answers to Questions ABout
Medical Marijuana & CBD OIL
DOES CBD OIL HELP HIGH CHOLESTEROL?
QUESTION Does CBD Oil help Diabetic Gastroparesis? ANSWER I have treated a handful of patients with Diabetic Gastroparesis. And, Medical Cannabis - either Medical Marijuana or buying CBD Oil - has, in fact, been effective for them. QUESTION Does Medical...
OK TO TAKE CBD OIL OR MARIJUANA BEFORE SURGERY?
Typically, I’m the one to answer your questions about Medical Marijuana & CBD Oil, but this time around I brought on an anesthesiologist - Dr. Amita Kundra - to help answer the all important question - Is it okay to take CBD Oil or Medical Marijuana before...
CBD OIL vs. MEDICAL MARIJUANA: WHAT’S MORE EFFECTIVE FOR TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA?
QUESTION: My wife has Stage IV Cervical Cancer. She’s been through 6 sessions of chemotherapy. And, she’s about to start 5 weeks of radiotherapy. I had been led to believe through some articles that CBD Oil is excellent treatment for cancer-related pain....
CBD Oil vs. Medical Marijuana: What’s More Effective for Inflammation?
Question: What CBD Oil would you recommend for Fibromyalgia? I have tried to buy CBD Oils in the past, but they’ve never worked & it’s a lot of money to keep trying different CBD Oils. Question: Why do I still have joint pain even though I’m using...
DOES CBD OIL HELP ENDOMETRIOSIS?
QUESTION What is the difference between hemp and marijuana? What is the difference in the amount of CBD and THC in both? ANSWER The difference between hemp and marijuana comes down to the amount of THC. Hemp, by law, has less than 0.3% THC. And, by...
DOES CBD OIL CAUSE ANXIETY?
QUESTION I’ve always wanted to try CBD Oil. When I’ve smoked marijuana before, it made me feel horrible. It gave me anxiety & panic attacks. What makes CBD Oil different than marijuana? And, could CBD Oil cause Anxiety & Panic Attacks or do you...
DOES CBD OIL HELP ARTHRITIS?
QUESTION Could a nurse using CBD Oil test positive for drugs? ANSWER Drug tests typically test for breakdown products of THC, not even THC itself. CBD Oil has THC in it. By law, a hemp-derived CBD Oil should have less than 0.3% THC in it. By default, a...
WHAT’S THE DOSE OF CBD FOR ANXIETY?
QUESTION Is vaping good or bad? ANSWER Vaping could be a good option. But, what you need to watch out for is the solvent that’s used to make the vape oil. You want to make sure it’s not a solvent that’s toxic and harmful to your health. Toxic solvents...
DOES CBD OIL HELP GASTRITIS & GASTRIC ULCERS?
QUESTION What strain of Medical Marijuana do I use? ANSWER You don’t want to purchase Medical Marijuana-based on the name of the strain. The name of the strain is arbitrarily determined. The combination of CBD & THC in a strain like Gorilla Glue at...
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CBD TOPICALS?
Question: I wonder about topical CBD products for mild pain. How do patients know which topical CBD products to buy? Answer: Let’s start by talking about CBD topicals and what they’re effective for. In my clinical practice, I’ve found topical CBD...
CBD OIL VS. MEDICAL MARIJUANA: WHAT’S MORE EFFECTIVE FOR MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS)?
QUESTION: I have relapsing and remitting Multiple Sclerosis (MS). My neurologist has suggested I try medical marijuana, but I just can’t afford it. Would CBD derived from hemp be a good alternative for me or a waste of money? ANSWER: When it comes to...
DOES CBD OIL RELIEVE CRAMPS?
QUESTION: How can CBD Oil help with stomach problems, pain & gastric problems? ANSWER: Main problems that people have when it comes to the abdominal region is cramping which causes pain. So, CBD has anti-spasmodic properties, meaning that it helps to relax...
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CBD COMBINED WITH THC?
QUESTION: What are the benefits of CBD Oil to help with Addison’s Disease? ANSWER: Addison’s Disease is a condition in which the body doesn’t produce sufficient cortisol. Clinically, I haven’t seen either Medical Marijuana or CBD Oil affect conditions of...
DOES CBD OIL HELP MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS?
QUESTION: Does CBD Oil interact with other drugs? ANSWER: In general in the years that I’ve treated patients - and I’ve been treating patients since 2012 - I have not had patients report back any drug to CBD Oil interactions. And, a lot of these patients...
HOW TO USE CBD OIL FOR NEUROPATHY
Question: What strain of marijuana is best for the feeling of glass shards in one’s hands and feet? What’s the best way to use CBD Oil for Neuropathy? Answer: When it comes to marijuana, ultimately the way you want to think about it is the amount of THC...
DOES CBD OIL INTERACT WITH VALPROATE (VALPROIC ACID)?
