{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/chronic-pain/4","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2492-markdown","title":"Top 5 Conditions Cannabis Treats Effectively","slug":"top-5-conditions-cannabis-treats-effectively","content":"As cannabis is legalized in more states and countries, people are turning to this powerful plant to address chronic medical conditions as well as day-to-day health concerns. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), the main chemical compounds found in marijuana, appear to successfully help reduce seizures, manage nausea, combat insomnia, relieve stress and weather the emotional turbulence of depression. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### The Most Common Uses for Marijuana\n\nMigraines, anxiety, chronic pain, arthritis and insomnia are five of the most common reasons people use cannabis. According to a [HelloMD patient survey](https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/hellomd-news/HelloMD_Medical_Marijuana_Patient_Survey.pdf) of 17,000 patients, 64% used cannabis for relief from their symptoms on a daily basis with 66% using it as their primary treatment for their conditions. Almost all users (96%) even said they would likely recommend cannabis to family and friends who were looking for ways to treat their own symptoms. \n\n### Marijuana & Chronic Pain\n\nA recent study provides evidence that [cannabis can significantly improve chronic pain](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/new-research-proves-marijuana-effectively-controls-chronic-pain) and help manage the symptoms associated with it thanks to the analgesic effects of the compounds found in the plant. Both THC and CBD are effective in treating the aching, throbbing, burning, soreness and stiffness associated with a number of conditions that result in consistent physical discomfort. In addition, a new study by HelloMD and UC Berkeley shows that an overwhelming [majority of cannabis patients (92%) prefer using cannabis to opioids](https://hellomd.com/articles/hellomd-and-uc-berkeley-release-study-on-cannabis-use-as-a-substitute-for-opioid-and-non-opioid-based-pain-medication) when managing their chronic pain. \n\nRELATED:[CANNABIS STRAINS FOR DIFFERENT KIND OF PAIN](https://hellomd.com/articles/top-14-marijuana-strains-for-different-kinds-of-pain)\n\n###  Marijuana & Anxiety\n\nCBD has been shown to assist the brain in regulating symptoms caused by anxiety from feelings of panic and uneasiness to physical tension and trouble sleeping. When CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, its [calming properties](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/does-marijuana-ease-anxiety) have been shown to help regulate the type 1 cannabinoid (CB1) receptors in the central amygdala of the brain that manage stress signals.\n\n### Marijuana & Arthritis\n\nThough there are various types of rheumatic diseases that fall under the umbrella term arthritis, cannabis has been proven to be a powerful alternative treatment that can help reduce the tenderness, inflexibility and swelling that accompanies many of the condition’s forms. The plant’s interactions with the type 2 cannabinoid (CB2) receptors activates pathways that can produce an [anti-inflammatory effect](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-soothes-arthritis-pain) within the body and cut down on joint pain. In addition to consuming marijuana orally, patients can also use infused topical creams and salves for relief. \n\nRELATED: [DO TOPICALS WORK FOR ARTHRITIS?](https://hellomd.com/questions-and-answers/do-topicals-work-for-arthritis-if-so-which-do-you-recommend)\n\n### Marijuana & Migraines \n\nRandomized clinical studies have shown that low doses of THC combined with CBD can lessen neurogenic pain and raise serotonin levels to ease the symptoms of [migraines](https://hellomd.com/articles/treating-migraines-with-marijuana-dr-patricia-frye). Inhalation has been shown to be the fastest and most effective method for migraines, followed by a tincture or spray taken sublingually to prolong the effects. For some people, consistent dosing of CBD has reduced or even eliminated recurring migraines.\n\n`embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m21czeJ8pJk`\n\n### Marijuana & Insomnia\n\nTHC and CBD have both been shown to play a role in regulating the endocannabinoid system, which can help people [establish more consistent sleep patterns](https://hellomd.com/articles/medical-marijuana-could-help-insomniacs-sleep-better). Studies have also shown that cannabis can help people fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer throughout the night and might even improve the quality of sleep. Indica strains are usually suggested to help induce sleepiness, because they're known for their deeply relaxing qualities. \n\nRELATED: [CAN MARIJUANA HELP ME WITH INSOMNIA?](https://hellomd.com/questions-and-answers/can-marijuana-help-me-with-insomnia)\n\n### How to Consume Cannabis\n\nCannabis can be consumed in many different ways including:\n\n* smoking or vaping\n* eating edibles\n* taking tinctures\n* rubbing it on your skin as a topical\n* putting on a dermal patch\n* soaking in the tub with cannabis-infused bath salts\n\nIt’s best to assess your needs according to your condition, consider how you want to consume cannabis and figure out what type of experience you’d like to have after consumption—like whether you want to feel high.\n\nIf you're new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.  \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3245033112582782,"src":"/static/0f906e903339441a0363e7a377f9821b/ee604/8782460ff284616cf33c2836173a0381.png","srcSet":"/static/0f906e903339441a0363e7a377f9821b/69585/8782460ff284616cf33c2836173a0381.png 200w,\n/static/0f906e903339441a0363e7a377f9821b/497c6/8782460ff284616cf33c2836173a0381.png 400w,\n/static/0f906e903339441a0363e7a377f9821b/ee604/8782460ff284616cf33c2836173a0381.png 800w,\n/static/0f906e903339441a0363e7a377f9821b/f3583/8782460ff284616cf33c2836173a0381.png 1200w,\n/static/0f906e903339441a0363e7a377f9821b/ab613/8782460ff284616cf33c2836173a0381.png 1357w","srcWebp":"/static/0f906e903339441a0363e7a377f9821b/58556/8782460ff284616cf33c2836173a0381.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0f906e903339441a0363e7a377f9821b/61e93/8782460ff284616cf33c2836173a0381.webp 200w,\n/static/0f906e903339441a0363e7a377f9821b/1f5c5/8782460ff284616cf33c2836173a0381.webp 400w,\n/static/0f906e903339441a0363e7a377f9821b/58556/8782460ff284616cf33c2836173a0381.webp 800w,\n/static/0f906e903339441a0363e7a377f9821b/99238/8782460ff284616cf33c2836173a0381.webp 1200w,\n/static/0f906e903339441a0363e7a377f9821b/1da85/8782460ff284616cf33c2836173a0381.webp 1357w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2462-markdown","title":"NFL to Conduct Study on Pain Management and Cannabis","slug":"nfl-to-conduct-study-on-pain-management-and-cannabis","content":"The NFL has recently reached out to the league’s player’s union to ask to conduct a joint study on the efficacy of cannabis on pain management. NFL Executive Vice President of Communications [Joe Lockhart said](http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2725016-nfl-reportedly-writes-nflpa-with-offer-to-study-marijuana-for-pain-management) that the NFL \"Can confirm we did reach out to the NFLPA in early July proposing we work together on some research on the impact of marijuana and pain management. While they've acknowledged our letter, we don't yet have a commitment from them to work together on this.” \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nThe players union has already undertaken a study on pain and cannabis in order to help players deal with the pain management issues that many of them face throughout their careers in the NFL. Though the player’s association has not yet given a response to the NFL on whether or not they would like to merge their studies, they are passionate about looking at cannabis as a possible treatment option for their players. \n\n`embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcBN5JHxX9A`\n\nRELATED: [VIEW FILM ON OPIOIDS VS CANNABIS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/57f6a10451768d00075caa7e/hellomd-short-film-on-opioid-abuse-debuts-at-mill-valley-film-festival)\n### Cannabis for Pain Management\n\nIn recent years there have been many debates taking place in the NFL related to medical cannabis use. With many players now living in states where medical cannabis is legal, more are desiring to be able to use it as a medication to control pain stemming from NFL injuries. Currently, no matter what state a player is located in, they face penalties and suspensions for using cannabis. Players are commonly drug tested to see if they are using illicit substances, as well as cannabis. \n\nIn 2014, the league and player’s union came to a new agreement about the levels of THC considered allowed in the drug tests conducted on players. The amount of  THC in a blood or urine sample considered positive for the drug was raised from 15 nanogram per ml of blood or urine up to 35 nanogram of THC per ml. In the fall of 2016, NFL commissioner [Roger Goodell made comments](http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2725016-nfl-reportedly-writes-nflpa-with-offer-to-study-marijuana-for-pain-management) about negotiations and conversations related to cannabis use by NFL players, \"We've had several conversations about this issue and several years ago we did take a less punitive approach to marijuana…That will be one of the subjects in the collective bargaining process, which we'd like to get into sooner rather than later.” \n\nEven more recently, however, [Goodell stated](http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/11/health/nfl-marijuana-stance/index.html) that a change to their cannabis policy, \"Right now, it's not something that we're actively considering. Our doctors are always evaluating that. If they see they can improve our policies or what we can do better to protect our players or help our players, we'll look at it.” These considerations of