Initial Cannabis Card Qualifying Evaluation

Many health conditions may qualify for medical marijuana use, though eligibility varies by state. This list is based on conditions supported by current research.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition, affects approximately 50 million individuals globally, as reported by the World Health Organization. It manifests through recurrent seizures, characterized by brief episodes of involuntary movement. These seizures may involve specific body parts (partial) or the entire body (generalized), potentially followed by loss of consciousness and loss of control over bodily functions such as bowel or bladder.

A single seizure occurrence does not necessarily indicate epilepsy. Diagnosis typically requires experiencing at least two unprovoked seizures, separated by at least 24 hours. Unprovoked seizures lack a clear cause and can stem from various factors. In older adults, epilepsy diagnoses may result from underlying neurological conditions like stroke or brain tumors. Other potential causes include genetic abnormalities, prior brain infections, prenatal injuries, or developmental disorders. However, approximately half of epilepsy cases have no identifiable cause.

Signs and Symptoms

• Temporary confusion
• Uncontrollable, jerking muscle movements
• Stiff muscles, body
• Hear a ringing sound that becomes louder
• Stare into space

PTSD

PTSD, a neurological condition resulting from past traumatic events, triggers anxiety rooted in these experiences. The brain's alarm system, crucial for survival, becomes hypersensitive in PTSD, easily triggered by traumas like childhood abuse, violent attacks, accidents, death, combat, or natural disasters. While many eventually overcome PTSD, some face ongoing struggles, seeking relief through various means, including marijuana. Marijuana has shown promise in alleviating PTSD symptoms, such as flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety, offering hope to those affected. However, trauma profoundly impacts individuals, disrupting daily life and affecting overall wellness. Combining therapeutic approaches such as cannabis with psychotherapy has proven effective in enhancing quality of life for PTSD patients. Research supports marijuana's potential in relieving PTSD symptoms, reflecting anecdotal evidence and case reports. This indicates a growing interest in marijuana's role in treating PTSD among both professionals and individuals.

Signs and Symptoms

• Hyper arousal and reactivity
• Physical sensations of sweating and pain
• Sleep interruptions, nightmares
• Irritability, risky or aggressive behavior
• Feeling detached, alone

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain lasts for over three months, persisting longer than typical healing periods or occurring alongside chronic health conditions like arthritis. It significantly disrupts daily activities such as self-care, work, and social interactions. The CDC reports that approximately 1 in 5 Americans suffers from chronic pain, with an estimated cost of $560 billion for medical care and disability. Chronic pain often leads to anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances, exacerbating the pain. It can persist long after injury or illness recovery and may develop without an obvious cause. Common types include arthritis, back pain, fibromyalgia, neck pain, migraines, cancer pain, and neurogenic pain from nerve damage. With the rise of the opioid epidemic, medicinal cannabis has gained attention as a potential alternative treatment for chronic pain. Unlike opioids, marijuana does not cause respiratory depression, leading to lower mortality rates.

Symptoms of Chronic Pain

• Aching
• Stiffness
• Throbbing
• Stinging
• Burning sensations

Other Symptoms of Chronic pain

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Sleep disruptions
• Mood swings

Cancer

The endocannabinoid system plays a vital role in maintaining the body's balance, or homeostasis. Endocannabinoids, found throughout the body, regulate appetite, manage pain, and modulate the immune system. However, when cancer develops, this system can become disrupted, leading to dysfunction. Cancer interferes with the endocannabinoid system's ability to regulate cell division and growth, causing abnormal cellular activity. Medical marijuana helps restore balance to the endocannabinoid system by activating CB1 and CB2 receptors. This activation promotes normal functioning and supports homeostasis. The cannabinoids present in marijuana mimic the body's own endocannabinoid system, providing neuroprotective and pain-relieving effects. Additionally, cannabinoids have shown potential in cancer prevention and therapy by inhibiting the proliferation of mutated cells and addressing DNA replication errors during cell division, which are hallmarks of cancer.

