Author: cannadoctors1

With Parkinson’s disease approved as one of the qualifying conditions for Florida medical marijuana, many patients with this condition are looking at cannabis as a supplemental treatment. There is an abundance of Parkinson’s patients throughout the world benefiting from marijuana treatments. In today’s blog post we will explore what Parkinson’s disease is, its symptoms, and the ways that medical cannabis can help patients with this ailment.

What Is Parkinson’s Disease, and What Are Some Common Symptoms?

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that predominantly affects the dopamine-producing (“dopaminergic”) neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra. This results in a number of symptoms that can develop very slowly over several years. Another thing to note is that the progression of these symptoms ranges quite a bit by individuals because of the diverse effects of this disease. Symptoms can include but are not limited to the following:

• Stiffness of the limbs (rigidity)
• Tremor, mainly at rest and described as pill rolling tremor in hands (several other tremor forms are possible)
• Slowness and paucity of movement (called bradykinesia and hypokinesia)

In addition to the above mentioned movement-related symptoms, Parkinson’s disease patients may also experience systems unrelated to movement as well. Those symptoms may have more of an impact on the individual, and can include depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, hallucinations, and also a variety of other cognitive impairments as well. This condition can truly be devastating and life-altering. However, medical cannabis can help with several symptoms. Let’s jump into how marijuana can help folks impacted by Parkinson’s disease.

How Can Medical Marijuana Help Patients With Parkinson’s?

Medical marijuana can dramatically help with several Parkinson’s symptoms, however most of them are the non-motor types. Research has shown that medical cannabis can help Parkinson’s patients with their nausea and weight loss issues associated with the condition. Also some patients have seen improvement with their sleeplessness, pain, and anxiety. Medical marijuana has helped many Parkinson’s patients overcome these symptoms.

While medical marijuana can have several benefits for Parkinson’s disease patients, there are also risks. Because of this we recommend you consult with your primary care physician before treating with marijuana to confirm it will truly help your unique Parkinson’s symptoms. Canna Doctors of America does acknowledge that medical cannabis can actually have adverse effects for this disease.

As medical professionals we encourage Parkinson’s patients to research and explore multiple treatment options to find what works best for their signature condition. If your doctor does recommend supplementing your Parkinson’s treatments with marijuana, book an appointment at one of our 3 convenient locations. We are here to help Parkinson’s patients with compassionate care.

After Florida’s medical marijuana program arrived, the state’s alternative medicine options really opened up. Although at first things seemed very restrictive, this industry truly is flourishing – and spreading compassionate care throughout the Sunshine State. In today’s blog post we will discuss the core steps to get your medical marijuana card in Tampa, and how we’ve streamlined the process to make it easier for patients to gain access.

Get Started With A Medical Marijuana Doctor Appointment

The very first step to gaining access to medical marijuana in Florida is to book an appointment with a licensed and certified medical marijuana doctor. When we say we’ve streamlined the process, we really mean we have made it so you don’t have to dig on the web to find the next steps – we want to keep things easy for you and your wellness journey. Simply visit our site and use our ‘Book Appointment’ link in the top header part of Canna-doctors.com.

From our browser based appointment tool you can choose from one of our conveniently located offices in Clearwater, St. Pete, or Tampa. From this booking tool you can choose a same day appointment if available! However if you are requesting a specific doctor, you will need to call the general number to get the appointment by name. Give us a call at 855-949-2266 to choose your medical card certification time slot with a specific doctor.

Consult With a Florida Licensed Medical Marijuana Doctor

Your next step to getting your medical marijuana certification is to have a consultation with a doctor. This is pivotal to move on to getting your medical card, since a doctor must certify that you have a qualifying condition to justify the recommendation of medical cannabis. At Canna Doctors of America, we value your privacy, so you can feel comfortable discussing your ailments in private with us. We understand it can be sensitive to talk about, but our highly trained staff is here to help understand how medical marijuana may benefit you with your conditions. All of our doctors give thorough evaluations to ensure you get the best recommendations for your qualifying condition. If you’re approved by the doctor, they will submit your info to the Medical Marijuana Use Registry.

