How Does Medical Marijuana Help Patients with Anxiety in Louisiana?
According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, around 40 million people in the United States currently suffer from anxiety and anxiety-related disorders. Of course, these are only the cases that are reported. The total number of sufferers is probably much higher.
Research indicates that anxiety and depression often go hand in hand. The results of anxiety include feelings of panic, low self-worth and an inability to communicate effectively or take part in social activities.
Anxiety and depression can also negatively affect the professional lives of sufferers. Among sufferers, sleep disorders are common, as are substance abuse and varying levels of stress. In summation, anxiety can negatively affect the sufferer’s quality of life.
Prescription Medication Dangers
Those in search of relief from the symptoms of anxiety often turn to medical prescriptions such as opioid-derived drugs for solutions. However, these are not without their side effects, and the dangers of addiction are very real.
In fact, many medical practitioners are of the opinion that the United States is in the midst of an ‘opioid epidemic. Commonly prescribed drugs such as antidepressants can have side effects that include weight gain and sexual dysfunction.
For many people, this has meant turning to more natural remedies for stress and anxiety—and medical marijuana is one of those natural treatments.
The Medical Marijuana (MMJ) Alternative
The use of medical marijuana has spiked in the U.S. over the last ten years. According to the latest figures from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2020), 11.8% of people ages 12 and older used Cannabis, compared to 7% a decade earlier. This has led to increased interest in marijuana not only as a recreational drug but serious research into medical marijuana as a treatment for a variety of stress-related issues.
Anxiety, depression and sleep problems are often cited as some reasons why people use medical cannabis. Conditions where the sufferer experiences chronic pain and other conditions such as nausea from cancer treatments have also been the subject of study into the efficacy of medical marijuana as a supplement to treat symptoms.
Today, 37 states (including Louisiana) have legalized the use of MMJ with certain provisions.
How to Get Medical Marijuana
In Louisiana, anxiety patients cannot simply walk into a dispensary and obtain medical marijuana. They must first obtain a medical marijuana card.
Potential users of medical marijuana in Louisiana will first have to visit a doctor who will then make sure that they have a medical condition that will benefit from the use of MMJ.
The physician must be licensed to recommend medical marijuana. After this recommendation, patients can apply for a medical marijuana card. Applying for the card has now become more convenient than ever, thanks to telemedicine websites, such as TeleLeaf.
TeleLeaf has made it much easier for patients to obtain a medical marijuana card.
Patients who have successfully approved a medical marijuana card can buy cannabis in 9 pharmacies across Louisiana.
- H&W Dispensary – New Orleans – 504-244-3784
- Capitol Wellness Solutions – Baton Rouge – 225-800-9420
- The Apothecary Shop – Lafayette – 337-345-4500
- Willow Pharmacy – Madisonville – 985-792-2391
- The Medicine Cabinet – Alexandria – 318-528-8765
- Greenleaf Dispensary – Houma – 985-360-3372
- Hope Pharmacy – Shreveport – 318-585-0420
- Delta Medmar – West Monroe – 318-855-3373
- Medicis Pharmacy – Lake Charles -337-420-8420
Does Medical Marijuana Help with Anxiety?
The results of medical research have shown that medical marijuana use can be beneficial to those suffering from anxiety and stress-related disorders. A Washington State University study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders revealed that smoking cannabis can reduce self-reported levels of depression, anxiety and stress.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Is Medical Marijuana safe to use?
A: Medical marijuana use is generally considered safe.
Q: Is it easy to get MMJ?
A: First you need to apply for a medical marijuana Card. Visit your doctor for a recommendation.
Q: What sort of symptoms can MMJ help to treat?
A: If you are suffering from sleep disorders, social anxiety or panic attacks, cannabis can help.
Medical marijuana is a safe and natural way to treat the symptoms of anxiety. For those in Louisiana who want to avoid the potential side-effects of man-made anxiety treatments, obtaining a medical marijuana card may be the first step to enjoying a better quality of life.