Question: Does CBD Oil interact with medications, specifically Valproic Acid (Valproate)? Answer: Research on the pharmaceutical version of CBD - known as Epidiolex - showed elevated liver enzyme levels in children who were given CBD with the...
WHAT’S THE BEST CBD DOSAGE?
QUESTION I have chronic migraines & would like to know dosage and milligrams of CBD to take. How many milligrams of CBD should a patient take for severe Anxiety & Pain? ANSWER It’s a tough question to answer because it’s not black and white....
DO CBD OIL & MEDICAL MARIJUANA HELP DIABETES?
QUESTION Does CBD Oil help a person with Type 1 Diabetes? ANSWER In the time that I’ve treated patients with Medical Cannabis & CBD Oil, a lot of these patients came to me for either chronic pain, anxiety, or insomnia, but they also happened to have...
CBD OIL VS. HEMP OIL: WHAT’S MORE EFFECTIVE FOR PAIN?
QUESTION Is CBD Oil still effective if mixed with food, such as apple sauce? ANSWER CBD Oil should totally be effective when mixed with food. The CBD should still get absorbed through your gastrointestinal tract. QUESTION Is CBD Oil or Medical Marijuana...
What are the effects of smoking marijuana on the lungs?
So, a couple of times, I’ve mentioned that I generally advise my patients to not smoke marijuana. Today, I’m going dive into the reasons why. So, let’s start with the overall effects of smoking marijuana on the lungs. Smoking marijuana on a regular...
WILL CBD OIL MAKE YOU FAIL A DRUG TEST?
QUESTION: I am hypothyroid and have liver disease from Hepatitis C. I already use Theramu - a CBD Oil. Is there more I can do? ANSWER: With Hypothyroid, research has shown that any form of Cannabis does not have a significant impact on thyroid hormone...
WILL CBD SHOW UP ON A DRUG TEST?
QUESTION Just how different are CBD Oil products from Marijuana? Marijuana gives me Anxiety. I’m interested in giving CBD Oil a try, but I don’t want to feel Anxiety from CBD Oil as well. ANSWER The main difference between CBD Oil and Marijuana boils...
IS CBD OIL LEGAL IN TEXAS?
I brought on Attorney Luke Williams of Barnett, Howard & Williams: Attorneys & Counselors at Law to help answer the all-important question - IS CBD OIL LEGAL IN TEXAS? Luke Williams has been in practice for over a decade. And, in that decade plus, he’s spent...
HOW OFTEN TO TAKE CBD OIL?
QUESTION How frequently do you dose CBD Oil? How do you dose CBD Oil with children of varying ages? ANSWER When it comes to frequency of dosing, there is such a thing as overdoing CBD Oil. When you overdo CBD Oil, you develop a tolerance to it....
What is CBD Oil?
Everyone around you is talking about CBD Oil and you’re too ashamed to admit you don’t know what it is. That’s ok. That’s what I’m here for. So, first of all, let me lay the foundation. We a family of plants - the Cannabis family of plants. ...
What’s the difference between isolate CBD & full-spectrum CBD?
Nowadays, you’ll find generally two basic types of CBD Oils on the market - Full-Spectrum and Isolate. Before I dive into the differences, let back up a bit and set the stage. CBD can come from Hemp or it can come from Marijuana. Now in addition to making CBD,...
How long does it take CBD to Work?
I’m going to answer this question assuming that the following are in place. You’ve determined with the help of a physician that you want to buy CBD Oil and that it is right for you. Remember CBD Oil is very effective for certain medical conditions, but not...
Could You Be Allergic to CBD Oil & Medical Marijuana?
In the time that I’ve treated thousands of patients with CBD Oil & Medical Marijuana since back in 2012, I have not had any patients report an allergic reaction to either CBD Oil or Medical Marijuana. That’s not to say it’s not possible. But, I...
Does CBD Oil Help ADHD?
Gina of La Jolla, CA writes in about her 16 year-old son who has ADHD. They’ve gone the route of prescription meds, but can’t seem to escape the myriad of side effects. And, she wants more info about CBD Oil. Dr. Patel, I have a 16 year-old son with ADHD. It’s been a...
Is your CBD Oil Fake?
Dr. Patel, I haven't bought CBD oil yet but I'm looking. I would really like to try it but scared that I’ll end up with the fake stuff. There's a lot out of brands out there and I don't want to be ripped off. How can you tell if a CBD Oil might be fake? Can you give...
What is “PURE” CBD Oil?
To know what “PURE” CBD oil, you need to know what isolate CBD is. Isolate CBD, as the name implies, is just the CBD that’s been extracted from the hemp plant and isolated from the other cannabinoids and chemicals found in hemp. The CBD is typically isolated using a...
Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil: What’s the Difference?
