Medical Marijuana Doctor Issuing Recommendations for Patients Near Tampa, St. Petersburg and All of Florida

Glaucoma robs you of your vision. Cannabis – also called marijuana – is an option for improving quality of life when you have glaucoma. This eye disease is one of the qualifying conditions for a cannabis card in Florida. To learn more, and to arrange an eligibility evaluation, please call Access Marijuana RX at (727) 209-5470.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma damages the optic nerve of your eye. It typically arises when there is increased eye pressure caused by a buildup of fluid. This fluid is called aqueous humor, and normally it drains from your eye. When it does not drain properly, it causes increased intraocular pressure which damages the optic nerve. It is progressive and causes more damage over time.

The optic nerve is essentially what sends images to your brain. Glaucoma that advances untreated can lead to total blindness. The most common treatments are eye drops and surgery aimed at lowered intraocular pressure.

Florida Medical Marijuana Card for Glaucoma In St. Petersburg, FL

Marijuana lowers the pressure in your eyes, at least for several hours. This finding dates back to landmark studies conducted in the 1970s. In those studies, the participants smoked marijuana. Today in Florida, legal medicinal uses of marijuana include tinctures, oils, pills, vaping and edibles. Today’s medical marijuana also allows for choosing a CBD-rich product, which, unlike THC, is not associated with creating a high. Some patients with glaucoma do not want to feel high, dizzy or disoriented. Talk to our doctors about your expectations.

Marijuana also lowers blood pressure. Some experts believe this means marijuana reduces the blood flow to the optic nerves, which could potentially compound the problem of glaucoma. More clinical research is needed to examine the pros and cons of marijuana for this eye disease, but many people have found that cannabis temporarily reduces eye pressure. It may be used in combination with eye drops and other glaucoma treatments. Our physicians will discuss all of your current treatments with you and help you decide the best course of action.

People with advanced glaucoma may experience nausea, pain and poor appetite. Medical marijuana can help with these side effects.

The only way to know if it is a beneficial option for you is to visit the doctors at Access Marijuana RX. We are committed to the optimal well-being of each of our patients. Once we learn more about your glaucoma, we can discuss the pros and cons of using cannabis.

If our doctors decide to recommend medical marijuana for you, you will be entered into the state’s database and should receive your I.D. soon after. Our doctors only recommend marijuana if it will be beneficial and after careful consideration of how it will affect your glaucoma.

Patient Testimonial

“The team were extremely professional, courteous and helpful. Being my first experience I would highly recommend. They are extremely knowledgeable and reassuring every step of the way. Thank you so much Access you guys are amazing!”

What Should I Expect if I Have Glaucoma and Never Smoked Marijuana?

Many people are nervous about smoking cannabis or using a cannabis product for the first time. You may have heard from friends or relatives about how cannabis relieves their glaucoma symptoms, and therefore you may have been convinced to try it! But many people want the benefits without the high, without any chance of paranoia, and without any adverse effects. Our doctors are personally committed to each of our patients. Although individual reactions to cannabis products vary, we will discuss with you how you may feel and what to expect. If you do not want to feel high, we will help you find a product that works without that effect.

Can I Smoke Cannabis for Glaucoma Without Getting High?

THC is the main cannabinoid that makes people high. If you do not want to feel high, we can certainly help you find a product that achieves that. There are many products with a variety of cannabinoids that will have a beneficial effect on glaucoma symptoms without the high.

Are There Alternatives to Smoking Marijuana for Glaucoma?

Absolutely. Florida medical cannabis products include oils, tinctures, pills, vaping, and edibles. We will help you find a product that works well for your priorities and for the experience you want. Many people, especially those with serious health problems, prefer not to smoke, which we completely understand. Fortunately, today’s growing medical marijuana industry has the answer with a variety of products that do not need to be smoked or inhaled.

The Cannabinoids That Treat Glaucoma

There are many different types of cannabinoids. The most familiar of these compounds are THC and CBD. THC in particular seems to lower intraocular pressure. Working with our experienced doctors, you can find a medical marijuana product that works for your glaucoma. Oftentimes, the right option is not one-size-fits-all. Many products contain a combination of cannabinoids.

What Are the Best Strains of Marijuana to Help with Glaucoma?

There are various indica, sativa, and hybrid strains that may be beneficial for glaucoma, including:

  • Sour Diesel
  • Blueberry
  • Grape Drink
  • Cherry Blossom
  • Blue Heron
  • Pop Rox

This list is not exhaustive. Pretty much all strain types may provide the cannabinoids and terpenes that may lower intraocular pressure. Much more important than worrying about the specific strain is to work with a doctor whose credentials you trust. Our experienced doctors have been working with medical marijuana patients in Florida for years. We will talk to you about all aspects of choosing a medical marijuana strain that is right for you. It’s not uncommon to try out different products in order to ultimately find the single option that works best.

How Often You Will Need to Consume Marijuana for Your Glaucoma?

