Mental health is critical for a healthy life, and too often it’s overlooked or put aside to address life’s pressing issues. Poor mental health can lead to poor physical health, and untreated mental health issues can cause a host of dangerous health complications.
Patients with a qualifying condition can register for a medical marijuana card in West Virginia and begin treating not only the symptoms of their illness, but help treat their mental health as well.
And while the science is still ongoing to determine the exact role that medical marijuana plays in mental health, West Virginia has approved medical marijuana use for mental health conditions like PTSD.
In this article, we’ll cover medical marijuana and mental health, what the science says, and how the relationship between the two may be an important link to a healthier life.
Mental Health and the Body
Untreated Mental Health Can Lead to Worsening Physical Health
Studies suggest that mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or sleeping disorders, are linked to chronic illnesses that severely impact your health.
Untreated mental health problems can be acute and temporary, or chronic and severe, and problems like heightened exposure to stress can cause further issues like skin conditions, high blood pressure, or even increased mortality.
Your body works to fight against illnesses and infections and the same applies to your mental state. Your mental and emotional health play key roles in how your body responds to problems, and poor mental health can impact how your body fights physical disease.
Mental Health Is Critical for Overall Health
Studies show that nearly half of all mental health disorders begin before the age of 14. On average, people with severe mental conditions die 10 – 20 years earlier than the rest of the population.
This is partly because of an increased rate of suicide among people suffering from mental health disorders, emphasizing the importance of treating mental health with concern and genuine effort.
Using Medical Marijuana for Improved Mental Health
Some Patients May See Improvements in Mental Health With Cannabis, Others May Not… the Reasons Why Are Unclear
The relationship between medical marijuana and mental health is surprisingly understudied in modern science and medicine. This is somewhat due to the way medical marijuana has traditionally been researched in Western medicine, with trying to identify only it’s negative effects.
It’s very difficult to determine the impact that cannabis has on mental health. And considering the highly subjective nature of both mental health and cannabis, it’s likely very individualized.
We do know that cannabis can help many patients by improving mood, reducing stress, improving sleep, and offering better perspectives on life, but for some patients, it may work entirely differently.
Some people with severe mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia, can experience negative effects from cannabis, especially if the condition is undiagnosed.
People with conditions like schizophrenia may be more prone to experiencing an earlier onset of symptoms from cannabis use, though there is no conclusive evidence that states cannabis causes permanent psychosis. The science is still lacking on the specifics.
Cannabis, Therapy, and Mindfulness
The most powerful ability that cannabis promotes is the ability to bring attention and awareness. Whether that’s to physical relief, mental detoxing, or to improved symptoms, cannabis works best when it’s used alongside traditional therapies like counseling.
While many patients find that medical marijuana offers new perspectives on life’s troubling issues, it takes a scheduled and tactical approach to work with mental health conditions.
Cannabis has incredible utility for patients suffering from conditions like PTSD, because it can help patients destress and detox from negative thinking and heightened irritability.
Cannabis isn’t a replacement for therapy, it’s an additive.
Using cannabis in a conscious way can help bring heightened awareness to problems in your life or a better perspective on your achievements. Cannabis can be introduced to meditation, yoga, or journaling for better mindfulness. And cannabis can pack a significant punch when it’s consumed with the intention of experiencing yourself without the unnecessary judgements you may have by nature.
Setting aside time to consume cannabis for your mental health can offer a new world of opportunities for you to explore, and it could be the ticket to a more positive outlook on life.
Get Your Medical Marijuana Certification in West Virginia
Mental health is a serious concern when managing your overall health, and medical marijuana may allow many patients an improved mood and mindset. Patients in West Virginia can receive a medical marijuana card if they are diagnosed with a qualifying condition and receive a written certification from a physician.
You can receive your medical marijuana certification from the comfort and safety of your own home today!
Take the steps to schedule your medical marijuana evaluation appointment today and get access to legal marijuana products available at dispensaries.
Being a West Virginia medical marijuana patient allows you the freedom to take your medication the right way for you. We’re dedicated to helping patients every step of the way! Feel free to give us a call at 877-303-8424 and we can answer your questions about getting a medical marijuana card in West Virginia.
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
West Virginia Marijuana Card’s mission is to help everyone achieve
wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana.
Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for
our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
If you have any questions, call us at 877-303-8424, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
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