What You Should Know About Medical Marijuana

There are two different forms of medical treatment through cannabis. The first is the natural marijuana plant that contains both CBD and TCH, and the second is the altered version of the plant that has been through a hybrid process to lighten the TCH (tetrahydrocannabinol) level. CBD or cannabinoids can treat many different forms of diseases and disorders with no TCH. TCH is the mind-altering, euphoric component of marijuana that gives the “high” feeling. With CBD plants, the TCH levels have been extracted through a vigorous process, leaving zero to little TCH levels. CBD is a great alternative for patients that would benefit from cannabinoids alone, while other more complex medical cases require the additional advantages of TCH to be included in the leaves of the marijuana.

Our brain and nerve cells have cannabinoid receptors, so our bodies naturally react to CBD oil (cannabinoids) and TCH through merging directly with our cells. Our natural endocannabinoid system works synergistically with CBD and TCH, creating a multitude of beneficial reactions in the body.

Over 4000 years ago, Asian Emperors used cannabis for its healing properties, noting exceptional improvements in edema (fluid build-up) and also as an anesthetic. In ancient Greece, cannabis was reported in many manuscripts, describing its use for medical conditions such as eye diseases and joint inflammation. Over 300 years ago, in one of Oxfords medical professional journals, it was touted as a means to reduce depression. In the early 1900’s, the United States began growing cannabis for pharmaceutical companies to formulate into medications. Since then there been multiple studies in the United States and Europe that affirm that medical marijuana is an effective alternative in the treatment of several illnesses.

The laws and regulations on Cannabis are continually updated, as federal regulatory officials better understand the advantages of medical marijuana. It is used legally in many states, including Florida since the approval of Amendment 2. In Florida the medical marijuana is allowed in the form of pen vape and cartridges, pills, oils, edibles and smokable. The possession of marijuana without an ID card is still illegal at a federal level.

Are you a good candidate to try Low TCH or Full potency Medical Marijuana?
If you have one Qualifying Condition and have tried other treatments for your respective illness without success, like for example medications or therapy you probably will benefit from marijuana. Medical marijuana will be considered the following step in the intent to improve patient quality of life. In Florida, medical marijuana can be exclusively used to treat and alleviate symptoms of the following medical conditions:
• Cancer
• Chronic Pain
• Chronic Muscle Spasms
• Seizures
• Anxiety
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Crohn’s Disease
• Positive HIV/ AIDS
• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
• Terminal Conditions
• Other Debilitating Medical Conditions of the same kind of class or comparable conditions above, as determined by the Florida Board of Medicine

The process basically consists of first visiting a Qualified Physician, and the physician will determine if the benefits of Low THC or medical marijuana outweighs the risks depending of the current health status. If approved, the patient will apply for a Medical Marijuana Card to the Medical Marijuana Use Registry (MMUR) of the Department of Health of the State of Florida. Application process is quick and can be done online at: Knowthefactsmmj.com/patients/. Once you have the card you can reach any of the approved dispensaries to obtain the product. Dispensaries usually home deliver, have several locations and have a health educator available to advise the patient on how to use the products.

Last June 23, 2017 Governor Rick Scott signed SB 8-A legislation to implement Medical Marijuana Amendment. The bill contains significant changes to make the initial regulations more flexible.

Some of the significant changes are:
• Eliminating the 90 days waiting period for a Qualifying
Physician to prescribe the Marijuana
• Added Seasonal Residents as Qualifying Patients
• Eliminates Sale Tax in Marijuana Products
• Allow the Low THC product to be used publicly, but not the full potency marijuana
• Telemedicine visits are prohibited
• Pregnant woman can be certified to use Low THC products

Because this is strictly for medical use, there are multiple regulations and protocols that physicians must adhere to when prescribing and dispensing medical marijuana. Dr. Ralph Rodriguez and Dr. Alejandro Blanco from Internal Medicine Partners of Naples have a great deal of experience in diagnosing and deciphering the need for TCH and CBD in their practice.

Dr. Ralph Rodriguez
Dr. Ralph Rodriguez, MD, is a Board Certified Internal Medicine physician more than ten years of experience practicing medicine in different settings. Dr. Rodriguez started his career at the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, where he completed his medical degree and residency program in Internal Medicine. He relocated to Fort Myers, FL on 2008 and worked for Lee Memorial Hospitals, and then decided to join NCH Hospitals of Naples, FL where he currently practices as Hospitalist physician since 2010.

He is a member of the American Medical Association, the American College of Physicians, Collier County Medical Society, The American Professional Wound Care Association and he’s the Treasurer for Hispanic American Doctors Association of SWFL. He is also certified in Hyperbaric Medicine & Problem Wound Care Management and is experienced in Platelet Rich Plasma treatments.

Dr. Alejandro Blanco
Dr. Alejandro Blanco, MD, is Board Certified in Internal Medicine. He obtained his Medical Degree in the Autonomous University of Guadalajara School of Medicine in Mexico. Then he completed his education as Internal Medicine Physician in Ramon Ruiz Arnau University Hospital in Puerto Rico in 2012. He relocated to the beautiful city of Naples FL and worked as Hospitalist in NCH Hospitals.

Dr. Blanco is member of the American College of Physicians, American Medical Association, Collier County Medical Society and The American Professional Wound Care Association. He is also certified in Hyperbaric Medicine & Problem Wound Care Management and is experienced in Platelet Rich Plasma treatments.

Please contact Internal Medicine Partners today to find out more about your options and to schedule a consultation. Hablamos español.

Internal Medicine Partners
1726 Medical Blvd Suite #201
Naples, FL 34110
(239) 596-8804 or 8806
Questions: admin@impnaples.com