Medical Marijuana and Seniors: Questions to Ask Before Use

Medical Cannabis Certification: Opening a New Option for Chronic Pain ReliefFor many people living with chronic pain, the standard optionsmedications, physical therapy, injections, surgery dont always fully do the job. Thats why more clinics are offering complementary or alternative approaches, one of which is medical cannabis. Nura Clinics offers a certification process for qualifying patients in Minnesota to access medical cannabis. Why Consider Medical Cannabis?Medical cannabis is not a first-line treatment for most conditionsbut for patients who have persistent pain, nerve damage, inflammation or who wish to reduce reliance on opioids, it can be a valuable component of a broader care plan. According to Nura, cannabis (through compounds such as THC and CBD) interacts with the bodys endocannabinoid system, affecting pain perception, inflammation and mood. For example: It may reduce pain and improve sleep for some patients.  It may carry a lower risk of dependency compared to high-dose opioids (though cannabis has its own risks and should be used under supervision).  Its best considered as part of a comprehensive planNura integrates cannabis certification with physical therapy, behavioral health, medication management and interventional procedures.  Who Qualifies?In Minnesota, certification typically requires that a patient have a qualifying medical condition (often chronic pain among them) and that a provider determine that medical cannabis is appropriate. At Nura Clinics, the program is offered for patients with chronic pain, including conditions like arthritis, neuropathic pain or nerve-damage pain. Before you enroll, its important to understand that: Insurance currently does not cover medical cannabis in Minnesota.  Not every patient is a good candidate; cannabis may not be suitable if you have certain medical conditions, mental health issues, or are on medications that interact. Using cannabis requires ongoing monitoring, dose adjustments and possibly integration with other therapies. Whats the Certification Process Like?Heres how Nura outlines their certification process: Nura Pain Clinics+1 Schedule an Appointment Youll meet with a qualified practitioner at the clinic to evaluate your pain condition and whether medical cannabis might help. Pay the Certification Fee For Nura, the initial certification visit costs $250.  Complete Forms Beforehand There are required forms (from the Office of Medical Cannabis) to fill out ahead of your visit.  Receive Certification If approved, youll get an email with a registration link to apply with the state. Approval may take up to 30 days.  Recertification After the initial period, youll need to renew. Nuras fee for recertification every three years is $200.  Once you are certified and registered, you can then visit dispensaries (in Minnesota) that provide medical cannabis products (flowers, edibles, topicals, vaporizers). Product costs vary widely. Things to Keep in Mind Not insurance covered: As noted above, Minnesota does not require insurance companies to cover medical cannabis, so costs for products and ongoing care are often out-of-pocket.  Ongoing care is important: Certification is just the start. Monitoring, dose adjustment, side-effect assessment and integration with other therapies are essential. Legal/regulatory context: Medical cannabis is controlled and regulated; staying compliant with state requirements is key. Not a miracle cure: While some patients achieve relief, cannabis is not guaranteed to resolve all pain or replace other therapies completely. Its most effective when part of a broader, personalized care plan. Talk to your provider: If you have psychiatric history, substance use history, are pregnant, or are taking certain medications, cannabis may not be appropriate. Always consider risks vs benefits. Why Nuras Approach Stands OutWhat sets Nuras certification program apart is its integration into a full pain-management clinic. Rather than offering cannabis certification as a stand-alone service, they embed it alongside other treatments: They look at your full pain picture back, neck, nerve, joint, cancer-related pain etc.  They ensure that medical cannabis is one component of a broader plan, not a stopgap.  Their process is structured (fixed fees, required forms, registration) which gives clarity to patients. Is Medical Cannabis Right for You?If youre experiencing chronic pain that has not responded fully to other treatments, and youre curious whether medical cannabis might help, consider these questions: Have you had a complete evaluation with a pain-specialist clinic? Do you understand the state regulations and costs involved? Are you prepared for possible side-effects (e.g., cognitive changes, mood shifts, risk of dependency)? Can you commit to follow-up monitoring, therapy adjustments and a multi-modal care plan? If you answered yes to many of these, then seeking certification may be a reasonable next step.Final ThoughtsMedical cannabis certification is increasingly recognized as a valid option for certain patients with chronic pain. At Nura Clinics in Minnesota, the program is clearly laid out: set fee, registration process, recertification requirements. Most importantly, its done within a comprehensive pain-management setting meaning you wont be offered cannabis certification in isolation, but as part of a plan that includes physical therapy, behavioral health, medication management and interventions. If youre tired of living with pain that limits your quality of life, it may be time to explore whether medical cannabis could help you. Start by speaking with your pain-management provider, ask about this option, and evaluate it as one component of a broader path to relief and function. Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your qualified healthcare provider about your specific medical condition and treatment options.Call Nura Clinics for more information at 763-537-6000 or visit www.nuraclinics.com  

