Despite the controversial attitude towards cannabis, its use is recognized in many states. However, American laws vary greatly, and each state has its own approach to regulating this area. In this article, we will talk about the medical marijuana program in North Carolina. This state is famous for its strict laws regarding the use of this substance.
General Characteristics of Laws on the Use of Cannabis
North Carolina prohibits all use of cannabinoids except for a limited number of medical cases. The list of diseases that can cause this is relatively small. Of course, for legal use, the patient must obtain a special card, which can only be issued by licensed medical marijuana doctors. Obtaining it in itself does not present any significant problems, but to do so, you must have one of the diseases that allow the medical use of cannabinoids in the state.
Interestingly, there is an area in this state where recreational cannabis can be used. This is Qualla Boundary, where the native Indians live. For them, marijuana has a vital ritual meaning, so such a law was passed. However, in the rest of the state, it is prohibited. Therefore, please keep this in mind when crossing tribal lands and do not attempt to transport more than the permitted amount.
Medical Applications
Despite the limitations in use, marijuana itself and isolated active substances of cannabis began to be used in medicine. Under the influence of cannabinoids, a person's appetite increases. A 2013 meta-analysis found that the use of THC and the use of cannabis can increase the appetite of patients in this group and contribute to weight gain. In an earlier study, dronabinol (a synthetic analog of THC) was compared in effectiveness with megestrol acetate in terms of weight gain in patients with exhaustion due to cancer. It turned out that megestrol acetate copes with this task better than its competitor.
Another area of ????use of cannabinoids is the treatment of nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy for cancer. The area of ????the brain responsible for the occurrence of vomiting (area postrema) is rich in cannabinoid receptors of the 1st type. These same receptors are present in large quantities in the nucleus of the solitary tract and the nuclei of the vagus nerve, which are also involved in the processes of nausea and vomiting. Stimulation of these receptors on these nerve structures leads to a decrease in nausea and cessation of vomiting.
Interestingly, cannabinoids also have potential as anti-cancer drugs. A large amount of laboratory data has been accumulated, showing that stimulation of the receptors can lead to the death of cancer cells. Similar studies have been conducted on breast, prostate, lung, and pancreatic cancer. These types of tumors are widespread in the population and have high mortality rates, and existing treatments often do not give satisfactory results.
In addition to their use in oncopathology and AIDS, cannabinoids can be used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. They are able to cope with spasticity in this disease better than placebo (but the difference is not very large). In addition, cannabinoids help in the fight against neuropathic pain of various origins, which adds points to them.
Possible Side Effects
Cannabinoid drugs do not have a psychoactive effect. However, they can cause drowsiness and decreased reaction speed. Therefore, they should not be used before driving a vehicle or operating complex machinery. In addition, anxiety and post-traumatic disorders require special attention. In rare cases, stimulation of receptors can cause a panic attack. Therefore, such drugs should only be taken under medical supervision.
Unfortunately, the state of health during illnesses is often so bad that possible side effects are not comparable to them. That is why the use of cannabis is medically justified. However, before deciding on this step, it is worth consulting with a doctor again and finding out about possible prospects. It is also a good idea to take substances under the supervision of your doctor.
How to Get a Card
As we have already written, cannabinoids can only be purchased and consumed by those with a special medical permit. It is not that difficult to obtain, but there are a number of requirements. Firstly, such cards are only available after the age of 21. Patients under this age are not allowed to use cannabis, even if there are medical indications.
The second requirement, logically, is a confirmed diagnosis that allows the use of cannabis to relieve symptoms. In North Carolina, these conditions include:
- Cancer, as well as the presence of symptoms caused by chemotherapy.
- HIV and related conditions.
- Fatal diseases in which the patient's life expectancy does not exceed six months.
- Anxiety disorder and post-traumatic personality disorder.
- Anorexia, both mental and somatic.
- Autoimmune diseases.
- Confirmed dependence on opioids.
- Glaucoma.
- Parkinson's disease.
- Sickle cell anemia.
- Chronic pain, regardless of its cause.
Because cannabinoids have been scientifically proven to be effective in relieving symptoms and improving the quality of life for such patients, they may be able to obtain a medical card. There is no need to undergo additional examination if your diagnosis is confirmed. The marijuana doctor will check the provided conclusions and issue a permit based on them. Of course, the documents proving that you have one of the diseases must be genuine. Otherwise, you may have problems with the law.
Conclusion
North Carolina is one of the states with the strictest laws regarding marijuana use. It is illegal, except for a list of medical conditions. If you have documentation proving that you have such a condition, you can get a medical card and use the beneficial properties of cannabinoids to relieve symptoms. However, remember that this can only be done by a licensed doctor.
