AR MMJ Cards

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a common gastrointestinal condition across America. Data shows that 10-15% of people worldwide may have it. Uncomfortable and long-lasting, IBS can really hurt the quality of life of those who have it. However, relief from IBS may be possible with marijuana. But how would an IBS marijuana treatment work? What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that affects the large intestine. The main symptoms of IBS are usually diarrhea, constipation, or a mix of both. IBS can sometimes be confused with other conditions that affect your intestines, like Crohn’s Disease or celiac disease. Other symptoms of IBS can include cramping, bloating, weight loss, rectal bleeding, fever, nausea, abdominal pain, and anemia. Fortunately, there is no evidence that IBS affects bowel tissue or makes the person who has it more likely to get colorectal cancer. However, since these symptoms are similar to other bowel-rela...

Glaucoma is an eye condition that typically affects people over the age of 60. It’s caused by a buildup of pressure over time that can damage an eye’s optic nerve, which is responsible for supplying your brain with visual information. As a result, glaucoma can cause vision loss or blindness if left untreated.  There are a combination of treatments out there used to reduce a person’s eye pressure, including surgery, prescription eye drops, or oral medication. However, another treatment that is being explored more and more for glaucoma is weed. It temporarily, significantly lowers eye pressure in general, and can be a safer alternative for people who can’t tolerate the other treatment options.  What Causes Glaucoma? There is no clear cause for glaucoma. Some findings suggest that dilating eye drops, medications like corticosteroids, and high blood pressure may all contribute to the condition.   Unfortunately, the most common type of glaucoma is hereditary. That means i...

Marijuana has increased in popularity over the last decade, due in large part to its legalization in 36 states across the U.S. This positive shift has allowed people to explore the many benefits of cannabis and find new ways to improve their wellness. ‘Athletes’ and ‘marijuana’ seem like contradicting terms, but there are a number of positive effects weed can have on the body post-workout. Research suggests weed is a muscle relaxant – it can reduce inflammation and provide pain relief in hard-worked muscles. We’ll further explore the positive effects cannabis can have on an athlete and which methods are best to experience them. Muscle Relaxant Athletes are no strangers to muscle soreness or injury. Both are a part of the job, and both can hinder your athletic performance. Finding a solution to help athletes relax their bodies after a strenuous workout can be difficult- there are not many safe and effective options out there.  There is some viability to weed as a muscle relaxan...

There are many reasons someone might consider using medical marijuana as part of their treatment plan. As the science of cannabis continues to get better and we learn more and more regarding what marijuana can treat, it’s only natural that the popularity of medical marijuana has grown, too. That being said, previous federal restrictions surrounding the topic have led to some confusion and many questions on marijuana and how we’re able to potentially benefit from it. We’ll explore what it takes to be eligible for certification, as well as what to expect when visiting a doctor to see how marijuana might help you medically. We’ll also cover how AR MMJ Cards has taken steps to make this approval process easy for patients throughout Arkansas. Scheduling the Appointment For Arkansas residents interested in getting certified, it’s important to understand your personal eligibility before scheduling the first appointment. If you’ve never considered medical marijuana before, you probably have...

As time goes on we are seeing improvements in the way the public views marijuana use. As federal restrictions loosen and more people begin using marijuana medically, the way we view cannabis use overall changes, too. With the increase in widespread distribution, the availability of cannabis has only become more diverse, with not only numerous strains to take advantage of but also unique growing techniques that can further influence the strain’s effects. Nowadays, we have indica, sativa, and hybrid strains to choose from so knowing the best types of marijuana strains for you may take some exploration. Just like any other medication, it’s important to keep track of the types of marijuana you use so you can find out what works best for you and your condition. Let’s explore some key considerations in tracking marijuana strains and how you can be more mindfully medicated after getting certified for medical marijuana. Be Mindful of the Big Picture While there are many different types of...

As more turn to medical marijuana in hopes of experiencing the many medical benefits of marijuana use, people are becoming more curious about the medical marijuana process. Every year, new states are passing laws that make using cannabis easier. To follow Arkansas’ legal requirements, residents must qualify for medical marijuana and get written approval from a licensed doctor. After this approval has been provided, the application process begins. Let’s explore what happens after you’ve been approved by a doctor and the difference between a marijuana certification and a medical marijuana card. What is Medical Marijuana Certification? Medical marijuana certification is a document that a licensed doctor gives you when you are approved for medical marijuana use. Usually, getting certified is the first step of the medical marijuana process because in Arkansas the only way a patient is able to access medical marijuana is if they have one or more of the 18 qualifying conditions . Cancer, ...

Roughly 3.5% of adults in the United States live with symptoms of PTSD, according to the American Psychiatric Association . As a cannabis medicine physician, I get an insider’s glimpse into how patients with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder present at their first consultation for medical marijuana, as well as getting to monitor their progress with cannabis medicines and consult them on dosing and lifestyle coping strategies along the way. This has given me a unique perspective on how medical marijuana can help ease some of the symptoms of PTSD. Patients suffering from various symptoms of PTSD report a wide variety of symptom presentations, which often converge on the underlying endocannabinoid deficiency. On close inspection, research has pointed to the signaling cascade engaged by medical marijuana forming the basis of altered brain neurotransmitter levels.  1. Marijuana for one of the most troubling signs of PTSD: Insomnia Insomnia is one of the most frequently reported signs o...