Conditions That May Respond to Medical Marijuana

Many patients in Louisiana and Mississippi turn to medical marijuana for certain conditions. These include:

   •   Chronic pain (arthritis, neuropathy, fibromyalgia)

   •   PTSD & anxiety disorders

   •   Epilepsy & seizure disorders

   •   Multiple sclerosis (MS) & muscle spasms

   •   Cancer-related nausea & appetite loss

In Louisiana, any debilitating medical condition qualifies for medical marijuana after an evaluation by a licensed Louisiana provider.

How Medical Marijuana Compares to Traditional Medications

1. Pain Management (Compared to Opioids & NSAIDs)
   
   • • Medical marijuana is often used for chronic pain conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and nerve pain.
   • • Unlike opioids, cannabis has a lower risk of addiction and overdose but does have the risk of developing cannabis use disorder.
   • • Unlike NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, aspirin), cannabis may not cause certain types of gastrointestinal issues.

1. Anxiety & Depression (Compared to Antidepressants & Benzodiazepines)

1. • • CBD has anti-anxiety effects and may replace medications like Xanax, Valium, or SSRIs. Never stop your prescriptions from your primary care provider without consulting with them first. Abruptly stopping prescribed medications can cause unwanted issues.
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1. Seizure Disorders (Compared to Anti-Seizure Medications)

1. • • CBD-based medications, such as Epidiolex, are FDA-approved for epilepsy and seizure disorders.
   • • Cannabis may be a safer alternative with fewer side effects compared to traditional anticonvulsants, Please remember that changes to your existing medications are up to your primary care physician. Please do not make changes in your medications for seizures without first speaking with your neurologist.

1. Sleep Disorders (Compared to Sleeping Pills)

1. • • THC and CBD may help regulate sleep cycles.
   • • Cannabis may help with insomnia.

1. Inflammatory Diseases (Compared to Steroids & Immunosuppressants)

1. • • Conditions like Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), and rheumatoid arthritis may be helped by cannabis’s anti-inflammatory effects.
   • • This may reduce reliance on corticosteroids. Do not change your current medication regime without first speaking with your primary care physician.

1. Nausea & Appetite Stimulation (Compared to Anti-Nausea Drugs)

1. • • Cannabis may be effective for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
   • • It may also stimulate appetite in cancer or HIV/AIDS patients.

Medical Marijuana Compared to Over-The-Counter (OTC) Medications

Medical marijuana might be considered a natural alternative to many over-the-counter (OTC) medications for pain relief, sleep support, digestive issues, and more, especially when the patient may be experiencing unwanted side effects from OTC medications. However, patients should always check with their primary care physician before changing existing medications or dosage.

1. Pain Relief (Compared to Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, Aspirin)

• • Common OTC pain relievers like Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Advil (ibuprofen) may cause liver damage or stomach ulcers with long-term use.
• • CBD and THC may offer natural pain relief for headaches, muscle soreness, arthritis, and chronic pain.
• • Topicals and edibles infused with cannabis may provide localized or whole-body relief.

2. Sleep Aid (Compared to Melatonin, Benadryl, NyQuil, Unisom)

• • Many OTC sleep aids may cause grogginess or dependency.
• • THC may promote relaxation and deeper sleep, while CBD may reduce anxiety and restlessness.
• • Indica strains or cannabis-infused teas/tinctures may be helpful as a sleep aid.
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3. Anti-inflammatory (Compared to Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen)

• • CBD may have strong anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potentially safer alternative to NSAIDs which may cause stomach and kidney issues.
• • Cannabis may help with joint pain, muscle soreness, and inflammatory conditions like arthritis.
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4. Digestive Relief (Compared to Pepto-Bismol, Tums, Imodium)

• • Medical marijuana may ease nausea, bloating, acid reflux, and diarrhea.
• • THC may stimulate appetite and reduce nausea, making it helpful for people with IBS, Crohn’s disease, or chemotherapy side effects.
• • CBD may calm the gut and help regulate digestion without the side effects of traditional antacids.
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5. Anxiety & Stress (Compared to Caffeine, Herbal Teas, OTC Mood Boosters)

• • Many people use coffee or energy drinks for focus, which may lead to jitters or crashes.
• • Low-dose THC or CBD may provide calm, focus, and mental clarity without the potential side effects of caffeine.
• •Cannabis may help reduce anxiety naturally.
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6. Allergy & Sinus Relief (Compared to Antihistamines like Benadryl, and Claritin)

• • Antihistamines may cause drowsiness and dry mouth.
• • CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that may help with allergies, sinus pressure, and congestion.
• • Cannabis-infused nasal sprays and vaporizers may provide relief without sedation.

Why Choose Medical Marijuana Over OTC Drugs?

✅ Natural Alternative – Offers the potential for fewer synthetic chemicals in your body.

✅ Fewer Side Effects – OTC drugs may cause unwanted side effects.

✅ Multiple Benefits – Cannabis may help with pain, sleep, anxiety, and inflammation all in one.

Things to Consider 

• • Legality: Not all states/countries allow medical marijuana.
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• • Dosing: Finding the right strain and dose is key for effectiveness.
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• • Doctor Consultation: In Louisiana and Mississippi, along with many other states, you must first get a recommendation from a licensed healthcare provider before purchasing medical marijuana products.
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Is Medical Marijuana Right for You?

If you’re struggling with side effects from traditional pharmaceuticals or looking for a more natural treatment option, medical marijuana may be worth exploring. However, it’s important to consult your primary care physician to determine if it’s the best option for your condition. Click here for suggestions on how to talk to your doctor.

Next Steps

   •   Contact The Healing Clinics for more information click here or on the button below to get started.

   •   Learn about the medical marijuana program in Louisiana and Mississippi and how to obtain your recommendation. Our website contains lots of information that may help.

  •   Once you have had your evaluation by a state-licensed healthcare provider, visit a licensed dispensary to explore product options tailored to your needs.

Want to learn more? Contact The Healing Clinics today to discuss whether medical marijuana is right for you! Or, if you’re ready to get started, click the button below.