Here’s Everything You Need to Learn About Medical Marijuana NYC

In recent years, many studies have shown that marijuana can offer a number of medical and therapeutic benefits.

Medical marijuana is now legal in 35 states, plus Washington D.C., and a lot of people are utilizing the health benefits of medical marijuana NYC. However, there are people who want to learn more about this herb before they use it for their health.

If you are also one of them, then this article is for you. Today, you are going to learn about everything about medical marijuana NYC and its benefits. This will help you understand the potential benefits of this herb, which will further help you understand how it can be beneficial for your health.

What is Medical Marijuana NYC?

Marijuana can be used for both recreational and medicinal purposes. With the help of medical marijuana in NYC, you can manage the symptoms associated with various health conditions.

Medical marijuana is right now legal in more than 33 states; these are the legal states. Every state has its own rules and regulations regarding the use of medical marijuana. Different states have different sets of qualifying conditions for which patients can use medical marijuana.

However, there are some common qualification conditions that allow patients to access medical marijuana in every legal state. Some of these may include – chronic joint pain, cancer, HIV/AIDS, Parkison’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, seizures, multiple spasms, and more.

There are more than a hundred chemical compounds present in cannabis, which are called cannabinoids. But the two main cannabinoids are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).

THC is the main psychoactive cannabinoid that produces the “high” associated with marijuana. On the other hand, CBD does not produce any kind of “high.” But both THC and CBD are known for having various health benefits.

Let’s learn more about THC and CBD.

What Are THC and CBD?

As I mentioned before, THC is the main psychoactive compound. We experience the “high” associated with marijuana consumption because of THC. But consuming CBD alone can not get you high. That is why it is mostly used by medical patients.

THC is widely known for managing nausea and vomiting in people undergoing chemotherapy (cancer treatment). And CBD is known for providing relief from multiple sclerosis, neuropathic pain, and spasticity.

However, THC and CBD together are known to be most effective against various health conditions. You just have to find the right ratio of THC: CBD. Different concentrations of CBD and THC are effective for different health conditions.

There are many medical marijuana strains and products available in the market with various concentrations of THC and CBD. You can use medical marijuana NYC products depending on your health condition.

What Are The Major Health Benefits of Medical Marijuana NYC?

Medical marijuana can be used for both physical and mental health conditions. It can be used to enhance your overall health. Here are some of the major health benefits of medical marijuana –

Chronic Pain
PTSD
Insomnia
Epilepsy

Benefit 1. Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is the most common reason why people use medical marijuana. Both THC and CBD are extremely effective in providing relief from chronic pain and its symptoms.

In fact, medical marijuana is considered a natural, safer, and more effective alternative to prescribed drugs for pain. Prescribed pain-killing drugs can cause severe side effects and can be addictive. But this is not the case with medical marijuana.

A lot of people suffer from arthritis in the United States, which can cause debilitating pain in joints. But medical marijuana in NYC can be effective in providing relief from that pain.

Benefit 2. PTSD

Studies have shown that medical marijuana can help in managing various mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, can cause nightmares, panic attacks, stress, and other problems. This psychiatric disorder can be caused when a person has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event.

But medical marijuana NYC can help you deal with PTSD and its symptoms. It is a safer alternative to other pharmaceutical medications available on the market for PTSD. Studies have shown that medical marijuana can reduce stress and anxiety levels in people with PTSD.

Also, it can help PTSD sufferers get rid of nightmares, which helps them sleep well.

Benefit 3. Insomnia

You must be familiar with the fact that a good amount of sleep is necessary for everyone. It helps our body and brain to function well.

But a lot of Americans suffer from acute and chronic insomnia, which can take a toll on their overall health. And medical marijuana can help you deal with insomnia and other sleep disorder symptoms.

Studies have shown that medical marijuana can help in falling asleep faster. Not only this, but it can also help in staying asleep for longer.

Benefit 4. Epilepsy

There is enough evidence to prove that medical marijuana is effective in managing epilepsy and its symptoms.

While both THC and CBD have potential health benefits, CBD particularly is effective against seizures. Various clinical studies have shown that CBD can help in managing epilepsy and reducing the number of seizures.

