Cannabis is a legal and safe alternative medicine with hundreds of added benefits. It can help treat a number of conditions and symptoms without the nasty side effects of opioids and other prescription drugs.
Nevertheless, marijuana is still a drug and it is very possible to misuse or abuse it. There are many reasons why a person would start using cannabis, especially for medical reasons, but it is important to remember that there are many people who abuse it still.
Some patients might choose to self medicate due to pain or uncomfortable symptoms, but others choose to self medicate due to mental issues. Sadly, those with anxiety or depression are much more likely to develop drug abuse problems.
It is important to talk to your doctor about the difference between self medicating and misuse or abuse. This is a fine line, but it is an important line to not cross.
Self Medicating for Chronic Pain
Many patients choose to self medicate for chronic pain symptoms, as lots of people swear by the power of cannabis and THC in aiding with painful symptoms.
This is an example of self medicating that is not problematic. Self medication that may be problematic usually comes from those who self medicate to deal with any type of mental illness such as depression or anxiety, or a stressful situation.
Problematic Self Medicating Behaviors
There are some things you should consider if you have decided to self medicate with medical cannabis:
Do you only ever smoke alone?
There is nothing wrong with using marijuana by yourself, but if the only time you ever use it is when you are alone, it could be a means of self isolation.
Is smoking the first thing you do when you are upset?
If you feel the need to use marijuana when you are upset or going through a stressful situation, this could be a problem. This can become a pattern, and it is not easy to break.
Do you feel worse when the high wears off?
Many people tend to get irritable when their high is wearing off. The relief that marijuana offers is only temporary, and if you feel significantly worse when you are coming down from the high, it may be a sign to give it a rest.
How often do you smoke?
If you feel the need to smoke multiple times throughout the day, it can be a sign of misuse or abuse of marijuana.
Is it affecting your finances significantly?
Medical marijuana is costly. If you are using it all the time, you will start to need to purchase more in order to keep yourself from running out. Are you spending too much money on your medicine to the point where it is affecting your finances in a negative way? If so, that is a problem that you need to address.
Have your family or friends said anything to you regarding your marijuana use?
Your friends and family care about you. If the people closest to you have voiced concerns about how often you are using cannabis, it may be time to think about why they feel the need to do so.
Self Medication for Depression and Anxiety
Many people swear by marijuana for depression and anxiety, and sometimes it really helps people. However, cannabis is definitely not for everyone, and it affects everyone differently depending on a variety of factors.
Your personality, mental stability, weight, gender, dosage, delivery method, and so much more can affect the way marijuana impacts you personally. If you have a qualifying condition and also have been diagnosed with anxiety or depression, proceed with caution when using cannabis and pay attention to how it makes you feel
As previously mentioned, those with mental illness are more susceptible to drug abuse, so you want to be sure you are not crossing the line between self medication and misuse or abuse.
Try Medical Marijuana Today
Marijuana is a safe, legal, natural alternative medicine with many added benefits. If you think it may be right for you, talk to a licensed physician! Now is the best time to get your medical card because the process is easier than ever!
Marijuana is an excellent alternative medicine that offers natural, safe, and legal relief for an array of symptoms. If you think cannabis could help some of your symptoms, what are you waiting for?
Schedule an evaluation online today with one of our knowledgeable, compassionate doctors to see if you qualify for your medical card. Not only will you discuss your condition and options, but you can do so through a virtual appointment in the safety of your own home!
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
At Louisiana Marijuana Card, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
Call us at (833) 253-2943, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!