When I google cbd oil I get hemp oil sites. Are they the same thing? I’m going to keep this super simple. You have Cannabidiol - CBD. CBD can come from Hemp and it can come from Marijuana. When CBD is extracted from Hemp, it’s known as Hemp Oil. When CBD is...
Medical Marijuana in Texas
How to Get Medical Marijuana in Texas In 2015, the Texas Compassionate Use Act legalized the prescription of low-THC cannabis for patients with Intractable Epilepsy. What is Intractable Epilepsy? Epilepsy is disorder that is characterized by unpredictable...
CBD Oil for Autism
Does CBD Oil Help Autism? Dr. Patel, My son has Autism, which breaks down to having severe Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), sensory processing disorder, and he also has Tourette Syndrome. Conventional...
CBD Oil for Acne
Does CBD Oil Help Acne? Dr. Patel, I’m getting desperate to try anything to stop my Acne. I’ve had it for years and it’s the sole reason for loosing my confidence. Some days I’m so embarrassed by it that I don’t even want to go out in public. I’m seeing...
Does CBD Oil Have Side Effects?
Dr. Patel, With all the hype around CBD Oil, it’s easy to find information about all it’s benefits, but what about it’s side effects? It would be nice to know about the adverse effects of CBD Oil as well. It’s a medication after-all and no medication comes without...
DOES CBD OIL HELP YOU SLEEP?
Bill of New York, New York has been booted to the guest room by his wife until he can get a grip on his tossing and turning. He’s can’t sleep for the life of him. The over-the-counter sleeping aids stopped working. And the Ambien made him sleep walk. He’s run into a...
CBD OIL FOR BACK PAIN
Does CBD Oil Relieve Back Pain? Bob of Millburn, NJ can’t sit through meetings because of his Back Pain. He’s tried the Tylenol, Advil, Aleve and even the prescription meds. And, none of it is cutting it. He wants to know what sort of results he can expect by using...
IS YOUR CBD OIL SAFE?
Unfortunately, I come to you bearing some bad news about CBD Oils. And, ultimately, it’s information you need to know because at the end of the day it affects your health. A recently published research study found some pretty dangerous chemicals in CBD...
HOW TO USE CBD OIL WITH PRESCRIPTION MEDS
Dr. Patel, I sell a line of CBD Oil. I have some folks interested in the CBD Oil, but they are asking me if the CBD Oil is safe to take with their prescription medications. Could you explain the use of CBD oil and possible drug interactions? Regards, Laura...
Where to Buy CBD Oil
Dr. Patel, So I've heard a bit about CBD oil and have been thinking about giving it a try. However, I have no idea where to buy it. I’m scared I’ll get sold the fake stuff. One of my friends purchased CBD oil from the internet, but when it arrived it had no info on...
WHAT’S CBD OIL GOOD FOR?
Dr. Patel, I just started looking into CBD oils and I'm a bit overwhelmed. I just don’t know if it’s the sort of thing that could actually help me. Elle United Kingdom Elle, you ask a great question. Nowadays, CBD Oil is being hyped as a cure-all, which...
When the CBD Oil Doesn’t Work
Dr. Patel, I'm sad and disappointed. Maybe you can tell me why the CBD Oil by a brand called HempWorx didn't work for me at all. Emily New York, NY When you run into a situation when your CBD Oil doesn’t work for you, there are a series of 5 basic...
HOW TO GET MEDICAL MARIJUANA IN ILLINOIS
It’s back by popular demand. I’m picking up on the series on how to get medical marijuana in various states. Today, we’re going to travel to Illinois - a state that I spent my college years at Northwestern University. So, let’s get started with how to get medical...
How Much CBD to Take
I don’t care what anyone says. If there’s anyone who knows anything about dosing, it’s me. Trust me, I’m a doctor. At this point, if there’s one thing that I can tell you for sure, it’s that dosing varies highly from person to person. In fact, I’ll walk you...
CBD for Neuropathy (Nerve Pain)
Does CBD Help Neuropathy (Nerve Pain)? Samantha of Los Angeles, CA is experiencing horrid neuropathic (nerve) pain. After a lot of trial and error, she’s landed on a prescription drug that helps for the most part, but she’s in search of greater pain relief. And, wants...
HOW TO TAKE CBD OIL
CBD Oil comes in a wide variety of delivery methods. The most common of which include inhaling it, ingesting it, placing drops under the tongue, and applying it as a topical. And, given the myriad of ways to take CBD Oil, I’m sure it can get pretty confusing figuring...
What is CBD Isolate?
CBD Oil is made using an extraction process. And, this extraction process can extract CBD plus the other cannabinoids creating a Full-Spectrum CBD oil or it can extract just CBD. And the CBD Isolate looks like a fine, white, crystalline powder, which is then used to...
