Marijuana as medicine? It’s the irony of our time: cannabis, once labeled criminal and dangerous, is now providing relief for a variety of symptoms and conditions. Cannabis is a complex plant that has been used medicinally world wide for more than a thousand years.
As a practicing physician for over 35 years, I was totally against the use of medical marijuana, despite my wife’s constant urging that I study the benefits and add it to my medical practice. My opposition was the extremely conservative environment I practiced in since beginning my medical studies.
But as the parent of a child with cerebral palsy and an associated seizure disorder, I am always open to new or alternative treatments that have been researched and documented in case studies by experts in the field. After more extensive research, I am 100% behind the use of medical marijuana as a treatment I would recommend for qualifying medical conditions.
In the State of Florida, there are several approved conditions for using medical marijuana such as cancer, certain types of seizures, chronic pain, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, post-traumatic stress disorder, Crohn’s Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), Parkinson’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis.
Most notably, medical marijuana can help eliminate the need for opioids. The opioid crisis in the United States is at an all-time high. In 2017, more than 47,000 Americans died as a result of an opioid overdose. Marijuana is recognized by scientists at major university medical centers as an exit drug to end opioid addiction.
When comparing the side effects of cannabis to opioids, the side effects of cannabis are minor. According to a recent study, 67% of patients with access to medical marijuana have been able to eliminate opioid usage. I have several patients who have been addicted to opioids such as Suboxone and Methadone that have been able to completely get off these drugs.
Cannabis has scientifically been shown to decrease disease symptoms and thus improve the quality of life for these patients. Cannabis decreases stress, reduces pain, improves sleep and overall a better outlook on life for these patients.
About Dr. Grant:
William N. Grant, MD is a practicing physician with more than 35 years of experience and training in a number of specialties including Internal Medicine, Allergy, Immunology, and Infectious Disease. He is a graduate of Chicago Medical School and completed his Internal Medicine residency at Northwestern University in Chicago and specialty fellowships at the University of Tennessee, Tulane Medical Center and the University of South Alabama. After several years in private practice, Dr. Grant continues medicine today in the areas of Medical Marijuana and Emergency Medicine. He is committed to improving quality of life and provides private consultations for medical marijuana treatment.
About ECMC:
Emerald Coast Medical Concierge provides in-depth medical marijuana evaluations and certifications to eligible Florida residents. Patients suffering from any one or more of the qualifying medical conditions can request an appointment to be seen by Dr. William N. Grant, a Board Certified physician who is also authorized to order medical marijuana. Dr. Grant has completed the necessary education to adequately establish that the visiting patient will benefit from the therapeutic use of medical cannabis. Throughout the appointment, Dr. Grant will take time to answer questions regarding the advantages of using a natural alternative, and how the risks can be minimal when compared to traditional therapies. Additionally, Dr. Grant will establish a workable treatment plan, ensuring each patient maintains their legal cardholder status so that they may continue to achieve their personal health goals.
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