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Author: Canna Doctors

How Do Other Countries Approach Medical Marijuana?

The United States has been slowly, but steadily, adopting more of a friendly approach to marijuana laws and reform. As of the last couple years now the majority of all of our states have medical marijuana programs, and a few have even legalized recreational marijuana. The scientific research is all out there, but unfortunately now it’s just all about breaking down the social stigmas that were fabricated over the last several decades. In this article we will discuss a handful of countries around the world that have open minds about marijuana.

Our Canadian Neighbors Up North In A Cannabis Oasis

Back in 2018 Canada legalized marijuana on a federal level. Marijuana growers can obtain licenses to cultivate marijuana from the government, but the production and distribution of medical cannabis is controlled from province to province. The industry is booming throughout the country, and financial experts estimate the annual revenue in this market to go above $4billion this year!

Jamaica – The Birthplace of Reggae Music

This one is kind of expected, but Jamaica decriminalized marijuana in 2015. Tourists often see people smoking marijuana all over the place in Jamaica. Even more progressive, if you are in the Rastafarian religion you have religious exemption and can legally possess and consume as much weed as you want, it’s all good!

Belize – A Land Of Dense Jungles And Sandy Beaches

Marijuana is not legal recreationally in Belize, but they have decriminalized marijuana. The possession of marijuana in quantities equal to or less than 10 grams is decriminalized.

Cambodia – Where Dining Out Gets Green

If you enjoy your marijuana, Cambodia is a wonderful place to be. Although it is technically illegal in Cambodia, cannabis is generally culturally accepted. Also, many restaurant menus feature items labeled as “Happy” which means it has marijuana in it.

Portugal – The Country That Literally Allows Everything

Dramatically different from many countries, Portugal has actually decriminalized the use of all drugs over 20 years ago. In Portugal you are allowed to carry up to 25 grams of marijuana on you at any time.

In conclusion, there are several other countries around the world with open minds about marijuana and its potential help rather than harm. We touched down on 5 specific nations aside from the US on the topic of 420-friendliness. Here in the US Florida residents can rely on Canna Doctors of America for medical marijuana cards. If you live in the Tampa Metro area, and have a qualifying condition, book your appointment for your consultation today. We offer same day appointments and are here to help you find the relief you need!

Why Vaping Flower Is The Top Choice For Marijuana Patients In Tampa

Many Tampa medical card holders choose to treat their ailments with whole flower, also known as smokable marijuana by the medical marijuana registry. The flower-ey bud form of the plant is the most popular type of medical marijuana product at dispensaries. There are a wide variety of consumption methods for whole flower medical marijuana products. In this article we will expand on why dry herb vaporizers are on the rise and why medical card patients in Tampa are gravitating to vaping vs smoking their medical marijuana..

Common Consumption Methods For Whole Flower

The most typical route of consumption for smokable marijuana is smoking the cannabis plant in some variation of a water pipe, bowl, joint, or blunt. Below is a sample collection of consumption devices and methods for smokable marijuana, but there are also a wide range of other options to consume the ganja.

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  • Bowls

  • Bubblers

  • Bongs

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What is a Dry Herb Vaporizer?

Dry herb vaporizers apply indirect heat to ground marijuana flower to provide a vapor packed with cannabinoids and tasty terpenes. The concept is that by heating the medical marijuana, rather than burning it, the patient can unlock the flavorful compounds without the harsh taste that combustion creates. Usually medical card patients vaporize about ¼ the amount of flower they would smoke, which makes it a very economic way to consume medical marijuana.

Vaporizers can benefit medical card users in a number of ways, whether you are coughing too much from smoking, or simply want to save on your monthly budget. The types of vaporizer styles, shapes, sizes, and models vary quite a bit. If you’re in the market for a vaporizer, you should do lots of browsing to find the right fit – there are a ton of devices out there.

Dry Herb Vaping: The Ultimate Alternative To Smoking

Many Tampa medical card holders have shifted from smoking their whole flower marijuana to vaporizing it for a variety of reasons. Quite possibly the biggest one is the fact that vaporizing marijuana can reduce the emission of carbon monoxide and other harmful byproducts found in smoke when you combust the products. Many medical marijuana users find that this route of consumption also dramatically lowers your cost of treatment because you use significantly less marijuana when vaping vs smoking. Since you use less marijuana this can really help a lot with cutting costs.

