MEDICAL MARIJUANA FAQS

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is responsible for the euphoric and altered sensory experiences commonly associated with recreational marijuana use. However, the degree to which a person will experience a high from marijuana depends on several factors, including the strain of cannabis, the method of consumption, and the individual’s tolerance.

In many medical marijuana programs, efforts are made to provide strains with varying THC levels, including those with higher concentrations of another cannabinoid called cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is known for its non-psychoactive properties and potential therapeutic benefits. 

According to John Davis, president of GB Sciences Louisiana—the company hired by LSU to grow cannabis—there are three formulations of therapeutic cannabis. 

• One formulation has a higher concentration of THC, which has produced a “high” in some users. 
• The other has a higher concentration of CBD and doesn’t have a psychoactive effect, should not produce a “high” in users, and has been recommended for health conditions such as epilepsy, seizure disorder, and forms of autism spectrum disorder. 
• Another form contains a balanced formulation of CBD & THC and is usually recommended to patients with intractable pain, multiple sclerosis, and muscular dystrophy.

You must have a qualifying medical condition defined by Louisiana law to receive a recommendation for medical marijuana. Additionally, you must receive an evaluation from a doctor with a special license from the Louisiana Board of Medical Examiners to receive a medical recommendation.

Read more for a comprehensive list of qualifying conditions and to learn more about Louisiana’s medical marijuana laws.

The cannabis plant contains a diverse array of chemical compounds, including over 100 different cannabinoids. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive compound that produces the “high” associated with cannabis use, while cannabidiol (CBD) is non-psychoactive and offers potential therapeutic benefits.

Terpenes, responsible for the distinctive scents and flavors of different strains, contribute to the entourage effect, where cannabinoids and terpenes work together to produce therapeutic effects. Additionally, flavonoids, phytocannabinoids, and various other compounds in cannabis, including amino acids and fatty acids, further contribute to its complexity and potential medicinal value. 

The specific composition of these compounds varies among different strains, leading to diverse effects and potential medical applications.

If you have a qualifying medical condition and bring medical records for proof of diagnosis to your scheduled virtual appointment, you can receive your recommendation the same day. 

Once your doctor has evaluated you and determined if you qualify for medical marijuana, they will immediately fax the recommendation to your closest licensed pharmacy, where you can go to receive your marijuana.

It is not physically possible to consume the amount of cannabis in the time necessary to overdose. However, while a fatal overdose is highly unlikely, improper cannabis use can lead to uncomfortable side effects. These can include paranoia and anxiety. Your doctor will instruct you on safe and correct marijuana usage to prevent side effects.

Marijuana use disorder is a clinical diagnosis that characterizes problematic patterns of marijuana use. It can lead to addiction when individuals become psychologically and, to a lesser extent, physically dependent on marijuana. If someone uses cannabis very frequently and then quits, they often report up to two weeks of the following withdrawal symptoms: 

• Irritability
• Cravings
• Restlessness or trouble sleeping
• Decreased appetite
• And other forms of physical discomfort

While the physical addiction potential of marijuana is lower than that of substances like opioids or alcohol, psychological dependence can develop, particularly in individuals who use marijuana frequently or heavily. 

It’s important to note that not everyone who uses marijuana will become addicted, but those with a history of substance abuse or mental health issues may be more susceptible. Seeking professional help and support is crucial for those who believe they may have developed an addiction to marijuana.

With statistics in states that have legalized cannabis indicating an opioid usage decrease after the plant became legal, it’s less likely that cannabis is a gateway drug. Though the stigma spoiled its reputation for decades due to prohibition ingrained into society, we now have a decade of legality to show the potential positive benefits marijuana has to offer.

Louisiana Legislation has approved several forms of marijuana for medicinal use. These include:

• Tinctures: Liquid extracts of cannabis that are typically taken under the tongue for rapid absorption. They allow for precise dosing and are often used for their fast-acting effects.
• Edibles: Food products infused with cannabis, such as gummies or brownies, which are ingested orally. The cannabinoids take longer to take effect compared to inhalation but provide a longer-lasting experience.
• Metered-dose Inhalers: Inhaler devices that deliver a precise and controlled dose of cannabinoids when inhaled. They are similar to asthma inhalers and offer a smoke-free method of consumption.
• Medical Marijuana Distillate: A highly purified cannabis extract that contains a high concentration of cannabinoids, typically used for creating various cannabis products like edibles, tinctures, or vape cartridges.
• Marijuana Flower: The dried and cured buds of the cannabis plant, which can be smoked or vaporized for their therapeutic effects.

While minors cannot legally obtain marijuana themselves, patients who qualify for medical cannabis and are under the age of 21 may be administered medical marijuana by a designated caregiver—either a parent, legal guardian, or individual designated by a parent or legal guardian. 

In some circumstances, an appropriate caregiver may be otherwise approved by the Department of Health. The designated caregiver must be present when the minor consumes marijuana.

If you consume cannabis, there’s no guarantee you will pass a drug test, even if marijuana is legal to some degree in your state. You will want to verify what the drug test is checking for, as you may test positive for THC in your system.

Health insurance companies do not currently cover cannabis under their policies because it is still classified as a Schedule I drug on a federal level. 

To decrease the financial burdens for patients seeking recommendations, Transformative Health Center provides significant discounts on follow-up visits as well as military and educator discounts. In addition, if you are not approved for a medical marijuana recommendation during your virtual appointment, you will receive a full refund.

A doctor cannot directly prescribe medical cannabis. They can, however, write an order for their recommendation, meaning that they deem you fit and qualified for medical cannabis. Your doctor will send this recommendation directly to your closest approved dispensary, giving you the right to purchase medical marijuana and self-administer.