Many people head to Florida for the sun and fun and stay for the health benefits. The warm temperatures and humid climate reduce joint discomfort, the sunshine boosts Vitamin D levels, and the water is the perfect way to get exercise.
Lately, Florida also boasts relaxed medical marijuana laws. Federally, cannabis is still prohibited, but each state gets to decide its stand on the plant. In Florida, if you have an MMJ card, you can enjoy the therapeutic benefits as long as you follow the state’s laws about possession and distribution.
The list of approved medical marijuana conditions continues to grow. If you have documented proof that you have one of the various diagnoses on Florida’s approved diagnoses list, you may qualify for an MMJ card. These conditions include (but aren’t limited to) chronic nonmalignant pain, anxiety, PTSD, Parkinson’s disease, and Crohn’s disease.
Ready to explore the immense advantages that come with the combination of sunshine and medical marijuana? Check out these benefits that will convince you to go sign up for an MMJ card today!
1. Stress Reduction
Vitamin D levels and emotional health are linked together, which is one reason why lounging in the sun is a great way to reduce stress. But you don’t have to hit the beach to get a mood booster. Cannabis Sativa and Indica strains do the job no matter where you are.
Marijuana comes in about 700 different strains, broken into Sativa and Indica categories. Sativa strains are the go-to for people who want that “high” feeling of being extra alert and focused. This strain invigorates the user and reduces stress and anxiety to get them through the day.
On the other hand, Indicas are better used at home before bedtime or when you can relax for a few hours without driving. Indicas provide full-body effects that put you into a state of deep relaxation, encouraging sleep and relieving stress.
Doctors often prescribe controlled selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for serious anxiety and PTSD. These medications control the body’s serotonin levels — the hormones that regulate your mood. Marijuana has the same effect but without harmful side effects, making it ideal for replacing other addictive and dangerous prescription treatments.
2. Pain Reduction
Is chronic pain keeping you from living your best life and enjoying popular Florida pastimes you’d love to indulge in? If so, it’s time to give medical marijuana a try.
CBD and THC interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to attempt to bring it into homeostasis (balance). This is partly achieved by reducing inflamed cells that push on the nerves and cause pain. When your body’s inflammation decreases, so does your chronic discomfort.
Topical cannabis products are applied directly to the sore areas for fast relief. But you can also use inhalation marijuana, which is known as one of the only compounds that can cross the blood-brain barrier. When cannabinoids enter the brain, they decrease the central nervous system’s response to outside stimuli, effectively reducing pain sensations.
3. Inhibited Abnormal Cell Behavior
Although it’s not widely available yet, research studies on the link between marijuana and inhibited tumor growth are promising.
Cancer causes changes in the endocannabinoid system that create or alter tumors. How fast these changes occur often impacts the prognosis and spread of the disease. But cannabinoids have anti-cancer effects, suppressing how strongly the invasion of cancer cells attacks the body.
Currently, cannabis is only approved as a way to treat the symptoms and pain that come as side effects of chemotherapy. Yet, as more studies show the potential benefits, doctors and patients are willing to try MMJ as part of their treatment regimen.
This abnormal cell behavior is also alleviated in patients with Parkinson’s disease and other conditions that cause tremors and rigid muscles.
In fact, it’s so successful in reducing epileptic seizures that the FDA approved the first and only prescription CBD drug for certain seizures, Epidiolex. This medication is safe enough to be approved for use in patients one year and older.
When you’re not dealing with nausea and vomiting from your chemo treatment or worried about tremors and seizures, you can have a normal day exploring the fun side of Florida.
Conclusion
Florida has a lot to offer tourists and residents, and there truly is something for everyone. If you live in the Sunshine State, don’t let your medical problems keep you from indulging in leisure and athletic activities. Head to an MMJ doctor and see how cannabis can get you back on track to living your best life.
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