Getting Cleared By The Florida Medical Marijuana Use Registry

Once your profile is approved and officially registered with the Medical Marijuana Use Registry your medical card is sent by mail. Florida medical marijuana cards typically take 2-3 weeks to arrive in the mail from the date of approval, but that’s just for the physical card itself.

For your convenience, you can actually get approved the same day at your initial appointment at Canna Doctors of America, and receive a temporary card via email to use in place of the actual medical card. This email with a government issued photo ID will grant you access to any Florida marijuana dispensary. That’s right, same day service from consultation to frequenting a dispensary to get your meds! To set up your initial medical marijuana consultation at Canna Doctors of America, use our appointment booking tool or call us at 855-949-2266.

As medical marijuana has gained reputation for its therapeutic effects and improved quality of life for patients, more and more parents are paying attention to the program and its benefits for minors. Florida medical marijuana laws do not restrict the medical cannabis program based on age.

Patients with qualifying conditions in any stage of life are welcome to the program, however Florida law does have specific requirements for getting minors medical marijuana cards. Today’s article will discuss those requirements in detail, and how parents can help their child receive the medical marijuana treatments they need.

Qualifying Conditions For Minors To Receive Medical Marijuana

Any minor in the State of Florida with a qualifying condition may be eligible for medical marijuana recommendations. A patient’s parent or legal guardian must register with the Medical Marijuana Use Registry. Below is a list of qualifying conditions:

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

How To Get A Minor In The Medical Marijuana Use Registry

You will have to follow some specific procedures in order to get your minor into Florida’s medical marijuana program.

1.) A medical marijuana doctor must determine that medical marijuana treatment would outweigh the health risks for all patients. If they’re under 18 years of age, a second doctor must sign off on this recommendation.

2.) A physician may not issue a medical marijuana recommendation in the form of smokable marijuana for patients under 18 years of age unless the patient has a terminal illness. If indeed this is the recommendation, there are several more steps here, because of the concerns of recommending any forms of smoking to minors.

3.) The minor’s parent must provide the Office of Medical Marijuana Use with a written request, clearly giving consent for the patient to use medical marijuana products. The minor’s medical marijuana doctors must submit the parent’s Consent for Minor Patient form to the Office Of Medical Marijuana Use prior to submitting the application for a medical marijuana card.

4.) Patients under the age of 18 must designate a caregiver in the medical marijuana card application and in the Medical Marijuana Use Registry.

5.) Minors may not physically purchase the medical marijuana in Florida’s program. Qualified patients under the age of 18 must have their caregiver purchase and administer their medical marijuana products.

In conclusion, Florida’s medical marijuana program does not discriminate by age. All Floridians are welcome to the program if you have a qualifying condition. Those from any age range can apply to get the compassionate care they need for their ailments.

If you are the parent or legal guardian of a minor in need of medical marijuana treatment, Canna Doctors of America is here to help. Simply follow the steps above to get things moving. Contact our office for more information, or to get your minor’s application process started! Call us at 855-949-2266 or use our site’s appointment tool, we are here to help your minor get the treatment they need.

What could be worse when you are weakened from an ailment, uncomfortable, and can’t get to sleep? Not much else – because rest is essential for anyone trying to recover from sickness. Medical card holders across the state are finally getting the rest they need with medical marijuana. In today’s post we will address the best medical marijuana products to choose for longer, more restful sleep. Read more to learn more about how to catch more Zzz’s!

Medical Marijuana Patients In Need Of Restful Sleep

Nearly everyone with any qualifying condition is in need of good sleep, because consistent sleep is vital to recovering from illnesses. However, some ailments cause lack of sleep or difficulty getting comfortable enough for sleep more than others. Below are some patient conditions where having medical marijuana plays a key factor in the individuals getting their much needed rest.

Chronic Pain: Many Florida medical card holders with chronic pain conditions have trouble sleeping. This is a result of a number of things, such as the inability to find a comfortable position when sleeping due to the chronic pain. Heavy indica edibles with intense body highs can greatly help patients finally feel comfortable enough to drift into sleep.

