illegal to operate any type of vehicle while using high-THC medication. You may still operate a vehicle while using CBD medication.
• You may not share your medical marijuana with anyone — including other registered medical marijuana patients.

Have more questions about Florida medical marijuana laws or how to get your medical marijuana card? Iona Cannabis Clinic has answers!

The post Understanding Medical Marijuana Laws in Port Charlotte, Florida: Advice from Iona Cannabis Clinic Port Charlotte appeared first on Iona Cannabis Clinic Port Charlotte.

How does medical marijuana work?

Cannabis contains components called ‘cannabinoids’ which react with the human body’s endocannabinoid system – mostly located in the nervous and immune systems. Cannabinoids bind to these human receptors in hopes of reaching homeostasis (balancing out the system) and creating a therapeutic effect on the body.

What conditions qualify for the use of medical marijuana? 

Approved conditions include cancer, glaucoma, epilepsy, PTSD, HIV/AIDS, ALS, Crohn’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, chronic pain, and medical conditions similar. Check Iona Cannabis Clinic Qualifying Conditions

What if I’m diagnosed with an unlisted condition? Can I still use medical marijuana? 

Amendment 2 allows certified medical marijuana doctors to recommend the use of medical marijuana if a person is suffering from symptoms that are similar to those of a qualified condition.

You may be qualified to use medical marijuana if you are diagnosed with anxiety, depression, insomnia, muscle spasms, seizures, nausea, nerve pain, menstrual pain, arthritis, diabetes, loss of appetite, spasticity, fibromyalgia, and more.

How long will my appointment take? 

The initial appointment takes anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour, as time varies between patients. This accounts for the time spent with the physician and the time needed to fill out necessary documents.

Can I get certified right after my initial visit? 

State Bill 8A removed the 90-day wait time for patients to get certified, but your supporting documents and medical history records must be included in your chart before our physicians can make recommendations.

Do you accept insurance? 

As of right now, medical marijuana treatment is still prohibited under federal law, which means we can’t accept insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid.

How much should I expect to pay? 

The initial certification costs $200, as do the recertifications that occur every 7 months.

What documents do I need to prove residency? 

As a Florida resident, you must provide a valid driver’s license or a state ID card issued by the state of Florida.

What about seasonal residents? 

Seasonal residents are allowed to acquire a medical marijuana card in Florida if they reside in the state for at least 31 consecutive days within a calendar year, and they are registered to vote or pay income taxes in another state.

To prove your seasonal residency, you may provide a deed, mortgage, residential rent/lease agreement, a utility bill newer than 2 months old, mail from a financial institution newer than 2 months old, or one of our many other options. Contact our office to learn more.

Can I smoke medical marijuana? 

Yes. After SB182 was signed on March 18, 2019, patients are allowed to smoke medical marijuana.

Get Informed About Medical Marijuana

Being equipped with the necessary information is a major component of using medical marijuana wisely. Get in touch with our office at ICC Port Charlotte if you have further questions.

The post Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Marijuana Cards: Answers from ICC Port Charlotte appeared first on Iona Cannabis Clinic Port Charlotte.

People who are considering using marijuana for their pain should rightly be asking whether these purported benefits have been scientifically studied or if they are going to have to rely strictly on anecdotal evidence. The good news is that the use of marijuana for pain has been studied extensively over the years, and the findings are very promising for prospective patients. How to Get the Benefits of Medical Marijuana Without Getting High.

Researchers have found that the use of marijuana is beneficial for pain regardless of what specific condition the pain is resulting from. For example, it can ease the symptoms of chronic conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia, and it can also help patients who are dealing with pain resulting from cancer and cancer treatment. Marijuana has likewise been used to effectively decrease pain perception in patients suffering from neuropathy, as well as in patients who have HIV-associated neuropathic pain. In all of these cases, marijuana has been found to be as effective as the other oral drugs which are more commonly administered for such conditions.

But is marijuana also safe and well-tolerated? The answer to this question would be a big, resounding “yes.” Researchers consistently report that marijuana is physically safe to use, and that the minor side effects which sometimes accompany its use are very well tolerated and generally not seen as much of a problem by study participants. The most commonly reported side effects are dry eyes, dry mouth, and sometimes mild dizziness, all of which are easily dealt with.

Marijuana has been shown to help with more than just pain. Many patients, particularly those struggling with the symptoms of HIV, also report that their mood and all-around quality of life has been greatly improved by marijuana use.

These findings offer quite a contrast to the class of pain-relieving drugs known as opioids, which are often used to treat the pain associated with many of the conditions discussed above. Opioids have a variety of adverse side effects, many of which can put the patient at great physical and mental risk. They can produce tolerance, addiction, nausea, constipation, drowsiness, and many other negative effects.

Unfortunately, it is usually the case today that marijuana is only seen as an option once a patient has tried and reacted negatively to other conventional drugs and methods. Given all the sound findings, however, it seems reasonable to suggest that medical marijuana should be explored as one of the primary treatment options when it comes to helping patients manage their pain, not as something to try only once all other efforts have failed.

The post Medical Marijuana – A Good Alternative to Opioids? appeared first on Iona Cannabis Clinic Port Charlotte.