changes, however fluctuating, to the NFL policy on marijuana have been prompted by the need for more effective forms of pain management for professional football players. \n\n### High Levels of Opioid Abuse\n\nPrevious negotiations of changes to NFL policy, however, have failed, often collapse in the final moments of negotiations. Many former, and a few current, players have come forward to the NFL to make it clear that cannabis could be an effective alternative to opioids that many players turn to. The NFL experiences opioid abuse at very high levels, which partially stems from the commonality of injuries and the importance placed on continuing to play despite pain. A 2011 [study by the Journal of Drug and Alcohol Dependence](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3095672/) found that over a half of retired NFL players took opioid pain killers during their careers and 71% of those who use opioids abused the opioids they take. A specific letter was written to the NFL by eight former and one current player outlining many of the reasons that the NFL should change their stance on the use of medical cannabis. \n\nIn the letter, the players state that, \"cannabis deserves the serious attention of your medical staff as a viable pain management alternative and potential neuroprotectant.” Former Baltimore Ravens player, Eugene Monroe, who recently retied from the NFL, [said](http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/11/health/nfl-marijuana-stance/index.html), \"It's the responsibility of the medical professionals of the NFL to take this issue on and do something to potentially help players safety and help with their long term safety.” Few current players speak out about their opinions on a desire for cannabis policy to change, but Tennessee Titans linebacker Derrick Morgan has been willing to speak out despite the potential for backlash. Morgan has [said](http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/11/health/nfl-marijuana-stance/index.html) that when it comes to pain management,\"We should have all options available to us,\" and thinks that cannabis is an important alternative to harsher medications like opioids. \n\nIt is a great step forward that the NFL is looking into a study about cannabis for pain management, even if they are not immediately considering a policy change, and their desire to partner with the players union shows an interest in the feelings and opinions of the players on the issue. Hopefully this new study will lead to a future where NFL players are able to use cannabis as an effective alternative to opioids to help control their pain. \n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56201c206430320006bb0000/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.  \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/9568ffb5ef81ebdccdef2ac3868d1298/14b42/f9d9086447e69279dfcce8a213169a23.jpg","srcSet":"/static/9568ffb5ef81ebdccdef2ac3868d1298/f836f/f9d9086447e69279dfcce8a213169a23.jpg 200w,\n/static/9568ffb5ef81ebdccdef2ac3868d1298/2244e/f9d9086447e69279dfcce8a213169a23.jpg 400w,\n/static/9568ffb5ef81ebdccdef2ac3868d1298/14b42/f9d9086447e69279dfcce8a213169a23.jpg 800w,\n/static/9568ffb5ef81ebdccdef2ac3868d1298/47498/f9d9086447e69279dfcce8a213169a23.jpg 1200w,\n/static/9568ffb5ef81ebdccdef2ac3868d1298/54ac5/f9d9086447e69279dfcce8a213169a23.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/9568ffb5ef81ebdccdef2ac3868d1298/58556/f9d9086447e69279dfcce8a213169a23.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/9568ffb5ef81ebdccdef2ac3868d1298/61e93/f9d9086447e69279dfcce8a213169a23.webp 200w,\n/static/9568ffb5ef81ebdccdef2ac3868d1298/1f5c5/f9d9086447e69279dfcce8a213169a23.webp 400w,\n/static/9568ffb5ef81ebdccdef2ac3868d1298/58556/f9d9086447e69279dfcce8a213169a23.webp 800w,\n/static/9568ffb5ef81ebdccdef2ac3868d1298/99238/f9d9086447e69279dfcce8a213169a23.webp 1200w,\n/static/9568ffb5ef81ebdccdef2ac3868d1298/5e0b8/f9d9086447e69279dfcce8a213169a23.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2371-markdown","title":"New Research Proves Marijuana Effectively Controls Chronic Pain ","slug":"new-research-proves-marijuana-effectively-controls-chronic-pain","content":"In a recent comprehensive review of current data on the health effects of cannabis and cannabinoids, the [National Academies of Sciences](https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/medical-cannabis-for-chronic-pain) determined that adult patients with chronic pain who were treated with cannabis/cannabinoids were more likely to experience a clinically noteworthy reduction in pain symptoms\n\n![COVID is more and more common as Omicron surges. Cannabis can help with COVID related symptoms.](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_01_12_at_11_53_00_AM_9ec3b90c8f.png)\n\nThese results are consistent with the findings of a [systematic review from Harvard that was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26103031), which also looked at the efficacy of cannabis on chronic pain. The review looked at studies conducted in the years ranging from 1948 to 2015 and found that six out of six general chronic pain studies supported the finding that cannabis led to significant improvements against chronic pain. \n\nRELATED: [HELLOMD STUDY ON CANNABIS, CHRONIC PAIN & OPIOIDS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/hellomd-and-uc-berkeley-release-study-on-cannabis-use-as-a-substitute-for-opioid-and-non-opioid-based-pain-medication)\n\n### Cannabis Effectively Replaces Opioids\n\n[HelloMD in conjunction with UC Berkeley](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/hellomd-and-uc-berkeley-release-study-on-cannabis-use-as-a-substitute-for-opioid-and-non-opioid-based-pain-medication), concluded the largest study done to date on cannabis, chronic pain and opioids. The study, which surveyed thousands of patients from the HelloMD database, shows the overwhelming majority of cannabis patients (92%) prefer using cannabis to opioids when managing their chronic pain. Additionally, 81% “strongly agreed/agreed” that cannabis by itself was more effective than taking cannabis with opioids. The results were similar when using cannabis with non-opiate based pain medications.\n\n![Cannabis can replace opioids](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_01_14_at_8_27_30_AM_a708755839.png)\n\n\nTraditionally, people who suffer from chronic pain have been given large amounts of opioids or high doses of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, which can be addictive and often lead to additional medical problems. In lieu of traditional pharmaceuticals, cannabis is much safer, and it is nearly impossible to overdose.\n\n“Given the safety profile of cannabis compared to opioids, cannabis appears to be far safer,” said Dr. Donald Abrams, professor and Chief of Hematology and Oncology at San Fransisco General Hospital. THC and CBD both aid in reducing pain. THC is a strong analgesic, while CBD helps to reduce inflammation and stop chronic pain at the source. \n\nIf you're new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/get-started) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.  ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.2738853503184713,"src":"/static/2df6135a9f301ff11f0b87458a914d50/ee604/8982bd7b129251e3e68cad0b61641666.png","srcSet":"/static/2df6135a9f301ff11f0b87458a914d50/69585/8982bd7b129251e3e68cad0b61641666.png 200w,\n/static/2df6135a9f301ff11f0b87458a914d50/497c6/8982bd7b129251e3e68cad0b61641666.png 400w,\n/static/2df6135a9f301ff11f0b87458a914d50/ee604/8982bd7b129251e3e68cad0b61641666.png 800w,\n/static/2df6135a9f301ff11f0b87458a914d50/bca7f/8982bd7b129251e3e68cad0b61641666.png 1162w","srcWebp":"/static/2df6135a9f301ff11f0b87458a914d50/58556/8982bd7b129251e3e68cad0b61641666.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2df6135a9f301ff11f0b87458a914d50/61e93/8982bd7b129251e3e68cad0b61641666.webp 200w,\n/static/2df6135a9f301ff11f0b87458a914d50/1f5c5/8982bd7b129251e3e68cad0b61641666.webp 400w,\n/static/2df6135a9f301ff11f0b87458a914d50/58556/8982bd7b129251e3e68cad0b61641666.webp 800w,\n/static/2df6135a9f301ff11f0b87458a914d50/23145/8982bd7b129251e3e68cad0b61641666.webp 1162w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2295-markdown","title":"Top 5 Marijuana Products for Chronic Pain","slug":"top-5-marijuana-products-for-chronic-pain","content":"### Top 5 Products to Fight Chronic Pain\n\nI'm a huge fan of rock climbing. It's a sport that puts me in touch with nature and all the elements within it. Unfortunately, I also battle chronic pain and two things that don't go together are a multi-day rock climbing trip and debilitating chronic pain. For this, and other reasons, I am always on the lookout for cannabis products that will keep my chronic pain in check so I can enjoy all that life has to offer.\n\nHere are five products we recommend for toppling chronic pain with medical marijuana. Everyone reacts differently, so our selection has many different product types from edibles to topicals. Depending on what works for you, we suggest products with different ratios of CBD to THC.\n\n### Lord Jones Old Fashioned Gum Drops\n\nLord Jones makes artisanal, high-end edibles that are unlike anything else on the market. These old fashioned gumdrops are beautiful bite-sized treats that provide you with a delicious high CBD dose of medication. Holding 10 mg of CBD and 2mg of THC per serving, they provide a perfect dose of medication filled with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. There are a variety of delicious flavors made with just a few simple ingredients. Flavors include Wild Strawberry, Mango, Blueberry, Lemon, Blood Orange, Peach, Apricot, and Passion Fruit.\n\n### Body Balm by Herba Buena\n\nHerba Buena’s Body Balm is a topical treatment that helps reduce and soothe body pain. The luscious balm can be applied directly to the area experiencing pain. This topical fights localized pain with high levels of analgesic THC, without the psychoactive side effects. The luxurious body balm is made up of coconut, jojoba, and avocado oil with the addition of cocoa butter and beeswax. Body Balm is made with organic sun grown cannabis and each container has 1000 mg of THC.\n\n### Relax Oil Cartridges by Alchemy by Dark Heart\n\nRelax oil cartridges combine principles of aromatherapy, holistic health and herbalism. Simply put, it's full of high quality cannabis with the added benefit of additional herbal ingredients, all working in concert to reduce pain and lessen inflammation. The oil cartridges include an indica dominant cannabis oil, chamomile, and lavender. Relax, as the name might suggest, also helps to reduce stress and anxiety.\n\n### Wellness Cannabis Tincture by Rosette Wellness\n\nThe Wellness tincture by Rosette Wellness does not make consumers feel high like a THC-rich tincture can, but it has an unusual and powerful combination of canabinoids. In one dropper, you'll receive 1 mg of THC and 3 mg each of CBDA, CBD and THCA. Wellness targets pain and inflammation and contains a high terpene profile that's chockfull of antioxidants. HelloMD co-founder Pamela Hadfield consumes Wellness on a daily basis to prevent migraines. It's recommended that you refrigerate Wellness as the cannabinoid THCA, if left out on a hot day, may convert to THC.\n\n### Strovia Lozenges\n\n[Strovia lozenges](https://www.hellomd.com/biz/strovia/products) are single dose edible lozenges that provide a accurate doses of CBD to THC cannabis. The lozenges come in a variety of flavors and doses which can be taken discreetly. The lozenges come with various levels of THC and CBD, ranging from 2 mg to 10 mg of THC. The lozenges also come high CBD doses that include as much as 30 mg of CBD. There are a variety of delicious flavors including Honey Lemon Echinacea, Mango Lemongrass, Pomegranate Antioxidant, and Berry Green Tea. The customer service team at HelloMD started the Strovia fan club after they first tried these tasty suckers.\n\n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.  \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/640737fd95371073f2c6ad8f448a8756/ee604/2ad7f6ce7e27b21ab2195b0ecd363ae9.png","srcSet":"/static/640737fd95371073f2c6ad8f448a8756/69585/2ad7f6ce7e27b21ab2195b0ecd363ae9.png 200w,\n/static/640737fd95371073f2c6ad8f448a8756/497c6/2ad7f6ce7e27b21ab2195b0ecd363ae9.png 400w,\n/static/640737fd95371073f2c6ad8f448a8756/ee604/2ad7f6ce7e27b21ab2195b0ecd363ae9.png 800w,\n/static/640737fd95371073f2c6ad8f448a8756/a8378/2ad7f6ce7e27b21ab2195b0ecd363ae9.png 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/640737fd95371073f2c6ad8f448a8756/58556/2ad7f6ce7e27b21ab2195b0ecd363ae9.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/640737fd95371073f2c6ad8f448a8756/61e93/2ad7f6ce7e27b21ab2195b0ecd363ae9.webp 200w,\n/static/640737fd95371073f2c6ad8f448a8756/1f5c5/2ad7f6ce7e27b21ab2195b0ecd363ae9.webp 400w,\n/static/640737fd95371073f2c6ad8f448a8756/58556/2ad7f6ce7e27b21ab2195b0ecd363ae9.webp 800w,\n/static/640737fd95371073f2c6ad8f448a8756/cc834/2ad7f6ce7e27b21ab2195b0ecd363ae9.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2392-markdown","title":"New Study Finds Cannabis Effective in Treatment for Migraines","slug":"new-study-finds-cannabis-effective-in-treatment-for-migraines","content":"### Treating Migraines with Cannabis\n\nA [new study](https://www.ean.org/amsterdam2017/fileadmin/user_upload/E-EAN_2017_-_Cannabinoids_in_migraine_-_FINAL.pdf) found that active ingredients in cannabis can treat [migraines](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/577d4650d64ada0007000013/treating-migraines-with-marijuana-dr-patricia-frye) better than traditional prescription medications, and with fewer side effects. The results are another huge win for the movement to provide safe, cannabis-based alternatives to opiate-based pain medications in an effort to stem the mounting losses from the opioid epidemic in the US. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### A Global Medical Condition\n\nMigraines affect a billion people, making it the third most prevalent medical condition in the world.  A migraine attack can involve severe pain around one or both eyes, often accompanied by disorienting side effects like nausea and vomiting, and lasting between 4 and 72 hours.  Cluster headaches are brief, acute headaches that happen throughout the day, usually affecting one side of the head or causing pain around one eye.  \n\nAs a migraine sufferer herself, HelloMD’s co-founder [Pamela Hadfield]( https://www.hellomd.com/people/pamelahadfield) says her personal experience with migraines is one of the reasons she started HelloMD. She says, “My migraines were very severe and would not allow me to function normally. After many failed attempts with various prescription medications, I found pain relief with Vicodin, but it also had a significant downside. I started using Vicodin routinely and became worried I might become addicted. When I eventually tried cannabis, I found it not only helped with the pain but it ultimately prevented my migraines altogether. Today, I no longer suffer from the types of migraines that once plagued me.” \n\n### Alternative Treatments Established\n\nThe latest study, led by Dr. Maria Nicolodi of the Interuniversity Center in Italy, aims to show that cannabis can be used as an alternative treatment to traditional pain medication.  The study included 127 participants who suffer from chronic migraines and cluster headaches.  Medical cannabis treatments made up of varying ratios of cannabinoids tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) were tested alongside the traditional medications used for migraines.\n\nIn the first of the two-phase study, 48 adult patients who suffer from chronic, acute migraines were given varying doses of a combination of THC and CBD.  After treating patients with cannabis medicine every day for three months, researchers found that migraine pain fell a significant 55% when patients were given doses of 200 mg or more. (Doses of 100 mg or less were not effective.)\n\nThe second phase of the study tested both patients who experience migraines and those who experience cluster headaches, and tested cannabis medicine side-by-side with traditional medications.  Migraine patients were given either 200 mg of THC-CBD daily or 25 mg of amitriptyline, an antidepressant medication often used to treat migraines.  Patients with cluster headaches were given either 200 mg of THC-CBD daily or 480 mg of verapamil, a calcium channel blocker often used to treat cluster headaches.  Patients in the cannabis group were advised to take an extra 200 mg of THC-CBD when they experienced acute pain.\n\nThe results of the second phase show that THC-CBD treatments led to a slightly greater prevention of migraines compared to amitriptyline (40.4% vs 40.1%) and a significant 43.5% reduction in acute pain.  For patients with cluster headaches (a much rarer condition than migraines), the THC-CBD was effective, but only for those who patients have experienced the headaches since childhood.  \n\nRELATED:[HOW TO STOP MIGRAINES](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5833c3741acf3d000ce08758/how-to-stop-migraines)\n\nCannabis medicine was administered in oral doses, starting with 10 mg of “a combination of the two compounds;” one with 19% THC and the other with 9% CBD and virtually no THC.  It should be noted that no further information was provided regarding the ratio of THC to CBD used, so we cannot draw conclusions about the which compound was more or less effective, but we do see that both used together are effective.  \n\n### Cannabis Treatments Work\n\nDr. Nicolodi concludes that they “were able to demonstrate that cannabinoids are an alternative to established treatments in migraine prevention.”  Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the most well-known component of cannabis, is also the primary psychoactive component of the plant, while cannabidiol (CBD), has been making news as a cannabinoid that offers a myriad of therapeutic benefits without the psychoactive effects of THC.  While the study does not specify what amount of each compound made up the dosage, we know that it was a combination of the two that treated the pain.\n\nThere are still more trials underway to test how effective cannabis can be to treat various conditions, including chronic pain.  Evidence continues to build that cannabis-based treatments can be used as a replacement for opiate painkillers.  This study is one more important step along the way to reducing the amount of people addicted to and overdosing on opiates in our country.\n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.  \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/7aff1fdecdc3c028ef80bb7b6f77ed5a/14b42/504f39508a240cfe102bb72994d094af.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7aff1fdecdc3c028ef80bb7b6f77ed5a/f836f/504f39508a240cfe102bb72994d094af.jpg 200w,\n/static/7aff1fdecdc3c028ef80bb7b6f77ed5a/2244e/504f39508a240cfe102bb72994d094af.jpg 400w,\n/static/7aff1fdecdc3c028ef80bb7b6f77ed5a/14b42/504f39508a240cfe102bb72994d094af.jpg 800w,\n/static/7aff1fdecdc3c028ef80bb7b6f77ed5a/47498/504f39508a240cfe102bb72994d094af.jpg 1200w,\n/static/7aff1fdecdc3c028ef80bb7b6f77ed5a/54ac5/504f39508a240cfe102bb72994d094af.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/7aff1fdecdc3c028ef80bb7b6f77ed5a/58556/504f39508a240cfe102bb72994d094af.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7aff1fdecdc3c028ef80bb7b6f77ed5a/61e93/504f39508a240cfe102bb72994d094af.webp 200w,\n/static/7aff1fdecdc3c028ef80bb7b6f77ed5a/1f5c5/504f39508a240cfe102bb72994d094af.webp 400w,\n/static/7aff1fdecdc3c028ef80bb7b6f77ed5a/58556/504f39508a240cfe102bb72994d094af.webp 800w,\n/static/7aff1fdecdc3c028ef80bb7b6f77ed5a/99238/504f39508a240cfe102bb72994d094af.webp 1200w,\n/static/7aff1fdecdc3c028ef80bb7b6f77ed5a/5e0b8/504f39508a240cfe102bb72994d094af.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2141-markdown","title":"New York Expands Condition List for Medical Marijuana Certifications","slug":"new-york-expands-condition-list-for-medical-marijuana-certifications","content":"### A Restrictive Medical Market \n\n![Untitled.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Untitled_9042f9d425.png)\n\nWhen New York’s medical marijuana industry was launched in January of 2016 it was considered to be one of the most restrictive in the United States. Patients, experts, and even the Health Commissioner of the state of New York, believed that access to medical cannabis was too difficult for patients in need based on the limited number of health conditions allowed. \n\nNew York began its medical marijuana industry with a very strict set of conditions that allowed patients to access cannabis. This only included conditions that were considered extremely serious or terminal, including HIV/AIDs, Parkinson’s, Cancer, Epilepsy, MS, and other equally serious conditions. Chronic pain was recently added to the list of reasons for which patients could receive a medical marijuana recommendation. Adding chronic pain as a qualifying condition was a major step forward in allowing more patients in need to access medical marijuana, especially as an alternative to harsh opioids that are often prescribed for this condition.\n\nRELATED: [RECEIVE YOUR MEDICAL CERTIFICATION 100% ONLINE IN NEW YORK STATE](https://www.hellomd.com)\n\n### New Changes Make Cannabis More Accessible \n\n![Untitled2.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Untitled2_361fa2fe25.png)\n\nThe new changes to the industry are part of an effort by the state to make the industry more accessible to patients, Health Commissioner [Dr. Howard Zucker](https://www.health.ny.gov/press/releases/2018/2018-06-18_dr_zucker_on_status_of_regulated_marijuana_report.htm) said in a statement about the program recent changes to the program, \"We are constantly evaluating the program to make it more effective for patients and practitioners, and we believe that the implementation of these recommendations will do just that.” This echoes the results of a report by the New York Department of Health that recommended increasing accessibility of the program. \n\nCurrently there are about 7,000 patients and twenty dispensaries that support patients across the state. For a state the size of New York, this limited scope greatly limits accessibility for patients who may need medical cannabis for a variety of conditions. When the state’s [medical program](https://cannabis.ny.gov/practitioners) initially launched, it only allowed doctors licensed in the state of New York, to recommend medical marijuana. Recent changes however, have since expanded the pool of people who can recommend cannabis by allowing Physician’s Assistants and Nurse Practitioners.\n\n### Qualifying Condition List Expands\n\n![Untitled3.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Untitled3_f0cc38cfe6.png)\n\nMany other bills have been proposed to add a variety of conditions to the list of qualifiers, but many of those bills fail to get beyond the state senate’s health committee. A new bipartisan bill, however, has gained traction in New York to add Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a qualifying condition for medical cannabis. We have seen that cannabis, particularly CBD based products, can greatly benefit those who suffer from PTSD, many of whom are veterans. \n\nThe bill has passed through the New York health committee and is now going up for a vote in the state senate. Michael Krawitz, the executive director of Veterans for Medical Cannabis Access, has [said about the progress of the bill](https://www.forbes.com/sites/debraborchardt/2017/05/11/new-york-state-adds-ptsd-to-medical-marijuana-program-will-menstrual-cramps-be-next/#2f73ea0b1108), “I am grateful to the Senate Health Committee for advancing this compassionate bill, and on behalf of countless veterans who could benefit, I urge the full Senate to promptly approve the bill. Veterans with PTSD should not have to choose between FDA-approved medications that carry a black box suicide warning and off-label drugs with no clinical efficacy and horrible side effects…There is another way: medical marijuana has helped veterans have a restful night’s sleep instead of night terrors, and thus experience a better quality of life.” The bill to add PTSD to the list of qualifying conditions is not the only bill related to cannabis that is going to the senate floor. \n\n[Bill 582](https://nyassembly.gov/leg/?bn=A00582&term=&Summary=Y&Actions=Y&Votes=Y&Memo=Y&Text=Y), which was put forward [by assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal](https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2017/06/157147/marijuana-period-pain-cramps-new-york-law), is attempting to add dysmenorrhea and other PMS related pain to the list of approved conditions. This bill has a high profile supporter, Whoopi Goldberg, who is willing to come forward and help the cause of getting this bill pushed forward. Goldberg said she will work hard to help the state senate understand why Bill 582 is important, “I'm going to try. I strongly believe that I can help them understand why this is not a high.” Even though chronic pain is currently seen as a qualifying condition, menstrual related pain is not considered chronic pain under the law. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_us/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_mid=5A17A060-68D7-4D1B-84BD-282D314E1820)\n\n### Challenges to Overcome\n\n![Untitled4.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Untitled4_007e82900b.png)\n\nMany more patients in New York could benefit from cannabis, and these bills could allow those people to gain the benefits of medical marijuana. New York, however, still has some hurdles for its cannabis marketplace. Patients have a limited selection of medical cannabis products, and the state only allows adults 21 years of age or older to buy and possess up to three ounces of cannabis flower and up to 24 grams of concentrated cannabis (oils, tincture, edibles, vapes, etc.) to be consumed. Other product types are not allowed, which may in turn allow the black market to flourish. An expansion of products could help benefit a variety of legal patients.\n\nNew York Ex-Governor Cuomo has addressed another issue, the lack of doctors. To help expand the [cannabis industry he says](http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/new-york-medical-marijuana-program-struggles-grow-doctors-list-article-1.3142349), “We need to get more doctors knowledgeable and comfortable in prescribing marijuana.” The expansion of the number of prescribing doctors is not aided by the Medical Society of New York, which has made comments about the supposed lack of scientific evidence to support cannabis as a medication. A bright lining is that registered nurses are now allowed to approve medical certifications, which will greatly increase the number of people servicing patients in need.\n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-about-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private, and efficient.  ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/06a6b43cc8f208d6b9260a176801a6f8/14b42/ee2c9f483b1d5c4349467391af7dafb7.jpg","srcSet":"/static/06a6b43cc8f208d6b9260a176801a6f8/f836f/ee2c9f483b1d5c4349467391af7dafb7.jpg 200w,\n/static/06a6b43cc8f208d6b9260a176801a6f8/2244e/ee2c9f483b1d5c4349467391af7dafb7.jpg 400w,\n/static/06a6b43cc8f208d6b9260a176801a6f8/14b42/ee2c9f483b1d5c4349467391af7dafb7.jpg 800w,\n/static/06a6b43cc8f208d6b9260a176801a6f8/47498/ee2c9f483b1d5c4349467391af7dafb7.jpg 1200w,\n/static/06a6b43cc8f208d6b9260a176801a6f8/54ac5/ee2c9f483b1d5c4349467391af7dafb7.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/06a6b43cc8f208d6b9260a176801a6f8/58556/ee2c9f483b1d5c4349467391af7dafb7.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/06a6b43cc8f208d6b9260a176801a6f8/61e93/ee2c9f483b1d5c4349467391af7dafb7.webp 200w,\n/static/06a6b43cc8f208d6b9260a176801a6f8/1f5c5/ee2c9f483b1d5c4349467391af7dafb7.webp 400w,\n/static/06a6b43cc8f208d6b9260a176801a6f8/58556/ee2c9f483b1d5c4349467391af7dafb7.webp 800w,\n/static/06a6b43cc8f208d6b9260a176801a6f8/99238/ee2c9f483b1d5c4349467391af7dafb7.webp 1200w,\n/static/06a6b43cc8f208d6b9260a176801a6f8/5e0b8/ee2c9f483b1d5c4349467391af7dafb7.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2265-markdown","title":"New York Expands Condition List for Medical Marijuana","slug":"new-york-expands-condition-list-for-medical-marijuana","content":"### Limited Access to Medical Marijuana\n\nWhen New York’s medical marijuana industry was launched in January of 2016 it was considered to be one of the most restrictive in the United States. Patients, experts, and even the Health Commissioner of the state of New York, believed that access to medical cannabis was too difficult for patients in need based on the limited number of health conditions allowed. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nNew York began its medical marijuana industry with a very strict set of conditions that allowed patients to access cannabis. This only included conditions that were considered extremely serious or terminal, including HIV/AIDs, Parkinson’s, Cancer, Epilepsy, MS, and other equally serious conditions. \n\nChronic pain was recently added to the list of reasons for which patients could receive a medical marijuana recommendation. Adding chronic pain as a qualifying condition has been a major step in allowing more patients in need to access medical marijuana. This is especially important as cannabis is now being seen as an effective alternative to harsh opioids that are often prescribed for chronic pain.\n\n### Increasing Accessibility for Patients\n\nThe new changes are part of an effort by the state to put medical cannabis within reach for those who need it most. Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said in a statement about the program and a recent changes to the program, \"We are constantly evaluating the program to make it more effective for patients and practitioners, and we believe that the implementation of these recommendations will do just that.” This echoes the results of a report by the New York Department of Health that recommended increasing accessibility of the program. \n\nRELATED: [NEW YORK REDUCES BARRIER TO MEDICAL MARIJUANA](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/584e255f648940000baca5ec/new-york-attempts-to-reduce-barriers-to-medical-marijuana)\n\nCurrently there are about 7,000 patients and twenty dispensaries that support patients across the state. For a state the size of New York this limited scope greatly limits accessibility for patients who may need medical cannabis for a variety of conditions. When the state’s medical program initially launched, it only allowed doctors licensed in the state of New York, to recommend medical marijuana. Recent changes however, have since expanded the pool of people who can recommend cannabis by allowing Physician’s Assistants and Nurse Practitioners.\n\n### Qualifying Condition List Expands\n\nMany other bills have been proposed to add a variety of conditions to the list of qualifiers, but many of those bills fail to get beyond the state senate’s health committee. A new bipartisan bill, however, has gained traction in New York to add Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as a qualifying condition for medical cannabis. We have seen that cannabis, particularly CBD based products, can greatly benefit sufferers of PTSD, many of whom are veterans. \n\nThe bill has passed through the New York health committee and is now going up for a vote in the state senate. Michael Krawitz, the executive director of Veterans for Medical Cannabis Access, has [said about the progress of the bill](https://www.forbes.com/sites/debraborchardt/2017/05/11/new-york-state-adds-ptsd-to-medical-marijuana-program-will-menstrual-cramps-be-next/#2f73ea0b1108), “I am grateful to the Senate Health Committee for advancing this compassionate bill, and on behalf of countless veterans who could benefit, I urge the full Senate to promptly approve the bill. \n\nVeterans with PTSD should not have to choose between FDA-approved medications that carry a black box suicide warning and off-label drugs with no clinical efficacy and horrible side effects…There is another way: medical marijuana has helped veterans have a restful night’s sleep instead of night terrors, and thus experience a better quality of life.” The bill to add PTSD to the list of qualifying conditions is not the only bill related to cannabis that is going to the senate floor. \n\nBill 582, which was put forward by assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal, is attempting to add dysmenorrhea and other PMS related pain to the list of approved conditions. This bill has a high profile supporter, Whoopi Goldberg, who is willing to come forward and help the cause of getting this bill pushed forward. Goldberg said she will work hard to help the state senate understand why Bill 582 is important, “I'm going to try. I strongly believe that I can help them understand why this is not a high.” Even though chronic pain is currently seen as a qualifying condition, menstrual related pain is not considered chronic pain under the law. \n\n### Limited Products Available\n\nIncreasing the amount of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana helps greatly increase patients accessibility to cannabis. Many more patients in New York could benefit from cannabis, and these bills could allow those people to gain the benefits of medical marijuana.  That said, patients have a limited selection of medical cannabis products and are only allowed to purchase products such as tinctures and capsules and flower is not available. An expansion of products would benefit a variety of patients as not every product works for every patient.\n\nThere is also the larger issue which is a lack of licensed doctors, growers, and producers. New York Governor Cuomo has addressed the lack of doctors to help expand the [cannabis industry by saying](http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/new-york-medical-marijuana-program-struggles-grow-doctors-list-article-1.3142349), “We need to get more doctors knowledgeable and comfortable in prescribing marijuana.” The expansion of the number of prescribing doctors is not aided by the Medical Society of New York, which has made comments about the supposed lack of scientific evidence to support cannabis as a medication. \n\nDespite these comments, there is a desire for expanded medical marijuana industry in the state and there is the patient base to support it. The whole industry, however, it needs to expand in unison. As the amount of qualifiable conditions expand, there will need to be an increase in doctors who can recommend the product as well as an expansion of growers of producers who can feed the increasing demand for medication. \n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.  \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/a3191f66a01fc12341cb239ce9af2e02/14b42/0a25ad743203547c2998b5a5237a18eb.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a3191f66a01fc12341cb239ce9af2e02/f836f/0a25ad743203547c2998b5a5237a18eb.jpg 200w,\n/static/a3191f66a01fc12341cb239ce9af2e02/2244e/0a25ad743203547c2998b5a5237a18eb.jpg 400w,\n/static/a3191f66a01fc12341cb239ce9af2e02/14b42/0a25ad743203547c2998b5a5237a18eb.jpg 800w,\n/static/a3191f66a01fc12341cb239ce9af2e02/47498/0a25ad743203547c2998b5a5237a18eb.jpg 1200w,\n/static/a3191f66a01fc12341cb239ce9af2e02/54ac5/0a25ad743203547c2998b5a5237a18eb.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/a3191f66a01fc12341cb239ce9af2e02/58556/0a25ad743203547c2998b5a5237a18eb.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a3191f66a01fc12341cb239ce9af2e02/61e93/0a25ad743203547c2998b5a5237a18eb.webp 200w,\n/static/a3191f66a01fc12341cb239ce9af2e02/1f5c5/0a25ad743203547c2998b5a5237a18eb.webp 400w,\n/static/a3191f66a01fc12341cb239ce9af2e02/58556/0a25ad743203547c2998b5a5237a18eb.webp 800w,\n/static/a3191f66a01fc12341cb239ce9af2e02/99238/0a25ad743203547c2998b5a5237a18eb.webp 1200w,\n/static/a3191f66a01fc12341cb239ce9af2e02/5e0b8/0a25ad743203547c2998b5a5237a18eb.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2423-markdown","title":"Science Backs Cannabis as a Replacement to Opioids","slug":"science-backs-cannabis-as-a-replacement-to-opioids","content":"### Marijuana is a Valid Alternative to Opioids\r\n \r\nOne of the most challenging problems facing the United States right now is the rampant opioid epidemic. Sadly, we are constantly bombarded by reports of more peoples who’s lives are taken by opioid addictions and untimely overdoses. Addiction is a hard habit to break, especially when that addiction is caused by a legal prescription in the first place. One of the ways that medical marijuana could benefit the United States greatly is as an alternative for opioids during the treatment of conditions like chronic pain. \r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\r\n\r\n### Sessions States Cannabis is Not a Solution\r\n\r\nJeff Sessions, the current Attorney General of the United States, has always been a vocal opponent of marijuana and the ability for cannabis to possibly help alleviate the country’s opioid epidemic is something that he may be unwilling to accept. Sessions has stated that he believes cannabis will not benefit people who abuse opioids by stating, \r\n\r\n>“Marijuana is a cure for opiate abuse. Give me a break. This is the kind of argument that's been made out there to just — almost a desperate attempt to defend the harmlessness of marijuana or even its benefits. I doubt that's true. Maybe science will prove I'm wrong.” \r\n\r\nWell, it seems that science is proving Attorney General Sessions wrong, in more way than one. \r\n\r\nRELATED:[MARIJUANA DOES NOT CAUSE OPIOID ADDICTION](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/marijuana-does-not-cause-opioid-addiction)\r\n\r\nThough Session’s statement may seem brash and radical, the government’s recent decision not to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule II substance means that they also still believe that cannabis has no medical efficacy whatsoever. Yet, by choosing not to reclassify marijuana, the federal government is completely ignoring a series of studies and scientific information that proves its medical efficacy. Cannabis could be one of the best tools to stop the opioid epidemic due to its ability to replace opioids or reduce the amount of opioids necessary to help people. \r\n\r\n### Cannabis Treats Chronic Pain Effectively\r\n\r\nOne of the most common uses of opioids is to treat chronic pain, which often causes opioid addiction due to a doctor’s prescription to treat the chronic condition in the first place. There are many different studies that support medical marijuana’s efficacy for chronic pain. In January of this year, the [National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Report surveyed](http://www8.nationalacademies.org/onpinews/newsitem.aspx?RecordID=24625&_ga=1.198930671.1791292794.1484233196) 10,000 studies conducted since 1999 and came to 100 conclusions about the benefits and uses of medical marijuana. The review found numerous therapeutic effects of cannabis, on everything from mental health to cancer to pain. In relation to pain specifically, patients treated with cannabis experienced a significant reduction of pain while using marijuana, as well as an increase in immune system benefits. \r\n\r\nA [study from the Journal of Pain](http://www.jpain.org/article/S1526-5900(16)00567-8/abstract) in 2016 found that people who had access to medical marijuana were 64% less likely to use opioids. Patients having access to medical marijuana alone made them less likely to use opioids. The study looked at 244 different medical patients and cannabis use was associated with a better quality of life, fewer medication being used, and less side effects being experienced from those medications. \r\n\r\n### Opioid Use Decreases in Legal States\r\n\r\nThis is consistent with other studies that have found that opioid use actually decreases in states that have legalized medical marijuana. A [Health Affairs study](http://content.healthaffairs.org/content/35/7/1230) published in 2016 found that in states with access to medical marijuana there was a decreased number of prescriptions by Medicare Part D recipients after the implementation of legalization. The availability of medical marijuana greatly changed the amount of prescriptions that patients were being prescribed and/or requesting for conditions for which medical marijuana was a viable alternative treatment. \r\n\r\nStates with medical cannabis have also reported fewer opioid related deaths. A [study from 2014, published in JAMA](http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/1898878) , looked at marijuana laws and opioid related deaths between 1999 and 2010. In that time, there were 25% fewer deaths in states where medical marijuana was accessible. Each year since the passing of medical marijuana legislation served to produce a greater decrease in opioid related deaths. The study was observational, but it showed a very positive trend in relation to the benefits that cannabis could provide. \r\n\r\n### Patients with Pain Want to Use Cannabis\r\n\r\nPatients with chronic pain will often choose cannabis over prescription opioids if given the choice. A recent [study published in February](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/02/170227100727.htm) of this year from the University of British Colombia and the University of Victoria found that patients who had access to legal cannabis and legal prescription opioids chose cannabis 63% of the time. The study included 250 different patients with both chronic pain and mental health conditions. The co-author of the study, associate professor Zach Walsh said that cannabis may be able to reduce the problematic use of prescription medications. \r\n\r\nLastly, a recent study down by HelloMD in conjunction with UC Berkeley found that over 95% of patients who used cannabis in conjunction with chronic pain either reduced their opioid intake or eliminated it altogether. This study, to be published soon, was conducted with 3,000 cannabis patients who had chronic pain.\r\n\r\n### You Can't Overdose on Cannabis\r\n\r\nIn thousands of year of use, there have been no reported deaths associated with cannabis. Marijuana is also far less habit forming than opioids and far less addictive. A [paper published by the National Bureau of Economic Research](http://www.nber.org/papers/w21345) first published in July of 2015 found that, “states permitting medical marijuana dispensaries experience a relative decrease in both opioid addictions and opioid overdose deaths compared to states that do not”. \r\n\r\nThe access to medical marijuana could be exactly what the nation needs to reduce opioid addiction. All of these scientific studies show that marijuana can, in fact, help to combat the opioid epidemic and aid the country in reducing its opioid consumption by providing a viable alternative medication for patients suffering from a variety of conditions. \r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient. \r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.342281879194631,"src":"/static/301a7bf5fa4fecbf9af535f8b8cc617c/14b42/14e9a0e5f14416d30f404a9a251f8f62.jpg","srcSet":"/static/301a7bf5fa4fecbf9af535f8b8cc617c/f836f/14e9a0e5f14416d30f404a9a251f8f62.jpg 200w,\n/static/301a7bf5fa4fecbf9af535f8b8cc617c/2244e/14e9a0e5f14416d30f404a9a251f8f62.jpg 400w,\n/static/301a7bf5fa4fecbf9af535f8b8cc617c/14b42/14e9a0e5f14416d30f404a9a251f8f62.jpg 800w,\n/static/301a7bf5fa4fecbf9af535f8b8cc617c/47498/14e9a0e5f14416d30f404a9a251f8f62.jpg 1200w,\n/static/301a7bf5fa4fecbf9af535f8b8cc617c/3a12e/14e9a0e5f14416d30f404a9a251f8f62.jpg 1375w","srcWebp":"/static/301a7bf5fa4fecbf9af535f8b8cc617c/58556/14e9a0e5f14416d30f404a9a251f8f62.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/301a7bf5fa4fecbf9af535f8b8cc617c/61e93/14e9a0e5f14416d30f404a9a251f8f62.webp 200w,\n/static/301a7bf5fa4fecbf9af535f8b8cc617c/1f5c5/14e9a0e5f14416d30f404a9a251f8f62.webp 400w,\n/static/301a7bf5fa4fecbf9af535f8b8cc617c/58556/14e9a0e5f14416d30f404a9a251f8f62.webp 800w,\n/static/301a7bf5fa4fecbf9af535f8b8cc617c/99238/14e9a0e5f14416d30f404a9a251f8f62.webp 1200w,\n/static/301a7bf5fa4fecbf9af535f8b8cc617c/b5697/14e9a0e5f14416d30f404a9a251f8f62.webp 1375w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2315-markdown","title":"Top 11 Health Benefits of Marijuana","slug":"top-11-health-benefits-of-marijuana","content":"Cannabis has moved out of the grey area and into its rightful position as a part of a healthy approach to overall wellness. In fact, a recent study released from Duke University and the University of Arizona found that [long-term marijuana use didn’t lead to a decline in health](http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/article-abstract/2526003). In this study, 1,000 participants from New Zealand were tracked over a 40-year period, each with a minimum of 20 years of consistent cannabis consumption—smoking, specifically. \n\nThe study found no decline in lung function as well as no increase in high blood pressure or diabetes. Nor did it detect any other deterioration in physical health. The one caveat to the study was that the researchers found high levels of gum disease among the study participants. That said, this is a factor that could very well decrease as people move away from smoking marijuana towards vaporizing cannabis as well as consuming edibles or using cannabis-infused topical products. \n\nIn addition, no similarities were found between those who engaged in long-term tobacco smoking versus long-term marijuana smoking. Avshalom Capsi, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Duke University and the co-author of the study, said that “overall damage to physical health is not apparent in this study.” \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Top 11 Reasons Why Marijuana Is Good for You\n\nThis study adds new scientific evidence to the thousands of years of anecdotal evidence, which show that cannabis isn’t bad for your health, nor can it kill you. Meanwhile, 595,690 deaths a year in the U.S. alone are attributed to tobacco. What we’re now finding is that cannabis provides a variety of health benefits for both healthy individuals and those struggling with various illnesses. \n\nHere are 11 key—and sometimes surprising—benefits of cannabis.\n\n### Benefit #1: Cannabis Regulates Metabolism & Weight Loss\n\nA survey conducted at Nunavik Inuit Health in 2004 found that the 57.4% of people in the survey, who said they used cannabis, had a lower average percentage of fat mass, body mass index and fasting insulin levels. There were statistically significant differences between the groups of people who self-reported as smoking cannabis compared to those who didn’t. \n\nSmoking cannabis in the last year was associated with a 56% lower likelihood of obesity. This is just one of the many studies that ties lower rates of obesity to cannabis consumers. Researchers found that cannabis consumers’ waists are 1.5 inches smaller on average than that of non-cannabis users. Cannabis is believed to help regulate your metabolism, also making it a factor in lowering the risk of diabetes. \n\nIn addition, for a number of folks, cannabis can get people off the couch and moving—whether it’s on the road or in the gym. In fact, some claim that marijuana increases athletic performance, for long-distance runners and swimmers in particular. Some athletes claim that it improves focus and the ability to push past previous limitations.\n\n![One benefit of marijuana: regulating metabolism & improving sports performance](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/588fcc137bf61c000cbbd136/embedded_images/588fcc167bf61c000cbbd138/Screen_Shot_2017-01-30_at_3.20.53_PM.png)\n_One of the many benefits of marijuana is improved sports performance, especially in long-distance running._\n \n### Benefit #2: Marijuana Helps Alleviate Depression\n\nDepression is one of the most common medical conditions in the world. In a 2015 study from the University of Buffalo, RIA senior research scientist Samir Haj-Dahmane, Ph.D., said, “In the animal models we studied, we saw that chronic stress reduced the production of endocannabinoids, leading to depression-like behavior.”\n\nThis means that cannabis can be used to supplement endocannabinoids lacking within our system, helping the body return to homeostasis and in turn reducing levels of depression. Cannabis also aids in relieving stress, which is one of the biggest risk factors for depression. \n\n### Benefit #3: Cannabis Slows the Development of Alzheimer’s Disease\n\nAlzheimer’s disease is currently the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. It also causes mental disability for those afflicted many years prior to death. A study published in the _Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease_ in September 2014 found that, “THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) could be a potential therapeutic treatment option for Alzheimer’s disease through multiple functions and pathways.” This is believed to be due to the neuroprotective and antioxidant qualities of cannabis. \n\n### Benefit #4: Cannabis Relieves Arthritis\n\nArthritis is one of the leading causes of physical disability in the world. And it’s one of the most common kinds of chronic pain that people experience. The first recorded use of cannabis to help heal arthritis was in China nearly 4,000 years ago.\n\nTetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active compound in most strains of marijuana, has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, cannabidiol (CBD), which is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, helps regulate autoimmune conditions like arthritis.\n\n### Benefit #5: Marijuana Eases Chronic Pain\n\nOne of the most common reasons people miss work and have a decreased quality of life is due to various types of chronic pain. From PMS cramps to headaches to back pain, many people are debilitated by daily, overwhelming pain. Due to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, cannabis can help reduce pain whether it’s applied in the form of a topical or consumed orally. Cannabis consumption can also help greatly decrease the need for harsh, addictive opioids. \n\n![Marijuana eases chronic pain](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/588fcc137bf61c000cbbd136/embedded_images/588fccc42cf8a800084e13fc/Screen_Shot_2017-01-30_at_3.30.09_PM.png)\n_One of the benefits of cannabis is that it can relieve pain. Learn what the top strains for chronic pain are._\n \n### Benefit #6: Marijuana Lowers Blood Pressure\n\nOne-third of adults in the United States have high blood pressure or hypertension. This can lead to cardiovascular disease as well as strokes or heart attacks. Tobacco is one of the most common causes for high blood pressure, along with poor diet and lack of exercise.