Insomnia: Although this is very obvious, it is important to point out that medical marijuana has helped many Floridians get extremely good sleep who never could get to sleep to begin with. Those with insomnia can finally get to sleep with the right medical cannabis products. Oftentimes this is a symptom of PTSD that Tampa medical marijuana doctors prescribe marijuana for.

The Top Cannabis Products For Consistent Sleep

If you are a medical card holder in Tampa or the surrounding area, restful sleep can be found with marijuana. Visit your local medical dispensary for one of these well-known products and you will find yourself counting sheep. As always, try to purchase these products in indica or indica-dominant hybrid types. One great idea is to combine cannabinoids with the below products, such as having THC to CBD or THC to CBN ratio products.

• Gummies
• Chocolates
• Baked goods
• Capsules
• Smokeable flower
• Vaporizers
• Concentrates

Getting The Restful Sleep You Need From Medical Cannabis

To summarize, there are some really effective marijuana products to help patients get to sleep. If you’re having issues sleeping from insomnia, chronic pain, or any other symptoms from qualifying conditions, medical marijuana is here to help! Another important takeaway from this article is that experts suggest combining cannabinoids to achieve optimal sleep such as CBD to THC ratio products or CBN to THC ratio products. Restful sleep to help you get over your illness is just a consultation away. To get your medical marijuana certification started, contact Canna Doctors of America today at 855-949-2266.

Sometimes the inventory at a Florida medical dispensary can be overwhelming. With so many different strains and products, it can get confusing. The effects and potency can fluctuate quite a bit, and marketing can also push certain products that dispensaries have surplus of. That being said, there is a wide range of medical cannabis effects to take into account when choosing which particular marijuana type you plan to use.

Some strains are most well-known for their calming effects, others for their ability to get patients to sleep, and many are well known to spark inspiration in patients. In today’s blog entry we will discuss which medical marijuana strains are best for creativity.

Strains That Light Up The Imagination

When it comes to marijuana strains that are often associated with enhancing creativity, there are several popular ones that many users swear by. Here are the top 5 varieties for triggering inspiration for your creative projects:

Jack Herer: Named after the famous cannabis activist, this sativa-dominant strain is known for its uplifting effects that can boost mood and creativity. To get the creative juices flowing, dose yourself with some tasty Jack Herer nuggets.

Sour Diesel: Another sativa-dominant strain, Sour Diesel is cherished for its energizing and cerebral effects, which can help stimulate creativity and focus. Medicate with Sour Diesel for a cerebral high that will help get the job done!

Green Crack: Despite its name, Green Crack is known for its sharp focus and burst of energy, making it a favorite among creatives looking for inspiration. This sativa strain will help you get dialed into your creative projects and also those that need a boost of energy.

Durban Poison: Originating from South Africa, Durban Poison is a pure sativa strain that is renowned for its uplifting and euphoric effects, making it a top choice for creative endeavors and spawning inspiration. Many users report positive creative effects from this cannabis type.

Purple Haze: This sativa-dominant strain was named after the Jimi Hendrix song. It seems fitting to be named after a psychedelic anthem as users often describe almost psychedelic experiences with this strain. It has been said to “unlock the potential of your senses” in making colors more defined and bright.

Keeping It Creative With Medical Cannabis

One thing to bear in mind about this topic, is that individual reactions to strains may vary. Because we all have our own bio-individuality, we recommend you experiment responsibly and try to find the best strain to work for you and your creative endeavors. Also, factors such as environment dosage, and cannabis tolerance can impact the experience with a particular strain. When you find the strain that works best for you, let the creativity flow and medicate as you need. To get your initial medical card certification, contact Canna Doctors of America today!

Medical cannabis has shown promising results in managing nausea and appetite issues, particularly in patients undergoing chemotherapy, those with HIV/AIDS, or individuals with other conditions that lead to appetite loss and nausea. The cannabinoids in medical marijuana, particularly THC and CBD, interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating appetite, nausea, and vomiting. Read more to explore these areas where the cannabis plant plays a big role in helping patients with appetite issues.

Anti-Nausea Effects: THC has been found to be effective in reducing nausea and vomiting, making it valuable for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or individuals with conditions like Crohn’s disease or multiple sclerosis. CBD may also have anti-nausea effects, but typically less potent than THC-rich marijuana products.