Anxiety continues to be a disorder that plagues many across the nation. Anxiety does not discriminate it knows no age, gender, religion, or sexual orientation.While it is normal to experience occasional anxiety, those that suffer from an anxiety disorder have persistent and recurring intrusive thoughts and concerns. This affects their daily life, as some avoid situations completely out of worry or fear. There are several types of anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Often, those that suffer from anxiety disorders can also suffer from depression concurrently.One such treatment option is medical marijuana, and Pennsylvanians can obtain a medical marijuana card to treat anxiety.Marijuana is made up of cannabinoids. These compounds act on various receptors in the brain that play an important role in various bodily processes, such as memory, perception of pain, mood, and appetite. The two most commonly known cannabinoids are CBD and THC:CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-intoxicating compound used as therapy and treatment for a large range of medical conditions.THC, or Tetrahydrocannabinol, is the psychoactive compound associated with the euphoric effects of cannabis.Strains of cannabis exhibit certain characteristics and can often be blended to produce certain effects. The most common way to think about strains is to consider the similarities and differences between indica vs. sativa.Sativa strains can increase serotonin levels and elevate mood, stimulate focus and creativity, and can be known for an energizing effect.Indica strains can stimulate appetite, promote muscle relaxation, and are known for the couch-lock effect.It has been shown that marijuana, specifically CBD-dominant strains, can offer temporary relief for anxiety. When using medical marijuana to treat anxiety, strains with a high level of CBD and a lower level of THC tend to be most effective. Of particular note, CBD has been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms. Several 2019 studies showed that CBD reduced or improved anxiety and symptoms in patients with a variety of anxiety disorders. Prior to using marijuana for anxiety, be sure to consult your treatment team.At Solevo Wellness, the health and wellness of our patients is our first priority. Patients have the option of reserving medical marijuana online or walk in, no appointment needed.If you have additional questions, please visit us at www.solevowellness.com or follow us on Facebook and direct message our team anytime.

CBD Does NOT Equal MarijuanaThere has been so much talk lately about Hemp, marijuana, THC, and CBD. The two questions most frequently asked are, will it get me high? and whats the difference between hemp and marijuana?. Although they both come from the same plant family, they have profound differences.What is CBD?CBD stands for cannabidiol, a chemical compound found in the cannabis sativa plant. Therapeutic grade CBD is extracted from hemp plants. This compound works in our bodies through our Endocannabinoid System (ECS). It is believed CBD helps the body adapt to stress and to exert a normalizing effect upon bodily processes. CBD does not have intoxicating effects on the body. Research shows its ability to affect inflammation, seizures, migraine, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and other ailments.What is Marijuana?Marijuana is the name for the cannabis sativa plant that contains high percentages of the chemical compound THC or tetrahydrocannabinol. THC is the chemical compound that is responsible for the intoxication high. THC works in our bodies through the ECS just as CBD does. Marijuana is both recreational and medicinal. Marijuana can also include certain percentages of CBD depending on the strain. If the plant contains more than 0.3% THC it is considered marijuana and is regulated differently than CBD.Hemp vs. MarijuanaIs it hemp? Is it marijuana? The only real difference between Hemp and Marijuana comes down to the THC level in the plant. Hemp is purposely bred to be low in THC while marijuana is purposely bred to be high in THC. In the U.S., hemp is defined by Federal Law as a cannabis plant containing no greater than 0.3%THC and Marijuana is defined as has having more than 0.3% THC. Farmers who grow a hemp variety of cannabis must ensure that the plant they harvest has a THC percentage that is no greater than 0.3%. If the THC in the harvested plant material tests higher than 0.3%, it violates the Hemp Farming Act regulations found in the 2018 Agricultural Improvement Act and may have to be destroyed as dictated by state or federal authorities.This article was submitted by Melita Crutcher. Melita is Owner/Wellness Coach of Best Weight on You Health and Wellness. She can be reached at 407-252-5556 or email [email protected]