What is medical cannabis?

• Medical cannabis, or medical marijuana, refers to derivatives of the Cannabis sativa plant that are used to relieve symptoms. There are many components of the plant, but the two of interest in medicine are THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).​

• The potential medicinal properties of marijuana and its components have been the subject of heated debate for decades. There are currently two synthetic THC drugs FDA-approved for use in chemo-associated nausea or AIDS-associated anorexia, and one CBD-based drug FDA-approved for certain forms of epilepsy. Research is ongoing to demonstrate the utility of cannabis for a variety of other conditions that it is thought to affect, such as chronic pain, muscle spasms, insomnia, arthritis, cancer, and migraines. 

How does it work?​

• Cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, are the active chemicals in medical cannabis. Our brains contain endocannabinoid receptors, which are stimulated by these chemicals. This leads to reduced pain and inflammation, increased appetite, and relief of nausea or insomnia. Research suggests that additional benefits may include improvement in a number of mood and anxiety disorders.

• Some medical cannabis is formulated to provide symptom relief without the intoxicating, mood-altering effects associated with recreational use of marijuana. CBD is thought to be responsible for the majority of the medical benefits, while THC is the component that creates a "high"; so increasing the amount of CBD compared to THC creates less of this effect.

How do you take it?​

• Medical cannabis can be taken orally as a liquid or pill, applied to the skin in a cream, oil, or spray, eaten in a food such as a cookie or a lollipop, inhaled through a device called a vaporizer, or smoked.​

What are the side effects of medical cannabis?​​

• Possible side effects include increased heart rate, dizziness, slower reaction times, increased appetite, hallucinations, and the potential for addiction. 

• Most importantly, it can affect judgment and coordination, which could lead to accidents or injuries. When used in children or teenagers whose brains are still developing, there is concern it could affect IQ or mental function.​ 

• Smoking cannabis, similar to smoking tobacco, may cause lung damage. 

Is medical cannabis legal?​

• In the state of Florida, yes. ​However, cannabis is still illegal under federal law, regulated through the Controlled Substances Act. These laws are generally applied only against persons who possess, cultivate, or distribute large quantities of cannabis.

How do I get my medical cannabis card?​

• Dr. Lane re​quires an initial office visit to assess your qualifying medical conditions and discuss your use of medical cannabis. She will then start the certification process with the state. It is legally required that you have an office visit with your certifying physician no more than every 210 days (7 months), in order to renew your card. Please call our office to schedule, (239) 908-3593.