In recent years I have been fortunate to work with a wide range of patients who have benefited greatly from medical cannabis. One of the primary purposes of this blog series is to educate our community, so I decided to use this post to address some of the concerns associated with cannabis use so people can be fully informed when deciding if medical cannabis is right for them or a loved one. (more…)
I have recently been delving more deeply into the cellular function of our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). Named after the plant that led to its discovery (cannabis), the ECS is an essential physiological system for establishing and maintaining human health. Endocannabinoids and their receptors are abundant throughout the body; they are found in the brain, organs, connective tissues, glands, and immune cells. Within each tissue, the cannabinoid system performs different tasks, but the goal is always the same – homeostasis. (more…)
I have written medical cannabis blogs for more than a year without referencing Cheech and Chong, the stereotypical pot smokers from the late 70’s and early 80’s movies. Now that the courts have ruled it unconstitutional for the State of Florida to prohibit qualified patients from ingesting medical cannabis by smoking it, I figured I would allow myself to “go there” and reference the movie, “Up in Smoke.” Interestingly, though I have certified over 750 patients in the Florida Medical Marijuana Use Registry, I have yet to meet anyone who even remotely resembles the “stoners” portrayed in the movies. (more…)