Consider Trying A Vaporizer For Your Chronic Consumption

In conclusion, vaporizing medical marijuana has become very popular in recent years. There are many reasons why people are gravitating to vaporizing instead of smoking their whole flower marijuana. One important reason to highlight is the reduction of carbon monoxide and other carcinogens found in marijuana smoke. Also, many medical card holders find the taste of vaporized cannabis to be much more pleasant than when you smoke the plant. Additionally medical marijuana patients in Tampa find that vaporizing can drastically reduce the amount of smokable flower you use in a 35 day rolling period vs traditional smoking.

If you need your medical card in Tampa, St. Pete, or Clearwater, contact our team of highly skilled medical marijuana professionals. Canna Doctors of America can help you get the medical marijuana you need for your condition, call us today!

The Best Marijuana Strains In Clearwater for Stress and Anxiety

Let’s face it, everyone has experienced stress to some degree. The textbook definition of stress is a state of mental tension caused by a difficult circumstance. Anxiety is a continuous stress response that may feel like a constant dread. Stress can come from deep rooted anxiety, or something that is a one-off situation. If you have high stress in your life, or often experience anxiety, medical marijuana may be a great option to help you get some rest and relaxation. Today’s Canna Doctors article will discuss the best medical marijuana strains for stress and anxiety.

Dosing With Clearwater Medical Marijuana To Relieve Stress

If you need to get some stress relief, medical marijuana may not be the one-stop solution. Different strains have different effects on the body, in addition to being unique to every patient, as we all have a unique ‘bio-individuality’ which means results may vary. Research has shown that high THC cannabis can relieve stress and anxiety in low doses. In contrast, it’s crucial to note that higher doses of high THC marijuana may increase stress levels and cause a patient to panic.

Medical marijuana relieves stress via the endocannabinoid system, an intricate network of receptors in the body. The endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in a variety of physiological processes, including:

  • Fear
  • Mood
  • Anxiety
  • Appetite regulation
  • Stress

Best Medical Marijuana Strains for Stress Relief

Some strains seem to hit the endocannabinoid system and provide more stress and anxiety relief than others. Below are some examples of the best marijuana strains for stress relief in Clearwater, FL.

  • OG Kush: Is a commonly recommended strain for stress relief, providing a state of euphoria.
  • Granddaddy Purple: Also known as GDP, is a hybrid mix of Purple Urkle and big bud.
  • Jack-Herer: This sativa-dominant hybrid delivers a tangy pine taste and citrus scent.
  • Sour Diesel: Another sativa-dominant hybrid that provides mental stimulation.
  • Blue Dream: This is a somewhat common strain with a sweet, berry-like aroma.

In conclusion, medical marijuana products can be a great solution to stress relief. The best advice to use medical cannabis for stress or anxiety is to monitor your dosage, as mentioned above. If you are interested in obtaining your medical marijuana card to treat your anxiety with cannabis, choose Canna Doctors of America for your marijuana doctor. We can get you set up to be at the dispensary to obtain your medical marijuana the same day! Call us or book your appointment at one of our three locations throughout the Tampa Bay MetroArea.

Medical Marijuana As a Solution for Glaucoma

With recent advances in medical marijuana research, more and more qualifying conditions are being approved for the program. One eye condition approved for Florida’s medical marijuana program is glaucoma. This particular eye condition is one of the most common among senior Floridians. Although glaucoma is most common in the elderly, it can impact patients of all ages. In this blog post we will explore what glaucoma is, and how medical marijuana works as a solution for the health condition.

What is Glaucoma And What Are The Symptoms?

Glaucoma is an eye condition that many Florida’s senior residents frequently suffer from. This condition is caused by the pressure of fluid building up in the eye(s), which often causes blurred vision, headaches, and eye pain. There are two main types of glaucoma: primary open-angle and angle-closure.

