The legality and growing demand for marijuana by patients with diverse health conditions suggest that the herb is being considered an effective treatment option for several medical issues and symptoms. But its effectiveness and benefits for medical health specifically have caught the attention of many. Especially because of the word of mouth and, of course, supporting scientific evidence.

If you are someone who believes marijuana is something you need to manage your mental health, we highly recommend you to get a medical marijuana card online and continue reading this article for a better understanding.

Marijuana as a Treatment

Medical marijuana is considered a natural alternative to pharmaceutical medications that may offer side effects in the long run. However, it is important to note that the plant as treatment may not necessarily cure a condition but it can help in managing the condition by reducing the severity of the symptoms.

Cannabis and its derivatives have medicinal properties and they offer therapeutic effects that can reduce inflammation, pain, stress, and anxiety.

When it comes to mental health, several mental health conditions are often either a result of stress and anxiety or have them as one of their symptoms. From PTSD, anger issues, bipolar disorder, depression to even insomnia, one can find the same set of causes and symptoms.

What Does Scientific Research Say?

It is a no-brainer that mental health is as important as physical health but oftentimes it is neglected, partly because one cannot physically witness the illness, but majorly because it is not considered as important. However, studies and research are pointing out how mental health conditions can even result in physical health conditions.

Coming back to using marijuana for mental health, there is an adequate amount of anecdotal evidence available that suggests the plant helped the consumers in relaxing and reduced stress, anxiety, and sleeping problems, which helped them in managing their mental health.

Scientific research on this subject is pretty limited because the plant is still illegal at the federal level and is considered a schedule 1 drug, but even these limited studies point in the same direction as anecdotal evidence and surveys conducted.

But scientific research and studies constantly point out that the plant can only help if consumed in low doses, higher dosage may worsen the condition. This may be considered a drawback or negative point of marijuana, but this fact is true for almost every medication.

Using Marijuana for Mental Health

There are several studies that suggest marijuana can reduce stress. We firmly believe stress, if not treated on time, can lead to several extremely severe mental health conditions that may be incurable. While a lot of people consider taking pharmaceuticals to treat stress and stress-induced conditions such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia, it is very important to know that these prescription medications can be addicting and even cause side effects.

The same may be true for marijuana as well but if taken in moderate amounts, as a medication, marijuana is comparatively safer than these prescription medications.

After the legalization of medical marijuana in the majority of states, a significant population has been consuming marijuana to manage chronic pain and mental health issues. This suggests that the plant might have been working for them.

How to Use Medical Marijuana for Mental Health?

Using medical marijuana for mental health conditions such as PTSD, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders is allowed in several states of the US. If you are lucky to be residing in a state that qualifies mental health conditions as qualifying conditions for medical marijuana consumption, you can talk to a medical marijuana doctor online and get evaluated for the recommendation. Getting a medical marijuana card will allow you to get your hands over good-quality marijuana that is specifically produced for medical purposes.

Different conditions would require you to follow different administration methods, consume different doses, and at different times during the day. The key shall be to start low and go slow.

Medical marijuana can offer different effects depending on the type of strain you choose to consume. So the plant that is primarily known to offer sedating effects can even offer you energy so be mindful of the type of marijuana strain you are consuming.

A lot of people believe that the plant offers intoxicating effects. Well, it may offer intoxicating effects but not always. The effects can be subtle and not intoxicating at all if you consume it in the right way. However, if you choose to consume more than you can tolerate, you may experience undesired effects.

Using marijuana for managing a condition sure requires one to be aware but it should not be confusing at all. Consider researching and getting familiar with the basics of marijuana and its effects before medicating with the plant to avoid unexpected results.

Marijuana vs Traditional Treatments: Which Is Better?

While there is reliable evidence that suggests marijuana can be a safe alternative to several prescribed medications, it will be wrong to suggest that the plant can be used as a substitute for any and every traditional treatment.

We firmly believe marijuana is an effective medication and people of legal age and qualifying conditions should consider trying it out if the medical marijuana doctor recommends them to but we, unfortunately, cannot suggest the herb is going to be better than traditional treatments.

When it comes to mental health issues, traditional treatments majorly include therapy and medication. Therapy is something that helps an individual in acknowledging the issues and trying to work on it, without ingesting anything. This can be a safe alternative to pharmaceuticals like antidepressants, anti-anxiety, and sleeping pills.

Bottom Line

Medical marijuana has certain medicinal properties that can reduce stress and anxiety, which can promote better mental health. The plant is safe and suitable for people who have been dealing with stress-induced mental health conditions but it is recommended to consult an MMJ doctor before considering self-medicating with the plant. It may serve as an alternative to pharmaceuticals such as antidepressants and opioids, but one should not substitute traditional treatments with marijuana until of course suggested by a qualified physician.