Medical Cannabis Facts

Legal, yet extremely restricted, use of medical cannabis in Florida was first passed in 2014. The more encompassing Amendment 2 was passed in November 2016

Here is the list of all eligible conditions approved in Florida for medical cannabis use:

  • Lou Gehrig’s Disease
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Epilepsy
  • Terminal Illness
  • Parkinson’s
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Glaucoma
  • Cancer
  • Seizures
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Chronic muscle spasms
  • Or other conditions which have the same symptoms/severity, determined by a physician’s opinion that the use of medical cannabis would surpass any potential health risks

Cannabis oil is an excellent pain reliever because it stimulates local THC and CBS receptors throughout our bodies.

Cannabis oil can be used as a massage oil to take away pain and swelling from arthritic joints

Cannabis oil acts as an anti-inflammatory by stimulating circulation

  • There are three types of medical cannabis strains: Indica, Sativa, and Hybrids
  • Indica – provides a “body high” which is beneficial for pain relief
  • Sativa – provides a “head high” which is more relaxing and helps with sleep
  • Hybrid – mix of Indica and Sativa and combines the pain relief effect from Indica and the relaxation effect from Sativa

The main goal for medical cannabis use is to relieve the symptoms of the illness so medical cannabis physicians and dispensaries are able to recommend the proper strain and method of consumption

All medical cannabis strains contain THC, Cannabinol (CBN), and Cannabidiol (CBD), which treat the symptoms

Here are some popular medical cannabis strains to try based on the conditions approved according to Florida’s Amendment 2 (from https://unitedpatientsgroup.com/medical-marijuana-strains/):

  • Cancer – Arizonan Western Light Purp (hybrid: indica/sativa) or Cinderella 99 (hybrid: sativa/indica)
  • Glaucoma – Pluto OG (indica), and most other indica strains
  • Multiple Sclerosis – Island Sweet Skunk (hybrid: saativa/indica), Sour Diesel
  • Muscle Spasms: White Widow (hybrid: indica/sativa), Black Domina (indica), Apollo 11 (sativa)

Use of medical cannabis significantly reduces pain and tremors, while improving sleep for those suffering from Parkinson’s disease

Medical “[cannabis] is the only anti-nausea medicine that increases appetite,” which makes it the ideal medicine for cancer and HIV/AIDS patients (http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000141)

One of the chemicals found in marijuana, Cannabidiol (CBD), may help prevent cancer from spreading according to researchers at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco

THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, has been shown to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in a study done at Scripps Research Institute

medical cannabis use for patients suffering from chronic seizures and muscle spasms is extremely beneficial because THC binds to nerve receptor which allows the muscles to relax and relieve pain

medical cannabis, including low-THC cannabis, effectively treats glaucoma by lowering the pressure inside of the eyeball

According to Florida’s Amendment 2, medical cannabis, including low-THC cannabis, cannot be smoked but can be consumed in the following manners:

  • Vaporized (heated until active ingredients are released but no smoke is formed)
  • Capsules
  • Tinctures
  • Oils
  • Creams
  • Sprays
  • Edible forms

According to Florida’s Amendment 2, the use of medical cannabis does not include:

  • Possession, use or administration of medical cannabis by smoking
  • Transfer of medical cannabis to a person other than the qualified patient for whom it was ordered, or their legal representative
  • Use or administration of medical cannabis on any public transportation, in public space, in qualified patient’s place of employment (if restricted by employer), in state correctional institutions, on the grounds of preschools, primary and secondary schools or on any school bus or vehicle

For more facts and information about medical cannabis in Tampa, Florida click here or call us on (727) 202-4325.