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Louisiana Medical Marijuana Card Qualifying Conditions
Louisiana’s legislature has legalized medical marijuana for residents who meet certain legal requirements. Patients must be diagnosed with one of the qualifying conditions listed by the state. Fortunately, this list includes a wide range of diseases, disorders, and syndromes. Many Louisiana residents are eligible for medical marijuana, even if they are unaware of it.
Here are five of the most common qualifying conditions for a Louisiana cannabis card.
Chronic Pain
Evidence supporting the use of medical marijuana for pain has been provided by the National Library of Medicine. Cannabinoids can be used by qualified patients to alleviate pain and improve their quality of life. The alkaloid composition of marijuana is high in CBD and THC, which are similar to endogenous cannabinoids. Both compounds have potential health benefits.
Pain signals are typically transmitted along the spinal column by nociceptive pathways. CBD and THC administration can dampen this signal transduction, reducing overall pain perception. As a result, medical marijuana users may be able to reduce their reliance on traditional pharmaceutical painkillers such as opioids.
Cancer
Several studies have been published detailing the benefits of cannabinoids for cancer patients. Cancer symptoms are diverse and pervasive, but cannabis can help manage them. Consuming cannabis products can have a powerful physiological effect because the body’s endocannabinoid system transmits a multitude of nerve signals.
Cancer patients have traditionally been given cannabis as part of their palliative care. The use of these compounds on a regular basis can reduce perceived pain intensity and stimulate appetite.
The American Cancer Society has found that using cannabis to treat neuropathic pain has positive results. Furthermore, marijuana has been shown to reduce reliance on opioid medications and related treatments.
There are numerous advantages to using therapeutic marijuana during cancer treatment. For instance, this plant-based medicine can help with chemotherapy side effects like nausea and vomiting.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD is characterized by a complex set of symptoms, and its consequences can be devastating. Fortunately, cannabis can be used to treat this disorder under state law.
The brain’s neural networks are disrupted when subjected to extreme stress. These disruptions can trigger additional anxious episodes, which can be terrifying for the sufferer. Cannabinoids can reduce the intensity of these events and promote restful sleep.
Multiple Sclerosis
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society advocates for medical marijuana and reports positive outcomes for patients who have used it. The American Academy of Neurology has also compiled its own literature to back up such claims. Oral cannabis extracts have been shown to be effective in reducing patient-reported spasticity in many cases.
Furthermore, evidence suggests that using cannabis to reduce tremors yields promising results. Spasticity reductions are most noticeable when oral products are used instead of smoking marijuana. Oral sprays have also been used to reduce urination frequency and pain. Cannabis tinctures, topicals, and edibles can all help as well.
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is an autoimmune disorder that runs in families. The immune system of each patient with this condition targets healthy cells in the intestines. This can cause irritable bowel syndrome and pain.
The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation has reported positive outcomes for IBS patients who have used cannabis. THC and CBD have the ability to reduce pain signals, eliminate nausea, and stimulate appetite.
Furthermore, CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties can soothe irritated intestinal tissue, assisting in recovery. CBD can also help patients sleep better.
Full List of Louisiana Medical Marijuana Card Qualifying Conditions
Louisiana’s bill RS 40:1046 lays out the entire list of qualifying conditions as well as the state’s relevant medical marijuana laws. If you have any of the following medical conditions, you may be eligible for Louisiana’s medical marijuana program:
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Huntington’s disease
- Lewy body dementia
- Motor neuron disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Spinal muscular atrophy
- HIV/AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)
- Cachexia/wasting syndrome
- Epilepsy
- Spasticity
- Fibromyalgia
- Severe muscle spasms
- Intractable pain
- Crohn’s
- Muscular dystrophy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Post traumatic stress disorder
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Seizure disorders
- Sickle cell disease
- Traumatic brain injury
- Any licensed physician-diagnosed debilitating condition
Don’t Have a Qualifying Condition on This List?
If your medical condition isn’t listed above, the Sanctuary can still assist you. Our network of state-licensed healthcare providers can diagnose qualifying conditions that are not yet on Louisiana’s list.
Contact us today so that we can put you in touch with a local medical marijuana doctor who can issue you a medical marijuana recommendation. With your official MMJ card, you’ll be purchasing cannabis products from local marijuana dispensaries in no time.
