Find answers to general questions about medical cannabis.

1. What is medical cannabis?

Medical cannabis refers to cannabis and cannabis-derived products that are used under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider to help manage certain qualifying medical conditions. Unlike recreational cannabis, medical cannabis is intended to relieve symptoms such as chronic pain, muscle spasticity, nausea, seizures, and other qualifying conditions, depending on state law.

The cannabis plant contains more than 100 naturally occurring compounds called cannabinoids. The two most well-known are:

• THC (tetrahydrocannabinol): The primary psychoactive cannabinoid that may help relieve pain, muscle spasms, nausea, and stimulate appetite.
• CBD (cannabidiol): A non-intoxicating cannabinoid that may help reduce inflammation, anxiety, and seizures without producing the "high" commonly associated with THC.

Your healthcare provider will determine whether medical cannabis may be an appropriate option based on your medical history, symptoms, current medications, and your state's qualifying conditions.

At The Health Cannaxion, Inc., our licensed physicians provide evidence-based evaluations and educate patients on both the potential benefits and possible risks of medical cannabis so they can make informed healthcare decisions.

Important: Medical cannabis is not a cure for disease. It is one treatment option that may help manage symptoms for certain patients. Results vary from person to person, and treatment should always be guided by a qualified healthcare professional.

The answer is yes and no. Medical cannabis is legal in many parts of the United States, but the laws vary significantly depending on where you live.

Most states have established medical cannabis programs that allow qualified patients to access cannabis products with a physician's recommendation or certification. However, each state determines its own qualifying medical conditions, registration requirements, product types, possession limits, and purchasing rules.

At the federal level, cannabis remains classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This means that while many states have legalized medical cannabis, it is still illegal under federal law. As a result, patients and providers must comply with the laws of their individual state.

Currently:

• Most U.S. states have legalized medical cannabis in some form.
• Some states have also legalized adult (recreational) cannabis use.
• A small number of states, like Georgia and Alabama, maintain highly restrictive medical cannabis programs or have not fully implemented them.

Because medical cannabis laws continue to evolve, it's important to rely on current, state-specific guidance.

At The Health Cannaxion, Inc., our physicians stay informed about the medical cannabis laws and regulations in the states we serve. We provide patients with state-specific guidance to help them understand eligibility requirements, the certification process, and how to remain compliant with applicable laws.

Please note: The Health Cannaxion provides medical evaluations and education. We do not provide legal advice. Patients should always follow the laws and regulations of the state in which they reside and consult qualified legal counsel if they have specific legal questions.

Qualifying medical conditions for medical cannabis vary by state. Each state's medical cannabis program establishes its own list of eligible conditions and may update those requirements over time.

Some commonly recognized qualifying conditions across various state programs include:

• Cancer
• Chronic pain (where permitted by state law)
• Epilepsy and seizure disorders
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Parkinson's disease
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Crohn's disease
• HIV/AIDS
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Autism spectrum disorder (in some states)
• Terminal illnesses
• Severe nausea related to certain medical treatments
• Sickle cell disease (in some states)

Not every condition qualifies in every state. For example, Georgia and Alabama have different eligibility requirements, approved medical conditions, and patient registration processes. Even if you qualify for medical cannabis, an evaluation with a licensed physician does not guarantee approval.

At The Health Cannaxion, Inc., our experienced physicians carefully review each patient's medical history, current symptoms, and applicable state laws to determine whether medical cannabis may be an appropriate treatment option. If you qualify, we'll guide you through each step of your state's certification or registration process.

If you're unsure whether your condition qualifies, we encourage you to contact us. Even if your diagnosis is not listed above, our team can review your individual circumstances and explain the options available in your state.

It depends on the type of product you use. The feeling commonly described as a "high" is primarily caused by THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound found in cannabis. Products containing higher levels of THC may produce feelings of euphoria, relaxation, altered perception, or impaired coordination.

Some medical cannabis products contain very little THC or are primarily composed of CBD (cannabidiol), which is not intoxicating. Your healthcare provider will recommend a treatment approach based on your medical condition, treatment goals, and your state's regulations.

Patients should never drive, operate heavy machinery, or engage in activities requiring full alertness if they feel impaired after using medical cannabis.

CBD is just one of many naturally occurring compounds (called cannabinoids) found in the cannabis plant.

Medical cannabis is a broad term that refers to physician-guided treatment using cannabis products that may contain THC, CBD, or a combination of both, depending on state law and the patient's medical needs.

CBD products, especially those derived from hemp, typically contain little or no THC and do not produce the intoxicating effects associated with THC. Many over-the-counter CBD products are not subject to the same oversight or quality standards as products available through regulated state medical cannabis programs.

Your healthcare provider can help determine whether a THC-containing product, a CBD-dominant product, or another treatment option may be appropriate for your condition.

Medical cannabis may be a safe and effective treatment option for some patients when used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. However, like any medication or therapy, it carries potential risks and is not appropriate for everyone.

Factors such as your age, medical history, current medications, pregnancy status, mental health history, and underlying medical conditions should all be considered before beginning treatment.

At The Health Cannaxion, Inc., our physicians conduct comprehensive evaluations to determine whether medical cannabis is an appropriate option and discuss both the potential benefits and risks before making any recommendations.

Medical cannabis should not be viewed as a replacement for your prescribed medications without guidance from the healthcare provider managing your treatment.

Some patients find that medical cannabis helps manage certain symptoms, while others continue to benefit from their existing treatment plans. Any changes to prescription medications should only be made under the supervision of your prescribing physician.

Our goal is to help patients make informed decisions while coordinating care whenever appropriate—not to encourage stopping medications without medical oversight.

Like all medications, medical cannabis may cause side effects, which can vary depending on the product, dosage, method of administration, and individual response.

Possible side effects may include:

• Drowsiness or fatigue
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Dry eyes
• Increased appetite
• Temporary impairment of concentration or coordination
• Changes in mood or anxiety
• Increased heart rate (particularly with THC-containing products)

Many side effects can be minimized by starting with a low dose and following your healthcare provider's recommendations. If you experience concerning or persistent side effects, contact your healthcare provider promptly.

The onset and duration of medical cannabis depend on how it is administered.

In general:

• Inhaled products may begin working within minutes and typically last a few hours.
• Oral products (such as capsules, oils, or edibles) usually take longer to begin working—often 30 minutes to 2 hours—but their effects may last several hours longer.
• Sublingual products (placed under the tongue) often begin working faster than oral products.

Individual responses vary based on metabolism, dosage, product formulation, and other personal factors. Your healthcare provider can help determine which delivery method may best meet your treatment goals.

Always consult your primary physician about the use of medical cannabis while taking other medications.

Medical cannabis may interact with certain prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements. Some interactions may increase side effects or affect how medications are metabolized by the body.

For your safety, always tell your healthcare provider about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you currently use before beginning medical cannabis therapy. Never start or stop medications without consulting your healthcare provider.

Not automatically.

Whether your primary care physician is aware of your medical cannabis treatment depends on factors such as your state's medical cannabis program, your healthcare providers' electronic health record systems, and whether you choose to share that information.

Many patients choose to inform their primary care physician so all members of their healthcare team have a complete understanding of their treatment plan. This can help improve care coordination and reduce the risk of medication interactions.

At The Health Cannaxion, Inc., we encourage open communication among healthcare providers whenever appropriate and with the patient's consent. We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal health information in accordance with applicable privacy laws, including HIPAA.