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Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Card Qualifying Conditions
Residents of Massachusetts who have chronic, debilitating medical conditions can now qualify for the Medical Use of Marijuana Program (MMMP) and legally obtain medical marijuana to treat their conditions. Massachusetts voters approved the Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Initiative in November 2012, paving the way for the state’s first of nearly a dozen medical marijuana dispensaries.
Adult-use marijuana is legal in Massachusetts, but there are numerous benefits to having a medical marijuana card.
The first step in obtaining a Massachusetts medical cannabis card is to find and be certified by a licensed healthcare professional. After you have been certified, you can register and apply for a Massachusetts medical marijuana card. If you are unable to apply yourself or are under the age of 18, a personal caregiver can apply on your behalf.
The following are five of the most common debilitating conditions diagnosed in qualifying patients in Massachusetts.
Intractable Pain
Medical marijuana has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment for chronic, unbearable pain. This type of pain is typically resistant to traditional pain treatments and is caused by nerve damage or inflammation. Marijuana can help with pain relief by reducing inflammation and interfering with pain signals sent to the brain. Furthermore, marijuana can improve mood and reduce anxiety and stress, both of which can affect chronic pain.
THC and CBD, the two main cannabinoids found in marijuana, have both been shown to help with pain relief. THC is known to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which aids in the reduction of inflammation and pain. CBD can also help to reduce inflammation and pain while also improving sleep quality, which can help to reduce pain levels even further.
Cancer
Medical marijuana is used to relieve or even eliminate some of the symptoms associated with cancer and its treatments, particularly three major symptoms: nausea, vomiting, and pain. Marijuana has been shown to help reduce nausea and vomiting in cancer patients, particularly when combined with other medications. It can also help with pain relief, which is especially beneficial for cancer patients in the later stages.
It can also help patients’ appetites and moods. Marijuana may be especially beneficial to people suffering from cancer-related anxiety or depression. There is some evidence that marijuana can even aid in the death of cancer cells.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Medical marijuana has been shown to help with symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), such as muscle spasms, pain, and appetite loss. In some studies, patients reported a significant improvement in their quality of life after incorporating medical marijuana into their treatment regimen.
Medical marijuana can help reduce the frequency and severity of ALS-related muscle spasms. Cannabis is thought to work by reducing muscle inflammation and pain.
ALS is a painful disease, and medical marijuana can help with the pain. Cannabis is thought to work by reducing nerve inflammation and pain.
Patients with ALS frequently lose their appetite, which can lead to weight loss and malnutrition. Medical marijuana can help ALS patients increase their appetite and improve their nutrition. Cannabis is thought to increase the level of the hunger-stimulating hormone ghrelin in the body, which stimulates appetite.
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes digestive tract swelling and ulcers. It can cause pain, diarrhea, loss of weight, and other symptoms. Although there is no cure for Crohn’s disease, medical marijuana can help treat its symptoms.
Medical marijuana can help relieve pain and other symptoms by reducing inflammation in the digestive tract. It can also help increase appetite and weight gain, which is beneficial for Crohn’s disease patients. Marijuana also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that may aid in healing.
Multiple Sclerosis
MS is a progressive neurological disease that affects the brain and spinal cord over time. Muscle spasms, pain, fatigue, vision problems, and changes in mood or cognitive function are all possible symptoms.
THC and CBD, the two main cannabinoids found in medical marijuana, help to reduce inflammation and manage muscle pain. Marijuana can also help with muscle stiffness, spasms, tremors, and fatigue. It can also help with vision and mood improvement.
There is currently no cure for MS, but medical marijuana can help patients improve their quality of life.
Full List of Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Qualifying Conditions
To be eligible for Massachusetts’ Medical Use of Marijuana Program, medical marijuana patients must be certified by a state-registered healthcare professional as having one of the following conditions (MMMP). The Cannabis Control Commission, the MMMP’s governing body, defines a wide range of debilitating conditions for those who may benefit from cannabis use through the state’s medical marijuana program.
Among these conditions are:
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Cancer
- Crohn’s disease
- Glaucoma
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
- Hepatitis C
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Any other debilitating condition as determined in writing by a certified physician
Don’t Have a Qualifying Condition on This List?
Patients who do not have a qualifying medical condition on Massachusetts’ list may still be eligible for MMJ cards if their licensed physician believes that the potential benefits of medical marijuana outweigh the risks.
If you are unable to locate your debilitating condition on Massachusetts’ list, contact the Sanctuary to be connected with a Massachusetts medical marijuana healthcare provider as soon as possible so you can receive your diagnosis and medical marijuana ID card.