How Does Medical Marijuana Work?

About 1.5% of American adults (approximately 4.1 million people) use medical marijuana to help manage health conditions like chronic pain and epilepsy. If you’re considering this therapy yourself, you probably want to understand how it works. 

Much of the online information features hyperbole instead of facts, so it can be challenging to determine which benefits are real and which are overblown.

At MediCalm, which serves residents of Pennsylvania and New Jersey via convenient telehealth appointments, board-certified physician Kimberlee Park, DO, specializes in medical marijuana treatment. Here, you can learn more about the science behind medical marijuana to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your needs.

What is medical marijuana?

Medical marijuana is a plant-based therapy that uses cannabis products, like flower, edibles, and tinctures, to treat symptoms or health issues under a doctor’s supervision. 

The cannabis (or marijuana) plant contains more than 80 cannabinoids, or chemical compounds, thought to help manage certain medical conditions. These compounds affect the body in different ways and may have therapeutic effects.

Although recreational marijuana is legal in New Jersey and could be soon in Pennsylvania, medical marijuana is different. Instead of providing a “high” for fun or relaxation, medical marijuana focuses on dosages and strains that aim to support well-being and improve quality of life.

The role of the endocannabinoid system

Medical marijuana has gained popularity over the last few decades, thanks in part to increased research into the endocannabinoid system (ECS). It’s a network of chemical signals and cellular receptors located throughout the human brain and body. 

CB1 receptors — one of the most common types of ECS receptors in the brain — control the levels and activities of other neurotransmitters and are involved in various psychological processes. CB2 receptors, another common type, support immune function and reduce inflammation.

Medical marijuana interacts with both of these receptors, which is why many people use it to help manage pain, mood, appetite, and immune-related symptoms. Researchers are continuing to learn how the ECS works, and it's clear that medical marijuana appears to support its natural functions when used under the guidance of a medical professional.

THC vs. CBD: What’s the difference?

Even though dozens of cannabinoids exist, most people are familiar with just two: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). 

THC is responsible for the “high” associated with marijuana use. It can induce a sense of relaxation but may also trigger feelings of anxiety or fear in some people. THC is often used to help manage conditions like pain, nausea, and poor appetite.

CBD, on the other hand, is nonpsychoactive, so it’s often recommended to people who want the benefits of cannabis without the high. Studies show that it may help reduce anxiety, inflammation, and seizures. It’s available in various forms, including capsules, tinctures, and topical ointments.

What conditions can medical marijuana help treat?

Research into medical marijuana is ongoing, but Dr. Park typically prescribes it to manage health issues such as:

• Chronic pain
• Epilepsy
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Chemotherapy-induced nausea
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety
• Poor appetite

Although many people who use medical marijuana find it effective, results vary from person to person. To provide proper support, Dr. Park monitors your symptoms at routine telehealth checkups, adjusting dosages and therapeutic recommendations over time.

Find out if medical marijuana is right for you

Medical marijuana certification may provide an effective alternative to prescription medications that present various side effects. 

To learn if medical marijuana can help you find better symptom relief, request a consultation at MediCalm. Call our appointment line at 484-440-9494 or use our online scheduler.