With the recent legalization of marijuana in New York City, it is only a matter of time before dispensaries open up in your neighborhood. Once this happens you can purchase small amounts of marijuana legally. At the same time, many have advocated for the legalization of marijuana. Touting its therapeutic benefits ranging from pain relief, stress reliever, and cures for anxiety and depression. Additionally, there are claims it can aid in opioid addiction recovery. However, relying on psychotropic substances to help medical conditions are not well studied. Experts will not know or understand the long-lasting effects for many years.

Are there benefits from marijuana?

Research has shown evidence that marijuana may help alleviate some symptoms or conditions. However, there are many other medications that are proven effective for all these symptoms and do not rely on marijuana.

Here are some reported benefits of marijuana:

• Glaucoma. It may reduce pressure in the eye. Unfortunately, the effect only lasts for a short time, usually around a few hours. Some reports state marijuana can actually decrease blow flow which can cause greater vision loss.
• Nausea from cancer treatments. Chemotherapies’ notorious side effects are nausea and vomiting. THC, the active ingredient in marijuana can reduce symptoms. Note: There are many other medications capable of reducing nausea
• Pain. Marijuana may reduce pain caused by nerve damage from HIV, Diabetes, etc.
• Seizures. The jury is still out on whether this is effective. 

So, there is evidence that marijuana can help with some symptoms or conditions. Still, there are numerous other treatments for each condition that does not include marijuana. More research and studies are needed to understand the true long-lasting effects. Furthermore, there are also damaging side effects to take into account. 

What are the side effects?

While deemed safe, marijuana’s strength depends entirely on the level of THC in each strain. Thus, the higher levels of THC, the more potent. However, with better technology and more effective harvesting techniques, marijuana is becoming more potent. Here are common side effects:

• Paranoia
• Headache
• Dry mouth and eyes
• Fatigue and drowsiness
• Severe Nausea
• Increased appetite
• Disorientation

Listed above are less serious side effects. Unfortunately, they are not the only ones.

What are some of marijuana’s risks?

If you have a mental health condition the risks are higher. There are chances of hallucinations and paranoia. Especially for those with mood disorders like bipolar disorder. Also, frequent use can make symptoms of mania worse; increase depressive symptoms, and worsen anxiety. Additionally, there is evidence that it can increase psychosis for those with schizophrenia. 

Here is an excerpt from Alex Bereson’s book Tell Your Children. Its focus is the damaging effects marijuana causes, in regard to psychosis and even violence:

“Twenty years ago, the United States moved to allow or encourage wider use of two drugs: cannabis and opiates. In both cases, we ignored hundreds of years of warnings. We decided we knew better, that we could outsmart the drug and somehow have its benefits with its costs.”

What does all this mean for me?

The media and some doctors are making bold claims about the effectiveness of marijuana in treating many issues. Unfortunately, there is also a lot of money to be made. The Opioid crisis is a great example of companies thinking with their wallet. Without considering the patient’s needs at all. 

How can Metro Medical Direct Help?

Dr. Raymond Zakhari cares deeply about his patients. He is the owner and operator of a premier concierge medical practice in Manhattan. Metro Medical Direct is a luxury healthcare practice that provides home visits for a variety of issues:

• Are you considering marijuana to treat a condition or just to cope with the stressors of life?
• Are you relying on Marijuana for some of the reasons listed above? 
• Do you find it helpful or are you needing to use it more and more?
• Does your loved one have persistent paranoid symptoms?
• Are you so nauseated that you have resorted to very hot showers?

Dr. Zakhari provides numerous strategies to help with your conditions and symptoms without using marijuana. His personal approach to healthcare is unique because he comes to your home. He can provide personalized care not found in a doctor’s office. 

If you are struggling with addiction to marijuana Dr. Zakhari can help with that too. He wants to help you gain control over your addiction to marijuana. Call (917) 484-2709 or click here to request an appointment. He looks forward to speaking to you! 

Ian Matonti is a freelance writer who’s passionate about spreading mental health awareness. Read his blog at www.madmentalhealth.com.