How to Find the Best CBD Oil: STEP 5
Today, I’m going to walk you through the most important step to find the best CBD oil. You need to know the exact amounts of cannabinoids that are in your CBD oil. Cannabinoids are the chemicals made the Cannabis family of plants - Hemp & Marijuana. And,...
How to Find the Best CBD Oil: STEP 4
Today, I’m walking you through STEP 4 of How to Find the Best CBD Oil. So, yet another important factor to take into consideration is testing for residual solvents. Now, to get a better understanding of what I’m talking about, I’ll walk you through some...
How to Find the Best CBD Oil: STEP 3
Today, I’m walking you through STEP 3 of How to Find the Best CBD Oil. So, yet another important factor to take into consideration is testing for heavy metals. Let’s talk this one out. First off, what the heck are heavy metals? Just like it says they’re metals...
Does CBD Help Migraines & Headaches?
Kate has been suffering through Migraine Headaches for the past 20 some-odd years. She’s tried everything from conventional to off-the-wall treatment. Nothing’s worked. She’s writing in to find out if CBD Oil would be a good option. Dr. Patel, I need more info...
How to Find the Best CBD Oil: STEP 2
I’m back to give you even more info on how to find the best CBD Oil. Another important factor to take into consideration is testing for fungus & bacteria. You want to make sure that the CBD Oil has been tested for both - fungus & bacteria. So, first of...
What are the Effects of Pesticides used on Cannabis?
Both Medical Marijuana & CBD Oil are being touted as a natural alternative to conventional medications. But, are it really natural? It’s no secret that there are both Marijuana & Hemp growers out there who use Pesticides. So, whether you’re using Medical...
Does CBD Oil Help Anxiety?
Katie of South Potomac, DE is an overwhelmed mom of 3 who’s finding that her Anxiety is preventing her from being the mom she wants to be. She’s exercises and meditates, but sometimes that just doesn’t cut it to relieve her Anxiety. So she’s wondering if CBD Oil...
How to Find the Best CBD Oil: STEP 1
I’ve been getting tons & tons of questions about how to find the best CBD Oil. And, there are several different factors you have to take into consideration. So today we’re going to talk about one of those factors - pesticides. I want to start by giving you...
CBD Oil Benefits
What are the benefits of CBD Oil made from Hemp? You’ve probably heard of a buzzword on the interwebs spreading like wildfire - CBD Oil. So today, I’m going to answer the question, What are the benefits of CBD Oil? The CBD in CBD Oil most usually comes from hemp -...
Should you use CBD Oil or medical marijuana?
The other day someone asked me a very simple question. Should I use CBD Oil or should I use Medical Marijuana [otherwise known as Cannabis]? So, today, I’ll walk you through the cases in which you’re better off using CBD Oil and the scenarios in which you’re...
Do You Need a Card to Get CBD Oil?
Now, the need for a card or certification to get CBD Oil, in a nutshell, comes down to the legal status of CBD where you live and also what the source of CBD is. Remember that CBD can come from 2 sources. It can come from marijuana. And, it can come from...
Does CBD Get You High?
The long and short of it is that CBD does not get you high. There’s been no known high linked to CBD. On the other hand, it’s a very well-established fact that it’s the THC in marijuana that gets you high, not the CBD. Of course, it’s important to know that...
Is Marijuana (Cannabis) Stronger than It Used to Be?
The long and short of it is that marijuana is in fact stronger than it use to be. And, there’s actually data to back statement up. Is Marijuana (Cannabis) Stronger than it Used to be IN THE UNITED STATES? During the 1960s and 1970s, an average...
Medical Marijuana for Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Sierra of New York, NY wrote in recently. Looks like she’s had Multiple Sclerosis for several years now and is asking about the effect medical marijuana would have on her Multiple Sclerosis. Here’s what she writes... Dr. Patel, On my 45th birthday, I found out that...
Marijuana and Breastfeeding
To answer this question, I’m going to break down what the research says about cannabis use while breastfeeding while ultimately answering the all important question, Is it okay to use medical marijuana while breastfeeding? So, let’s start with the question,...
How Your Runner’s High is Related to Marijuana
I’m not gonna lie. I’m not the athletic type. In fact, way back when I was about 40 pounds heavier, exercise wiped me out. I remember being awe of my college friends who had tons and tons of energy after they worked out. In the meanwhile, I laid there like a...
How to Get Medical Marijuana in Maryland
Today’s question comes in from Devin. And, he writes… Who is eligible to register with the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC)? Any Maryland resident whose provider approves medical cannabis as a treatment option for a qualifying medical condition is eligible...
How to Get Medical Cannabis in New Jersey (UPDATES)
So as soon as I published info on HOW TO GET MEDICAL MARIJUANA IN NEW JERSEY, the New Jersey Dept. of Health made some changes to the Medical Marijuana Program in New Jersey. So, I’m going to update you on these changes that went into effect March 27, 2018. #1...
