Medical marijuana, also known as medical cannabis, has been shown to benefit patients with various medical conditions. It is an exciting and evolving field that is helping patients across the country. The benefits of medical marijuana are primarily due to its active chemical compounds called cannabinoids, which interact with the body's endocannabinoid system to produce various therapeutic effects.

Medical marijuana has been shown to be effective in treating chronic pain, muscle spasms, and nausea associated with certain medical conditions. It has also been found to be effective in treating symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as improving sleep in some patients. In addition, medical marijuana has been shown to have neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties, which could potentially be beneficial for patients with neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and epilepsy.

In Virginia, medical marijuana is legal for patients with a variety of qualifying medical conditions:

• Chronic pain (including neuropathic pain)

• Arthritis

• Muscle spasms and stiffness

• Inflammation and swelling

• Nausea and vomiting (especially associated with other medical treatments like chemotherapy)

• Glaucoma

• Epilepsy and other seizure disorders

• Multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions

• Chron’s disease and other inflammatory bowel diseases

• Anorexia and cachexia associated with HIV/AIDS and cancer

• Insomnia and other sleep disorders

• Migraine headaches

• Anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder

• Depression

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder

• Bipolar disorder

• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

• Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders

To be eligible for medical marijuana treatment in Virginia, patients must have a valid written certification from a registered healthcare practitioner who is licensed in Virginia.