Neuropathy, or nerve pain, is a condition that afflicts millions of patients, adversely affecting their quality of life over time. In the majority of cases, traditional methods of neuropathy treatment, such as painkillers or physical therapy, are inefficient and fail to provide substantial relief. Therefore, alternative therapy methods, such as marijuana treatment, become increasingly popular among residents of New York and other states that legalized medical use of cannabis for specific conditions.
This article provides an insight into how medical marijuana can help with neuropathy, its benefits, and ways for New York residents to receive a medical marijuana card to use cannabis to treat their condition. If you have been struggling with neuropathy for years or were recently diagnosed, this article is likely to help you to learn more about this condition and how medicine can finally provide you with relief.
What is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a term used to describe damage or dysfunction of the nerves, which is commonly characterized by chronic pain, burning sensation, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hands and feet. There are several types of neuropathy, but the most common form is peripheral neuropathy that affects the peripheral nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
The common causes of neuropathy are:
Diabetes, or diabetic neuropathy Infections, such as shingles or HIV Trauma or injury Chemotherapy, which results in chemotherapy-induced neuropathy Autoimmune disorders Alcoholism or malnutrition Neuropathy can range from slightly irritating to disabling, with episodes of excruciating pain that can affect everyday living. Traditional treatments involve opioid painkillers, anticonvulsants, or antidepressants; however, these methods do not bring a full remission or have adverse side effects. Thus, medical marijuana is considered as a beneficial alternative.
Could Medical Marijuana Treat Neuropathy?
And cannabis has been promoted as a treatment for neuropathic pain, especially in cases where other treatments have failed. The human body produces natural cannabinoids, which are critical to the endocannabinoid system that help regulate pain and inflammation; Neurological mechanisms!!!!!!
The most important cannabinoids are:
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): This psychoactive substance is what gets you high, but it also has potent painkilling capabilities.
Cannabidiol (CBD): A non-psychoactive compound known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, CBD is often chosen instead of THC to treat pain because it does not have the psychoactive properties attributed with high.
A number of studies have indicated that cannabis….especially strains higher in CBD relative to THC (1:1 ratios or near 2:3) could play a big role for neuropathic pain. Peripheral Neuropathy According to a publication in the journal Neurology, patients with peripheral neuropathic pain had substantial analgesia and were actually using cannabis as well.
1. Pain Relief
Neuropathy boasts chronic pain as one of the most prevalent symptoms, but medical cannabis has been proven to decrease both severity and frequency of episodes. THC binds to receptors in the brain and nervous system, which can minimize pain signals; CDB actively decreases inflammation that could aggravate nerve discomfort.
2. Improved Sleep
Sleep disorders are difficult for many neuropathy sufferers due to the intensity of pain and similar discomfort. It can helps patients to relax and fall asleep faster. These strains are known for being high in CBD or indica-dominant, and can be great to help you feel relaxed.
3. Reduced Inflammation
PAIN Points: In some types of neuropathy, inflammation contributes in a major way to worsening pain. CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential way to address the inflammation related factors responsible of nerve pain.
4. Anxiety and Stress Relief
Pain and distress are intertwined with chronic pain leading to anxiety thereby enhancing neuropathic symptoms. With many chronic pain problems, the condition is going to be physical in nature; meaning it involves muscle soreness or joint and connective tissue issues such as arthritis. While cannabis will not help you necessarily win a triathlon — sorry if that shocked some people — for these types of conditions medical marijuana can help alleviate anxiety so patients feel better positioned to manage their emotions around living with chronic pain. It may make them less belligerent when they are on opioids because certainly there has been an anger issue perhaps ramping up with this opioid war given how difficult life is even without all of your joints feeling like angry fireballs again from Pimp My Ride circa 2016.
Neuropathy patients need a medical marijuana card in New York — Here’s How.
