Which Conditions Might Qualify for an Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Card?
Many states who operate a medical marijuana program require prospective patients to have a qualifying condition. The state usually creates a pre-approved list based on medical research and expert opinions, and patients will need to have one of the conditions on the list to be eligible for a marijuana prescription.
Oklahoma runs its medical cannabis program a little differently: the state does not have a list of qualifying conditions at all, and it does not enforce any criteria for obtaining a doctor’s recommendation. While Oklahoma’s criteria may be minimal, certain conditions are more treatable with cannabis than others.
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1: Cancer
Cancer treatment can be especially difficult, and medical marijuana can alleviate many of the symptoms patients experience. Chemotherapy and harsh medications often lead to unbearable side effects, and weight loss, fatigue, and loss of appetite are common in many types of cancer. For years, experts have seen promising results among patients who use medical marijuana.
Marijuana reduces chronic pain and nausea, which are common symptoms of cancer. One study found that smoked cannabis reduced chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in 14 out of 15 cancer patients, while another study found that patients who took a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) extract saw a 30% reduction in overall pain levels. This is due to how cannabis interacts with receptors in the brain, binding to receptors that control pain and appetite.
2: Seizures
Seizures are frightening occurrences. They can disrupt a person’s daily life, lead to dangerous situations, and cause severe psychological distress. Medical marijuana may help patients who struggle with seizures manage their condition; however, further research is necessary.
One study shows plant-based CBD extract known as Epidiolex reduced the amount of drop seizures that patients with Lennox–Gastaut Syndrome experienced. Another 2017 study found that young patients with Dravet syndrome and epilepsy saw fewer seizures after taking CBD, with 43% of patients seeing a 50% reduction in seizure frequency.
3: Cachexia, or Wasting Syndrome
Cachexia is a disorder that results in extreme, unintended weight loss and emaciation. This condition is often a side effect of other medical conditions, like cancer or HIV/AIDS. To manage cachexia, patients need to eat more and control nausea and vomiting. Medical marijuana can accomplish both these tasks. Medical marijuana influences receptors in the brain to stimulate appetite and reduce feelings of nausea. As a result, cachexia patients can increase food intake and promote weight gain, reducing the negative health effects that come from unhealthy weight loss.
Contact Sanctuary Wellness Institute
Since Oklahoma’s medical marijuana laws are less defined than other states, finding a doctor who is willing to certify you for cannabis use can be a challenge. Your regular physician may not believe in this treatment, and seeking another doctor can be difficult alone.
That’s where the Sanctuary Wellness Institute comes in. We advocate for the rights of medical marijuana patients in all states where cannabis prescriptions are legal, including Oklahoma. Our friendly staff members will connect you with a qualified physician who can certify your condition.
Contact the Sanctuary today to schedule your evaluation. We’re happy to walk you through the process and address any questions you may have..