Top 5 Qualifying Conditions for A New Jersey Cannabis Card
Not everyone is eligible for medical marijuana. In most states, you have to have a qualifying condition from a list of pre-approved conditions identified by the government -- and New Jersey is no exception. Here are some of the most common qualifying conditions New Jersey residents cite when applying for a cannabis card.
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1: Anxiety
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, approximately 40 million adults suffer from an anxiety disorder during any given year. This condition leads to intense and excessive feelings of fear, worry, and panic that can interfere with daily life.
In New Jersey, medical marijuana is an approved treatment option for anxiety. Studies suggest that medical marijuana reacts with the brain in similar ways as common anti-anxiety medications, particularly benzodiazepines. These medications control GABA neurotransmitters in your brain, balancing your anxiety levels. Preliminary studies show medical cannabis influences GABA levels as well.
Medical marijuana may also lower your cortisol levels, hormones that control your stress reactions. You may experience reduced feelings of fear and stress, and greater feelings of euphoria.
2: Opioid Use Disorder
The opioid addiction crisis is sweeping the United States, leading to thousands of overdose deaths each year. One major contributor to this crisis is the misuse of addictive prescription opioids, used to control pain.
Medical marijuana may be a supplement to opioid addiction treatment. Withdrawal from opioid use can lead to severe symptoms, including muscular pain, nausea and vomiting, anxiety, and restlessness. These symptoms can easily lead to relapse without professional support.
Medical marijuana may help ease these symptoms, making it easier for people addicted to opioids to complete their treatment programs. In addition, access to medical marijuana can reduce reliance on prescription opioids.
3: Migraines
Migraines are severe, painful headaches that can disrupt your daily life. Symptoms may include nausea, debilitating pain, and sensitivity to light. According to researchers from Washington State University, medical marijuana may reduce migraine pain by 49.6%. The cannabinoids in marijuana interact with receptors to reduce pain signals, and may also ease nausea in migraine patients.
4: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a terminal illness that affects your nervous system, causing muscle weakness and a lack of functionality. There is no cure for this condition, and it can lead to paralysis in later stages.
Medical marijuana may help ease ALS symptoms and side effects of ALS treatment, such as nausea. In addition, preliminary research suggests cannabis’s anti-inflammatory effects may slow the progression of this condition. While more research is needed, cannabis can be an effective supplement to an ALS treatment program.
5: Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular dystrophy is another condition that leads to muscle weakness and loss of tone, which worsens over time, and is usually a symptom of another degenerative condition. You may also experience severe pain, stiffness, and muscle spasms if you have this condition. Studies have shown that medical marijuana’s anti-inflammatory properties can ease these symptoms and reduce the frequency of muscle spasms in patients.
Need Help Applying for A New Jersey Cannabis Card?
If you’re a New Jersey resident trying to navigate the medical marijuana application process, the Sanctuary is here to help. We offer evaluation services with certified New Jersey doctors who have the appropriate credentials to approve you for medical cannabis use.
Contact us today at (484) 346-5140 to schedule your evaluation and learn more about the application process.