In fact, CBD can be used to treat seizures and epilepsy in children too. Some researchers say that it is more effective than traditional therapies for epilepsy.

May 19, 2021

Guide to Cannabis Consumption Methods Based on Ease of Use

The next step after getting a recommendation from one of the marijuana doctors in NY is to plan out your journey ahead to get the best possible effects of the herb. And one of the most important steps of this planning process is choosing a method of administration.

The best part about using cannabis as medical aid is the fact that you can choose from dozens of different methods. So, unlike pharmaceuticals, you don’t have to worry about popping pills because you get the freedom to choose a delivery method as per your needs and preference.

To help you with choosing a method, here’s a detailed introduction to different cannabis consumption methods based on their ease of use.

Why is Ease of Use Important?

When you use anything, would you like it to be easy to use or a complicated process that you can’t get a hang of and is inconvenient? I’m hoping you prefer the first option.

Ease of use is essential when deciding on a method of administration. Since cannabis is your medication, you want the method to give you relief and everything you expect from cannabis in the best possible way. But at the same time, the dosing process should be convenient for you and fit your lifestyle.

Now, ease of use can vary from person to person. It’s subjective to the needs, lifestyle and preference of the patient. However, a general classification can help patients know where to make a start.

We broadly define the ease of use using five different aspects: Usage, Availability, Potency or Effectiveness, Price and Potential for Regular Use. Based on these aspects, each delivery method is scored below to give you an idea of its ease of use.

Transdermal Patches (7/10)

Transdermal patches are cannabis or CBD-infused patches that are used by applying them to the skin. All you have to do is peel, stick and forget. You can get a hang of it even without reading the instruction manual. The patch delivers the infused cannabinoids into your bloodstream through the skin over a period of time so it doesn’t cause intoxication or deliver extremely strong effects. And you can feel the effects day long.

Cannabis transdermal patches are fairly new in the market and because of that, you will not find a lot of brands offering a variety of patches. The patches that are available in the market are not as strong as other cannabis products since not a lot of cannabinoids can be infused in a single patch.

Considering the cannabinoid concentrations, the transdermal patches are very affordable. However, a single patch only has a single-use and may not be the ideal choice for daily dosing.

Cannabis Edibles (8/10)

Cannabis edibles require the least amount of effort. You can open your jar of chocolates or gummies and enjoy the deliciousness as well as the health benefits. Edibles are of hundreds of varieties. They vary from basic brownies to flavorful gummies. You can easily find one of these varieties near you.

If you are buying your edibles from a state-registered source, you can be sure that each edible contains only a specific dose of cannabinoids. And brands can increase or decrease the cannabinoid concentration as per the demands of their customers. So, you can find mild to strong concentrations of gummies easily. However, gummies do take longer to kick in so you need to use them accordingly. Most edibles are well within the budget. The price generally spikes as the concentration increases.

Now, not every type of edible is ideal for everyday use. While you can stick with gel capsules or gummies, edibles like chocolates or beef jerky may not be the best option.

Tinctures (8.5/10)

Tinctures are alcohol-based cannabis extracts that are used sublingually or by ingesting it as it is or by infusing it in food or beverage. Though sublingual use is not that complicated, you still need to understand how to place the oil under your tongue for it to be absorbed properly. And if you nail the method, it can give you almost instant and potent results.

Tinctures are one of the most widely available cannabis products. There are several brands that offer good quality tinctures online as well as in dispensaries. Tinctures have a flexible customer base as they can be used by a beginner as well as someone with a severe health condition. The concentrations can vary from as low as 150mg to as high as 6000mg per bottle.

Tinctures can be expensive and the price varies based on the extraction process, cannabinoid quality and strength. But, it can be a great deal considering you can easily use tinctures every day.

Topicals (7.5/10)

Cannabis-infused topicals are meant to be applied on the skin just like a normal cream or lotion. You layer a generous amount on the affected area and it will provide you a targeted relief in minutes with no side effects. It’s easy to find a wide range of cannabis topicals online. They come in the form of balms, lotions, sprays and even skincare products.