Dosing will vary. Because our doctors have been caring for patients with glaucoma for some time now, we know how to get you started on a medical marijuana recommendation given your symptoms, diagnosis, and medical background. Then, once you’ve had a week or longer to try out our recommendation, we can make adjustments to dosing and frequency as needed. We work with you to find the right medical marijuana usage plan.

How Soon Will I Feel Symptom Relief?

While the effects of marijuana consumption may take varying amounts of time to appear from person to person, most medical marijuana is absorbed quickly through the bloodstream. Most patients can begin to feel symptom relief within five to ten minutes of consumption. The symptom relief patients experience from their marijuana consumption can last anywhere from one to six hours. Depending on your level of discomfort when experiencing your symptoms, our doctors may recommend a higher dosage or a different timeline to fit your needs.

Are There Any Side Effects Of Consuming Marijuana for Glaucoma?

Although medical marijuana has proven beneficial for many patients and is a highly recommended pain reliever by many doctors, there are still some side effects that can come with it that patients should be aware of. Some common side effects of medical marijuana can be dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, light-headedness, nausea, and drowsiness. When taking medical marijuana, it’s recommended to ensure your body is at the healthiest it can be and in overall good health so that patients can manage side effects easier.

In serious cases, some marijuana users may be at higher risks for psychosis, an impaired immune system, or a lack of bodily coordination. However, under the guidance and expertise of Dr. Bernie Yukna and his highly experienced team, most patients are able to manage their side effects and enjoy symptom relief while on their prescribed dosage. With the proper care and support from our doctors, patients can easily avoid these severe risks.

How Do Indica Strains Help with Glaucoma?

There are several indica strains that you may want to try as you navigate cannabis use for glaucoma and symptoms from this condition.

Because indica cannabis strains tend to have a more relaxing effect, they may be ideal for nighttime use. Some of our most popular strains include:

  • Cherry Kola. Reduce pain and invite a happy, euphoric feeling with this berry-flavored strain.
  • Eastern European. Need some sleep? Try this pain-reducing, relaxing strain.
  • Kelly Hill Gold. Bring more comfort and bliss along with anti-inflammatory effects using this strain.
  • Blueberry. Ease pain and stress with this sweetly-scented nighttime strain.

What Sativa Strains are Good for Glaucoma and Why?

Like indica strains, sativa strains are plentiful and fun to explore. In contrast to indica strains for glaucoma, Cannabis sativa L. is ideal for daytime use or at any time you want to be more awake. Some of the popular cannabis sativa products include:

  • Tesla Tower. Reduce stress, fatigue, and intraocular pressure all at once with this robust strain.
  • Trinity. Target stress and pain while also supporting focus and a happy disposition with this sativa. Prepare yourself! It’s got a strong scent!
  • Santa Sativa. Increase your energy and uplift your mood while reducing nausea and supporting your appetite that’s been affected by glaucoma or medical glaucoma treatment. A true gift, Santa Sativa has a wonderful flavor.
  • Maui Wowie. Remedy nausea, pain, and stress with a lovely pineapple-flavored sativa.

What are the Benefits of Hybrid Strains for Glaucoma?

Independently, indica and sativa cannabis strains offer unique benefits. Hybrid strains contain varying percentages of each type, enhancing their effects. With a hybrid strain, you get to choose which strain you want to be more dominant. In some cases, you can choose complete balance in a 50/50 hybrid. Some of the most-liked hybrid strains for glaucoma include:

  • Mad Dawg. Receive a subtle burst of energy with this hybrid that’s known for its effectiveness in reducing migraines and headaches.
  • LAPD. Ease pain and invite a mellow cerebral experience with this sweet and spicy strain that’s a perfect 50/50 hybrid.
  • Sour Grape. Relax your body and mind while also reducing nausea and intraocular pressure with this well-balanced hybrid.

Which Strain of Cannabis is Best for Me?

Asking this question, you may be seeking to understand whether indica strains or sativa strains of cannabis will have the best effect on you. Here’s something that most people don’t realize, both forms of cannabis can affect every person differently. There is no guarantee that a sativa strain will give you that uplifting, euphoric feeling it evokes in someone else. This is because your endocannabinoid system is unique and will influence how your body reacts to the natural plant it’s been given.

It may take some time to identify which strains and products are best suited to your personal profile. You can help this process by taking note of how a product affects you, including your glaucoma symptoms as well as beyond those. Do you feel anxious? Too drowsy? Just right? Remember, too, we’re here to assist you in managing your glaucoma symptoms using proven medical marijuana protocols!

Arrange Your Evaluation Today

If you are trying to obtain a medical marijuana card for glaucoma in Florida, the first step is to arrange an eligibility evaluation with a state-certified physician. Dr. Lora Brown and Dr. Michael MacMillan proudly serve the areas of Tampa, St. Petersburg and all of the surrounding cities. To schedule your appointment at Access Marijuana RX, please call our staff at (727) 209-5470.