How to Get Medical Marijuana in New Jersey
Alright, I’m incredibly excited about today’s topic. It’s cause I’m still continuing with the theme of walking you through how to get medical marijuana in various states across America. And, today, I’m talking about a very special state. It’s New Jersey....
How to Get Medical Marijuana in New York
Alright so continuing with theme of walking you through how to get medical marijuana in various states, today I’m going to go through how to get medical marijuana in New York. And, in fact, I was looking through the comments on my YouTube videos, and one...
How to Get Medical Marijuana in Pennsylvania
Today, I’m going to focus on how to get medical marijuana in Pennsylvania. There’re a couple steps to get medical marijuana in Pennsylvania. Now, before I start, it’s important to know that you must be a resident of Pennsylvania to be a patient under the...
How to Get Medical Marijuana in Hawaii
Today, I’m going to walk you through the process of how to get medical marijuana in Hawaii. There’re a couple requirements to get medical marijuana in Hawaii. The 1st requirement is that you have to have a qualifying debilitating medical condition, which...
How to Get Medical Marijuana in Florida
I’m sticking to this theme of walking you through how to get medical marijuana in the various states. I’ve been getting word back that it’s information that many folks have found incredibly useful. So, I’m going to just keep going with it and cover as...
Effects of Smoking Marijuana on the Lungs
So, a couple of times, I’ve mentioned that I generally advise my patients to not smoke marijuana. Today, I’m going dive into the reasons why. So, let’s start with the overall effects of smoking marijuana on the lungs. Smoking marijuana on a regular basis...
Effect of Marijuana on Memory
Back in high school there was a group of kids in my AP Physics class who would smoke weed before every test. And, they’d ace the tests every single time! They would just knock it out of the park. I had no trouble acing my math and science classes in high school...
Does Medical Marijuana Cause Weight Loss?
A couple days ago, Sujeevan asked me if marijuana helps to lose weight. And, he’s actually not the only one to ask me this question. It’s a question I get asked a lot. So, let’s dive into the answer. Research has shown that turning marijuana receptors...
Does Medical Marijuana cause Weight Gain?
I’m sure you’re familiar with marijuana causing snacking behavior. It’s more commonly known as getting the munchies. Based on what the research says and what I’ve seen clinically, certain types of marijuana without a doubt stimulate appetite. In other words, it...
Medical Marijuana for Pets
On today’s episode, I brought on a veterinarian. Now you may be wondering, as a doctor that treats humans, why I’ve brought a veterinarian onto the show. It’s because my human patients are constantly asking me questions about using medical marijuana for their pets....
Who shouldn’t use medical marijuana?
If you’ve watched previous episodes of Ask Dr. Patel, then you’ve heard me go on and on about patients that could benefit from the use of medical marijuana, but today, I want to talk about who shouldn’t use medical marijuana. Really, these are people that should...
How to Use Medical Marijuana Without Smoking It
Are there ways to use medical marijuana without smoking it? The simple answer is that there are in fact other ways to use medical marijuana other than smoking it. Before I dive into the other ways to use medical marijuana, I want to briefly go over why you don’t want...
Marijuana and Interactions with Other Medications
For those considering using medical marijuana that are already on other prescriptions medications, this is a huge concern. So, I’m going to do a deep-dive into this topic with you - by starting with the basics. What is Cytochrome (CYP) P450? When we’re talking...
Marijuana and Depression
So, as you can imagine, I have patients coming to me with a lot of worries about using marijuana medically. Just the other day, a family member of a patient asked me, Does marijuana use increase the risk of Depression? Another version of this question is, Does...
Medical Marijuana for Parkinson’s Disease
Michael of Healdsburg, CA has Parkinson’s Disease. He’s gone the route of regular exercise, physical therapy, and prescription medications. But, over time their benefits lessened and became less and less reliable. So, now he’s wondering if medical marijuana could...
Medical Marijuana for Menstrual Cramps from Endometriosis
Rachel of Los Angeles, CA is coping with some pretty horrific pain from her Endometriosis. She’s hit some roadblocks with mainstream medicine. So, she’s trying to figure out if medical marijuana is a good option to help manage her pain. Here’s what she writes... Hi,...
Medical Marijuana in Australia
The questions have been pouring in from the Aussies about medical marijuana. And, I’m happy to say I finally have answers for you! Watch the video to learn about the latest developments surrounding medical marijuana in Australia. I invited Erin Nulty of Joplin...
CBD OIL
Thinking about buying some CBD Oil. Watch this video to make sure that you’re making a well-informed decision. CBD OIL. Everyone is talking about it. It seems to be all the rage. And, you’re trying to figure out what the heck CBD Oil even is. And, you’re wondering...