Now, topicals are meant for targeted relief only. So while it’s ideal for muscle spasms and body aches, it may not be the best choice for mental conditions or internal body issues.

The price range of cannabis topicals is pretty decent since they do not come in very high concentrations but just enough to relieve body pain effectively. Overall, they can be very beneficial when used daily.

Smoking/Vaping (6.5/10)

Cannabis inhalation in the form of smoking, vaping or even bongs is one of the most common and widely available forms of delivery methods. However, you need to make a lot of preparations before smoking or vaping. For starters, you need a rolling paper, grinder, a rig and a well-ventilated area. Additionally, you should be aware of the right inhalation technique to achieve the best effects.

Now that smoking cannabis is legal in New York, you will easily be able to find different strains or rolled joints. However, if you are into vaping, it may get a little tricky to have them shipped to you since many shipping services have stopped or banned the shipping of e-cigarettes or vapes.

Inhaling cannabis is by far the fastest way to deliver cannabinoids into your system. You can feel the effects almost instantly every time. However, it carries the risk of respiratory problems, contact high and can cause discomfort to people around.

Now, smoking can require investment. You will need all the additional accessories and proper equipment in the case of bongs or vapes.

While inhaling cannabis is quick and ideal for people who need instant relief, using it daily can be risky for your health.

With the right knowledge, you can start to find the right method for yourself. Just remember to consult a professional or one of the medical marijuana doctors in NY to have a safe experience with whichever method you choose.

November 16, 2020May 5, 2022

Should You Head Out To Get Medical Marijuana In New York For Anxiety

The simple answer to this question would be that you should try and avoid as much contact with the outside world as possible when you have to get your medical cannabis. The second part of this question is that you can get marijuana but not for anxiety.

The world is in the middle of a pandemic. COVID-19 is redefining how the normal operate. It is no longer as easy as it was to get your hands on cannabis. As the third wave comes in the question that comes in how does one be safe. But it is also imperative that one remembers that cannabis has become an important part of some people’s daily life. It acts as an essential medicine for people suffering from a variety of chronic diseases.

It is a given at one point or another you will have to make your way outside to replenish your stock as you take it as a medicine, in this case-How do you go about the process and what can you do to ensure you are safe?

Cannabis Dispensaries and Coronavirus

Following the nationwide emergency announcement, there was a sudden frenzy experienced by dispensaries as most people thought that cannabis will be deemed non-essential. That was thankfully not the case. All licensed medical marijuana retailers are allowed to sell cannabis in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

But if only business was as easy as staying open. There are multiple facets attached to deciding to stay open during a pandemic. The first is the constantly changing international, state, and local health guidelines that ensure they can continue working as an essential business during this pandemic.

The biggest challenge that dispensary owners are facing is the lack of support from the government. They have been deemed essential but to cover operating costs in a time like this they require more than being open. They require monetary support, which is severely lacking. A bailout plan for small businesses taken out by the Trump administration assigned $350 billion for companies with less than 500 employees. Another $250 billion is in the process of being integrated. But because cannabis is still illegal on a federal level, banks do not encourage any association with these businesses.

It is a vexing situation, where on one hand you are an essential business on the other you are not presented with the same opportunities as other businesses.

Safety Measures Are Paramount

Another big challenge faced by the businesses is- how do they keep employees safe from the virus? The business is increasing but staff needs to be very careful of the interactions they have with the customers.

Most dispensaries require staff members to wear disposable gloves. But one needs to go beyond basic rules like latex gloves to make sure that there is no chance of the virus entering the supply chain of the dispensary.

So, it should not come as a surprise that most dispensaries are taking the same precautions that hospitals take to ensure that everything remains sterilized. Employees are encouraged to wear personal protective equipment and strictly follow rules regarding droplet and aerosol control that halt the spread of the virus.

Customers Need To Stay Out Of Stores

The most effective way to tackle COVID-19 is by self-isolating. Customers need to be kept out of stores to ensure that there is no spread of respiratory fluids taking place.