Primary open-angle glaucoma is typically painless, but eye pressure builds up over time leading to issues with vision. Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the iris blocks the drainage angle. The latter is the form of glaucoma that causes nausea, vomiting, headaches, and severe eye pain.

In some cases untreated glaucoma has been reported to cause loss of vision. This is a serious condition that damages the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain. Medical marijuana serves as a viable glaucoma treatment option for medical card holders in Tampa, St. Petersburg, or Clearwater.

How Can Medical Marijuana Help With Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is typically treated with laser treatments, surgery, and eye drops. However, as a medical card holder in Tampa, you have a world of marijuana treatment options available for glaucoma. Medical marijuana has become highly popular for glaucoma patients because the THC can alleviate eye pressure. In addition to intraocular eye pressure relief, marijuana also helps mitigate a number of other symptoms. Below is a list of glaucoma symptoms you can count on medical cannabis to provide relief for:

  • Severe eye pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Intraocular eye pressure
  • Headaches

To summarize, medical cannabis research has presented the green as an effective treatment option for glaucoma. If you are in need of compassionate care for your glaucoma condition, get your medical card through Canna Doctors of America. We are here to help you find the relief you need from glaucoma or any other qualifying condition. Book your appointment today!

Navigating Medical Marijuana in Tampa: Uncovering Additional Side Effects

Even though medical cannabis has endless wellness benefits, it does in fact have some known side effects. Last month we expanded on some of these less-than-desirable side effects from medical marijuana, and how to handle them. For the sake of brevity, we only discussed a few of the most well-known medical cannabis side effects in the first article. Today’s post will focus on the next couple side effects with high user reports.

How To Prevent Paranoia From Your Prescription Pot

It’s common for someone who had a single bad experience with marijuana, often associated with paranoia, to condemn the magical green plant. If you have one bad experience with cannabis, you shouldn’t assume all results will be the same. Sometimes you can consume the same strain for years and not have paranoia, and then one time it pops up. Even though paranoia is not always avoidable, since it’s not often expected, there indeed are some strategies to decrease the risk of it.

If you’re experiencing paranoia with medical marijuana, the best strategy is to try alternative strains with more CBD than THC, or with an even ratio. The lower THC percentage will still deliver the medicinal benefits, while the CBD part will cancel out any paranoia. Additionally, it’s smart to control doses to eliminate that variable. Vaping or smoking cannabis can be hard to dose exact amounts from “puffs”. Alternatively, patients can try tinctures, edibles, and capsules to precisely measure consumption. Start small and work your way up to avoid paranoia.

Handling The Munchies From Medical Marijuana in St. Petersburg

Another very well-known side effect from cannabis is extreme, fast onsetting hunger. This is also known as ‘the munchies’ among many medical marijuana patients. Much like drowsiness or fatigue, the munchies may be a positive or a negative side effect for users, depending on the patient’s individual needs / qualifying condition. For patients currently in chemotherapy, or those with eating disorders, getting the munchies is the desired outcome from medical marijuana to help encourage eating. For those who aren’t looking to increase appetite, getting the munchies can lead to binge eating and making unhealthy meal choices.

If you fall under the category that does not want to increase appetite, there are some strategies to ensure you don’t ruin your diet every time you medicate. The most highly effective and recommended preventive measure to take is to regularly consume meals and snack throughout the day. If you don’t eat well all day and then use medical marijuana, you may find yourself binge eating from not having balanced meals in your routine. Another highly recommended strategy is to eat your meals before you dose, so the temptation isn’t there and you are already satiated. Following these methods, the munchies should not be too much of an issue.

The above mentioned side effects may be troublesome at times, but obviously they do not outweigh the benefits of medical marijuana. If you’re experiencing paranoia from your medical cannabis, try the strategies of strict dosage and CBD to THC ratio products. To prevent getting the munchies, you can try eating regularly and only medicating after meals. If you have not yet obtained your medical card, schedule your appointment at one of our 3 office locations today. Canna Doctors of America is here to help provide you with compassionate care!

Tampa’s Top 3 Marijuana Strains for Laser-Sharp Concentration and Focus

Marijuana’s portrayal in pop culture has projected stereotypes of cannabis users as being lazy, unmotivated individuals. Often shown as “the guy on the couch” or someone who chooses to not contribute much to society. If you’re a medical card holder reading this, you obviously know that stereotype does not apply to everyone who uses marijuana.