Difference between Medical and Recreational Marijuana
From a medical standpoint, it just comes down to how you choose to use it. Some people are looking to get high off of marijuana. Then, there are others that don’t want to get high off of marijuana and are simply looking to get a medical benefit from it. Every...
Marijuana for Pain: How Does Marijuana Relieve Pain?
Marijuana for Pain How Does Marijuana Relieve Pain? Modulation Along the Pain Pathways Today, I’ve decided to answer a question that I feel like my patients should be asking me, but don’t. And, it may be because it’s just not something that’s at the top of a...
Medical Marijuana for Psoriasis
Jenny of Palo Alto, CA has Psoriasis. And, over the course of her life it’s taken her on an emotional roller coaster ride - from embarrassment to frustration to a loss of hope. She’s turned to me seeking more information on using medical marijuana for her Psoriasis....
Marijuana for Pain: How does Marijuana Relieve Pain? Reduces Inflammation
So, I’m continuing to answer that question as to how exactly marijuana relieves pain. Again, I just wanted to remind you that this is a 3 part series. And, this is part 3 of 3. So, another way that marijuana relieves pain is that it REDUCES INFLAMMATION. Have you seen...
Marijuana for Pain: How does Marijuana Relieve Pain? Alters Perception of Pain
So, I want to continue to answer that question as to how exactly marijuana relieves pain. Again, I just wanted to remind you that this is a 3 part series. And, this is part 2 of 3. So, another way that marijuana relieves pain is that it ALTERS THE PERCEPTION OF PAIN....
Marijuana for Pain: How Does Marijuana Relieve Pain? Modulation Along the Pain Pathways
Today, I’ve decided to answer a question that I feel like my patients should be asking me, but don’t. And, it may be because it’s just not something that’s at the top of a patient’s mind. Really, what you’re focused on is relieving your pain. But, as a doctor, once I...
Medical Marijuana for Cancer Pain
Causes of Cancer Pain The main causes of cancer-related pain are the cancer itself, the cancer treatment or a complication of the cancer. Pain, in general, is either ACUTE or CHRONIC. In the simplest of terms, ACUTE pain lasts for only a short-time. It...
Marijuana in the Workplace with Attorney Mitzi Vaughn
About a decade ago, the policies on marijuana in the workplace were pretty clear cut, evidence of marijuana use was grounds for termination. Boy, have times changed. With more and more states legalizing marijuana for medical and even recreational use, it’s not as...
Could Medical Marijuana Replace Your Prescription Drugs?
Could Medical Marijuana Replace Your Prescription Drugs? This question comes up a lot during my consultations. I have patients coming in telling me that the prescription drugs that they’re taking aren’t working. They’re getting side effects from the prescription...
Is Marijuana a Gateway Drug?
I get this questions a lot especially from parents concerned about their teenage kids. They’re worried that once their son or daughter starts using marijuana, even if it’s for medical reasons, he or she will go on to using other drugs, like cocaine, heroin, or meth....
Medical Marijuana for Neuropathy (Nerve Pain)
“The National Institute of Health (NIH) has concluded that neuropathic pain is a condition in which currently available pain medications are at best marginally effective.” Neuropathy, a condition caused by nerve damage, can cause patients excruciating amounts of pain....
Medical Marijuana Cures Cancer??? with Dr. Donald Abrams
I’ve been getting all sorts of questions about medical cannabis and cancer that ultimately boiled down to Does Cannabis Cure Cancer? So, I decided that not only did I want to give you my point of view, but I also wanted to bring in the perspective of a world renowned...
Long Term Effects of Marijuana Use
What are the long-term effects of marijuana use? This is a really reasonable to ask. When you’re using any medication, whether it’s marijuana or even prescription or over-the-counter meds, on a regular basis, it’s important to know the effect it’ll have on your body...
Marijuana’s Effects on the Brain
I get a lot of questions that have to do with marijuana’s effects on the brain. So, patients will ask me questions like, Does marijuana cause abnormalities in the brain? Does marijuana cause brain damage? Does marijuana kill brain cells? Really, I’m going to let the...
Can You Overdose on Marijuana?
Can you die from an overdose on marijuana, even medical marijuana? It’s very highly unlikely to die from an overdose on medical marijuana for a couple reasons... 1. It has to do with the basic biology of the human body. There are hardly any receptors for marijuana in...
Medical Marijuana for Cancer – Side Effects of Chemo – Loss of Appetite
Joe and Mary of Daly City, CA are in a tough situation. They’re having to see their dad suffer from a loss of appetite as a side effect of the chemotherapy treatment he’s going through. It’s clearly attributing to his weakness, but more so Joseph and Maria are worried...
Is Marijuana Addictive?
Let’s talk about that big ‘ol scary concern that comes to mind when you think about marijuana...addiction. First question that probably comes to your mind is...is marijuana addictive? Is Marijuana Addictive? How addictive is marijuana? How addictive is marijuana...
