Louisiana Medical Marijuana Card Qualifying Conditions
Louisiana's legislature has enacted medical marijuana legalization for residents who meet specific legal requirements. For instance, patients must be diagnosed with one of the state‘s listed qualifying conditions. Fortunately, this list consists of a diverse collection of diseases, disorders, and syndromes. Many Louisiana residents are qualified for medical marijuana, even if they don‘t realize it.
Here are five of the most common qualifying conditions for a cannabis card in Louisiana.
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1: Chronic Pain
The National Library of Medicine has provided evidence supporting the use of medical marijuana for pain. Qualifying patients can use cannabinoids to ameliorate painful sensations and improve their quality of life. Marijuana's alkaloid composition is high in CBD and THC, which are similar to endogenous cannabinoids. Both compounds can provide health benefits.
Typically, nociceptive pathways transmit pain signals along the spinal column. Administration of CBD and THC can dampen this signal transduction, thereby decreasing overall pain perception. Consequently, medical marijuana patients may be able to reduce their use of traditional pharmaceutical painkillers like opioids.
2: Cancer
Several studies have been released detailing the benefits of cannabinoids for those suffering from cancer. Cancer's symptoms are disparate and pervasive, but cannabis can make them more manageable. Since the body's endocannabinoid system transmits tons of nerve signals, consuming cannabis products can have a powerful physiological effect.
Traditionally, cancer patients have been given cannabis as part of their palliative care. Frequent use of these compounds can diminish perceived pain intensity and stimulate appetite.
The American Cancer Society has reported positive effects when cannabis is used to tackle neuropathic pain. Furthermore, weed can decrease reliance on opioid medications and related treatments.
Numerous benefits are associated with the utilization of therapeutic marijuana during cancer treatment. This plant-based medicine can alleviate negative side effects during chemotherapy, such as nausea and vomiting.
3: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD involves a complex set of symptoms, and its impact can be devastating. Fortunately, state law permits cannabis use for the treatment of this disorder.
When exposed to extreme stress, the brain's neural networks are disrupted. These disruptions engender further anxious episodes, which often feel terrifying to the sufferer. Cannabinoid compounds can minimize the intensity of these events and foster restful sleep.
4: Multiple Sclerosis
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society supports medical cannabis and reports positive results for patients who‘ve used it. Additionally, the American Academy of Neurology has compiled its own literature to support such claims. In many cases, oral cannabis extracts have proven effective at reducing patient-reported spasticity.
Moreover, the evidence appears to indicate promising results when cannabis is used to diminish tremors. Spasticity reductions are most evident when someone uses oral products instead of smoking weed. Oral sprays have also been utilized to decrease urination frequency and alleviate pain. Cannabis tinctures, topicals, and edibles can also be effective.
5: Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease is a genetic autoimmune disorder. For each patient who has it, the body's immune system begins targeting healthy cells in the intestines. This can manifest as irritated bowels and pain.
The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation have reported positive results for patients who‘ve used cannabis for IBS. THC and CBD can dampen pain signals, eliminate nausea, and stimulate appetite.
In addition, CBD's anti-inflammatory properties can soothe irritated intestinal tissue, thereby aiding recovery. CBD can also improve patients‘ sleep quality.
Full List of Louisiana Medical Marijuana Card Qualifying Conditions
Louisiana's bill RS 40:1046 lays out the state’s complete list of qualifying conditions and relevant medical marijuana laws. If you suffer from any of the following conditions, you may qualify 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 you don’t see your medical condition on the above list, the Sanctuary can help. Our network of state-licensed healthcare providers can diagnose qualifying conditions that may not appear on the state of Louisiana’s list yet.
Contact us today so we can connect you with a local medical marijuana doctor who can issue you a medical marijuana recommendation. You’ll be purchasing cannabis products from local marijuana dispensaries with your official MMJ card in no time.