In New York, the state Medical Marijuana Program already includes neuropathy as a qualifying condition. If you live in New York with neuropathy and are interested in getting a medical marijuana card, here is how to do it:
Step 1 :Certification from a Registered Health Provider
The initial process is to have an assessment with a New York registered medical marijuana doctor. Based on your condition, the provider will decide whether or not you are eligible for medical marijuana treatment. For quick and inexpensive certification, providers such as NY Medical Marijuana Cards work. If you qualify, your medical marijuana certification is good up to a year (same-day appointments available) for $149. Renewals are just $99.
Step Two: Sign Up for the New York Medical Marijuana Program
After you get certified by a registered provider, sign up with the New York State Department of Health’s Medical Marijuana Program. You will be asked to provide proof of New York State residency, such as a driver’s license or utility bill during registration and your photo for the Registry Identification Card.
Step Three: How to Get Your Medical Marijuana Card
Once registered, you will receive your New York Medical Marijuana Card. This serves as your medical marijuana card that will allow you to buy legally at any licensed dispensary state-wide.
Step 4: Go To A Licensed Dispensary
So get that medical marijuana card, and head on over to a licensed dispensary to pick up some great cannabis products for yourself! It also helps that people working in dispensaries generally know what they are talking about and can lead you to some decent strains or products for treating your neuropathy.
Medical Marijuana Law in NY
New York has a full medical marijuana program, and neuropathy is among the conditions that qualify you for an MM card. According to the program: —
- Patients can buy up to a 60-day supply of cannabis
- Police say the driver had medical marijuana but no proof of candidacy to buy it, a requirement for purchases at dispensaries also subject to 7 percent state tax.
- Up to six cannabis plants can be grown per patient or caregiver, along with a few mature ones.
You should always be careful to stay within the state-law guidelines for medical marijuana, as failing this could mean that you are okay with breaking overt local laws related to vaping any kind of nicotine or e-cigarettes.
What You Can Expect from Neuropathy Medical Marijuana Treatment
If you are new to medical marijuana treatment, using it for neuropathic pain management may leave you with questions about what awaits during the experience. The following are some things to keep in mind :
Start low and go slow when dosing. Your healthcare provider or dispensary staff will help you figure out how much to take.
Strains and Products: Medical cannabis is available in many different forms such as flower (to be smoked or vaporized), tinctures, edibles, capsules and topicals. The best type for you will be a personal choice and depend on the level of your symptoms.
Track symptoms: Keep a journal of log that monitors your specific ailments and how they respond to different strains or dosing. That way you and your healthcare provider can find a better treatment plan for the future.
Conclusion:
Medical marijuana in New York is an ideal option for the millions of people afflicted with neuropathy that have no viable form to alleviate their pain. Cannabis can provide patients with neuropathy relief from chronic pain to an increased ability for restful sleep, cannabis plays a role in what relieves the symptoms of this painful disease and gives sufferers their lives back.
The cost is very low and the process of getting certified for medical marijuana treatment in the case neuropathy takes less than 10 minutes. The same startups have created a market of telemedicine where patients can connect with someone who has the right to write scripts for $149, and renewals just at $99. Explore this natural version of relief and make the first move for a better quality life.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions
How to Get Medical Marijuana for Neuropathy in New York
Neuropathy is, in fact, a qualifying condition for medical marijuana treatment in the state of New York.
How long does it take to get a medical marijuana card in New York?
Once certified by a registered healthcare provider and the registration process is complete, patients are generally able to receive their medical marijuana card within 7–10 days.
What Are the Best Medical Marijuana Products for Neuropathy?
Patients with neuropathy often have relief from tinctures, edibles or vaporized weed. These are the best strains for pain and inflammation, with a fairly balanced THC to CBD ratio
Are The Side Effects Of Medical Marijuana?
Risks of Cannabis Use Like any drug, cannabis has adverse effects like dry mouth, dizziness or increased appetite. Nevertheless, the advantages are considered to outweigh the risks with many patients and also have often been planned by using a lower medication dosage.
Is a prescription for medical marijuana in New York?
In New York, you do not need an actual scrip in the very same way that other medical marijuana states require; however your registration must be certified by one of NY state’s registered health care providers.