Difference Between Hemp and Marijuana
What’s the difference between hemp and marijuana? Today I'm going to answer another question I get asked a lot which is...What is the difference between hemp and marijuana? To answer this question I'm going to give you a tiny history lesson. Back in 1971 a...
Right Strain of Medical Marijuana
What’s the right strain of medical marijuana for my medical condition? A lot of times I get asked the question, Hey Dr. Patel, what’s the right strain of medical marijuana for my medical condition? And you know what it's a difficult question for me to answer. The...
Medical Marijuana and Thyroid Hormone Levels
Does medical marijuana affect thyroid hormone levels? In a study done in Germany published in 2012, researchers measured both thyroid hormone levels (TSH, total T3, and free T4) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) levels in 39 patients that had been using about 2.5 grams...
Medical Marijuana for Chemotherapy Side Effects – Nausea and Vomiting
Patients with cancer report that nausea and vomiting are the most stressful side effects of chemotherapy treatment. Mara of San Jose, CA is one of these patients. She was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and is experiencing nausea and vomiting from the...
Medical Marijuana (Cannabis) During Pregnancy
Rebecca of San Francisco, CA has a question that has probably crossed the minds of many expectant moms waging an all out war against that dreaded morning sickness. Here’s what Rebecca writes... Dr. Patel, I’m 7 weeks into my pregnancy and worn out from...
Medical Marijuana for High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Robert of Mill Valley, CA is looking for alternatives to his prescription medications for high blood pressure. He’s considering using medical marijuana, but wants more information before he pursues this option. Here’s what he writes... Dr. Patel, I’ve had high...
Medical Marijuana for Sleep
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, insufficient sleep is a public health concern. Can I get an amen? Sleep is precious and going without it for days, months, even years at a time is harmful to not just your physical well-being, but also your...
Medical Marijuana for Migraines and Headaches
Hannah of Atherton, CA, like many of my patients, has been battling migraine headaches as a teenager. She’s spun her wheels with over-the-counter and prescription medications and now has decided to try medical marijuana as a last resort. Here’s what Hannah writes......
Minors
Does Dr. Patel see patients under the age of 18? She does, but minors need to be accompanied by a parent and/or legal guardian.
Growing Marijuana
How much medical marijuana can I grow and possess? Under Prop. 215, patients are entitled to whatever amount of marijuana is necessary for their personal medical use. However, patients are likely to be arrested if they exceed the SB 420 guidelines. SB420 sets a...
Caregiver
What if I’m so sick that I can’t pick up my own medical marijuana? You can designate a caregiver to assist you. What is a caregiver? A “primary caregiver” is a person who consistently assumes the responsibility for the housing, health or safety of the patient....
Traveling with Marijuana
Can I fly with medical marijuana? I’m going to hand this one over to the TSA. Here’s what they say on their website. “TSA security officers do not search for marijuana or other drugs. In the event a substance that appears to be marijuana is observed during security...
Medical Marijuana Dispensary
Can I purchase marijuana medications from you? By law, I am not permitted to dispense marijuana medications. Can you recommend a dispensary that sells marijuana medications? By law, I cannot suggest a medical marijuana dispensary. What documents do I need to purchase...
Medical Marijuana for Sleep
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, insufficient sleep is a public health concern. Can I get an amen? Sleep is precious and going without it for days, months, even years at a time is harmful to not just your physical well-being, but also your...
Understand a Medical Marijuana License
What's the difference between a medical cannabis (marijuana) card and a medical cannabis (marijuana) license? A medical marijuana card is an easy to carry representation of the document given to you by the doctor if you are approved for the use of medical marijuana....
Marijuana for Fibromyalgia
Julie is in her 50’s from Palo Alto, CA waging war against Fibromyalgia. She’s come across medical marijuana and is wondering if it will help to relieve her Fibromyalgia pain. Watch the video to find out if medical marijuana does in fact relieve Fibromyalgia pain....
Marijuana (Cannabis) Prescription
What's the difference between a medical marijuana (cannabis) prescription and a medical marijuana (cannabis) recommendation? It's important to understand that what I issue are medical marijuana (cannabis) recommendations, not medical marijuana (cannabis)...
Marijuana for Back Pain
Paul from Pleasanton, CA, asks about using medical marijuana for his back pain caused by degenerative disc disease. He's a real trooper who's suffered through back pain for years. We're talking decades. It varies from dull nagging to sharp stabbing. And, he's tried...
Medical Marijuana for Crohn’s Disease
Today’s question comes from Vanessa of Alamo, CA, who suffers from an Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) known as Crohn’s Disease. She’s spun her wheels with conventional pharmaceutical drugs. Now, at her wits end, she wants to give medical marijuana a try as a...