Appetite Stimulation: THC is known for its appetite-stimulating effects, often referred to as the “munchies.” This can be beneficial for patients with conditions causing appetite loss or wasting syndromes, such as HIV/AIDS or cancer.

Dosage and Administration: It’s crucial for patients to work with healthcare professionals experienced in medical cannabis to determine the appropriate dosage and administration method. This might include smoking or vaporizing dried cannabis flower, consuming cannabis-infused edibles or tinctures, or using cannabinoid-based pharmaceuticals.

Potential Side Effects: While cannabis can be effective for managing symptoms, it’s essential to be aware of potential side effects, including dizziness, dry mouth, increased heart rate, and cognitive impairment. These effects can vary depending on the individual and the strain of cannabis used.

Using Medical Cannabis For Appetite Issues In Tampa

Overall, medical cannabis can be a valuable tool for managing nausea and appetite issues in Tampa and the surrounding area, but it’s essential for patients to approach its use under the guidance of healthcare professionals to ensure safe and effective treatment. Contact Canna Doctors of America to set up your initial medical marijuana certification.

Tourette Syndrome is one of the many qualifying conditions to get a Florida medical card. Although this is prominently shown here in the Sunshine State, the Tourette Association of America does not yet endorse cannabis treatments for the condition. This is a very under-researched topic that needs more clinical studies to get that endorsement. However, the studies that do exist show very promising results. Today’s article will cover the key points on what Tourette Syndrome is and how medical marijuana can help.

Introduction To Tourette Syndrome

Tourette Syndrome, aka Tourette’s, is a neurological condition that causes involuntary vocalized sounds and uncontrollable repetitive movements. These are referred to as “tics”. Examples of these can be shrugging of the shoulders, blinking of the eyes, and blurting out obscenities. This condition is more common in males, and typically shows in children between ages 2-15. Tics can vastly range from mild and contained to severe and interfere with daily life. Some more examples of physical tics include:

Grimacing
Foot Stomping
Winking
Jerking of the head

Using Medical Marijuana to Treat Tourette’s

Medical marijuana has been clearly linked as a treatment option for neurological conditions such as Tourette’s. In two Canadian and Australian studies around this topic, research showed that patients saw a noticeable reduction in tics after consuming marijuana. Also, both studies reported most patients saying that cannabis was more effective than their traditional pharmaceutical medications including Haldol, Orap, and Risperdal.

In conclusion, medical marijuana most certainly can help you or your loved one with Tourette Syndrome. Canna Doctors of America works with patients who suffer from Tourette’s to find the best cannabis treatment options. We are only a click or phone call away to help you control the tics and get the comfort you need. Call us at 855-949-2266 to book your medical marijuana consultation or book on our website.

Link for CA and AU research studies:
https://www.thegreenremedy.org/news/2019/7/15/anxiety-amp-tourette-syndrome-have-been-added-to-pas-marijuana-program

Medical cannabis is top of every parent’s mind who has a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Some probably question whether or not exposing a child to cannabis is appropriate, or worth the benefits. Over the last decade a huge amount of research has been done on the topic, and specifically in recent years a lot of data has surfaced for low-THC medical marijuana can dramatically improve the quality of life for patients with ASD. In today’s blog we will define ASD and expand on the benefits of medical cannabis for patients with this condition.

What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disability caused by differences in the brain. ASD can be detected from early childhood, and is often characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication, repetitive behavior, and restricted interests. ASD’s limits on communication commonly include a lack of ability to explain desires, follow directions, and delayed language skills. The exact cause is still undetermined, but scientists believe it to be genetic and environmental factors. Some other symptoms include:

• Seems to prefer to be alone
• Seems to tune people out
• Doesn’t smile when smiled at
• Has poor eye contact
• Is very independent for his/her age

Making The Case For Cannabis Care for Autism

Over the last 30 years there have been noticeable spikes in children diagnosed with ASD. Tikun Olam, a Florida based cannabis research company, conducted a first-of-its-kind study on 188 children with ASD using a CBD-rich marijuana strain. The patients were given cannabis oil with a 20:1 CBD to THC ratio. The results from this study have been published and are quite promising.