As we addressed in previous blog posts, many medical marijuana users in fact use cannabis to be able to get through their work day, and are quite valuable contributions to society. That being said, you may not want to eat indica edibles or smoke indica strains if you need to stay alert and dialed in for a project or task. The strain being a sativa dominant one is a very important element to pay attention to. In this article we will discuss the top 3 medical marijuana strains for extreme focus and concentration.

Focus On Work With Cinderella 99

The medical marijuana strain Cinderella 99, aka “Cindy”, is a sativa-dominant hybrid. Cinderella 99 has consistently been ranked high by Florida medical card holders in Tampa as being one of the best daytime smoking strains. This is because of how happy, euphoric, and uplifted patients feel after treatment. This strain is very well known for its cerebral high, promoting focus when you need it most. The taste of this cannabis strain is both sweet and earthy. We recommend this marijuana strain when you want to feel inspired for your projects and maintain concentration throughout the process.

Get Out And Socialize Using Super Lemon Haze

Super Lemon Haze, sometimes abbreviated to SLH, is a sativa-dominant hybrid used by many medical marijuana patients in Clearwater, FL and throughout the Tampa Metropolitan area. This strain combines Lemon Skunk with the well-known strain Super Silver Haze. Medical marijuana users in Clearwater rate this as one of the more functional strains, promoting both happiness and giving the patient energy. The taste can be described as well balanced between tart and sweet. Canna Doctors of America recommends this strain for social events where you might need a pick-me-up to stay engaged.

Get The Job Done While Medicating With Shipwreck

The medical marijuana strain Shipwreck is well-known both in Florida and throughout the country as an excellent cannabis variety for focus. Shipwreck is a full sativa strain known for a very uplifting strain of medical marijuana. This strain is well known in the Tampa area for promoting calming effects while also providing patients with laser-sharp focus. This may be the strain for you if your job requires sitting focused on a single project. Shipwreck is also known to encourage energy and creativity for medical card holders. Also, this strain is considered to be sweet in taste, with hints of skunky aroma.

In conclusion, the above three strains are well known in the Tampa metro area for heightened focus and concentration. Super Lemon Haze has its own focus-forward benefits, helping folks get out to events or neighborhood socializing. Cinderella 99 is another sativa-dominant hybrid known locally by medical card holders to help with concentration and inspiration. Last, Shipwreck is a full sativa strain that really delivers high levels of focus when needed. If you need a medical marijuana card in Tampa Bay, contact Canna Doctors of America today!

Treating Chronic Pain With Medical Marijuana In Tampa

Chronic pain is a very tough condition many Flordians live with. Unfortunately, many traditional doctors will prescribe extremely strong pharmaceutical painkillers for chronic pain. In the medical marijuana community cannabis is always recommended as an alternative to the pharmaceutical options because of their long term side effects and the potential of developing an addiction. In this post we will discuss why medical marijuana is an excellent chronic pain reliever.

Alleviate Soreness and Pain With Medical Cannabis Products

If you have a qualifying condition with chronic pain as one of its side effects, medical marijuana is a safe treatment option. Medical cannabis has been found to be highly effective at relieving soreness and pain for a wide variety of chronic pain issues. You don’t need to bear the nonstop pain – medical cannabis can be a really effective solution. As mentioned, medical cannabis is a great alternative to traditional pharmaceutical drugs, which can lead to opioid addictions and worse.

Make It So You Can Still Attend Most Activities

Having chronic pain can be such a drag when it comes to going out or making it to social functions. It’s pretty rough to have to skip out on seeing family and friends because you’re dealing with chronic pain. This is where medical marijuana can really have a huge impact. Treating your pain with medical marijuana can offer enough to get out there and join your friends or family. Don’t let your condition hold you back from mini golf with the family, or walking the park with friends. Medical marijuana can make it all happen when you sign up for a medical card.

