Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that U.S. residents find challenging to live with because the illness can be tiring on the body and mind. An autoimmune disease that makes the body’s immune system target its tissues can cause pain, inflammation, and organ damage. This is because, for most patients, there could be severe discomfort, and conventional therapy could not offer enough relief.
Luckily, medical marijuana is becoming a more viable solution for lupus patients about pain and inflammation. Getting certified for medical marijuana in Connecticut has recently become much easier, even for people with lupus. Here’s what you need to know on how to secure a medical marijuana card for lupus in Connecticut and enhance your existence.
Lupus and Medical Marijuana: What You Need to Know
What is Lupus?
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints, skin and muscles, kidneys, heart, and lungs. It is not curable, but its treatment aims to control the symptoms and prevent disease eruptions. The manifestations are often nonspecific and may progress from mere discomforts to more serious complaints, including joint aches, tiredness, and skin itch.
Lupus can be particularly difficult to manage because these symptoms can plateau for some time before becoming suddenly severe. Clinically, patients have been treated with anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids and immunosuppressant for the last resort with side effects. Medical marijuana comes in as a possible option in this case.
In What Ways Medical Marijuana Treats Lupus Symptoms
Medical marijuana, the cannabinoids from the marijuana plant, might also provide relief for lupus patients due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), two of the most popular cannabinoids, work with the body’s regulatory ECS (endocannabinoid system), which involves inflammation and pain.
New studies show that since CBD, unlike THC, is not psychoactive, it can be of help in controlling autoimmune diseases such as lupus by enabling the reduction of inflammation.
Medical Marijuana Legislation in Connecticut
Chronic pain as a qualifying condition
Connecticut has gone far in ensuring that it increases the number of medical marijuana dispensaries. The most significant change is that since July 2018, chronic pain has joined the list of conditions for which patients may use medical cannabis. This means that individuals who suffer from lupus are now able to apply for a medical marijuana card, as many of those afflicted suffer from chronic pain as their main form of lupus symptom.
Before, chronic pain did not constitute one of the qualifying conditions. Nevertheless, as the studies focused on the medical use of marijuana as a viable pain reliever continue to gain support, the Connecticut legislature righted the wrong by adding more people to the list of qualified marijuana medical users. This gives the lupus patients another chance of finding other methods of handling the disease apart from using drugs.
Evidence-Based Cannabinoids and Cannabis Research for the Lupus Treatment
More research is needed on the efficacy of cannabinoids in treating lupus and other autoimmune diseases. For example, investigations at Yale Medicine have examined whether a synthetic cannabinoid molecule would alleviate lupus symptoms such as pain or inflammation by affecting certain receptors in the immune system.
While these works are still quite limited, the findings suggest that cannabis could be beneficial for lupus patients, which has increased the use of marijuana in general.
Lupus Medical Marijuana Card | How to Get A Medical Card in CT
Legal Requirements for Medical Marijuana Card
medical condition—lupus falls under this category due to its association with chronic pain. A certified healthcare provider online must certify that you have one of the state’s approved conditions, such as lupus, and recommend medical cannabis as part of your treatment plan. Then, you can submit your own application for that cause.
When this happens, you will have to present records of your ailment and medical record during consultation. In order to decide whether the use of medical cannabis is suitable in your case, the healthcare provider will consider your case.
How to Get A Medical Marijuana Card Online
Getting a medical marijuana card in Connecticut has never been so simple because of the presence of telemedicine services. From the comfort of your home, you can consult with a certified healthcare provider without traveling to their physical clinic. This is particularly relevant for lupus patients because the disease causes pain or fatigue that may hinder them from traveling.
First of all, go to a licensed telemedicine service provider and select an option for a consultation with a healthcare provider who can prescribe medical marijuana. In this consultation process, you will talk about your symptoms and history of lupus.
On approval, the provider will process your certification, and you will be informed on how to process the application. If your application is approved, it means you are now qualified to access marijuana and use it through licensed shops in Connecticut.
Advantages of Medical Marijuana to Lupus Patients
Of all analgesic drugs available on the market, the following are the most effective in relieving pain and controlling inflammation.
As to the advantages of using medical marijuana for lupus patients, it is also statistically proven that this method helps to deal with chronic pain. Cannabinoids contained in cannabis affect the endocannabinoid system of the body by reducing inflammation and regulating pain impulses.
This can result in fewer flare-ups and a better quality of life among lupus patients if the recommended cure is kept and taken on time. Pain medications in particular, can often lead to patients developing dependence or experiencing other negative ill-effects – medical marijuana, on the other hand, is a much more wholesome approach to managing symptoms for the long term.
Possible risks and what to think about
Although medical marijuana can help, people need to know the effects it might have on their bodies, too. Side effects include dizziness, dry mouth, and sleepiness. Furthermore, the effective quantity raises THC concentration, which leads to psychoactive phenomena, such as anxiety or paranoid features. However, CBD-Dominant products should be introduced with low doses and gradually increase the dose to reduce side effects.
Consumers should always seek the advice of their doctor to utilize medical marijuana, especially if they are already using other drugs for lupus or any other disease. A professional can explain to you how it can be used safely and how it needs to be incorporated into your treatment plan.
Expenses Related to the Process of Getting a Marijuana Card for Lupus
Business: Costs, one-time, and renewal fees
I have always understood that the process of getting a medical marijuana card for lupus in Connecticut is not free. For first-time clients, the fee for your marijuana recommendation by telemedicine is 179 dollars in the course of the year; the existing abortion renewal charge is $149. These fees include assistance in the consultation and recommendation process so that patients can legally obtain medical cannabis in the state we are in.
The Convenience of Telemedicine: Cost Analysis for New and Repeat Patents
Telemedicine has provided an easy and cheap way of getting a medical marijuana card. One of the ways that patients can get their marijuana recommendation online is easier for those who have mobility issues or severe pain. The price is moderate for most of its services; new patients do have to pay $179 for the first-time consultation, while the yearly renewal costs $149. This makes it ideal for long-term use, hence making it cheap.
Conclusion
Medical marijuana might be the help you’ve been looking for if you’re a Connecticut resident diagnosed with lupus. This is because the state recently added chronic pains, which are now qualifying conditions, so patients with lupus can easily access this treatment.
If you have a medical marijuana card, you will be able to control your pains and other related conditions to be able to lead a comfortable life.
Ready to take the next step? Sign up today for an online appointment with one of our professional Medical Marijuana Card-certified healthcare providers and start your way to get your card. Immediate relief from Lupus symptoms is now possible, and all you have to do is click.
FAQs
Can I qualify for a medical marijuana card in Connecticut if I have lupus?
Yes, lupus patients in Connecticut are eligible for a medical marijuana card due to chronic pain being a qualifying condition.
What are the costs associated with getting a medical marijuana card in Connecticut?
The initial cost is $179 for new patients, with a yearly renewal fee of $149 for returning patients.
How does medical marijuana help with lupus symptoms like pain and inflammation?
Medical marijuana can reduce inflammation and alleviate chronic pain, which are common symptoms in lupus patients.
Is telemedicine available for medical marijuana card consultations in Connecticut?
Yes, you can easily schedule an online consultation with a licensed provider to get your medical marijuana recommendation.
How long does it take to get approved for a medical marijuana card?
The approval process varies but typically takes a few days after completing the online consultation and submitting your application.