Based on a six-month follow up survey, the key patient improvements were that 90.2% of patients experienced improvement in symptoms, and 2x the number of parents reported their child had a “good quality of life”. To get more specific, these are the numbers for symptom relief found in this study:

• 100% reported reduction in depression
• 89.8 reported reduction in restlessness
• 89% reported reduction in rage attacks
• 88.8% reported improvement in anxiety
• 84.6% reported decrease or disappearance of seizures
• 83.8% reported a lower level of agitation
• 80% reported significantly less tics
• 62.5% reported digestive support

Medical Cannabis As A Treatment Option for ASD

Medical marijuana can prove to be a great alternative for parents of children with ASD. You have the power to get your child off intense medications with compassionate care. Of 93 surveyed patients, 67 were on prescription medications at intake. 34.3% of patients in this study decreased overall medication use, and 20% stopped taking antipsychotics completely. This all with very limited side effects. Out of all 188 patients, only 23 parents reported undesirable side effects. These were minimally impactful side effects such as dry mouth, sleepiness, and restlessness.

Tikun Olam’s study offers a very powerful collection of information for parents with children suffering from ASD. If parents want to advocate for their children’s long term wellness goals, medical cannabis may be the avenue to take. At Canna Doctors of America we work very closely with ASD patients and their parents to find treatment options that best suit the child’s needs. To set up an initial appointment, use our site booking tool or call 855-949-2266.

Tikun Olam’s site for source reference: Tikuncannabis.com

Did you get too high off your medical marijuana? We have all been there – it’s totally understandable and a natural part of learning your dosage limits. Perhaps you took too many edibles, and started to get anxious? Or maybe you took too many hits of a vape, that’s easy because of how you can take some draws large and some far too big if you’re not paying attention while holding the button down on your device.

Luckily, it is pretty much impossible to overdose on marijuana, but it is not impossible to have taken too much to handle the high. This blog entry will provide some helpful tricks and tips to help you chill out when too high.

Calm Yourself Down By Taking Some Deep Breaths

The first thing to do in the situation if you get too high, try not to freak yourself out. If you focus on how super high you feel, you may find yourself having a panic attack. Take some deep breaths, calm down, and remind yourself that the high will disappear in some short period of time. All forms of medical marijuana wear off in minutes or at the very most a few hours. There’s nothing to panic about, as long as you’re consuming medical cannabis from a Florida dispensary it can’t hurt you.

Stay Well Hydrated and Feed Those Munchies

Cottonmouth is never fun, but it’s even less fun when you have it while uncomfortably high. Sipping some smooth H20 or your favorite hydrating drink has a double use here. Not only does it help with dry mouth, it also gives you something else to focus on. While we recommend pure filtered water, feel free to drink the beverage of your choice, although we suggest staying away from caffeine when you’re too stoned.

It can also be quite helpful to eat some food in this situation. Stay far away from fatty foods, because fat acts as a conduit for medical marijuana and can actually enhance the effects of marijuana. If you’ve smoked or vaped too much medical cannabis, eating fatty food might worsen the situation of being too stoned. If you want to try to lessen the high with a snack or treat, research shows that sugar helps to curb the psychoactive effects of THC.

Wash Away Your High With a Long Relaxing Shower

For real, who doesn’t love a good shower after dosing with medical marijuana? Not only do they feel amazing, but if you’re too high they can also help bring you down to equilibrium. Experts in the cannabis field are unsure why exactly a shower takes a high down, but regardless, many people leverage this trick with consistent results. Wash, rinse, and mellow out with some bubbles.

Take Some Medical Cannabis CBD Products

CBD has an amazing potential to relieve anxiety, whether or not it is from getting too high in the first place. Many experts in the medical marijuana industry have found that CBD is also capable of curbing some of the more unenjoyable side effects of THC, kind of counteracting the substance if you’ve had too much. If you’re experiencing an unenjoyable high, take a dose of CBD to get you back on track. The calming effects of this cannabinoid will work to get you back to feeling safe and sound.