To keep people out of stores, sellers are placing emphasis on online ordering combined with delivery and curbside pickup. That not only do you get your product but you also don’t set a foot inside the store keeping your droplets all to yourself.

Every way in which contact can be minimized is being taken.

Front Door Service Or Drive Thru

I’m sure all of us have seen fast-food restaurants that allow drive-thrus for you to get your food. Certain stores have similar licenses allowing for contactless delivery.

Some stores are using emergency rules to perform a front door service where the cannabis handoff takes place near the front door. It is very similar to curbside pickup but without the cars.

Cannabis in New York is a strictly regulated substance. So, ensure you get a medical marijuana card before going out to buy cannabis.

November 16, 2020April 13, 2021

Everything You Need To Know About Using Medical Marijuana NY For PTSD

New York is pretty strict with its list of qualifying conditions for a medical marijuana card. But thankfully PTSD does feature on the list. So, how does cannabis figure in with patients who are suffering from PTSD?

What are aspects of cannabis help them out and what forms of consumption are available? Since all smokables are still banned in New York.

Let’s take a deep dive into both these questions through this blog.

Life With PTSD

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD is an anxiety condition that showcases itself as an anxiety condition, the kind that is caused by disturbing episodes usually because of involvement in military combat or sexual assault.

There are three major markers of PTSD: avoidance, re-experience, and hyperarousal (insomnia, flashbacks, and social isolation). The reason this happens is because of the changes our brain incurs in its chemistry during the trauma. That is when stress hormones and adrenaline interact as they are both hyper-responsive.

Most people who have come back from areas of war experience some form of PTSD but thanks to the federal status of cannabis are nudged towards taking antidepressants and antipsychotics. Both of these are ineffective in helping deal with severe PTSD symptoms.

How Does Cannabis Help

Research into cannabis is an extremely new frontier. There are hardly any targeted medications available for PTSD in the market but with the understanding of the endocannabinoid system increasing with every passing day, cannabis is turning out to be a great way to understand and treat PTSD.

According to a researcher at the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic studies where there is ongoing research taking place in the field of cannabis and PTSD. There is a cannabinoid compound called anandamide which is present in much lower quantities in people with PTSD.

In other words, a big cause of PTSD is an endocannabinoid deficiency which is fulfilled by cannabis. Researchers believe that replenishing these endocannabinoids with the help if cannabis is the best way to ensure that PTSD patients get some relief,

Accessing Medical Cannabis in New York

In new york rules regarding medical cannabis are slightly more complicated than the rest. Dispensaries can only give you a 30 day supply based on what the doctor prescribes. You can only get cannabis in the last 7 days as your prescription runs out.

So what forms of cannabis are you allowed to access?

Tinctures

This is one of the most commonly used forms of cannabis consumption. It provides the exact dosage into your system. Usually available with a glass bottle and dropper, tinctures are perfect irrespective of whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newbie.

The base in tinctures is usually alcohol. Cannabis is soaked in alcohol that helps extract all different kinds of cannabinoids from marijuana.

Tinctures are usually consumed in three ways:

Orally
As an infusion
Sublingually

It is fast-acting in comparison to the edibles and is also available in a large variety of flavors and potencies to help you target your exact needs.

Vaping

This method is better than smoking and is legal in New York, but there is a caveat attached. Due to the recent string of adverse reactions you should only be making a purchase from reputed sources.

Vaping is an effective way to get your dose of cannabis.

Pills and Supplements

This is the most convenient way to get your dosage of cannabis. A pill helps eliminate any kind of respiratory issue associated with smoking. Pills are a better option for people who prefer the traditional form of consumption methods over others.

Pills and supplements work in a very similar way to that of edibles.

Other forms of cannabis that are available:

-Solid and semi-solid preparations (lozenges and capsules)
-Non-smokable forms of ground cannabis plant material
-Topicals like transdermal patches and ointments

So, this is all that you need to know about getting cannabis in New York For PTSD. If you have any other questions you can always call up our helpline. Just ensure that you have a safe and secure cannabis experience and get a medical marijuana card before using cannabis in New York as otherwise, it is illegal here.

