Marijuana's has Many Medical Uses

Marijuana has been used for medicinal purposes for millennia all over the world. It was in a variety of medications in the United States until the early 1940s and was considered by Dr William Osler, the father of modern medicine to be the best treatment for migraine headaches in the 1800s. Because of its’ effect on the brain and peripheral nervous system there are a wide range of both psychological and physical effects. Depending upon the medical condition these can be seen as benefits. The immediate effect can be a dulling of the senses, decreased memory, and either an increase or decreased in the ability to concentrate. As a result, people are better able to manage pain; many with PTSD have fewer flashbacks and memories; and some with ADD claim that along with their medication it helps them focus. Like any medication, the effects vary from person to person and also depend on the type of cannabis used.

Benefits of Marijuana

• Alleviates pain and often allows for a reduction of opiate use in people suffering from herniated discs, arthritis, either Rheumatoid or osteo, pain that is the result as a result of traumatic injury, migraines and Fibromyalgia to name just a few.
• Stimulates appetite and relieves cachexia (physical wasting) in patients with AIDS , Hepatitis C and cancer.
• Relieves neuropathic pain from peripheral neuropathy (in people with diabetes or side effects from chemotherapy, radiculopathy, phantom limb syndrome and, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy.
• Alleviates nausea and vomiting associated with cancer, HIV and Hepatitis-C chemotherapy.
• Decreases intra-ocular pressure in those with diagnosed glaucoma.
• Decreases muscle spasm as experienced with Multiple Sclerosis, paralysis (paraplegia/quadriplegia), and cerebral palsy.
• Sleep Aid for those who suffer from insomnia –including if it is from pain or side effect of medication.
• Alleviates Migraine headaches.

Medical Marijuana Disclosure

• Although smoking marijuana has not been linked to lung cancer, smoking it can result in respiratory harm, such as bronchitis.  Many researchers agree that marijuana smoke contains known carcinogens, and that smoking marijuana may increase the risk of respiratory diseases, along with cancer of the lungs, throat, and mouth.  Vaporizers and edible marijuana products may substantially reduce many of the potentially harmful smoke toxins that are normally present in marijuana smoke.
• Side effects may occur while using medical marijuana such as:
  
  
  • euphoria
  • difficulty in completing complex tasks
  • inability to concentrate
  • sedation
  • alterations in the perception of space and time
  • tachycardia (fast heart beat) and heart palpitations
  • low blood pressure
  • dizziness
  • increased talkativeness
  • anxiety
  • impairment of short-term memory
  • impairment of motor skills, reaction time, and physical coordination
  • confusion
  • dysphoria
  • paranoia
  • psychotic symptoms including delusions and hallucinations
  • suppression of the body's immune system
  
  
• Symptoms of marijuana overdose include:
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • heart rhythm disturbances
  • numbness in the limbs
  • hacking cough
  
  
• Chronic marijuana overuse can lead to laryngitis, bronchitis and general apathy
• Some patients can become dependant on marijuana. Please contact your physician immediately if you notice the signs of withdrawal, which include the following:
  • feelings of depression, sadness, or irritability
  • restlessness or mild agitation
  • insomnia
  • sleep disturbances
  • unusual fatigue
  • trouble concentrating
  • loss of appetite

Medical Marijuana Usage Guidelines

• Using marijuana while under the influence of alcohol is not recommended.
• Driving while under the influence of marijuana may result in a DUI conviction.
• Smoking marijuana is not permitted within 1,000 feet of a daycare or school.
• The smoking of marijuana is not allowed where cigarette/tobacco smoking is not permitted
• CCW strongly recommends using vaporizers or non smoke alternatives to smoking.
• Cannabis is dangerous to a developing baby. And is present in Breast Milk

What Your Physician's Recommendation Allows Under SB420

• Possession of up to 8 ounces of dried marijuana.
• Cultivation of up to 12 plants, as long as only 6 are mature at any given time.
• Cultivation should be indoors, or in a locked greenhouse.
• Purchases and cultivation are for personal use only.
• Applies only within the state of California.
• Please see www.canorml.org for more information

State ID Card Program

The Medical Cannabis ID Program addresses the issues of refining, as well as prolonging, the legal protection of patients, thus creating statistical and confidential data about how many patients need Medical Marijuana.  The program was created in an effort to develop a plan for the safe and affordable distribution of marijuana to all patients in medical need.  Many patients believe that the ID program offers legal protection, which it does not on its own.  Proposition 215 offers limited protections, and both patients and caregivers should consult a qualified attorney about the applicability of those protections to their individual situations.  The federal government does not recognize the California law about Medical Marijuana use.  Enrollment in the Medical Cannabis ID Program is STRICTLY VOLUNTARY.  This is just for patients that prefer the convenience of a driver's license-sized photo ID card.  All records and forms you submit will be returned to you once your ID card application has been processed, to give the protection of confidentiality for both the doctor and the patient.  If issued an ID card, the program will keep on file the number of your card, the expiration date, and the date the card was issued.  Law enforcement will be able to contact the County Health Department to verify the card number, issue date, and the expiration date.  The state ID cards will be valid for one year.  SB420 states that card holders must annually submit their recommendation for renewal.  If your state ID card is lost or stolen, you will need to present your original physician's recommendation and a valid state or federal ID, complete a new application, and pay the application fee.