A:Medical cannabis uses the marijuana plant or chemicals in it to treat diseases or conditions. It’s basically the same product as recreational marijuana, but it’s taken for medical purposes.

The marijuana plant contains more than 100 different chemicals called cannabinoids. Each one has a different effect on the body. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the main chemicals used in medicine. THC also produces the “high” people feel when they smoke marijuana or eat foods containing it.

A:The chemical ingredients of cannabis are called cannabinoids. The two main therapeutic ones are:

1. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a partial agonist of CB1 and CB2 receptors. It is psychoactive and produces a euphoric effect.
2. Cannabidiol (CBD) has a weak affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors and appears to exert its activity by enhancing the positive effects of the body’s endogenous cannabinoids.

Each cannabis product will contain THC and CBD, however, the THC: CBD ratio will differ depending on the product and/or licensed producer.

A:Medical marijuana is used to treat a number of different conditions, including:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Appetite loss
• Cancer
• Crohn’s disease
• Eating disorders such as anorexia
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• Mental health conditions like schizophreniaand posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Multiple sclerosis
• Muscle spasms
• Nausea
• Pain
• Seizure
• Wasting syndrome (cachexia)

A: Cannabinoids — the active chemicals in medical marijuana — are similar to chemicals the body makes that are involved in appetite, memory, movement, and pain.

Research suggests cannabinoids might:

• Reduce anxiety
• Reduce inflammation and relieve pain
• Control nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy
• Kill cancer cells and slow tumour growth
• Relax tight muscles in people with MS
• Stimulate appetite and improve weight gain in people with cancer and AIDS

A: Side effects that have been reported include:

• Bloodshot eyes
• Depression
• Dizziness
• Fast heartbeat
• Hallucinations
• Low blood pressure

The drug can also affect judgment and coordination, which could lead to accidents and injuries.

A:To get medical cannabis in India, you need a written recommendation/prescription from a licensed doctor. You must have a condition that qualifies for medical cannabis use.

A: To take medical cannabis, you can:

• Smoke it
• Inhale it through a device called a vaporizer that turns it into a mist
• Eat it — for example, in a brownie, candies, honey or Ghee.
• Apply it to your skin in a lotion, spray, oil, or cream
• Place a few drops of a liquid under your tongue

A: Only a registered medical practitioner or physician will determine the eligibility of medical cannabis.

A:The first step is speaking with your treating practitioner about whether the medical use of cannabis is appropriate for your condition. If your practitioner determines it is an appropriate treatment for you and he or she may issue you a certification for medical cannabis.

A:The patient’s certifying practitioner must include the following information on the patient’s certification: the authorized brand and form of the approved medical cannabis, the administration method, and any limitations on the use of approved medical cannabis product. If a practitioner has a recommendation regarding dosage, it should also be included on the certification.

A:Work with your certifying practitioner/physician to determine if a change in product, change in dose, or discontinuation of the product is appropriate.

A:If a patient wishes to cancel or re-book their appointment it must be done so within 1 full week prior to their appointment date. Failure to cancel or re-book within this time period will subject you to a non-refundable charge. Cancellations and re-bookings can only be done by speaking to our staff in person or by telephone. E-mails and voice mails will not be accepted. No exceptions.

A:The cost for the appointment is income tax deductible and you will receive an invoice upon your appointment. Medical plans do not cover the cost of this medication or appointment. If you are a member of Veterans Affairs please inform our office staff at the time of booking.