Medical Marijuana

What is medical marijuana?

Marijuana is a drug derived from the cannabis, or hemp, plant. It contains chemicals that interact with your brain to change your mood and sense of consciousness, giving you a “high.”

Though marijuana is often smoked for recreational purposes, the plant has medicinal benefits as well. In fact, medical marijuana is rapidly becoming more accepted as a means of treating severe pain and nausea.

Medical marijuana comes in many forms, including:

• Dried buds
• Oral drops
• Oral pills
• Topical creams and ointments
• Vapor oil

Different methods of using marijuana produce different effects. Vaporizing it is one of the strongest methods, while oral pills are more mild. As a medical provider licensed in Maryland, Dr. Syed can prescribe marijuana for medical purposes.

What uses does medical marijuana have?

Medical marijuana has many uses. It’s primarily recommended for managing chronic health conditions that cause pain, nausea, and other symptoms that significantly lower a person’s quality of life.

Dr. Syed may prescribe medical marijuana for conditions such as:

• Alzheimer's disease
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Cancer
• Epilepsy
• HIV/AIDS
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Severe chronic pain
• Severe nausea 

Dr. Syed recommends the type of medical marijuana that’s best for you, depending on your condition. Although everyone is different, most people can use their medical marijuana whenever they feel like the need to do so.

Is medical marijuana safe?

Federal laws in the United States classify marijuana as a Schedule I substance, along with heroin, ecstasy, and other drugs. However, research shows that marijuana doesn’t pose the same risk of addiction or other dangerous side effects as other drugs, including prescription opioid medications.

For people with chronic pain or those experiencing severe nausea from medical treatments like chemotherapy, medical marijuana could offer significant relief. Laws around marijuana vary, so it’s important to learn about the risks and decide if it’s right for you.

Side effects of medical marijuana are typically minimal when it’s used as directed. However, some people may experience symptoms that include dizziness, slowed reaction times, increased heart rate, and more.

Talk to Dr. Syed to learn more about the benefits and risks of trying medical marijuana to improve your quality of life. Contact the office by phone, or request an appointment online.