Delivery Methods Of Medical Cannabis For Chronic Pain

Medical card holders in Clearwater, Tampa, and St. Petersburg have a wide range of delivery methods available to them. If you’re experiencing chronic pain, compassionate care and effective relief are available in the form of medical marijuana. For some patients tinctures and topical creams make more sense for their pain, others may only treat with edibles or vaporizers. Everyone has their own individual way of administering medical marijuana. Patients can treat chronic pain with any of the following forms of Florida medical marijuana.

  • THC Vaporizers
  • Distillate Oil
  • Edibles
  • Topical Creams
  • Whole Flower
  • Concentrates

If you’re experiencing chronic pain, pharmaceutical drugs are not your only solution. Chronic pain can be managed with a wide range of medical marijuana products. If you have chronic pain and have not obtained your medical marijuana card in Tampa, contact one of our offices. You can book an appointment right on our site. Canna Doctors of America is here to help you find alternative treatment options for chronic pain. Relief is just a click or call away, contact Canna Doctors of America today!

Elevating Athletic Recovery with Medical Cannabis in Tampa

As of late there has been a lot of attention on how medical cannabis can be used in the athletic community. With the factual information out there on the wellness benefits of medical marijuana, more and more folks who stay active are realizing how medical marijuana can be incorporated into their athletic recovery routines. In this blog post we will discuss the benefits of medical cannabis for several symptoms patients experience with highly physical activities. Below are some of the well known benefits of medical marijuana for athletes.

Reduced Inflammation for Medical Card Holders in Tampa, FL

Low THC medical cannabis products, such as CBD are quite popular for relieving muscle and joint inflammation. This can be a crucial recovery step after you’ve had hard physical activity or a rigorous workout. For this reason, many athletes prefer to incorporate low THC cannabis in their post workout routine to help with faster recovery. Also, for this same reason many patients use CBD products for lupus and Crohn’s Disease. Medical marijuana tinctures and topical creams are the most direct ways to reap the benefits for inflammation.

Better Sleep Cycles With Medical Cannabis

Medical marijuana can also help patients get better sleep, which dramatically helps with any fitness routine and overall wellness. The psychoactive element of marijuana, THC, is what helps induce sleep. Also, CBD medical marijuana products reduce stress, which can help with getting much better sleep. If you’re seeking something to help you get better sleep, and stay on top of your athletic activities, medical marijuana can be a great solution. Getting long, restful sleep is vital to any athletic routine and hitting your goals.

Additional Therapeutic Values to Medical Marijuana

Another point to make about marijuana’s benefits for athletes would be the fact that marijuana has neuroprotectants. These help protect the nervous system from damage. For patients who partake in high contact sports like martial arts, hockey, or football, medical cannabis can aid recovery from brain injuries. Also, medical cannabis can help athletes’ mental health improving sleep and decreasing anxiety.

In conclusion, medical marijuana can help athletes with reduced inflammation after a rigorous workout. Additionally, medical marijuana can help athletes get better, longer, more restful sleep, which really helps set an athlete up for success. Another point made was that cannabis can help athletes recover from injury and other health issues. If you are in need of a medical marijuana card, Canna Doctors of America can help you get approved and able to shop at dispensaries the same day! You can conveniently schedule your appointment on our site to get the process started.

Meet the Doctor: Nikko Super, MD

Canna Doctors of America is proud to feature Dr. Nikko Super M.D., a certified medical marijuana doctor in Clearwater, FL. Dr. Super is a medical card evaluation specialist in our Clearwater office on Roosevelt Blvd. Her passion is to help residents in Clearwater and the surrounding area with compassionate care and alternative treatments. Help is here for those in need in the Clearwater community. Dr. Super is skilled in detecting what types of medical cannabis treatments match specific qualifying conditions.

Clearwater Medical Cards For A Range of Medical Conditions

Dr. Nikko Super specializes in evaluating all qualifying conditions that can get patients the medical marijuana treatments they need. If you have symptoms related to any of the following qualifying medical conditions, you should set up an appointment today at one of our offices. If you specifically want to book with Dr. Nikko Super you will need to call us at 855-949-2266.

