“There
were few to no reports of negative consequences of cannabis use, with
over 96% of users either somewhat likely or highly likely to recommend
cannabis use to friends, family or others seeking improved wellbeing,”
according to the HelloMD report.
This
statement does not surprise me at all, for we have not seen negative
consequences of marijuana use since 2007, when my husband and I first
started helping patients wanting to try cannabis. Those of us that have
felt the benefits of cannabis talk and encourage others to consider
trying it all the time when we meet someone who is suffering.
I
also do not believe this was any select group surveyed by HellloMD, but
are typical cannabis users that realized how gentle, safe and effective
this medication is.
The
survey found that middle aged and elderly patients were more likely to
use marijuana for pain management, while younger age groups were using
it to treat stress, anxiety, mental-health disorders, nausea and issues
with appetite. I love this finding. That is exactly what we are
observing in the different ages we deal with.
HelloMD
also found that social perception of cannabis use is moving into the
mainstream of society, as more and more states pass legislation allowing
medical marijuana.
“Amongst
those that use medical marijuana, 82% are open with family members
about their use with 44% strongly agreeing. 15% still hide their use
from family members (perhaps their children, although this is unclear
from our data). 59.5% of patients are open with their close friends and a
further 35% with all friends (close and otherwise). Only 5.3% do not
admit to friends that they use medical marijuana,” the report found.
How
exciting that we are now able to feel comfortable sharing the truth of
our lives and the benefits we are gaining by being allowed to use this
medication. As the report points out, there has never been
a death from overdose attributed to cannabis and the safety record of
cannabis is superior to that of pharmaceutical pain medications. This
reinforces what we have been observing and I am thrilled what we have
been saying is mentioned here!
“Our
data indicates that 78% of those using cannabis for health and wellness
are above the age of 25. In stark contrast to the stoner stereotype,
these people are highly educated working professionals. Many are
parents. They could be your friends, your colleagues, or your neighbors.
All of them have legitimate health issues. All of them are seeking
alternatives to traditional prescribed medication considered toxic and
laden with the potential of negative side effects,” the report
concludes.
Thanks to surveys
like this, we can continue to work to get the education out there for
people to understand that those of us using cannabis for pain are not
all getting high or stoned. The brain receptors react to marijuana and
we simply get pain relief! However, anyone can take too much of any
medication and have a negative reaction.
I
hope we will see even more surveys about medical marijuana, along with
research, so that more will get on board and understand the advantages
of this plant.
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