August 5, 2020August 29, 2022

How to Find a Legit Medical Marijuana Doctor Near You in New York

Medical cannabis has boomed in recent times. Its medical potential is becoming more evident with every new consumer. So do you think that cannabis can be the solution to your medical needs? If yes, then you would have to get a medical marijuana card in New York. Since recreational cannabis is illegal in New York, a medical card is the only way that you can buy and use cannabis in the state. But not every medical card would give you the legal freedom to use cannabis. It has to be from a legit source.

A medical card in New York can only be provided by a board-certified medical professional. No one else has the authority to recommend cannabis to a patient. So how do you make sure that you are reaching out to a trusted source? Here are a few tips that can help you find a legit medical marijuana doctor near you.

Do Your Research Before Finding a Medical Marijuana Doctor

Before you go looking for a medical marijuana doctor, it’s best that you do some research about the important aspects related to the medical card in New York.

Every state abides by a set of marijuana laws as per the medical marijuana program they follow. The medical marijuana program of New York is known to be one of the strictest ones in the US. So learning about the medical marijuana rules and regulations of New York is an intelligent move and keeps you from being in any legal trouble. Along with deciding the limitations on cannabis use like possession limits and legal products, marijuana laws also decide the medical conditions and symptoms that qualify for a medical cannabis card. Here’s a list that will let you know if you are eligible for a medical card in New York or not.

Chronic Pain
Cancer
Crohn’s Disease
Cancer
Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy
HIV/AIDS
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Multiple Sclerosis
Parkinson’s Disease
Ulcerative Colitis
Epilepsy
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Huntington’s Disease
PTSD
Opioid Use Disorder or any condition that requires the use of opioids.
Any form of spinal cord or nerve tissue damage.
Spasticity
If any condition is clinically associated with Cachexia, PTSD, chronic pain, severe nausea, persistent muscle spasm, and seizures.

If your medical condition falls on the list, you are legally eligible to apply for a medical cannabis card in New York.

In addition to this, remember to read through the marijuana laws because it is very strictly followed in the state. You are only allowed to use ‘non-smokable cannabis products like capsules, oils, sprays etc. Once you are familiar with all the laws, go on and get a medical card.

Prepare a List of Clinics And Medical Marijuana Doctors

The next step is to create a list of all the clinics and doctors near you. The closer the location of a doctor, the more convenient it is for you to get a medical card. But your job does not end here. You have to take the time to choose the ones that can be trusted.

First, go through the history of the doctor or clinic. If they have established a name as a medical marijuana professional, it’s more than likely that they are legit. Collect social proof. If possible, reach out to people who have got a medical card from the doctor. Their experience will give you a better idea about which doctor you should trust.

The next step is to verify their license. It is very important to get a medical card from a doctor who is board-certified. You can ask them for their license number and verify it with the official government website. This makes sure that the doctor is legit. Do not forget to compare the price points. Every clinic has different plans. Choose one that is affordable as well as trustworthy.

In case you are approaching an online clinic in New York, follow the same steps. Verify the license, look for testimonials, compare price plans and the history of the online clinic. Another important step here is to verify the address proof. The online clinic should have a physical location and the doctor’s address should also be verifiable. Otherwise, the state wouldn’t accept your medical card.

Get in Touch With The Medical Marijuana Doctor You Shortlisted

Once you have made a selection, it’s time for you to get in touch with the doctor. If you are using the traditional method of visiting a clinic, you will have to make an appointment. Call in and see if the doctor is available during the hours you can visit the clinic. In addition to this, get information about other important information like the price points of consultations, what other services they offer and if the doctor is available for help in case of any problems in the future. Once you are done fixing the time and date, prepare for your consultation.

In the case of online clinics, there isn’t any need for making appointments. Whenever you are ready for a consultation, fill the form and you’ll be connected with a doctor. You can also chat or call the customer care and clear any doubts that you may have prior to your consultation. Remember to check out their privacy policies and money-back guarantees if any. Go through the different services they provide, the price plans and blogs too. It will give a better idea of the clinic. And don’t worry about the consultation. It will be as easy as visiting a physical clinic. The doctor will connect to you on a video call and access your medical condition.