 

  • Anxiety
  • Sleep Disorder
  • ​Cancer
  • Muscle Spasms (Pain)
  • Fibromyalgia
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Hepatitis
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Migraines
  • Glaucoma
  • Arthritis
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Crohn’s Disease
  • Epilepsy
  • Other Seizure Disorders
  • PTSD

Issuing Medical Marijuana Cards in Clearwater, FL

Once your medical marijuana doctor determines if your condition meets the qualifications for a Florida medical marijuana card, they can provide the next steps for certification. Your initial assessment is a crucial step in gaining access to Florida’s medical marijuana program. Dr. Nikko Super’s top-level expertise in modern marijuana treatments allows her to guide you through it all. She will ensure that you have all the elements in place to apply for a medical card.

Compassionate Care in Clearwater Beach and Pinellas County

If you are in need of alternative treatments for your qualifying conditions, Canna Doctors of America is here to help. We pride ourselves in having the best medical marijuana doctors in Clearwater Beach and Northern Pinellas County. As discussed in this blog post, we have top-notch medical marijuana professionals like Dr. Nikko Super to help patients find the compassionate care they need. Book your appointment at our Clearwater office today!

Common Medical Marijuana Side Effects

Despite medical marijuana’s wide range of medical benefits, there can be some less-than-desirable side effects in certain individuals. As with all medicines, individual results may vary, so not everyone experiences side effects, and some to varying degrees. The great news is that medical marijuana side effects come nowhere close to the level of discomfort or harm that pharmaceuticals cause. Also, marijuana side effects are easy to remedy! In this article we will expand on how to relieve or prevent the most common medical marijuana side effects.

Handling Cotton Mouth From Medical Marijuana in Clearwater

Why do you get thirsty and end up with dry mouth aka cotton mouth from marijuana? In short, dry mouth side effects are from cannabinoid receptors found in the submandibular gland, which produces saliva. When marijuana interacts with these receptors, less saliva is produced. We’ve thought up some great solutions to this side effect.

First and foremost, it’s always best to stay well hydrated. Staying hydrated is linked to a world of benefits, but will also ease the thirst from your marijuana use. If a huge jug of water isn’t enough, try using a mouthwash or chewing gum that contains xylitol, which naturally increases saliva production. Another piece of advice, avoid any other substances that decrease saliva production such as alcohol or tobacco.

Dealing With Drowsiness And Fatigue From Medical Cannabis

Drowsiness and fatigue are quite possibly the two most common reported side effects from medical marijuana. For medical marijuana patients in Tampa seeking relief from PTSD-related nightmares, anxiety, or insomnia, this is not an issue. However for patients trying to treat chronic pain or fibromyalgia, being drowsy during the day may not be so ideal.

Unlike dry mouth symptoms, fatigue is a bit more complicated to try and prevent. A lot of it is trial and error, experimenting with various strains and how they interact with your bio-individuality. Switch to full sativa strains, vs the hybrids and indicas known to cause fatigue. If you medicate with a full sativa strain you are most likely to get a more ‘energized’ and ‘uplifting’ high from your medical marijuana. Similarly, ask your budtender for their selection of sativa-dominant hybrids

Handling Bloodshot Eyes From Medical Marijuana In Tampa

It’s quite typical that someone can tell you’ve used marijuana because of your bloodshot eyes. Even though you have a medical card to legally obtain cannabis in Tampa and throughout the state, there still can be a social stigma about using marijuana. This side effect is purely aesthetic though, so be confident there is no harm to having bloodshot eyes.

To help combat bloodshot eyes stay extremely hydrated, as dehydration can have an impact making your eyes even more bloodshot. Also, you can try some over-the-counter eye drops to try and make your eyes seem normal. If you need to get a quick fix, anti-redness eye drops from your local drug store will definitely do the trick.

In today’s entry we explored a few of the most common side effects from medical marijuana, and how to deal with these side effects to not impact your day-to-day activities. From bloodshot eyes to cotton mouth and drowsiness, we covered some very hot topics among medical card holders. If you are experiencing discomfort, or want to seek alternative medicine to find relief for your qualifying condition, contact the medical professionals at Canna Doctors of America. We offer same day issued medical cards, that’s right the same day as your appointment you can get to a medical dispensary in the Tampa Bay Area! Book your appointment at Canna Doctors of America today!