Medical Marijuana for Cancer Patients: What You Need to Know

Updated on December 21, 2021

As cannabis becomes legal in more states in the nation, you might be wondering what that means for medical marijuana users. If anyone can get the herb for recreational use, is it still worth it to get a card? There are several benefits of getting your card, including having more support for your care. 

Lower Taxes and Other Costs

Many states offer lower costs for patients. That’s vital when you rely on the herb for your condition. Imagine having to use potentially life-sustaining medication and not being able to have insurance cover it. That’s what many medical marijuana users today face. Now imagine for a moment that the medication you needed came with high taxes because many people also used it recreationally. The good news is that there are online dispensaries out there that you can only use when you have a card. These facilities allow patients to avoid excessive taxes on this type of healthcare.

More Freedom

When it comes to medical marijuana, the dosage is very important. Many patients need to use cannabis in higher strengths than recreational dispensaries are allowed to offer. Luckily, medical shops often have more flexibility to offer varying strengths. For recreational use, dispensaries are allowed to sell to anyone who is 21 or older. That makes sense when it’s just for fun. But there are teens and children who also need to use the herb. Some cards allow people age 20 or younger to legally use marijuana for ailments such as epilepsy or cancer.

Legally Using Medical Marijuana 

It doesn’t have to be hard to obtain your card so you can legally enjoy a daily dose of cannabis. With the online process, you can easily get your medical marijuana card in Missouri. You can even have a consultation with a doctor online. This is a particularly good option for patients who do not feel well enough to leave their homes.

Tips for Usage

It’s a good idea to consult with your own doctor before using the herb. There are no established guidelines for how much to take. Your health history, condition, and body weight will all play a role. When you’re first starting out, it’s generally a good idea to start small and gradually increase your dose. When you do use it, consider it an add-on instead of a cure. While it may have an impact on cancerous cells, it’s best to use it to help alleviate your symptoms. Stick to your treatment plan when using marijuana. 

Try using the whole plant instead of just an extract. CBD, the non-intoxicating compound, is anti-inflammatory and may offer a range of benefits. But it’s not the only helpful substance. THC and the terpenes may also play a role in helping you feel better. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration has approved two drugs that are essentially synthetic types of THC. Both of them may help cancer patients with vomiting and nausea. By isolating and using only one of the compounds, you may miss out on other potentially beneficial ones.

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