In conclusion, the above-mentioned tactics can really help you feel better if you get too stoned from medical pot. If you’ve gotten uncomfortably high, definitely start with taking some deep breaths to prevent going into panic mode – it’s all good! Keep yourself hydrated and grab a snack. A nice next step is to take a long relaxing shower. Then last dose yourself with some medical marijuana CBD tincture, vapes, or edibles.

From the arrival of the HIV and AIDS epidemic decades ago, patients have used marijuana products to treat their symptoms. Despite this, the topic of medical marijuana and HIV/AIDS is vastly under-discussed in modern cannabis culture. This is very unfortunate because of how much relief it provides these patients. In today’s article we will discuss what these conditions are, their symptoms, and how medical marijuana can help treat them.

Overview Of HIV and AIDS

To begin with, it’s crucial to understand that these are indeed two different health conditions. While they are connected, they are different. AIDS is the late-stage form of HIV. Here’s a further breakdown of these two health conditions and the most common symptoms.

HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Top experts have determined the origin of HIV to be a variation of the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) found in certain types of African chimpanzees. This virus was believed to have been passed on to humans in the late 19th century after they hunted the animal and ate its infected meat. The virus spread across the African content over many decades, until it eventually made its way to the United States in the late 1970s.

This virus breaks down the human immune system, specifically T-cells (aka CD4 cells). These aid in the human body’s ability to fight off infection, so your T-cells are quite crucial. HIV can be managed with medications, however there is no cure for it. If the virus goes untreated, it can eventually lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
Symptoms of HIV can vary quite a bit, typically including rashes, fatigue, soreness, chills, night sweats, muscle aches, fever, and mouth ulcers. Sometimes symptoms remain dormant for decades, it all varies on the individual.

AIDS: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

As mentioned above, AIDS is the final stage of the HIV virus. Although not everyone who has HIV will end up with AIDS. This condition only occurs if HIV has hurt the immune system beyond repair. The exact specifics of this damage are when the total number of T-cells fall under 200 cells per cubic mm of blood. At this stage, HIV becomes AIDS in the impacted patient. AIDS symptoms vary a lot, but often include the following:

• Rapid weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Extreme tiredness
• Prolonged swelling of lymph nodes
• Sores throughout the body
• Neurological disorders
• Memory loss
• Diarrhea
• Night sweats / fever
• Depression

Medical Treatments for HIV/AIDS Patients

If you have symptoms for HIV or AIDS, the only way to for sure know you have one is to get tested. The longer these qualifying conditions go untreated, the more damaging and potentially fatal they become. Modern medicine allows those diagnosed with HIV to live long and healthy lives and, if the virus is caught and treated early, avoid it later becoming AIDS. HIV patients are often prescribed one or more traditional medicine treatment options for this.

Medical Marijuana for HIV and AIDS Patients In Tampa

HIV wasting syndrome is one of the biggest contributors for the increased recommendation of medical cannabis for HIV and AIDS. Back in the 80s, when many HIV/AIDS patients were experiencing dramatic weight loss, doctors turned to medical marijuana to help stimulate appetites. Because of there not being many medical marijuana options back then, physicians prescribed Marinol, a synthetic form of THC. While it was effective in relieving some symptoms, many still strongly advocated traditional marijuana for its instant effects.

Quick and instant relief is a must for HIV/AIDs patients, as they endure extreme pain from their treatments. This is why experts highly recommend medical marijuana for HIV and AIDS patients in Tampa, FL. When treatment pain is combined with the other side effects of the virus itself, patients need instant and powerful relief. That’s where medical marijuana comes in to really help patients with their symptoms. Medical marijuana can help patients throughout the Sunshine State get the compassionate care they need for HIV and AIDS.

Get Your Medical Card To Help With HIV and AIDS Symptoms

Sadly, clinical trials and research for cannabis and HIV/AIDS have been limited due to cannabis remaining federally illegal. However, the small amount of research that has been performed shows very promising results for treating HIV and AIDS with medical marijuana. If you turn out to test positive for HIV, compassionate care is here to help you get through this. Book your appointment today at Canna Doctors of America to get your medical card. With HIV and AIDs being qualifying conditions, your card approval will be fast and easy. Use our appointment booking tool on our site, or call us at 855-949-2266.