Medical cannabis may be a vital part of a healthy lifestyle

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If your New Year’s resolutions have anything to do with improving your health and wellbeing, medical cannabis could be an integral part of your transformation.

“The New Year is often a time where people address lingering health concerns,” said Dr. Allison Walsh, MD, founder of Women’s Lifestyle Solutions. “For people who are looking to take a new approach for pain or sleep issues and other ailments, medical cannabis may offer solutions. As we’re learning more about the endocannabinoid system that’s present in everyone, we’re seeing there’s a lot of potential to help with an array of conditions.”

While medical cannabis may not be for everyone, Walsh said she finds it to be extremely helpful for many patients who have tried traditional therapies without success. “There’s little downside for most individuals, and it’s a reasonable thing to try for many conditions,” she said. “Most of my patients who have refractory insomnia have tried multiple options. Cannabis offers a natural way to get to sleep and stay asleep, especially when pairing CBD and THC. An edible is a great, long-lasting way to stay asleep, but it can be layered with a tincture that’s faster-acting to help get to sleep.”

Layering is a way to use different modes of administration to better time onset and duration of the medication, according to Walsh. It also provides patients an opportunity to fine-tune their treatment. “If you have chronic pain, you may want an edible that’s long lasting. But for immediate relief, you may take a small hit off a vape pen,” she said.

When layering, patients should consider how long until the medication takes hold, how long it will last and the ratio of cannabinoids, primarily CBD and THC, though other cannabinoids like CGB and CBN are gaining popularity.

It’s crucial to always start low and go slow. “Start by microdosing anytime you try a new product, slowly upping the dose to achieve relief with minimal side effects,” Walsh said.

BHealth Consulting founder Dr. Kelsey Schwander, PharmD, said many of her patients are “cannabis naïve” and somewhat nervous about trying it, so she aims to educate people about the benefits. “They’re typically on prescription medications, and they get frustrated because they feel like they’re not getting the help they need, so they’re looking for other avenues,” she said. “Taking responsibility of your health is the greatest act of self love.”

Schwander explained how cannabis has been helpful for a patient who has anxiety attacks. “One of the main medications used to treat those is benzodiazephines like Xanax,” she said. “Unfortunately, they’re addictive and have unwanted side effects. She heard about CBD and how it can help with anxiety, so she started using it and hasn’t had to take Xanax in about two months, which is huge. Prescription drugs are needed in certain cases and are good to have on hand, but if we can find a safer substitute and she can function during the day, it’s a win-win for everyone.”

Medical marijuana has also been useful for Schwander’s patients who are depressed. “Cannabis, even at very low doses, increases serotonin, which is helpful for depression,” she explained.

In addition, there’s new research that shows that cannabis has the potential to improve sexual function. “We take care of lots of patients with hypoactive sexual desire disorder,” Walsh said. “We’re still learning, but there’s been a couple of studies in the last few years that show exciting potential in that space.”

Schwander stressed the importance of always being transparent with your doctor and your pharmacist. “Let your health care provider know you’re using cannabis, even if you think they might not agree with it. If we don’t know what you’re using, we can’t look for drug interactions. We just want to make sure you’re being safe and incorporating your health care team.”

For more information, visit swadecannabis.com.

This advertisement is intended only for Missouri medical marijuana patients. Medical decisions should not be made based on advertising. Consult a physician on the benefits and risks of particular medical marijuana products.