Signs and Symptoms of Cancer

• Constant feeling of exhaustion or fatigue
• Unexplained bleeding or bruising
• Unexplained pain and ache
• Unexplained weight loss
• Unexplained lump or swelling
• Skin changes or changes to a mole
• Anemia or low blood levels
• Indigestion or Difficulty Breathing
• Difficulty swallowing

Sickle Cell Anemia/Disease

Sickle Cell Anemia/Disease Sickle cell disease (SCD) encompasses a group of hematological disorders affecting red blood cells, with pain being the primary symptom and often the first relief sought by patients. This pain can stem from various complications, including blood vessel blockage, inflammation, and reduced blood flow to tissues. In sickle cell anemia, a specific form of SCD, there's a shortage of healthy red blood cells to efficiently transport oxygen throughout the body, typically detected around six months of age but often diagnosed later depending on symptoms. Medical cannabis, with its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, offers a promising treatment option for SCD. Pain associated with SCD can disrupt daily activities and patients often find relief in the relaxation effects of marijuana.

Signs and Symptoms

• Anemia
• Fatigue
• Recurrent infections
• Delayed growth
• Visual issues
• Swelling of hands and feet
• Delayed puberty
• Jaundice

Crohn’s Disease

Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can involve different areas of the digestive tract and any part of the small or large intestine can be involved, and it may affect one part or may involve multiple sections of the intestine in different patients. According to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA), around 780,000 Americans have Crohn's disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The CCFA also estimates that 907,000 Americans have ulcerative colitis. This inflammation often spreads into the deeper layers of the bowel. It can be both painful and debilitating and sometimes may lead to life-threatening complications. There is no known cure for Crohn's disease, but therapies can greatly reduce its signs and symptoms and even bring about long-term remission and healing of inflammation. Evidence suggest medical marijuana may have the potential to ease the inflammation that causes many of the symptoms of Crohn’s disease. With treatment, many individuals with Crohn's disease can have long and enjoyable lives. Signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease can range from mild to severe, usually developing gradually, but sometimes could come on suddenly, without warning. There may also be periods when there are no signs or symptoms (remission).

Signs and Symptoms

• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Diarrhea, which may be bloody
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Feeling the need to pass stools, even when the bowels are empty
• Nausea and vomiting

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune condition affecting the central nervous system, where the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerve cells in the spinal cord, brain, and optic nerve. Neurologists often recommend medical marijuana to MS patients, as it can alleviate symptoms. The chemical components of marijuana can stimulate active nerves, easing muscle spasms and sleep issues. Signs and symptoms vary and may appear in different combinations, depending on the area of the nervous system affected.

Signs and Symptoms

• Vision problems, blurred or double vision
• Color distortion
• Muscle weakness, often in the hands and legs
• Muscle stiffness, painful spasms
• Bladder control problems
• Mental or physical fatigue
• Problems concentrating, difficulty with memory/judgement

Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome

THC and CBD offer appetite-boosting and anti-anxiety effects, supporting healthy eating habits and weight management in individuals with cachexia, also known as "wasting syndrome." This condition involves unintentional extreme loss of weight, fat, and muscle, often associated with chronic and debilitating illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS, Crohn's disease, cancer, chemotherapy, pulmonary disease, and certain medications. While cachexia is commonly linked with cancer, it differs from eating disorders as the weight and appetite loss are not intentional. Numerous studies suggest that cannabis can help manage cachexia symptoms, enhancing the quality of life for affected individuals. While cannabis may not cure the disease, it can alleviate symptoms and make side effects more manageable. THC, the primary compound in cannabis responsible for stimulating appetite, acts as a partial agonist of CB1 receptors and is generally better tolerated than many conventional medications, which often come with side effects such as insomnia, headaches, and gastrointestinal upset. Although promoting CB1 signaling can increase appetite, blocking it may suppress appetite. Some cannabinoids and terpenes, such as CBG, humulene, and low doses of THCV, may slightly reduce appetite. Additionally, some individuals may experience nausea, fatigue, or dizziness after using cannabis, particularly THC-rich products. Several meta-analyses suggest that cannabis may not significantly impact weight gain or appetite increase compared to control groups.

Causes and Symptoms

• Cancer
• Chemotherapy
• Underlying chronic condition
• Severe pain
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Pain and inflammation

Other Conditions Include

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Autoimmune disorder
Glaucoma
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Opioid dependency or addiction
Parkinson’s Disease
Persistent nausea related to cancer or end-of-life
Terminal illness with a life expectancy below six months