Florida, along with many other states, is recognizing the value of marijuana as a legitimate therapeutic alternative for medical conditions in a manner that’s effective and with fewer negative effects than some conventional treatment options. Dr. Rene A. Reyes of Reyes and Reyes, MD, PA, in Hollywood, Florida, prescribes medical marijuana when it may prove to be an effective treatment for your qualifying condition. Call today to learn more or request an appointment online.
Primarily, medical marijuana treats chronic pain. The sources of pain are quite varied, including ongoing headaches, neuropathy or nerve pain, glaucoma, or diseases such as cancer. There are other conditions and diseases with symptoms that may be eased using marijuana. These include:
Medical marijuana may also be prescribed in Florida for any condition for which a physician feels its use outweighs its potential health risk.
Your body already makes chemicals similar to those in marijuana. These substances can affect pain, inflammation, and other processes in your body. In some cases, the use of medical marijuana enhances the effects of the body’s natural chemicals. THC, a key active ingredient in marijuana, is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration, but a synthetic version has been approved as an ingredient in a couple of an oral prescription medications.
Unlike FDA-approved medications, medical marijuana isn’t monitored, so there’s no standard of strength or purity, and its side effects aren’t as thoroughly researched as many other products. Doctors can’t prescribe it for those under 18, and it’s not recommended for people with heart disease, those with a history of psychosis, or for pregnant women.
First, you need to get a medical marijuana card, and the first step is to establish that you’re a Florida resident. That’s easy enough using a Florida ID or driver’s license.
Not all Florida physicians are approved to write medical marijuana prescriptions, so finding a physician like Dr. Reyes, who is qualified, is your second step. Upon completing the first two steps, you are added to the state registry of medical marijuana users and you receive your card. Then, medical marijuana dispensaries can fill your prescription.
According to Florida's Amendment 2, an expanded list of diagnosable conditions may be eligible for a medical marijuana recommendation, including:
