{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/news-and-events/12","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_1969-markdown","title":"What it Takes to Get a NY Medical Marijuana Card","slug":"what-it-takes-to-get-a-ny-medical-marijuana-card","content":"A full 18 months after legalizing medical cannabis, the state of NY finally allows medical marijuana dispensaries to open their doors.  beginning January 7. Patients rejoice. Let the shopping begin! \n\nNot so fast. \n\n**Here’s what you need to know.**\n\nThe dispensaries licensed for business are few and far between. As of mid-January, 2016, there are only 8.  Eight.  Depending on where you are, in the empire state of 55,000 square miles, prepare for a long drive. More are planned for 2016, twelve more, but don’t expect one to appear at the end of the block.\n\nBecoming an actual patient will be difficult.  Unlike other states, severe migraines will not qualify you, neither severe menstrual cramping, nor anxiety, nor clinical depression, nor many other conditions that medical cannabis is known to alleviate.  Instead, you’ll need to be more at the terminally-ill or incurable-disease end of the spectrum. So far, less-than 300 patients have been approved for medical cannabis in New York (as of January 21 2016). If you plan on making the approved list, don’t bother showing up without having Cancer, HIV/AIDS, Parkinson’s, ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), Epilepsy, Intractable Bowel Syndrome, or Multiple Sclerosis.\n\nRELATED: [NY EXPANDS CONDITION LIST FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA CERTIFICATION](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5942b0478f2aa0000c61bc9c/new-york-expands-condition-list-for-medical-marijuana-certifications) \n\nAnd, if you're in the unfortunate position of having one of such conditions you’ll need to be seen, and specially approved, by a qualified state physician. This is not your family doctor – only 265 physicians have so far been given the credential to evaluate. Once seen, and given the certification by a physician, you are then able to register for a card. Yes. That’s right. You’ve come this far and you still have to register with the state before being cleared and given a card.\n\nOh, and just to be absolutely sure you’re not going to abuse your medical cannabis privilege, you’ll not be able to smoke it. New York requires that all medical cannabis product be a drinkable solution, an oil suitable for vaporizing, a tincture, or in capsule form.\n\nRELATED: [NY ALLOWS MORE METHODS OF MARIJUANA CONSUMPTION](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/59b3235db8b3ec393021a42a/new-york-allows-more-methods-of-marijuana-consumption)\n\nIf all this seems overly restrictive and harsh, then you’d be right.  It is. It’s symptomatic of the fear, uncertainty and doubt that conservative lawmakers still abide. \n\nIt’s all a bit of shame really. It’s a shame because New York could set a precedent for other states that are wavering on their decision-making.  It’s a surprise because, for so many other reasons, we consider New York to be progressive.\n\nI expect, as time goes by, these harsh restrictions and unreasonable qualifications will relax and be modified. Until then, if you’re a New Yorker, keep your eye on this space and whenever you have the opportunity to share voice on the matter – speak. And whenever you have the opportunity to influence proposition – vote.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5151515151515151,"src":"/static/74bb7e483224b4c4d55fbf67433084b2/14b42/e871404fa5eeb46e0c986950b6e1a712.jpg","srcSet":"/static/74bb7e483224b4c4d55fbf67433084b2/f836f/e871404fa5eeb46e0c986950b6e1a712.jpg 200w,\n/static/74bb7e483224b4c4d55fbf67433084b2/2244e/e871404fa5eeb46e0c986950b6e1a712.jpg 400w,\n/static/74bb7e483224b4c4d55fbf67433084b2/14b42/e871404fa5eeb46e0c986950b6e1a712.jpg 800w,\n/static/74bb7e483224b4c4d55fbf67433084b2/47498/e871404fa5eeb46e0c986950b6e1a712.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/74bb7e483224b4c4d55fbf67433084b2/58556/e871404fa5eeb46e0c986950b6e1a712.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/74bb7e483224b4c4d55fbf67433084b2/61e93/e871404fa5eeb46e0c986950b6e1a712.webp 200w,\n/static/74bb7e483224b4c4d55fbf67433084b2/1f5c5/e871404fa5eeb46e0c986950b6e1a712.webp 400w,\n/static/74bb7e483224b4c4d55fbf67433084b2/58556/e871404fa5eeb46e0c986950b6e1a712.webp 800w,\n/static/74bb7e483224b4c4d55fbf67433084b2/99238/e871404fa5eeb46e0c986950b6e1a712.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2054-markdown","title":"3 New California Regulations Aim to Protect Cannabis Consumers ","slug":"3-new-california-regulations-aim-to-protect-cannabis-consumers","content":"This past October, Governor Jerry Brown signed into law three unique bills making up the new [California Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act (MMRSA)](http://www.safeaccessnow.org/the_medical_marijuana_regulation_and_safety_act). This is great news as it means new, robust regulations will be put into place to protect the California cannabis consumer. Going forward growers, distributors and product manufacturers will no longer be able to operate within gray areas of legality. The MMRSA will affect almost everyone involved in the state’s cannabis industry, forcing industry players to operate within the boundaries of new state laws and robust regulatory compliance. \r\n\r\nThe three bills focus on different aspects of the industry, but seek to create a framework for regulating everything from dispensary licensing, taxation on products to consumer safety. In regards to consumer protection, three topics are of particular interest which include accurate labeling, appropriate childproof packaging and comprehensive lab testing on products. The bills have gone so far as to detail areas such as licensing and growing, but have yet to define the specific rules and systems for labeling, packaging and lab testing. What we do know is that they will be addressed and ultimately if done well, the consumer will be much safer for it.\r\n\r\n[Dixie](http://dixieelixirs.com) has become one of the largest, most well known product manufacturers within the cannabis industry. Since its inception in 2010, it has placed emphasis on being a trusted source for both innovative and safe products, advocating on behalf of consumer safety. Starting in Colorado, a state with much stricter regulatory compliance rules, Dixie’s products already go to market with detailed labeling which includes accurate dosage information, child resistant packaging and extensive lab testing. Lindsay Topping, Dixie’s Marketing Director, took time out of her busy schedule to give Dixie’s view on the new California regulations and how they may benefit cannabis consumers. \r\n\r\n**During the past year, Dixie began servicing patients within California in addition to its production in Colorado and many other legal states. What are Dixie’s views on California’s new consumer protection regulations put forward this past October by Governor Jerry Brown?** \r\n\r\nCalifornia is a well-established market, which has been around for 20 plus years. At Dixie, we believe that a stricter regulatory environment will result in better consumer empowerment. The new California regulations, which are expected to come into effect in 2016 and beyond, will hopefully help consumers know exactly what is within a product, allow consumers to be more exact with dosages, provide child resistant packaging and demand comprehensive laboratory testing. All of these changes will work to ensure a higher quality, safer product at the end of the day.\r\n\r\nAs most people know the laws from state to state differ in regards to cannabis. From the beginning of legalization, Colorado’s regulatory oversight has focused on making sure consumers know what is in a product, and that that information is verified and that the packaging is safe.  All of this is meant to protect the consumer and to ensure that the product is safe for consumption. This is very important to us at Dixie as we always want to ensure the consumer is safe with any one of our products. Consumers should be able to trust all products that are currently on the market.\r\n\r\n\r\n**1. Accurate Dosage Information**\r\n\r\n**Why is accurate labeling and dosage information important for consumers?**\r\n\r\nDixie has worked hard within the state of Colorado to provide accurate dosage information to all consumers. Knowing correct dosages per product is currently very difficult for consumers in California’s marketplace. Dosages are very different from product to product and this makes it difficult for a patient to find what is right for them. In addition, a product manufacturer can say what a dose is, but if this is not checked by a lab, then this can really be arbitrary as no one is verifying it is correct. \r\n\r\nIn general, edibles are a good example of why current dosage information is misleading. A patient might find an edible that works for them and their specific condition. It may take a period of time to find what the right dosage is through trial and error. If they happen to switch to a different edible, it unfortunately ends up not being apples to apples or comparable at all with the previous dosage. The patient needs to go through another period of trial and error to find the correct dosage. Streamlining the labeling of products will allow patients to know exact milligrams and other important information. At that point, they can work with their doctors and care givers more reliably. \r\n\r\nOne of the hot topics we hear doctors and caregivers discussing is micro dosing. Micro dosing is about starting with the minimum amount of a product and working up to the dosage that is right for the individual, for their particular needs. It is hard to reliably micro dose a patient without having a good baseline of what is within the product. Appropriate regulatory changes will help to get patients more accurate information.\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to product information and education, the cannabis industry often operates within a gray area. Patients today are not able to ask questions of their bud tenders, caregivers and doctors and be assured that they are getting the best, most accurate information. As a result, this does not always make consumers comfortable with cannabis.  We at Dixie would like to see this change so that every patient, in every legal state has the best information possible.\r\n\r\n\r\n**2. Child Resistant Packaging**\r\n\r\n**What is Dixie’s stance on child and pet resistant packaging & how do you feel this type of packaging will protect consumers?**\r\n\r\nAt Dixie we feel very passionate about child and pet resistant packaging.  Unfortunately, children and pets do get into cannabis products, not because people want this to happen, but because the products are not resistant to their efforts. An edible, such as a chocolate, may lie around the house and eventually a child or pet may find their way to it. We believe that child and pet resistant packaging is not only safer, but will help people feel better about having these products in their house. \r\n\r\nThis type of regulation will help everyone and decrease the possibility of an accident occurring. Currently, California legislation has written broad regulation covering this, and over the next year we will see how the more detailed nuances plays out and what will go into effect. When it comes to cannabis, child resistant packaging is the trend across the country.  We believe California tends to have very strict consumer advocacy regulations in other areas, and as a result will lean this way in regards to packaging. Dixie has always taken child resistant packaging very seriously, incorporating it into our products from the get-go. We hope regulatory changes will force other manufacturers to address this issue comprehensively as well. \r\n\r\n\r\n**3. Lab Testing**\r\n\r\n**Why is lab testing of products so important in regards to consumer safety?**\r\n\r\nIn Colorado, Dixie already tests for mold, mildew, microbials, residual solvents, and pesticides within all of our products. We hope as regulations take effect in California in 2016, that patients will start to feel more secure about the products they are ingesting. A patient should not have to worry about what is in their product and whether it is safe. Today they do need to think about this, or at least they should be thinking about it. Clearly, many products on the market are not safe enough for consumption. For instance, there is no other industry where pesticides are used and end up in the final product, which is ingested, where it is not disclosed to the consumer. \r\n\r\nIn California, Dixie tests for toxic elements with [SC Labs](http://sclabs.com/), our chosen laboratory. Lab testing is critical for knowing what is in your end product. It is not only important to know the potency and dosage of your product, but to know that the plant material that went into product is safe and there are no residual pesticides or residual solvents such as butane and propane. Patients should never ingest residual solvents as this is obviously dangerous to your health. The patient should be able to trust that the product is safe and that regulatory oversight is doing its job. Ultimately, the patient should feel they are protected.\r\n\r\n\r\n**Dixie already incorporates many of the elements that will be asked of product manufacturers within the new California regulations. What else does Dixie think will be needed for regulatory control to be successful in California?**\r\n\r\nYes, for sure Dixie is ahead of the game in California in that we have already focused on more accurate dosage information, child resistant packaging, and stringent lab testing. We believe that California regulations will require all of this, as it is not only common sense, but also what is best for the cannabis consumer. California is now in the tricky place of figuring out their regulatory oversight without over-regulating the industry. \r\n\r\nEducation is also a big part of this. Patients need to understand what is changing and why it is changing. In a market like California, you have so many people that have been using cannabis regularly and successfully for medical conditions for a long time. The last thing regulators want to do is make it hard for people to get their medicine and send the last twenty years of progress backwards. This is a very tricky line to walk and so far government has been working well with the industry to figure out the path to success. Regulatory oversight, when done well, is our friend. It will allow for better products to get to more people, ensuring everyone’s safety. \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\r\n\r\n\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/ee604/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.png","srcSet":"/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/69585/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.png 200w,\n/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/497c6/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.png 400w,\n/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/ee604/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.png 800w,\n/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/f3583/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.png 1200w,\n/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/f90fa/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.png 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/58556/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/61e93/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.webp 200w,\n/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/1f5c5/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.webp 400w,\n/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/58556/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.webp 800w,\n/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/99238/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.webp 1200w,\n/static/2b244c93afa91992d9705743f5271852/5e0b8/6f100edbcbbd58af10767a59257f1185.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2009-markdown","title":"What's Holding back Telehealth for Cannabis Evaluations?","slug":"whats-holding-back-telehealth-for-cannabis-evaluations","content":"\n\n\nWhen it comes to the availability of physician recommendations for\nmedical cannabis to patients, consumers across the country have an\nenormous problem: access. Although there have been many thoughts about\nwhy this access problem exists, I attribute it to the ignorance of\nlegislators regarding the benefits of medicinal cannabis and the\nreluctance of my fellow physicians to educate themselves about the\nconditions for which medical marijuana is a very effective treatment.\n\nA perfect example of the former is the recently passed [requirements in\nNew York\nState](https://www.health.ny.gov/regulations/medical_marijuana/). The\nlaw there lists several medical conditions that patients must have to be\nentitled to see a medical marijuana physician. Unfortunately, one of the\nmost commonly reported conditions, chronic\npain (a condition that cannabis has been [scientifically\nproven](http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.answers.php?questionID=000216)\nto treat effectively), is not included in the list! This exclusion bars\npain suffers from accessing an effective and much-needed treatment.\n\nThe laws in New York aren't just limiting for patients, though; if a\nphysician in New York wants to participate as a medical marijuana\nphysician, he or she is now required to take a four-hour continuing\nmedical education course at a cost of \\$250, a law that makes New York's\neducation requirements the most stringent in the United States.\n\n### Low Levels of Physician Interest\n\n[Marijuanadoctors.com](http://Marijuanadoctors.com), an information site\nand national clearinghouse that connects patients with physicians\nwilling to certify them, surveyed 500 New York doctors in the early\n2015. The purpose of this survey was to gauge the number of doctors who\nwould potentially participate in the state's medical marijuana program.\n\nAfter the company informed physicians about New York's stringent and\nexpensive training requirements, however, only one physician of the 500\noriginally surveyed was actually interested in participating in cannabis\nrecommendations! Is it fear of being investigated by the FDA? Ignorance\nas to the benefits of cannabis in treating the acceptable medical\nconditions? Time consuming training? I'm sure it's a combination of all\nthree but it makes cannabis access much more difficult, if not\nimpossible, for patients.\n\nWhy Telehealth Access\n---------------------\n\nFor access to medical cannabis evaluations, Telehealth is the best\noption by far. During a Telehealth appointment, a patient can meet with\na doctor via a remote platform from wherever he or she chooses. This\nsaves them the trouble of driving to a doctor's office (sometimes in a\nquestionable part of town and at a great distance), parking, waiting and\nmissing out on other obligations. Telehealth fills an important gap in\nthe current medical marijuana access structure: by bringing medical\nexaminations to patients rather than making them trek to a provider's\noffice, more patients can obtain the access to the care they need. At\nthe conclusion of the virtual meeting, if the doctor feels the patient\nwould benefit from cannabis, they can download a recommendation letter\nimmediately for use at a dispensary. This allows the patients to have\ninstant access for products to help their medical condition. It's\nobvious that Telehealth plays an important role in doing away with many\nof the barriers medical marijuana consumers previously faced. In many\nstates, however, Telehealth care is impossible to access for cannabis\nrecommendations. Why? Because in all states other than California and\nNevada, its illegal!\n\nThe Current State of Telehealth\n-------------------------------\n\nIn enlightened states like\n[California](http://www.mbc.ca.gov/Licensees/Prescribing/Medical_Marijuana.aspx)\nand [Nevada](http://dpbh.nv.gov/Reg/Medical_Marijuana/), where\nTelehealth cannabis evaluations are legal, patients can be \"seen\"\nremotely at their own convenience. Why don't more states allow this? The\nanswer, I believe, is the reluctance of physicians to suggest this to\nthe governing bodies as well as the Medical Boards allowing it. Is it\nfear of liability? Fear of the FDA? Financial gain? Telehealth is\nacceptable in 29 states right now. Why not for cannabis?\n\nUnfortunately, in-person examinations are required in the other 21\nstates that allow medicinal cannabis, make accessing medical marijuana\nvirtually impossible for many qualified patients. For example, if a\npatient is housebound, elderly, lacking transportation or unwilling to\nvisit an area of the city where medical marijuana clinics are often\nlocated, that patient is essentially denied care. This is especially\nunfortunate because seniors are currently the fastest-growing\ndemographic\nof medical marijuana users, and they are also especially likely to have\ndifficulty attending in-person consultations. Telehealth care has the\npotential to expand the reach of medical marijuana and help underserved\npopulations gain access to effective cannabis treatments.\n\nThere are many companies that presently use remote platforms to perform\nTelehealth patient evaluations and prescribe medication, some more much\nmore dangerous than cannabis, when appropriate. They have been around\nfor several years, insurance companies use them as a way to increase\naccess and they are growing by leaps and bounds. Patients are flocking\nto these sites for the convenience and privacy that they provide. Why\nshould cannabis recommendations be any different for a medication that\nhas been used medicinally for thousands of years and has a patient\nsafety record that is unbeatable?\n\nAccess for All\n--------------\n\nIn states like California and Nevada, where it's legal, Telehealth is\nalready a convenient and effective form of reaching out to connect\nphysicians and patients who need medicinal cannabis. In the states that\nhaven't caught on to the changing tides, however, it's imperative that\nconsumers speak out on behalf of Telehealth access. Promote Telehealth\nto your legislators and explain to them that they are restricting your\naccess to care.\n\nIt is not enough to only increase the number of physicians who perform\nevaluations. We must push for being able to do this remotely. Doing this\nwill help ensure that Telehealth care is available to every patient who\nneeds it and to provide medicinal cannabis access for all.\n\n\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5151515151515151,"src":"/static/c1dc6a777afb6022172c65c56f03371c/14b42/051fa528f01d232757d893219799aab2.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c1dc6a777afb6022172c65c56f03371c/f836f/051fa528f01d232757d893219799aab2.jpg 200w,\n/static/c1dc6a777afb6022172c65c56f03371c/2244e/051fa528f01d232757d893219799aab2.jpg 400w,\n/static/c1dc6a777afb6022172c65c56f03371c/14b42/051fa528f01d232757d893219799aab2.jpg 800w,\n/static/c1dc6a777afb6022172c65c56f03371c/47498/051fa528f01d232757d893219799aab2.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/c1dc6a777afb6022172c65c56f03371c/58556/051fa528f01d232757d893219799aab2.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c1dc6a777afb6022172c65c56f03371c/61e93/051fa528f01d232757d893219799aab2.webp 200w,\n/static/c1dc6a777afb6022172c65c56f03371c/1f5c5/051fa528f01d232757d893219799aab2.webp 400w,\n/static/c1dc6a777afb6022172c65c56f03371c/58556/051fa528f01d232757d893219799aab2.webp 800w,\n/static/c1dc6a777afb6022172c65c56f03371c/99238/051fa528f01d232757d893219799aab2.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2034-markdown","title":"Death Score: Opioids 16235. Cannabis 0.","slug":"death-score-opioids-16235-cannabis-0","content":"Living with chronic pain and trying to treat it can be difficult and frustrating. Unfortunately, many healthcare professionals ignore or are unaware of the benefits of medical marijuana for pain management, choosing to prescribe opioid-type drugs to mask symptoms. \n\n[Marijuana has been used to effectively battle chronic pain for centuries](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55dfb34e3763370006c70000/the-history-of-medical-marijuana-usage). But despite the success patients have achieved through the use of medical cannabis, its usage still lags far behind opioids. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 10% of prescribing medical professionals account for 50% of opioid prescriptions, illustrating a pattern of over-usage in chronic pain situations. While surveys show that [76% of doctors approve of medical marijuana](http://www.cbsnews.com/news/survey-76-percent-of-doctors-approve-of-medical-marijuana-use/), statistics indicate that [only 1.1 million patients have current prescriptions](http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=005889),\na number that falls far short of opioid usage. However, [92% of users say medical\ncannabis absolutely works](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2014/10/01/92-of-patients-say-medical-marijuana-works/) to treat their conditions.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Medical Marijuana Could Save Lives\n\nThe _Washington Post_ reports that [changing from a regimen of addiction-inducing opioids to non-addictive medical cannabis could literally save lives](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2015/07/14/how-medical marijuana-could-literally-save-lives/). Everyone agrees with their claim of saved lives, considering the tens of millions of patients currently addicted to opioids and a frightening CDC-compiled statistic that [more than 1,000 people a day are treated in emergency rooms for opioid misuse](http://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/data/overdose.html).\n\nTo put this into perspective, [43,982 people died of drug overdoses in 2013](http://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/data/overdose.html), and more than 50% of those deaths were from prescription drugs. Of the prescription drug overdoses, more than 70% were due to opioid-based medications, totaling 16,235 people. \n\nThat’s an astronomical number of lost lives stemming from doctors prescribing opioid pain medication. During the same year, [exactly zero people died from marijuana use](http://www.drugwarfacts.org/cms/Causes_of_Death). There could truly be no deeper disparity than losing tens of thousands of lives per year to opioids, which are addictive and may or may not work, versus medical cannabis usage that doesn’t lead to addiction and has a far higher number of patients reporting positive results.\n\n### Cannabis Helps With Chronic Pain \n\nIn addition to treatment for non-specific chronic pain, medical cannabis is also a successful treatment option for painful disorders like arthritis. Where pharmaceutical painkillers may fall short and opioids over-treat and overwhelm, [medical marijuana with high concentrations of cannabinoids can lead to decreased inflammation](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a720780f24d1300077ccb25/3-popular-questions-about-marijuana-and-arthritis-answered) and increased pain relief. While other pain medications simply mask pain or decrease pain sensitivity for shorter periods of time, medical marijuana can actually get to the root of the problem and provide longer-lasting relief with fewer side effects or long-term implications.\n\nMedical marijuana can improve the quality of life for chronic pain patients; it can also save lives. Meanwhile, opioids don't treat chronic pain as effectively and claim more lives per year than suicide, car accident fatalities and gun-related deaths combined. A National Bureau of Economic Research study shows that [increased medical marijuana use is directly proportional to decreased opioid abuse](http://www.nber.org/papers/w21345). The positives of saved lives and reduced levels of addiction could not possibly be overstated, and those positives tie back to responsible medical cannabis usage.\n\n### An Argument for Medicinal Marijuana Legalization\n\nA _Washington Post_ article shows a [direct correlation between states that have legalized medical marijuana dispensaries and the subsequent reduction of opioid-linked deaths](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2014/08/25/is-medical-marijuana-the-answer-to-americas-prescription-painkiller-epidemic/). \n\nAdd to that a study published in the [_Journal of American Medical Association Internal Medicine_](http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1898878) that found \"states with medical cannabis laws had a 24.8 percent lower mean annual opioid overdose mortality rate\" than states that hadn't yet legalized medical marijuana.\n\nNeedless to say, the argument is very strong to push for cannabis legalization across the rest of the U.S. Millions of patients suffering from a variety of disorders could find much-needed relief with medical cannabis. In addition, the lives of countless chronic pain patients could be preserved and bettered through medical cannabis instead of dangerously addictive opioid drugs.\n\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/26553756@N06/2653991611)\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://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":1.5151515151515151,"src":"/static/639367d57eb29c210f60ee59f076f66e/14b42/d74555200ef8a176627c7c62c973c2b5.jpg","srcSet":"/static/639367d57eb29c210f60ee59f076f66e/f836f/d74555200ef8a176627c7c62c973c2b5.jpg 200w,\n/static/639367d57eb29c210f60ee59f076f66e/2244e/d74555200ef8a176627c7c62c973c2b5.jpg 400w,\n/static/639367d57eb29c210f60ee59f076f66e/14b42/d74555200ef8a176627c7c62c973c2b5.jpg 800w,\n/static/639367d57eb29c210f60ee59f076f66e/47498/d74555200ef8a176627c7c62c973c2b5.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/639367d57eb29c210f60ee59f076f66e/58556/d74555200ef8a176627c7c62c973c2b5.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/639367d57eb29c210f60ee59f076f66e/61e93/d74555200ef8a176627c7c62c973c2b5.webp 200w,\n/static/639367d57eb29c210f60ee59f076f66e/1f5c5/d74555200ef8a176627c7c62c973c2b5.webp 400w,\n/static/639367d57eb29c210f60ee59f076f66e/58556/d74555200ef8a176627c7c62c973c2b5.webp 800w,\n/static/639367d57eb29c210f60ee59f076f66e/99238/d74555200ef8a176627c7c62c973c2b5.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2032-markdown","title":"Care By Design Study Reveals CBD Provides Superior Relief for Migraines","slug":"care-by-design-study-reveals-cbd-provides-superior-relief-for-migraines","content":"[Care by Design](https://www.cbd.org/) , a premier manufacturer of high cannabidiol (CBD) products, is a well-known, trusted brand within the California cannabis industry. Their customer base is often new to cannabis and many are seeking medicinal benefits for a variety of conditions. Care By Design conducted a [recent study](https://www.cbd.org/largest-survey-patients-using-cbd) with over 600 people, from their customer base, to better understand why they use the products and the overall benefits received.\n\nThe results not only demonstrate that cannabis works for many medical conditions, but it confirms a [previous study](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25255903) published in 2014 by Ryan-Ibarra, et al. Both of these studies show that that most common indication for medical cannabis use, about 31%, is for [chronic pain](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/562150d03232620006450000/top-14-marijuana-strains-for-different-kinds-of-pain) and [arthritis](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55a546996636300006230000/medical-marijuana-a-safe-alternative-for-arthritis-inflammation). Not surprisingly, 72-92% of patients using cannabis for these conditions found that it significantly decreased pain symptoms. \n\nAccording to the research, 4-8% of the patient base suffers from [migraines](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/559ac07d3664330006070000/taking-queues-from-the-past-medical-marijuana-can-provide-migraine-relief). Migraine pain significantly decreased in almost 100% of people taking the CBD-rich cannabis concentrates. This finding is particularly remarkable as most prescription medication does not perform nearly as well and most includes impactful side effects. Most participants indicated that their overall sense of wellbeing increased by about 88% after using the CBD-rich products. Participants suffering from [post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD)](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55fa22d93262620006740000/new-finds-on-ptsd-and-medical-marijuana) also indicated a much better sense of wellbeing after using the products with CBD-dominant cannabis medicine.\n\nPatients with chronic diseases get “worn down” and often have feelings of lethargy. Care by Design found that almost 40% of these patients had an increased energy level after using CBD-rich cannabis. This increase in energy levels was also seen in almost 60% in patients with inflammation, [fibromyalgia](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/559adb8865623000060f0000/relief-from-fibromyalgia-symptoms-the-case-for-medical-marijuana) and PTSD.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/1fa94d1ffc8b634ad8ccf6007454f928/ee604/c90601231721371bde4c7d8bae0ee898.png","srcSet":"/static/1fa94d1ffc8b634ad8ccf6007454f928/69585/c90601231721371bde4c7d8bae0ee898.png 200w,\n/static/1fa94d1ffc8b634ad8ccf6007454f928/497c6/c90601231721371bde4c7d8bae0ee898.png 400w,\n/static/1fa94d1ffc8b634ad8ccf6007454f928/ee604/c90601231721371bde4c7d8bae0ee898.png 800w,\n/static/1fa94d1ffc8b634ad8ccf6007454f928/f3583/c90601231721371bde4c7d8bae0ee898.png 1200w,\n/static/1fa94d1ffc8b634ad8ccf6007454f928/f90fa/c90601231721371bde4c7d8bae0ee898.png 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/1fa94d1ffc8b634ad8ccf6007454f928/58556/c90601231721371bde4c7d8bae0ee898.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/1fa94d1ffc8b634ad8ccf6007454f928/61e93/c90601231721371bde4c7d8bae0ee898.webp 200w,\n/static/1fa94d1ffc8b634ad8ccf6007454f928/1f5c5/c90601231721371bde4c7d8bae0ee898.webp 400w,\n/static/1fa94d1ffc8b634ad8ccf6007454f928/58556/c90601231721371bde4c7d8bae0ee898.webp 800w,\n/static/1fa94d1ffc8b634ad8ccf6007454f928/99238/c90601231721371bde4c7d8bae0ee898.webp 1200w,\n/static/1fa94d1ffc8b634ad8ccf6007454f928/5e0b8/c90601231721371bde4c7d8bae0ee898.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1913-markdown","title":"Survey Reveals 76% of Doctors Would Approve Medical Marijuana Use","slug":"survey-reveals-76-of-doctors-would-approve-medical-marijuana-use","content":"A majority of doctors would approve medical marijuana use, according to\r\na\r\n[survey](http://www.cbsnews.com/news/survey-76-percent-of-doctors-approve-of-medical-marijuana-use/)\r\npublished in the [New England Journal of\r\nMedicine](http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMclde1305159# t=article)\r\nin May 2013. In an interactive feature in which readers were given a\r\nhypothetical\r\n[case](http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMclde1300970# t=cldeOpt1)\r\nstudy about a 68-year-old woman with metastatic breast cancer and asked\r\nto vote on the use of marijuana as a treatment for her symptoms, 76\r\npercent of doctors voted in favor of medical marijuana use, even though\r\nit is illegal in most countries.\r\n\r\nExperts Speak Out On Medical Marijuana\r\n--------------------------------------\r\n\r\nTo frame the issue, researchers invited experts to present opposing\r\nviewpoints about the use of marijuana, or cannabis, as medicine. J.\r\nMichael Bostwick, M.D., a professor of psychiatry at Mayo Clinic,\r\nMinnesota, recommended the medicinal use of marijuana while Gary M.\r\nReisfield, M.D., an assistant professor and chief of pain management\r\nservices in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Florida\r\nCollege of Medicine, and Robert L. DuPont, M.D., a clinical professor of\r\npsychiatry at Georgetown University School of Medicine, provided a\r\ncounterpoint.\r\n\r\nDoctors Support Medical Marijuana Use\r\n-------------------------------------\r\n\r\nA total of 1446 doctors from 72 countries cast their votes in the poll.\r\nDespite the global participation, most votes (1063) came from within\r\nNorth America, with doctors from 56 states and provinces expressing\r\ntheir opinions. In addition, 118 doctors posted comments on the issue.\r\nDoctors who said they would prescribe marijuana emphasized the\r\nresponsibility of healthcare providers to help minimize their patients'\r\nsuffering, the importance of considering patients' personal preferences\r\nand the dangers of prescription painkillers and narcotics. They also\r\ncited cases where marijuana was able to help patients.\r\n\r\nMarijuana Shows Promise As a Medicine\r\n-------------------------------------\r\n\r\nMany of the chemical compounds, or cannabinoids, found in the marijuana plant\r\nare believed to contribute to marijuana's health benefits. However,\r\ntetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are of the greatest\r\ninterest to researchers. THC increases appetite and reduces nausea. [Two\r\nTHC-based\r\nmedications](http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/marijuana/what-are-marijuanas-effects-general-physical-health)\r\nhave received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for the\r\ntreatment of nausea in people undergoing cancer chemotherapy and loss of\r\nappetite in people with wasting syndrome due to acquired immune\r\ndeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It may also decrease pain and inflammation,\r\nand control muscle spasms. CBD may be useful in reducing pain and\r\ninflammation, reducing epileptic seizures, and treating mental\r\nillnesses.\r\n\r\nSupport Grows For Medical Marijuana Legalization\r\n------------------------------------------------\r\n\r\nThe FDA has yet to approve marijuana as a medicine, citing insufficient\r\nevidence of its benefits. In spite of this, [23\r\nstates](http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000881)\r\nand Washington, D.C., have passed laws allowing people to obtain and use\r\nmarijuana with a doctor's prescription. If medical marijuana were to be\r\nlegalized nationally, it could deliver real benefits to patients whose\r\nneeds are not being met by current treatments.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/isafmedia/4517662990/in/photolist-7TdcPd-9jsuHw-8ZDrF5-db17rc-5q1FVn-rXxntr-rk4Mxg-4uMK8D-7zZMNv-dnbW6N-aGGLHc-fEy1Yo-9aRGDU-e8CE5Z-2ogktn-5q1B6r-9V6owe-hgaVKV-9hXzbP-9SfavZ-9Si3xf-9Si3us-8Y8Nwz-8Y8LPX-8Y8L1g-8YbMF3-2KWRJx-dnbGL6-pEYe9s-8DeWhH-dnbPoq-dnbM8G-ob61yZ-89hQAP-dnbRUX-dnbUKw-dnbRCv-dnbHda-63ytJM-mWt2jF-8Y8NXz-aiGAFx-8aAdLy-rjScLG-7ZE8XZ-rZh6ko-6ggnNd-716VJM-ojKxpZ-ojKxmH)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/dd264d40c96249411f00ecfe19411ed9/14b42/8b8eaa7dbaf11c78ef708dabc44ae403.jpg","srcSet":"/static/dd264d40c96249411f00ecfe19411ed9/f836f/8b8eaa7dbaf11c78ef708dabc44ae403.jpg 200w,\n/static/dd264d40c96249411f00ecfe19411ed9/2244e/8b8eaa7dbaf11c78ef708dabc44ae403.jpg 400w,\n/static/dd264d40c96249411f00ecfe19411ed9/14b42/8b8eaa7dbaf11c78ef708dabc44ae403.jpg 800w,\n/static/dd264d40c96249411f00ecfe19411ed9/47498/8b8eaa7dbaf11c78ef708dabc44ae403.jpg 1200w,\n/static/dd264d40c96249411f00ecfe19411ed9/99213/8b8eaa7dbaf11c78ef708dabc44ae403.jpg 1542w","srcWebp":"/static/dd264d40c96249411f00ecfe19411ed9/58556/8b8eaa7dbaf11c78ef708dabc44ae403.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/dd264d40c96249411f00ecfe19411ed9/61e93/8b8eaa7dbaf11c78ef708dabc44ae403.webp 200w,\n/static/dd264d40c96249411f00ecfe19411ed9/1f5c5/8b8eaa7dbaf11c78ef708dabc44ae403.webp 400w,\n/static/dd264d40c96249411f00ecfe19411ed9/58556/8b8eaa7dbaf11c78ef708dabc44ae403.webp 800w,\n/static/dd264d40c96249411f00ecfe19411ed9/99238/8b8eaa7dbaf11c78ef708dabc44ae403.webp 1200w,\n/static/dd264d40c96249411f00ecfe19411ed9/587c8/8b8eaa7dbaf11c78ef708dabc44ae403.webp 1542w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1908-markdown","title":"Who Is Taking Medical Marijuana?","slug":"who-is-taking-medical-marijuana","content":"Although many people in the country now use medical marijuana, most\r\npeople are surprisingly unaware of how diverse the demographics of\r\nmedical marijuana users are. As medical marijuana gains popularity and\r\nacceptance throughout the country, more and more people are turning to\r\ncannabis for everything from pain relief to assistance with chronic\r\nillness.\r\n\r\nThe Demographics of Medical Cannabis\r\n------------------------------------\r\n\r\nMedical marijuana is now legal in [23\r\nstates](http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000881)\r\nas well as the District of Columbia. Each of those states keeps detailed\r\ndata on how many people per capita are using medical marijuana.\r\nAccording to the website\r\n[ProCon](http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=005889),\r\nroughly 2.5 million people in the country use medical marijuana. Of\r\nthese people, researchers have found that medical marijuana is used\r\nequally [between men and\r\nwomen](http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonkblog/wp/2014/10/01/92-of-patients-say-medical-marijuana-works/).\r\n\r\nAdditionally, individuals from all age groups use medical marijuana,\r\nalthough the treatment is generally more common among a younger demographic. On\r\naverage, each of the states in which medical marijuana is legal have 7.7\r\npeople per 1,000 who take advantage of the treatment on a regular basis.\r\nIt is worth mentioning that those numbers may be artificially low due to\r\nthe fact that several states (Maryland, Minnesota, New Hampshire and New\r\nYork) have not yet opened their patient registration databases.\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to different racial groups, a study conducted by the\r\n[California Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance\r\nSystem](http://www.cdph.ca.gov/data/surveys/Pages/BRFSS.aspx) in\r\npartnership with the Public Health Institute and the CDC of more than\r\n7,000 adults has found a small difference in medical marijuana usage\r\n(amounting to fewer than 3 percentage points). This difference, however,\r\nis statistically insignificant. The survey also found that most people\r\nwho use medical marijuana are taking advantage of the treatment to help\r\nresolve ongoing medical issues. In fact, the treatment is so common that\r\nit is estimated that [5 percent of California\r\nadults](http://canorml.org/news/cbcsurvey2011.html) report having used\r\nmedical marijuana to help cope with medical issues.\r\n\r\nAn Equal Distribution Across All Demographics\r\n---------------------------------------------\r\n\r\nAccording to most recent data, medical marijuana is being used equally\r\nacross most populations without much of a gap in age, race, ethnicity or\r\ngeography (except, of course, in states where medical marijuana is still\r\nillegal).\r\n\r\nAlthough the use of medical marijuana has become more common, the\r\ntreatment has faced [vocal\r\nopposition](http://www.hightimes.com/read/5-arguments-against-medical-marijuana)\r\nfrom politicians and officials across the country due to a lack of\r\nformalized studies. The findings of the aforementioned survey, however,\r\nseek to put the opposition to rest. While medical marijuana is not yet\r\nlegal in all 50 states, it is clear that the treatment is being used by\r\nall members of the population. People who take medical marijuana as a\r\ntreatment for an ongoing disorder understand that medical cannabis often\r\noffers treatments that traditional pharmaceuticals do not, and, as such,\r\nit's a valuable therapy for many demographics.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, [76 percent of\r\ndoctors](http://www.cbsnews.com/news/survey-76-percent-of-doctors-approve-of-medical-marijuana-use/)\r\nacross the country stand behind the use of medical cannabis, which means\r\nthe treatment is gaining popularity not only with a diverse span of\r\npatients, but with the medical establishment as well. In addition to\r\nseeing medical marijuana used across all demographics and age groups,\r\nthese doctors have also seen medical cannabis [used to treat\r\ndifficult-to-resolve\r\ndisorders](http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/features/medical-marijuana-uses)\r\nsuch as migraines, eating disorders and the pain associated with\r\ndifferent types of cancer.\r\n\r\nWith this data in mind, it is clear that medical marijuana is a valued\r\ntreatment among adults across all demographics. When you take into\r\naccount that doctors have begun to support the treatment as well, it\r\nseems that cannabis is gaining widespread popularity as an effective\r\ntool for maximizing wellness.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/comapre/6846956824/in/photolist-br3rHJ-8wFV41-asvY74-76N1ke-hCiBP-8dFHW6-fiyc3W-ja5P1F-e81u7Z-8kYUXw-7U9yDT-7dUmES-5prxPU-nNtini-4YykFa-PgLxu-bL1sKr-78SeXq-e2ujUd-7dQwgR-rys9xA-uf47HU-dqKJX4-e8AcGR-6EX6Ec-uXjDdo-7nkBSM-pArj5T-dJHm2T-7dQ3MD-7wQ7Vo-ef5e5T-9MvKMo-8SnnKt-q5PjjH-athL-dQoSa6-31MwBx-7cF33t-66sXv5-i6yPvN-edHvST-8vWkad-gHGELp-dzLuUm-egQPoZ-qCxtts-4b8EZm-9EcfT2-ef1TQi)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/024f37cfa699e7006111cd3c4e37cc8f/7d509/c8281396969132680f04c3f13e0c61d9.jpg","srcSet":"/static/024f37cfa699e7006111cd3c4e37cc8f/f836f/c8281396969132680f04c3f13e0c61d9.jpg 200w,\n/static/024f37cfa699e7006111cd3c4e37cc8f/2244e/c8281396969132680f04c3f13e0c61d9.jpg 400w,\n/static/024f37cfa699e7006111cd3c4e37cc8f/7d509/c8281396969132680f04c3f13e0c61d9.jpg 720w","srcWebp":"/static/024f37cfa699e7006111cd3c4e37cc8f/2aa8d/c8281396969132680f04c3f13e0c61d9.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/024f37cfa699e7006111cd3c4e37cc8f/61e93/c8281396969132680f04c3f13e0c61d9.webp 200w,\n/static/024f37cfa699e7006111cd3c4e37cc8f/1f5c5/c8281396969132680f04c3f13e0c61d9.webp 400w,\n/static/024f37cfa699e7006111cd3c4e37cc8f/2aa8d/c8281396969132680f04c3f13e0c61d9.webp 720w","sizes":"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1921-markdown","title":"How Many People in California are Using Medical Marijuana?","slug":"how-many-people-in-california-are-using-medical-marijuana","content":"Marijuana, or cannabis, is classified by the Drug Enforcement\r\nAdministration (DEA) as a [Schedule I\r\nsubstance](http://www.dea.gov/druginfo/ds.shtml). Despite this, [23\r\nstates and Washington,\r\nD.C.](http://www.governing.com/gov-data/state-marijuana-laws-map-medical-recreational.html)\r\nhave legalized marijuana for medicinal use. California was the [first\r\nstate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legality_of_cannabis_by_U.S._jurisdiction)\r\nin the United States to legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes when\r\nvoters passed Proposition 215, or the Compassionate Use Act of 1996, by\r\n55.6 percent on November 5, 1996. On September 30, 2010, Gov. Arnold\r\nSchwarzenegger signed Senate Bill 1449, reducing the punishment for the\r\npossession of one ounce or less of marijuana. Since then, there has been\r\nno population-based data describing medical marijuana users in the\r\nstate.\r\n\r\nResearch Reveals Medical Marijuana Use\r\n--------------------------------------\r\n\r\nResearchers for the Survey Research Group at the Public Health Institute\r\nin Sacramento, California, used data from the [California Behavioral\r\nRisk Factor Surveillance System](http://www.cdc.gov/brfss/) 2012, a\r\nhealth-related telephone survey of over 7,500 adults, to investigate the\r\nprevalence of medical marijuana use. Published in the [Drug and Alcohol\r\nReview](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25255903) in 2014, the study\r\nrevealed that in total, five percent of adults in California reported\r\never using medical marijuana. Of these, 92 percent believed it helped\r\ntreat or relieve symptoms of a serious medical condition. The most\r\ncommon reasons for using medical marijuana were chronic pain (31\r\npercent), arthritis (11 percent), migraine (8 percent) and cancer (7\r\npercent). Other conditions reported included acquired immune deficiency\r\nsyndrome (AIDS), muscle spasms, nausea, stress and depression.\r\n\r\nMedical Marijuana Use Prevails Across California\r\n------------------------------------------------\r\n\r\n[Medical\r\nmarijuana](http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonkblog/wp/2014/10/01/92-of-patients-say-medical-marijuana-works/)\r\nuse was prevalent in all age groups, although usage was higher amongst\r\nadults aged 18 to 24. One reason for this could be that older adults\r\nhave yet to recognize the benefits of medical marijuana as a therapy for\r\nconditions such as cancer. Medical marijuana use was similar amongst men\r\nand women, and in all areas of California, lending support to the notion\r\nthat medical marijuana is not exclusively used by any one specific\r\ngroup.Prevalence of ever using medical marijuana was highest among white\r\nadults, although use was reported by every racial group examined. The\r\ndifference in marijuana use between racial groups was less than three\r\npercentage points, which suggests that medical marijuana is being used\r\nequally by many racial groups.\r\n\r\nResults Provide Clear Evidence of Medical Marijuana's Benefits\r\n--------------------------------------------------------------\r\n\r\nMedical marijuana is being used for conditions for which mainstream\r\ntreatments may not exist or may not be effective. As more states\r\ncontemplate legalizing marijuana for medical use, those who have already\r\nbenefited from its therapeutic effects must continue to speak out on its\r\nplace in modern medicine.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/23499775@N08/5105070107)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/2a95e075ec283127a80a8488244cfc97/14b42/13c70f944fb3c9e73dabdf92e0159636.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2a95e075ec283127a80a8488244cfc97/f836f/13c70f944fb3c9e73dabdf92e0159636.jpg 200w,\n/static/2a95e075ec283127a80a8488244cfc97/2244e/13c70f944fb3c9e73dabdf92e0159636.jpg 400w,\n/static/2a95e075ec283127a80a8488244cfc97/14b42/13c70f944fb3c9e73dabdf92e0159636.jpg 800w,\n/static/2a95e075ec283127a80a8488244cfc97/16310/13c70f944fb3c9e73dabdf92e0159636.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/2a95e075ec283127a80a8488244cfc97/58556/13c70f944fb3c9e73dabdf92e0159636.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2a95e075ec283127a80a8488244cfc97/61e93/13c70f944fb3c9e73dabdf92e0159636.webp 200w,\n/static/2a95e075ec283127a80a8488244cfc97/1f5c5/13c70f944fb3c9e73dabdf92e0159636.webp 400w,\n/static/2a95e075ec283127a80a8488244cfc97/58556/13c70f944fb3c9e73dabdf92e0159636.webp 800w,\n/static/2a95e075ec283127a80a8488244cfc97/cc834/13c70f944fb3c9e73dabdf92e0159636.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1929-markdown","title":"Synthetic THC & Plant-Based Cannabis Products: Is There a Difference?","slug":"synthetic-thc-and-plant-based-cannabis-products-is-there-a-difference","content":"Cannabis research has led to the development of synthetic cannabinoids.\r\nThese lab-based alternatives to the naturally occurring cannabinoids\r\nfound in marijuana have been shown to help patients cope with pain,\r\nimprove appetite and reduce the effects of cancer treatment. But despite\r\ntheir chemical similarities, plant-based cannabinoids and synthetic\r\ncannabinoids are not the same.\r\n\r\nNatural Cannabinoids\r\n--------------------\r\n\r\nWhen research into the effects of cannabis began, scientists identified\r\nand isolated the plant's compounds to find those that may be beneficial.\r\nThey found that marijuana contains about [85 active\r\ncannabinoids](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2866040/).\r\nTwo of these, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), have\r\nbeen widely studied. They have been shown to:\r\n\r\n-   Increase appetite\r\n-   Decrease pain\r\n-   Reduce swelling and inflammation\r\n-   Control muscle spasms\r\n-   Reduce anxiety and depression\r\n\r\nSynthetic Cannabinoids\r\n----------------------\r\n\r\nAs a result of studies into the medical efficacy of cannabis, synthetic\r\nforms of these compounds were developed. The idea was to eliminate the\r\nnegative effects of the naturally occurring cannabinoids -- the high and\r\naddiction potential -- while improving the health benefits through\r\ndosage control and the removal of impurities.\r\n\r\nThe Federal Drug Administration has approved two synthetic THC\r\nmedications,\r\n[dronabinol](http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/dockets/05n0479/05N-0479-emc0004-04.pdf)\r\n(Marinol®) and\r\n[nabilone](http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Nabilone# section=Top)\r\n(Cesamet®) for medical use. Dronabinol is approved for nausea and\r\nvomiting related to chemotherapy and as an appetite stimulant in AIDS\r\npatients. Nabilone is used to treat nausea and vomiting.\r\n\r\nOne is Not Like the Other\r\n-------------------------\r\n\r\nIsolating one single compound, however, eliminates any collaborative\r\neffects of the naturally occurring compounds. For example,\r\n[researchers](http://psycnet.apa.org/journals/bne/129/3/368/) have\r\nreported that the antiemetic effects of THC are enhanced, and side\r\neffects are reduced, when taken with CBD. Another\r\n[study](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25398831) found that the\r\ncombination of THC and CBD improved results of radiation treatment for\r\nglioma, a type of brain cancer. Similarly, Sativex, a cannabis\r\nplant-derived medication containing both THC and CBD, has been approved\r\nin Canada and other countries for treating pain and spasticity in\r\n[multiple\r\nsclerosis](http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.327.9531&rep=rep1&type=pdf)\r\npatients.\r\n\r\nAnother problem with synthetic cannabinoids is delivery method. For\r\nexample, dronabinol, a gelatin capsule, is ingested. For those suffering\r\nfrom nausea or wasting, it may be difficult to keep pills down or to\r\nswallow them. Inhaled cannabinoids may offer an alternative.\r\n\r\nDelivery method also influences drug effects. With an ingested\r\ncannabinoid, onset of action is about 30 to 60 minutes after it is\r\ntaken. With inhaled medication, effects can be felt in minutes.\r\n\r\nMore research is needed into the symbiotic relationship of the naturally\r\noccurring cannabinoids and how they compare to the synthetic\r\nmedications. The most important goal is providing access to patients who\r\ncould benefit from medical marijuana because they are not getting relief\r\nfrom current medications.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/usdagov/8411815647/in/photolist-w2JakD-bXb3Ln-dPjKJg-8GSqfx-8GSosi-8GVwL9-8GVxWh-8GVAdL-8GVzMY-8GVzYj-51Addy-8GVwoA-51vYXP-51AdAG-51AcHA-51vYHr-51vZhF-51vZE8-51vYQK-8GVyN3-8GSojZ-8GVzcq-GRdZ5-8GVAyy-8GVyhN-8GVyqo-8GVxv9-8GSnRr-8GSpLe-8GSnKF-8GSoaP-8GVxmA-8GSriR-8GSqUn-8GSqJM-8GVAG7-8GSq58-8GVxMY-8GSscZ-51vYAz-51vZMk-51AcQb-51vZp2-51AdJy-8GVxFm-8GVApL-8GSpRZ-8GSpnt-8GSs4V-8GSpfr)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/8d0ebbdd8f030ffc2223a4b3b7d40457/14b42/3e4ca5ceefe362210ec8a953ac333d22.jpg","srcSet":"/static/8d0ebbdd8f030ffc2223a4b3b7d40457/f836f/3e4ca5ceefe362210ec8a953ac333d22.jpg 200w,\n/static/8d0ebbdd8f030ffc2223a4b3b7d40457/2244e/3e4ca5ceefe362210ec8a953ac333d22.jpg 400w,\n/static/8d0ebbdd8f030ffc2223a4b3b7d40457/14b42/3e4ca5ceefe362210ec8a953ac333d22.jpg 800w,\n/static/8d0ebbdd8f030ffc2223a4b3b7d40457/47498/3e4ca5ceefe362210ec8a953ac333d22.jpg 1200w,\n/static/8d0ebbdd8f030ffc2223a4b3b7d40457/159d9/3e4ca5ceefe362210ec8a953ac333d22.jpg 1427w","srcWebp":"/static/8d0ebbdd8f030ffc2223a4b3b7d40457/58556/3e4ca5ceefe362210ec8a953ac333d22.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/8d0ebbdd8f030ffc2223a4b3b7d40457/61e93/3e4ca5ceefe362210ec8a953ac333d22.webp 200w,\n/static/8d0ebbdd8f030ffc2223a4b3b7d40457/1f5c5/3e4ca5ceefe362210ec8a953ac333d22.webp 400w,\n/static/8d0ebbdd8f030ffc2223a4b3b7d40457/58556/3e4ca5ceefe362210ec8a953ac333d22.webp 800w,\n/static/8d0ebbdd8f030ffc2223a4b3b7d40457/99238/3e4ca5ceefe362210ec8a953ac333d22.webp 1200w,\n/static/8d0ebbdd8f030ffc2223a4b3b7d40457/7b5ea/3e4ca5ceefe362210ec8a953ac333d22.webp 1427w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1949-markdown","title":"Words From Our Chief Medical Officer: Telehealth & Access to Care","slug":"words-from-our-chief-medical-officer-telehealth-and-access-to-care","content":"On August 2nd, Dr. Richard Boxer, the chief tele health officer of Pager and the chief medical officer of Well Via, published an opinion piece in the *Wall Street Journal*. He outlined what positive aspects telehealth can bring to the medical industry as a whole.  With 103 million people in the US living in areas with less than adequate availability to primary care providers, it is time that the country stops relying solely on traditional medical visits to help all of its patients. Telehealth can be used just as easily as a face to face doctors visit to treat basic ailments, such as ear infections, or give direction to seek emergency medical help, in the case of serious issues such as heart attacks. \r\n\r\nWe, at HelloMD, see telehealth as a way to bring treatment and recommendations to people in their own home, giving each person equal access to medical care. Here is how our Chief Medical officer feels about telehealth and its roll in the medical marijuana, and medical industry, at large. \r\n\r\n*Dr. Boxer has made some salient points regarding his “When the Doctor Is Always a Phone Call Away” (op-ed August 2). Another major aspect, besides being “efficient” as he mentions, is that telemedicine brings access to millions of people unable to visit a physician’s office. Whether this is due to being house-bound, distance, etc, the ability to “see” a physician in the comfort of your own home to discuss their concerns makes medical care truly available to all. Unfortunately, except for California and Nevada, this access is cut off for millions of people when it concerns medical marijuana recommendations.*\r\n\r\n*While 23 states plus the District of Colombia have made medical marijuana legal, only California and Nevada allow physicians to evaluate patients remotely and when appropriate, make recommendations for medical marijuana. Patients from other states must travel, park, and spend time waiting, to see a physician either far from their home or sometimes in an undesirable part of town. As the first telehealth medical marijuana evaluation company, we at HelloMD have found that the vast majority of the thousands of patients that we have evaluated appreciate the immediate access that can be provided using this technology. The other states should get on board and allow this same access of care to their population.*\r\n\r\n*Perry Solomon, MD*\r\n\r\n*Chief Medical Officer*\r\n\r\n*HelloMD*\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/musc-cgh/16890086480/in/photolist-rJw7gA-s26nWr-s26nQ4-s26nMi-rJw6EA-r56bhd-nRCKto-6ZSiFW-6ZNiQi-6ZNiQv-6ZNiQc-6ZNiPF-6ZSiEA-6ZNiP6-6ZNiNM-6ZSiD5-6ZSiDq-6ZNiMt-6ZSiCS-6ZSiCE-6ZNiLF-6ZNiM2-6ZSiBs-6ZNiKM-6ZNiKt-6ZSiAN-6ZNiKi-6ZNiJR-6ZNiJe-6ZNiJx-6ZNiHH-6ZSiyE-6ZSiym-6ZSixy-6ZSiws-6ZNiFa-6ZSiw5-6ZSivw-6ZSiuG-6ZSiv3-6ZSiu7-6ZSiuq-6ZSitW-6ZSitb-6ZNiCX-6ZSisQ-6ZSisG-6ZSis5-6ZNiBp-6ZNiBa)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.4184397163120568,"src":"/static/8df8164cc1ee3ee2db9bc3697403bd61/14b42/ebf6cf15a97a259721c55de7bc4b04a8.jpg","srcSet":"/static/8df8164cc1ee3ee2db9bc3697403bd61/f836f/ebf6cf15a97a259721c55de7bc4b04a8.jpg 200w,\n/static/8df8164cc1ee3ee2db9bc3697403bd61/2244e/ebf6cf15a97a259721c55de7bc4b04a8.jpg 400w,\n/static/8df8164cc1ee3ee2db9bc3697403bd61/14b42/ebf6cf15a97a259721c55de7bc4b04a8.jpg 800w,\n/static/8df8164cc1ee3ee2db9bc3697403bd61/47498/ebf6cf15a97a259721c55de7bc4b04a8.jpg 1200w,\n/static/8df8164cc1ee3ee2db9bc3697403bd61/694fe/ebf6cf15a97a259721c55de7bc4b04a8.jpg 1456w","srcWebp":"/static/8df8164cc1ee3ee2db9bc3697403bd61/58556/ebf6cf15a97a259721c55de7bc4b04a8.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/8df8164cc1ee3ee2db9bc3697403bd61/61e93/ebf6cf15a97a259721c55de7bc4b04a8.webp 200w,\n/static/8df8164cc1ee3ee2db9bc3697403bd61/1f5c5/ebf6cf15a97a259721c55de7bc4b04a8.webp 400w,\n/static/8df8164cc1ee3ee2db9bc3697403bd61/58556/ebf6cf15a97a259721c55de7bc4b04a8.webp 800w,\n/static/8df8164cc1ee3ee2db9bc3697403bd61/99238/ebf6cf15a97a259721c55de7bc4b04a8.webp 1200w,\n/static/8df8164cc1ee3ee2db9bc3697403bd61/ff3ac/ebf6cf15a97a259721c55de7bc4b04a8.webp 1456w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1888-markdown","title":"Retirees Flock to States with Medical Marijuana","slug":"retirees-flock-to-states-with-medical-marijuana","content":"In the past, choosing a state to retire in was based on several factors: how\r\nnice the weather was, how close the grandchildren were, and how many\r\ngolf courses the area offered.\r\n\r\nToday, it's pretty safe to add \"how accessible medical marijuana is\" to\r\nthat list.\r\n\r\nMore and more, retirees are [seeking out states that offer medical\r\nmarijuana](http://time.com/money/3967757/seniors-retire-marijuana-legal-states/).\r\nThis reality is largely attributed to the fact that older people with\r\nhealth conditions want access to the therapeutic benefits of medical\r\ncannabis. As a result, retirees are flocking to states like Oregon,\r\nCalifornia, Washington, Alaska, and Colorado, where the quality of life\r\nis good and the medical access to marijuana is even better.\r\n\r\nThe Striking Statistics\r\n-----------------------\r\n\r\nRetirees who head to a dispensary in one of these states are much less\r\nlikely to encounter young people than people a lot like\r\nthemselves -- retired seniors with health conditions that require\r\ntreatment by medical marijuana. Dispensaries in retiree-rich towns are\r\npacked with chemotherapy patients, severely arthritis sufferers in\r\nwheelchairs, and seniors suffering from degenerative conditions like\r\n[multiple\r\nsclerosis](http://sensiseeds.com/en/blog/top-5-benefits-cannabis-multiple-sclerosis/).\r\nMany of the conditions that medical marijuana serves to treat, like pain and\r\nloss of appetite, are issues that affect seniors, so it makes\r\nsense that medical marijuana is popular among the retired demographic.\r\n\r\nAlthough medicinal cannabis isn't the only reason seniors are\r\nflocking to these states, it's impossible to deny that it's playing a\r\nlarge part in their decisions. In fact, [ArcView Market\r\nResearch](http://www.arcviewmarketresearch.com/) reports that, in 2014,\r\nthe medical marijuana market amounted to $2.4 billion dollars, a figure\r\nthat is projected to balloon to $3.4 billion in 2015. Statistics like\r\nthis provide solid evidence that medical marijuana is a sought-after\r\nmarket. Many seniors find the availability of medicinal cannabis so\r\nimportant that they are willing to base their choice of state on whether\r\naccess is permitted.\r\n\r\nWhen you take into account that Colorado, which made the choice to\r\n[legalize medical marijuana in\r\n2000](http://sensiblecolorado.org/history-of-co-medical-marijuana-laws/),\r\nhas the highest inbound percentage of retirees in the country right now\r\nand that [seniors are the fastest-growing\r\npercentage](http://seniormedicalcannabis.com/) of medical marijuana\r\nusers, it's impossible to deny the fact that medicinal marijuana is\r\nimportant to retirees.\r\n\r\nAlthough medical marijuana continues to be a contentious topic around\r\nthe country, one thing is clear: states that have made medical marijuana\r\nlegal are enjoying an increase in economy and population thanks to the\r\ninflux of retirees who appreciate their stance on therapeutic cannabis.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/31846825@N04/9285126206)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.2987012987012987,"src":"/static/752b1e26abc7d7c61c7e8236566fd64e/4fe8c/7e9c8d16b78376f95375e907ad728c4e.jpg","srcSet":"/static/752b1e26abc7d7c61c7e8236566fd64e/f836f/7e9c8d16b78376f95375e907ad728c4e.jpg 200w,\n/static/752b1e26abc7d7c61c7e8236566fd64e/2244e/7e9c8d16b78376f95375e907ad728c4e.jpg 400w,\n/static/752b1e26abc7d7c61c7e8236566fd64e/4fe8c/7e9c8d16b78376f95375e907ad728c4e.jpg 600w","srcWebp":"/static/752b1e26abc7d7c61c7e8236566fd64e/ad85c/7e9c8d16b78376f95375e907ad728c4e.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/752b1e26abc7d7c61c7e8236566fd64e/61e93/7e9c8d16b78376f95375e907ad728c4e.webp 200w,\n/static/752b1e26abc7d7c61c7e8236566fd64e/1f5c5/7e9c8d16b78376f95375e907ad728c4e.webp 400w,\n/static/752b1e26abc7d7c61c7e8236566fd64e/ad85c/7e9c8d16b78376f95375e907ad728c4e.webp 600w","sizes":"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1919-markdown","title":"Does Medical Marijuana Work?","slug":"does-medical-marijuana-work","content":"It’s the question that has been asked many many times. And the answer is……YES! But then how do we know it works for the many symptoms that it’s used for? Since marijuana is classifies as a Schedule l drug by the FDA (no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse) the research that has been performed in the United States has been very limited. In other parts of the world, however, where drug agencies are more enlightened, there are many more studies. All seem to indicate that medical marijuana helps for a vast variety of ailments such as chronic pain, migraines, arthritis, anorexia, glaucoma, insomnia and many more.\r\n\r\nSo what information do we have that these studies are real and that patients actually are getting better using medical marijuana? The latest study by the Survey Research Group of the Public Health Institute in Sacramento California in August 2014, showed that 92% of people interviewed reported that medical marijuana helped treat a serious illness. The most commonly reported conditions were chronic pain, arthritis, migraine and cancer.\r\n\r\nLegislation was introduced in March 2015 to reclassify medical marijuana as a Schedule ll drug and legalize state medical marijuana programs under federal law. Right now, medical marijuana is legal in 23 states and the District of Columbia. When this law passes it will lead to studies being performed in the United States leading to more use for various medical conditions.\r\n\r\nJust to give some perspective, some drugs that are listed as Schedule ll medications include Vicodin, cocaine, methamphetamine, Dilaudid, Demerol, OxyContin; all drugs that have caused countless overdoses and deaths. There has not been a single reported death due to marijuana use.\r\n\r\nDoes this seem right?","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.2658227848101267,"src":"/static/2237cfc5d60b053a4d07ad9dc402f6ec/ee604/5cb38b52d86fae4ebe2aa6fca9d79870.png","srcSet":"/static/2237cfc5d60b053a4d07ad9dc402f6ec/69585/5cb38b52d86fae4ebe2aa6fca9d79870.png 200w,\n/static/2237cfc5d60b053a4d07ad9dc402f6ec/497c6/5cb38b52d86fae4ebe2aa6fca9d79870.png 400w,\n/static/2237cfc5d60b053a4d07ad9dc402f6ec/ee604/5cb38b52d86fae4ebe2aa6fca9d79870.png 800w","srcWebp":"/static/2237cfc5d60b053a4d07ad9dc402f6ec/58556/5cb38b52d86fae4ebe2aa6fca9d79870.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2237cfc5d60b053a4d07ad9dc402f6ec/61e93/5cb38b52d86fae4ebe2aa6fca9d79870.webp 200w,\n/static/2237cfc5d60b053a4d07ad9dc402f6ec/1f5c5/5cb38b52d86fae4ebe2aa6fca9d79870.webp 400w,\n/static/2237cfc5d60b053a4d07ad9dc402f6ec/58556/5cb38b52d86fae4ebe2aa6fca9d79870.webp 800w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":132,"numPages":13,"currentPage":12,"id":5567,"name":"News & Events","slug":"news-and-events","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}