Medical Marijuana (Cannabis) Recommendation
What's a medical marijuana (cannabis) recommendation? A medical marijuana recommendation is a document that indicates that based on a physician's evaluation, he/she thinks that your medical condition may benefit from the use of medical marijuana. What's the difference...
Medical Marijuana For Anxiety
So you may have experimented with marijuana back in college and remember feeling surprisingly relaxed. Now, much later in life, the stresses of life are starting to give you anxiety and you’re tinkering with the idea of using marijuana again. Joe of Danville, CA is in...
Confidentiality & Security
Does the fact that I have a medical marijuana card stay confidential? Much like any other patient-physician relationship, the relationship between a patient and a physician specializing in Medical Marijuana is bound by the same standards of confidentiality established...
Medical Uses for Marijuana and Conditions Treated with Medical Marijuana
There are many medical uses of marijuana. I'm listing here some of the conditions I've successfully treated with medical marijuana. Anxiety PTSD Difficulty Sleeping Sleep Apnea Insomnia Migraines Arthritis Rhuematoid Arthritis Osteoarthritis Neuropathy Fibromyalgia...
Don’t Let The Benefits of Medical Marijuana Go Up In Smoke
Learn More About Vaping Medical Marijuana To light up or not light up? A question coming in today from Carla of San Ramon, CA. She asks: Dr. Patel- I understand the benefits of medical marijuana, but I am not a big fan of smoking it. How can I get the benefits...
Could Medical Marijuana Be the Next Anti-Inflammatory Solution?
Let’s answer a very common question that I get from patients for today’s Q&A. This one is from Marci of Diablo, CA. She writes…. Dear Dr. Patel- I read somewhere that medical marijuana helps to reduce inflammation. What are your thoughts on this? ...
Over-The-Counter or Pharmaceutical Drugs not Touching your Back Pain… You May Want to Give Medical Marijuana a Whirl!
Here’s a question from Paul of Pleasanton, CA. He writes... Dr. Patel, I was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease several years back. Most of the time it’s a nagging pain in my lower back, but say for instance, I sit in one position for too long, then I’m a goner....
From Broken Bones to Stronger, Tougher Bones with Medical Marijuana
Have questions about medical marijuana? Well...you’ve stopped by the right website because I have answers. Today’s question comes from Bryan of Moraga, CA. He writes… Dr. Patel, I recently broke my ankle while playing basketball, and I’ve been using medical marijuana...
Have You Been Mixing Marijuana and Alcohol? You just may want to rethink that after reading this article!
It’s another day of Q&A, where I have answers to your questions about medical marijuana. Today’s question comes from AJ of Orinda, CA. AJ writes... Dr. Patel, I use medical marijuana to treat my chronic back pain. However, I like to have a glass of wine or two in...
Marijuana for Arthritis Pain
You’ve tried everything under the sun to help with your arthritis pain, but nothing seems to help. You’ve heard some folks swear by marijuana for their arthritis pain, which has left you wondering if it’s something you should consider using for your arthritis pain....
What Exactly In This Plant Is Helping People With Their Medical Conditions?
Understand the basics about Medical Marijuana. Today, we’re going to take a closer look at the marijuana plant to figure out the exact chemicals in the plant that are helping people with their medical conditions, and we’ll also take a look at where within the plant...
What The Heck Are Cannabinoids?
Understand the basics about Medical Marijuana. Today, I'm delving into the topic of Cannabinoids. With the ever growing popularity of Medical Marijuana in the media, I'm sure it's a word you've heard in passing and wondered...What the heck are Cannabinoids? Well,...
5 Reasons You Don’t Buy Marijuana off the Streets. Reason #1.
This is the 1st video in a series on the reasons you don’t want to buy marijuana off the streets. The focus of this video is mold. Take a close look at the havoc inhaling moldy marijuana can wreak on the body. It can be devastating, especially in those patients with...
What’s up with all the rumors about Marijuana treating Cancer?
Does Marijuana treat Cancer? I have had patients ask me this question time and time again. And, to answer it, I’m going to break down the results of this article:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3770515/, which takes a look at some key studies done between...
There Are Prescription Formulations Of Marijuana?
Yep. There are a handful of prescription formulations that contain imitations of the chemicals found in the marijuana plant that are available at any local pharmacy with a prescription from a physician. These are: Dranabinol (Marinol), Nabilone (Cesamet), Sativex...
Our bodies make the same marijuana plant chemicals.
Understand the basics about Medical Marijuana Plant. You’re in for a surprise with the facts presented in this video. For one, you probably consumed cannabinoids as soon as you came out of the womb and even now, you’re probably consuming cannabinoids without even...
Medical Marijuana (Cannabis) Evaluation
How do I get an evaluation for a medical marijuana (cannabis) card? Any doctor licensed to practice in California could evaluate a patient and issue a medical marijuana (cannabis) card. So, you could potentially ask your own doctor to evaluate you. However, not all...