Medical Cannabis

While the use of cannabis in the medical field has only seen a surge in the past decade or so, cannabis has been used in Chinese medicine since as far back as 4000 B.C. Today there are over 330,000 individuals registered as medicinal cannabis patients in Canada.

The stigma surrounding cannabis stems from the population of recreational users. Unfortunately, these negative connotations keep many individuals with chronic pain and debilitating illnesses from seeking medical cannabis for its therapeutic properties.

Some also may not be aware that cannabis has a non-intoxicating element called cannabidiol (CBD) that acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and a muscle relaxant. Individuals who suffer from osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and other chronic pain conditions often experience relief from some of their symptoms by using CBD oil. They also note the absence of unwanted side effects that can accompany pharmaceutical painkillers.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the element in cannabis that causes that psychoactive or euphoric feeling, but it is not without its medicinal benefits. THC can alleviate neuropathic pain, ease nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing chemotherapy, treat PTSD, and aid sleep.

Our bodies have an endocannabinoid system that produces endocannabinoids within our body. When we introduce cannabinoids into our system from cannabis, the cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid receptors in our body to help treat symptoms associated with illness. This is just to say that our bodies have a built-in system designed to interact with the elements found in cannabis plants. Having said that, medical cannabis does not work for everyone and should only be used if traditional medical treatments have failed. Medical cannabis should be sought as a third line of treatment only.

Medical cannabis is very individualized; what works for one person may not work for another. Medical cannabis treatment plans are generally tailored to the individual patient based on symptoms, needs, lifestyle, etc. It’s all about what works best for you.

If you are interested in trying medical cannabis or would simply like to learn more about it, ask your family doctor about a referral to Imagine Health Centres for a Medical Cannabis Consultation. Our knowledgeable physicians will address any questions or concerns you may have regarding medical cannabis.

For more information, stop in or call one of our Calgary locations:

100, 300 6th Avenue SE – (403) 775-9669

4120, 15 Sunpark Plaza SE – (403) 910-3990

You can also visit us at ImagineHealthCentres.ca. What’s more important than your health?

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