Understanding Medical Marijuana
Marijuana has been a controversial topic in the US for decades. However, recent research has shown that the plant has medicinal properties that can help treat a wide range of health conditions. Medical marijuana refers to the use of the marijuana plant and its extracts for medicinal purposes.
Florida legalized medical marijuana in 2016. Since then, the state has implemented a program that allows patients with certain conditions to obtain a recommendation from a qualified physician and purchase marijuana products from licensed dispensaries.
The Science Behind Medical Marijuana
Marijuana contains over 100 different compounds called cannabinoids. The two main cannabinoids found in marijuana are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
THC is the psychoactive compound that produces the “high” associated with marijuana use. CBD, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive and has been shown to have medicinal properties.
The human body has an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that regulates various functions in the body, including appetite, sleep, pain, and mood. The ECS consists of receptors, endocannabinoids (cannabinoids produced by the body), and enzymes that break down cannabinoids.
When marijuana is consumed, THC and other cannabinoids bind to the receptors in the ECS, producing various effects. THC binds to the CB1 receptors in the brain, producing the psychoactive effects of marijuana. CBD, on the other hand, does not bind to the CB1 receptors but instead interacts with other receptors in the body, producing a range of medicinal effects.
Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana in Florida
In Florida, patients with the following conditions can qualify for medical marijuana:
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Crohn’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- ALS
- PTSD
- Chronic nonmalignant pain
To qualify, patients must obtain a recommendation from a qualified physician who is registered with the Florida Department of Health’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU). The physician must determine that the patient has a qualifying condition and that the benefits of using medical marijuana outweigh the risks.
Forms of Medical Marijuana in Florida
There are several forms of medical marijuana available in Florida:
- Smokable flower
- Concentrates
- Topicals
- Tinctures
- Capsules
- Edibles
Each form of marijuana has a different onset time and duration of effects. Smokable flower is the fastest acting, with effects felt within minutes of inhalation. Edibles, on the other hand, can take up to two hours to take effect and last for several hours.
Legalities Surrounding Medical Marijuana in Florida
While medical marijuana is legal in Florida, there are still certain legalities surrounding its use. Patients must obtain a recommendation from a qualified physician and register with the OMMU. They are also only allowed to purchase medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries.
It is illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana, even if it is for medicinal purposes. Employers can still enforce drug-free workplace policies, which means that employees can still be fired for testing positive for marijuana use.
Conclusion
Medical marijuana has been shown to have numerous medicinal properties that can help treat a range of health conditions. In Florida, patients with qualifying conditions can obtain a recommendation from a qualified physician and purchase medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries. While there are legalities surrounding its use, the legalization of medical marijuana in Florida has provided patients with a new option for managing their health conditions.
