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Medical Marijuana for Glaucoma: A Promising Treatment Option

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Dan Sharp

Written By Dan Sharp

February 22, 2023

Medical Marijuana for Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damages the optic nerve, leading to blindness if left untreated. It is caused by high intraocular pressure, and the current treatment options aim to reduce this pressure. Medical marijuana has been suggested as a potential treatment option for glaucoma due to its ability to lower intraocular pressure. In this article, we will discuss how medical marijuana can help in the treatment of glaucoma.

Medical Marijuana and Glaucoma

Studies have shown that medical marijuana can lower intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma. In 1971, a study published in the journal Ophthalmology showed that smoking marijuana can reduce intraocular pressure by up to 30%. Since then, several other studies have confirmed these findings. In addition, medical marijuana can also help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with glaucoma, such as headaches, nausea, and vomiting.

How Does Medical Marijuana Lower Intraocular Pressure?

Medical marijuana contains compounds called cannabinoids, which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, including intraocular pressure. The two primary cannabinoids found in marijuana are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the primary psychoactive component of marijuana, while CBD has no psychoactive effects.

THC has been shown to lower intraocular pressure by reducing the production of aqueous humor, the fluid that fills the front part of the eye. A study published in the Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics found that THC can reduce the production of aqueous humor by up to 25%. In addition, THC can also increase the outflow of aqueous humor, further lowering intraocular pressure.

CBD, on the other hand, does not lower intraocular pressure. However, it has been shown to have neuroprotective effects, which can help preserve the function of the optic nerve. A study published in the journal Experimental Eye Research found that CBD can protect retinal ganglion cells, which are the cells that make up the optic nerve.

Using Medical Marijuana for Glaucoma

While medical marijuana has been shown to lower intraocular pressure, it is not currently recommended as a first-line treatment for glaucoma. This is because the effects of smoking marijuana only last for a few hours, meaning that patients would need to smoke multiple times throughout the day to maintain the pressure-lowering effect. In addition, smoking marijuana can have adverse effects on the respiratory system, making it a less than ideal treatment option.

However, medical marijuana can be used as an adjunctive treatment for glaucoma. This means that it can be used in combination with other medications to further lower intraocular pressure. It is also important to note that medical marijuana should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Patients who are interested in using medical marijuana for glaucoma will need to obtain a medical marijuana card from a qualified healthcare provider.

Obtaining a Medical Marijuana Card

If you live in Los Angeles and are interested in obtaining a medical marijuana card, Medical Cannabis Card Los Angeles can help. We are trusted provider of medical marijuana cards in the Los Angeles area. We have a team of qualified healthcare providers who can evaluate patients for medical marijuana use and issue medical marijuana cards to those who qualify.

To obtain a medical marijuana card from Medical Cannabis Card Los Angeles, patients will need to book an appointment online or by phone. During the appointment, the healthcare provider will evaluate the patient’s medical history and current condition to determine if medical marijuana is a suitable treatment option. If the patient qualifies for a medical marijuana card, the healthcare provider will issue a recommendation, which the patient can use to apply for a medical marijuana card from the California Department of Public Health.

Once the patient has obtained a medical marijuana card, they can purchase medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries in California. It is important to note that the use of medical marijuana is subject to state laws, and patients should familiarize themselves with the regulations governing medical marijuana use in their state.

Conclusion

In conclusion, medical marijuana has the potential to be an effective treatment option for glaucoma. Its ability to lower intraocular pressure has been well-documented in numerous studies, and it can also help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with glaucoma. However, it is not currently recommended as a first-line treatment for glaucoma, and patients should only use it under the supervision of a healthcare provider.

Contact Medical Cannabis Card Los Angeles today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how medical marijuana can help in the treatment of glaucoma.

Process to get medical marijuana card

Our Simple 3 Step Process For Medical Marijuana Card

1. Fill up your details in an easy 420 Evaluations form.

2. Get Evaluated by a Local MMJ doctor After Online Submission.

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