Ask Your Medical Marijuana Doctor Relevant Question

Now all that’s left to do is wait for your face to face consultation. Remember, just because you are in ongoing consultation with a medical professional does not oblige you to receive a medical card from them. If you are not satisfied with their treatment plan or the way they engage, you can always go for a second opinion. But, don’t be rude and wait for the consultation to end before you conclude anything.

When the doctor accesses you, be very open and honest. Answer all their questions clearly and don’t keep any medical detail from them that can affect the treatment plan. You can also ask them questions during the consultation just make sure that they are relevant. Ask them about their opinions about medical marijuana. Or the kind of strain or delivery method that will suit you best. Ask them about their expertise and if your condition can become better with cannabis. The answers will give a clear idea about the doctor’s skills and whether or not you should consider taking a second opinion.

If you wish to really experience the benefits of medical marijuana, you will have to invest some time and effort to find the right doctor for a medical marijuana recommendation or card. Follow each of the steps that I have mentioned and find a doctor that you can lay your trust in.

February 26, 2020

Is Marijuana Treatment For Parkinson’s a Good Idea?

Parkinson’s is one of the toughest conditions that affect nearly every aspect of the patient’s daily activities. The medications that are available nowadays have a lot of gaps that do not help every symptom that such patients have to deal with. So, medical marijuana for Parkinson’s might be a good opportunity for such patients to take the other route and relieve some of their symptoms considerably. And the good point is the residents can use their medical marijuana card, New York for this condition as it is a qualifying medical condition in the state of New York. But, the question here must be, how does medical marijuana help Parkinson’s patients? Let’s explore the mechanism together.

Medical Marijuana And The Brain

Our body contains a specific system, ECS, that contains receptors and ligands that regulate a range of functions such as mood, pain, cognition, or appetite. The scientists suggest that cannabinoids in cannabis mimic the responses carried out by endocannabinoids. That’s how upon consumption, you will feel different effects. However, there are concerns over its abuse potential since it stimulates the reward center and causes euphoria. Some even talk about its potential to change the perception of time in the users.

However, research shows otherwise. Yes, THC might cause paranoia in some individuals. But, the outcome can’t be generalized. Since medical marijuana varies in chemical composition, the effects won’t be the same. Here is how medical marijuana works for Parkinson’s.

Also, Read- Manage Epilepsy With The Help of Medical Marijuana

Medical Marijuana For Parkinson’s

CBD and THC were not meant to combat the symptoms of PD. But, over the years, a series of research studies suggested that it might be a solution to aid a person dealing with Parkinson’s. It’s because of the properties that make it a good candidate to relieve symptoms like tremor, stiffness, insomnia, dystonia, pain, or weight loss. However, many things that need to be specified. For example:

What are the PD symptoms that can be managed by medical marijuana?
What ratios of THC or CBD do you need to work for a particular symptom?
What doses will work for different symptoms?

A few trials talked about the role of THC and CBD in PD. In these trials, the patients receiving treatment found that more than 40 patients out of 80 had some improvements in the symptoms. Scientists believe that medical marijuana would be safe for such patients. So, going for a medical marijuana card New York might actually turn out to be a hope.

Also, Read- Myths About Medical Cannabis You Must Stop Following Now

Final Thoughts Tips When Going For Medical Marijuana Card New York

Medical marijuana might be an elixir for many. But, it’s a must that you consider your options before signing yourself for a medical marijuana program in Newyork. A lot of things must be taken into account while going for medical marijuana therapy.

Talk to a doctor about your symptoms and let him/her decide if medical marijuana can help.
If you try medical marijuana has positive effects, it might have certain side effects as well. So, use cautiously.
It is important to be updated about PD clinical trials and see if your symptoms are included in that.

If you keep in mind these important tips, there won’t be a chance that you will fail in your therapy in terms of side effects or other hurdles that could hamper your recovery in any way. Other than that, make sure to get your medical marijuana card New York, that’s how you can access the products approved by the state for relieving your symptoms.