\n\nThere are a wide range of scientific and anecdotal studies to support how cannabis decreases blood pressure. Some researchers also believe that cannabinoids may have a protective role within the body, also leading to a decrease in blood pressure. \n\n### Benefit #7:  Marijuana Supports Recovery From Eating Disorders\n\nEating disorders are becoming an increasingly large problem across the world as many young people are exposed to constant media and peer pressure to be unattainably beautiful and thin. Cannabis can help regulate eating patterns, aiding with recovery from conditions like bulimia and other binge disorders.\n\nIt can also help stimulate appetite and regain a desire to eat in individuals with eating disorders like anorexia. Cannabis can also help reduce anxiety—both social and food related, which can lead many people down the path of eating disorders.\n\n### Benefit #8: Cannabis Provides Relief to PTSD Sufferers\n\nVeterans have become one of the most vocal supporters of cannabis legalization due to the incredible relief that cannabis can provide to people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Consuming cannabis can help reduce the stress and anxiety that PTSD sufferers struggle with every day. It also reduces the need for harder opioids and medications that can often worsen the symptoms of PTSD.\n\n### Benefit #9: Cannabis Reduces Nausea\n\nMany people experience nausea on a regular basis, whether it’s due to digestive problems, migraines or chemotherapy. Marijuana reacts with brain receptors to help regulate the feelings that are often associated with nausea.\n\nIt can also help decrease stomach pain and regulate your body’s digestive processes—as digestive issues often go hand in hand with feelings of nausea. Cannabis can also help stimulate appetite if people find themselves unable to hold food down, because they’re experiencing queasiness and an unsettled stomach. \n\n### Benefit #10: CBD Can Reduce Seizure Activity\n\nCBD, the non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in marijuana, can greatly reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. Medical marijuana legalization has been pushed through in many states due to the incredible effects that cannabis has on seizures.\n\nA study from the American Academy of Neurology published in 2015 found that there was, on average, a 51% decrease in the amount of seizures people experienced while using medical cannabis, as well as a 63% decrease in seizures for patients who had Dravet’s syndrome.\n\nA specific marijuana strain, Charlotte’s Web, was created particularly for a young girl who experienced extreme seizures. The strain is still widely used due to its effectiveness and lack of psychoactive side effects. \n\n![Another benefit of marijuana: It makes us feel good](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/588fcc137bf61c000cbbd136/embedded_images/588fcc157bf61c000cbbd137/Screen_Shot_2017-01-30_at_3.13.41_PM.png) \n_Another benefit of marijuana, specifically THC, is that it produces feelings of happiness._ \n\n### Benefit #11: Cannabis Makes You Happy\n\nLastly, for the vast majority of people, [marijuana induces a sense of euphoria and calm](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/582b86cce686fc000c657034/why-does-cannabis-make-you-feel-good). Happiness, or a general sense of well-being is something that everyone wants. Scientific studies show a connection between happiness, optimism and overall life satisfaction.\n\nCannabis activates a neurotransmitter in our brain called anandamide—also called the bliss molecule. This molecule, among other things, is responsible for making us feel happy. THC is responsible for stimulating anandamide, which is found both within our body as well as within cannabis itself.\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/b0878d76d079f1945e473d7543502f16/14b42/12490c05851613cd37353723f5bce115.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b0878d76d079f1945e473d7543502f16/f836f/12490c05851613cd37353723f5bce115.jpg 200w,\n/static/b0878d76d079f1945e473d7543502f16/2244e/12490c05851613cd37353723f5bce115.jpg 400w,\n/static/b0878d76d079f1945e473d7543502f16/14b42/12490c05851613cd37353723f5bce115.jpg 800w,\n/static/b0878d76d079f1945e473d7543502f16/47498/12490c05851613cd37353723f5bce115.jpg 1200w,\n/static/b0878d76d079f1945e473d7543502f16/54ac5/12490c05851613cd37353723f5bce115.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/b0878d76d079f1945e473d7543502f16/58556/12490c05851613cd37353723f5bce115.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b0878d76d079f1945e473d7543502f16/61e93/12490c05851613cd37353723f5bce115.webp 200w,\n/static/b0878d76d079f1945e473d7543502f16/1f5c5/12490c05851613cd37353723f5bce115.webp 400w,\n/static/b0878d76d079f1945e473d7543502f16/58556/12490c05851613cd37353723f5bce115.webp 800w,\n/static/b0878d76d079f1945e473d7543502f16/99238/12490c05851613cd37353723f5bce115.webp 1200w,\n/static/b0878d76d079f1945e473d7543502f16/5e0b8/12490c05851613cd37353723f5bce115.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2352-markdown","title":"Marijuana, Pain & PTSD: Christopher's Success Story","slug":"marijuana-pain-and-ptsd-christophers-success-story","content":"### Cannabis Success Stories\n\nAfter serving thousands of patients at HelloMD we have seen a pattern emerge: cannabis helps real people with real conditions. People from all walks of life are turning to cannabis in lieu of opioids, other medications or alternative therapies because they are feeling the results and relief, with little to no side effects. \n\nWe thought it would be useful to talk to patients one on one about their medical conditions and ask them to tell their story so we can share it with you. What began as a simple survey has evolved into a revolving door of patients ecstatically conveying the message that cannabis is working for them; and they want to share their success story with others.\n\n### Christopher's Experience with Cannabis\n\n[![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/583f90529aabd9000b57662f/embedded_images/5845a3abeb3b73000809cc1c/Christopher.png)](\nhttps://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/hellomd-news/patient-success/Patient+Case+Study_Christopher_ChronicPain_final.pdf)\n\n### Chronic Pain History\n\nI’m an ex-Marine and an Iraq war veteran. While on active duty I sustained multiple injuries including a broken leg and arm. After returning from the war, I broke my jaw on the bottom of a pool. In addition, I suffer from PTSD. The result of all of this was consistent chronic pain and PTSD-related issues including paranoia, hyper vigilance and aggression.\n\n### Previous Treatments\n\nPrior to trying cannabis I was in consistent pain. The PTSD and pain made it hard for me to sleep so I started to take sleeping pills which made me groggy and irritable. My personal issues and chronic pain made it hard for me to connect with people. I did not want to take narcotics so I relied heavily on excessive drinking and OTC drugs. Like many Marines, drinking became my go-to which did not improve my situation.\n\nRELATED: [MARIJUANA & MIGRAINES: SALLY'S SUCCESS STORY](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5834944a14533400080243bc/marijuana-and-migraines-sallys-success-story)\n\n### Cannabis Experience\nThree years ago I was interacting with a lot of marijuana companies as a part of my job. After talking to some people, it was suggested that I try CBD. I researched the effects of CBD and it seemed like a great option for me. I purchased a 2:1 CBD product.\n\nThe first time I took it, it was a little psychoactive but I also noticed that the pain melted away. Taking it daily, I started to notice that not only did I not feel pain from my injuries but that I began to have a much more pleasant demeanor. I started to feel connected to people again and was noticeably less aggressive and paranoid.\n\nAfter taking CBD, it was a natural progression to consider how else cannabis might help me. I was still on sleeping pills but they made me feel awful. I started to smoke an indica at night , got off the pills and now I sleep through the night.\n\n### The Cannabis Tool Kit\n\n### Sublingual \n\nI use Bhang’s CBD spray every morning. I spray it into my mouth 4\nto 5 times. I think it’s important to know that CBD can take some\ntime to build up in your system so you feel the full effect.\n\n### Flower\n\nAt night I smoke an indica strain called Snow Lotus. I smoke it from\na pipe about 1 hour ahead of bedtime and I find that I now sleep\nthrough the night and feel refreshed in the morning.\n\n### Christopher Says...\n\n\"My biggest misstep was taking so long to try cannabis. I work with Weed for Warriors who help other vets get off of narcotics for mental wellbeing. It is truly a miracle drug, it has increased my satisfaction & enjoyment of life.\"\n_______________________________________________________________________\n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/33e31e39b509c8c1667de8feec0ec823/14b42/ee0b6f75e5da26f7d960be9cd37b3ca6.jpg","srcSet":"/static/33e31e39b509c8c1667de8feec0ec823/f836f/ee0b6f75e5da26f7d960be9cd37b3ca6.jpg 200w,\n/static/33e31e39b509c8c1667de8feec0ec823/2244e/ee0b6f75e5da26f7d960be9cd37b3ca6.jpg 400w,\n/static/33e31e39b509c8c1667de8feec0ec823/14b42/ee0b6f75e5da26f7d960be9cd37b3ca6.jpg 800w,\n/static/33e31e39b509c8c1667de8feec0ec823/47498/ee0b6f75e5da26f7d960be9cd37b3ca6.jpg 1200w,\n/static/33e31e39b509c8c1667de8feec0ec823/54ac5/ee0b6f75e5da26f7d960be9cd37b3ca6.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/33e31e39b509c8c1667de8feec0ec823/58556/ee0b6f75e5da26f7d960be9cd37b3ca6.