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

Cannabis is a promising treatment option for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Florida’s law lists this disease of the central nervous system as one of the qualifying conditions for a medical marijuana card. While there is no clear evidence that cannabis can cure or reverse MS, there is evidence that it relieves a variety of the disease’s symptoms.

In Florida, you must be evaluated by a state-certified physician who will determine your eligibility for marijuana. Dr. Lora Brown and Dr. Michael MacMillan perform these evaluations at our state-of-the-art office located in St. Petersburg, Florida. To arrange your appointment, please call Access Marijuana RX at (727) 209-5470.

How Does Cannabis Benefit People Living with MS?

Through anecdotal evidence and some small-scale studies, it appears medical marijuana can relieve many of the symptoms experienced daily by people living with multiple sclerosis:

  • Stiffness
  • Pain
  • Muscle spasms
  • Overactive bladder and frequent urination

Additionally, certain side effects and mental/emotional consequences caused by MS, and possibly by the medications you take, may be alleviated with cannabis use:

  • Depression
  • Insomnia
  • Poor appetite

For decades, multiple sclerosis has been treated primarily with immunosuppressant drugs. These medications prevent relapses and may be helping you manage the effects of the disease; however, some people have reported additional improvement when they incorporate a cannabis product into their treatment plan. It’s important to discuss your current medications and other treatments with our physicians. They will determine if any interactions could occur between your current medications and marijuana, and they will inform you of any potential side effects you may experience.

We want you to obtain good results. After you have received your ID card and your cannabis product, you’ll be able to check back with us about your experience, including what’s working and anything that’s not working. Cannabis should help you as you meet the challenges of multiple sclerosis, and we will work to find the right combinations and treatment plans that will be best for you.

How Does Marijuana Help With MS Spasticity?

Spasticity is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis. It can range from stiff muscles to uncontrollable and painful spasms of your legs and arms. Spasticity can also show up as aches in your joints and lower back. Fortunately, marijuana is a promising source of spasticity relief.

One study on smoked cannabis found that it positively impacted spasticity in patients with multiple sclerosis who have treatment-resistant spasticity. While more research is needed, certain cannabinoid receptors are thought to be involved in the control of spasticity in MS.

How Effective Is Marijuana for MS?

Both CBD and THC have the potential to help people living with multiple sclerosis. CBD offers benefits without the high. Meanwhile, THC is associated with feelings of relaxation and euphoria. These ingredients are available separately, and they are also combined in various ratios.

The good news is you can customize your medical marijuana treatment to meet your needs. Our physicians can offer marijuana recommendations based on your situation and preferences.

Which CBD Oil Is Best for MS?

CBD oil is usually available in three different forms. You can choose from full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate. Full-spectrum CBD contains less than 0.3 percent THC. Broad-spectrum CBD retains all the natural compounds of the cannabis plant except for CBD. And CBD isolate is a pure form of CBD that contains no THC or other plant compounds.

The right type of oil can depend on what you are looking for in a CBD product. We will offer suggestions to help you find the best CBD oil for managing your multiple sclerosis symptoms.

Is CBD, THC, or a Combination of Both the Best Treatment?

Both CBD and THC have the potential to help people living with multiple sclerosis. CBD offers benefits without the high. Meanwhile, THC is associated with feelings of relaxation and euphoria. These ingredients are available separately, and they are also combined in various ratios.

The good news is you can customize your medical marijuana treatment to meet your needs. Our physicians can offer marijuana recommendations based on your situation and preferences.

How Quickly Does Marijuana Work?

Different marijuana products have different onset times. For example, smoking is a rapidly effective method of administration. Meanwhile, edibles have to make their way through the stomach before being released into the bloodstream. Products with a high dose of THC also tend to work quicker than those with a low dose. These are just a few of the factors at play.

Other things that can affect marijuana onset times include:

  • Your tolerance
  • Your body weight
  • Your metabolism

Are There Any Side Effects Associated With Using Marijuana for MS?

Medical marijuana can have side effects such as:

  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Anxiety

Smoking cannabis can also pose some potential risks to the lungs. However, you may find that the benefits of using marijuana for multiple sclerosis outweigh the risks. Talk to our physicians for detailed information about the potential considerations associated with medical marijuana.

Best Marijuana Strains for Multiple Sclerosis

Talk to our physicians about strain recommendations if you are approved for a marijuana card. As a team personally committed to our patients, we want to make sure you are armed with the right information when you go to the dispensary.

There is some indication that CBD products may be especially effective in relieving some of the pain and uncontrollable muscle movements caused by multiple sclerosis. CBD is one of the many cannabinoids in marijuana; THC is another. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds responsible for relieving pain, nausea, poor appetite, depression, etc. They do so by mimicking endocannabinoids in our bodies. Put very simply, the endocannabinoid system helps us regulate homeostasis in our bodies.

After speaking with our doctors, you’ll be able to decide whether a full CBD product or a combination of THC and CBD is right for you. Unlike THC, CBD does not create the effect of feeling high, so some people prefer it.

There are a variety of cannabis products in Florida, including oils, pills and vaporized cannabis. You won’t smoke the marijuana, which spares your lungs the damage caused by that activity. Our doctors will make sure you are prepared to ask for the right product when you visit the dispensary.

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!”

-TIFF

Contact AMRX for an Evaluation in St. Petersburg

To find out if you qualify for medical marijuana for multiple sclerosis in Florida, please arrange an evaluation and consultation at Access Marijuana RX. You can contact our team by calling (727) 209-5470 or by clicking here to request an appointment online. We are located in sunny St. Petersburg and proudly serve all of the surrounding communities, including Tampa and other cities in our region.