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/33e31e39b509c8c1667de8feec0ec823/61e93/ee0b6f75e5da26f7d960be9cd37b3ca6.webp 200w,\n/static/33e31e39b509c8c1667de8feec0ec823/1f5c5/ee0b6f75e5da26f7d960be9cd37b3ca6.webp 400w,\n/static/33e31e39b509c8c1667de8feec0ec823/58556/ee0b6f75e5da26f7d960be9cd37b3ca6.webp 800w,\n/static/33e31e39b509c8c1667de8feec0ec823/99238/ee0b6f75e5da26f7d960be9cd37b3ca6.webp 1200w,\n/static/33e31e39b509c8c1667de8feec0ec823/5e0b8/ee0b6f75e5da26f7d960be9cd37b3ca6.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2180-markdown","title":"Marijuana & Fibromyalgia: Mary's Success Story","slug":"marijuana-and-fibromyalgia-marys-success-story","content":"### Cannabis Success Stories\n\nAfter serving thousands of patients at HelloMD we have seen a pattern emerge: cannabis helps real people with real conditions. People from all walks of life are turning to cannabis in lieu of opioids, other medications or alternative therapies because they are feeling the results and relief, with little to no side effects. \n\nWe thought it would be useful to talk to patients one on one about their medical conditions and ask them to tell their story so we can share it with you. What began as a simple survey has evolved into a revolving door of patients ecstatically conveying the message that cannabis is working for them; and they want to share their success story with others.\n\nWe hope that you enjoy what will be an ongoing series of patient case studies that include a variety of cannabis experiences. We also know there is no one size solution with cannabis, everyone reacts differently and each experience and success may be unique to that person. Our case studies will always follow the same format: A history of the patient's condition, the previous treatment, the experience with cannabis, and specifically how they use cannabis for their condition in order to find relief. \n\n### Mary's Experience with Cannabis\n\n[![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/5824fff8173ef2000b58348a/embedded_images/5824fffb173ef2000b58348b/MaryFibromyalgachronicpain.png)](https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/hellomd-news/patient-success/Mary_Patient+Case+Study__ChronicPain_final.pdf) \nDownload the PDF\n\n### Chronic Pain History\n\nIn 2001 I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Prior to that I had been very healthy. I think it was a period of extreme stress that maybe brought it on. When it started I went from being very mobile to suddenly very debilitated. It started on one side of my body and then migrated to the other side until I could barely move at all. The pain was unbearable.\n\n### Previous Treatments\n\nPrior to trying cannabis It took a long time for doctors to accurately diagnose me. For 8 years I was treated with pharmaceuticals, and many were to deal with the side effects of the initial drugs. At one point I counted that I had been prescribed over 43 drugs. At a certain point, I became a drug zombie. I was unable to drive my kids to school or to enjoy life. A turning point came for me when I blacked out and woke up in the ER. \n\n### Cannabis Experience\n\nAfter my blackout I started to think of how I might improve my well being. First I cut out diet soda, then I started to eat organic. Then it occurred to me that cannabis might be a more natural solution and worth a try. The pharmaceuticals were not helping and in fact were making my life worse. I worked with my pain management doctor for 3.5 months to wean myself off of all prescriptions and use marijuana instead. I always say to people to work with a doctor when doing this! After starting cannabis it helped me manage my pain, I was much more mellow and my family wanted to spend time with me.\n\n### The Cannabis Tool Kit\n\n### Flower\n\nAt night I smoke Blueberry Kush, to help me sleep. During the day I will smoke Amnesia Mystery which helps with movement, especially on a bad day.\n\n### Vape Pen\n\nI use G Vape, which is Snoop Dog’s vape pen that has a dry chamber. I use kief within this as it is very cost effective.\n\n### Edibles\n\nMy favorite edible is by Kiva and it is the low dose 5mg Blueberry Terra Bites. When I am in pain I will take 10mg every 3-4 hours.\n\n### Topicals\n\nI make my own topicals with alcohol. Once I infuse the alcohol with cannabis I pour it onto wet wipes. Rubbing the wet wipe on an area with localized pain provides immediate relief for me.\n\n### Mary Says...\n\n\"When I went off of opioids and started using cannabis I was able to enjoy human touch again. I did not even realize I had lost that ability. With cannabis I am able to enjoy my life and be happy again.\"\n______________________________________________________________________\n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/4d4af035ccb1e6e839caeed5c77bc20a/14b42/f9c402c0052f88dde06984f9c4af3c68.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4d4af035ccb1e6e839caeed5c77bc20a/f836f/f9c402c0052f88dde06984f9c4af3c68.jpg 200w,\n/static/4d4af035ccb1e6e839caeed5c77bc20a/2244e/f9c402c0052f88dde06984f9c4af3c68.jpg 400w,\n/static/4d4af035ccb1e6e839caeed5c77bc20a/14b42/f9c402c0052f88dde06984f9c4af3c68.jpg 800w,\n/static/4d4af035ccb1e6e839caeed5c77bc20a/47498/f9c402c0052f88dde06984f9c4af3c68.jpg 1200w,\n/static/4d4af035ccb1e6e839caeed5c77bc20a/54ac5/f9c402c0052f88dde06984f9c4af3c68.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/4d4af035ccb1e6e839caeed5c77bc20a/58556/f9c402c0052f88dde06984f9c4af3c68.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4d4af035ccb1e6e839caeed5c77bc20a/61e93/f9c402c0052f88dde06984f9c4af3c68.webp 200w,\n/static/4d4af035ccb1e6e839caeed5c77bc20a/1f5c5/f9c402c0052f88dde06984f9c4af3c68.webp 400w,\n/static/4d4af035ccb1e6e839caeed5c77bc20a/58556/f9c402c0052f88dde06984f9c4af3c68.webp 800w,\n/static/4d4af035ccb1e6e839caeed5c77bc20a/99238/f9c402c0052f88dde06984f9c4af3c68.webp 1200w,\n/static/4d4af035ccb1e6e839caeed5c77bc20a/5e0b8/f9c402c0052f88dde06984f9c4af3c68.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2172-markdown","title":"HelloMD Short Film on Opioid Abuse Debuts at Mill Valley Film Festival","slug":"hellomd-short-film-on-opioid-abuse-debuts-at-mill-valley-film-festival","content":"### HelloMD Film on Pro Athletes & Opioid Abuse\r\n\r\n[HelloMD announced today our short film debut at the Mill Valley Film Festival](http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hellomd-short-film-whos-keeping-score-debuts-at-mill-valley-film-festival-highlighting-opioid-use-in-professional-sports-300340529.html), this Saturday, October 8. The film, 'Who's Keeping Score?' will be the opener for a day of programming, events, and discussions on the topic of cannabis.\r\n\r\n`embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcBN5JHxX9A`\r\n\r\n### Former NFL Athlete Ryan McBean\r\n\r\n'Who's Keeping Score' accounts McBean's unimaginable comeback from opioid dependency to a place where he has recovered his drive and can positively participate in life and family.\r\n\r\n\"I endured years of physical injury and head trauma while playing football, and lived with constant pain. I was prescribed opiates for pain and all I did was sleep. I had no will to get out of bed. I didn't want to get better,\" said Ryan McBean. \"After trying cannabis, I felt a tremendous relief and a great change. I wanted to get up and go to work. I wanted to recover.\"\r\n\r\n### No Limits\r\n\r\n\"If you are a professional athlete there are no limits,\" said Dr. Perry Solomon. \"Opioids are the gold standard for fighting pain, but the drawbacks come fast and furious, including addiction, dependence and overdose. Athletes who are pushing their bodies to the limit and beyond have no choice but to repress their chronic pain. Cannabis can help athletes to block distraction, become more in tune with their bodies, reduce inflammation and live productive lives.\"\r\n\r\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/57f6a10451768d00075caa7e/embedded_images/57f6a10651768d00075caa7f/Screen_Shot_2016-10-06_at_11.47.18_AM.png)\r\n \r\n### Partnership with UC Berkeley\r\n\r\nHelloMD just recently announced in partnership with U.C. Berkeley, that they are conducting the largest patient survey concerning pain, opioid use and cannabis ever performed. The study is expected to be completed later this year with results published in early 2017. The company is following up on their landmark \"Medical Marijuana Patient Survey Results\" study of 17,000 patients, conducted in January 2016.\r\n\r\nDo you have questions about about cannabis? Ask a question on [HelloMD's new Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/ feature). A doctor or member of our community will answer.\r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.7699115044247788,"src":"/static/ba48b7f2879b8d4eee9fd1dce4248b70/14b42/254670a0957a87854fd6362b82afbe25.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ba48b7f2879b8d4eee9fd1dce4248b70/f836f/254670a0957a87854fd6362b82afbe25.jpg 200w,\n/static/ba48b7f2879b8d4eee9fd1dce4248b70/2244e/254670a0957a87854fd6362b82afbe25.jpg 400w,\n/static/ba48b7f2879b8d4eee9fd1dce4248b70/14b42/254670a0957a87854fd6362b82afbe25.jpg 800w,\n/static/ba48b7f2879b8d4eee9fd1dce4248b70/47498/254670a0957a87854fd6362b82afbe25.jpg 1200w,\n/static/ba48b7f2879b8d4eee9fd1dce4248b70/ec6c5/254670a0957a87854fd6362b82afbe25.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/ba48b7f2879b8d4eee9fd1dce4248b70/58556/254670a0957a87854fd6362b82afbe25.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ba48b7f2879b8d4eee9fd1dce4248b70/61e93/254670a0957a87854fd6362b82afbe25.webp 200w,\n/static/ba48b7f2879b8d4eee9fd1dce4248b70/1f5c5/254670a0957a87854fd6362b82afbe25.webp 400w,\n/static/ba48b7f2879b8d4eee9fd1dce4248b70/58556/254670a0957a87854fd6362b82afbe25.webp 800w,\n/static/ba48b7f2879b8d4eee9fd1dce4248b70/99238/254670a0957a87854fd6362b82afbe25.webp 1200w,\n/static/ba48b7f2879b8d4eee9fd1dce4248b70/135cd/254670a0957a87854fd6362b82afbe25.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":36,"numPages":5,"currentPage":4,"id":5114,"name":"Chronic Pain","slug":"chronic-pain","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}