Medical Cannabis

If you suffer from chronic pain, migraines, or a gastrointestinal problem, like Crohn’s disease, medical cannabis may ease your symptoms and improve your quality of life. At Rise and Thrive Healthcare, Jessica Gutierrez, FNP-BC, and the team regularly prescribe medical cannabis to adults. To make an appointment, call the office in Joliet, Illinois, or book online today.

What is medical cannabis?

Medical cannabis refers to marijuana and the healing properties derived from it. The marijuana plant contains more than 100 compounds (cannabinoids). Two of the best-known cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). 

A growing body of research suggests that these and other compounds can offer various health benefits, including reduced visits to the emergency room, fewer sick days, and decreased prescription drug use. What’s more, when combined with healthy lifestyle changes and counseling, medical cannabis can improve your mood, outlook, and quality of life.

What types of health problems can benefit from medical cannabis?

At Rise and Thrive Healthcare, Jessica and the team use medical cannabis to treat various health problems, including:

• Chronic pain
• Migraines
• Cancer pain
• Arthritis
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Epilepsy
• Fibromyalgia
• Glaucoma
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Muscle spasms
• Neuropathy
• Parkinson’s disease

You might also benefit from medical cannabis if you have a gastrointestinal disorder, like Crohn’s disease.

What is the process for getting medical cannabis?

To see if you’re a candidate for medical cannabis, you need to schedule a medical cannabis evaluation. Health insurance does not cover the evaluation but Rise and Thrive Healthcare charges a low fee for the visit. 

First, Jessica or a team member reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and performs a physical exam. They also have you complete several assessments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.

After gathering that information, your provider determines if you can benefit. If you qualify, your Rise and Thrive Healthcare provider electronically approves your medical cannabis application and provides you with a certification number.

Once you receive the certification number, you can apply for a medical cannabis card with the state of Illinois. A week or two after you submit the application, you receive a medical cannabis card in the mail. The card is usable at medical or recreational dispensaries throughout the state.

What are the options for medical cannabis?

You can take medical cannabis in various ways, including:

• Inhalation - vaping or smoking
• Oral ingestion - tinctures or edibles
• Topicals - ointments, lotions, and gels
• Suppositories

Jessica or a team member can make recommendations based on your health history, age, and needs. At first, it may take some trial and error to determine the correct application and dose that meets your needs. 

To explore the benefits of medical cannabis, make an appointment at Rise and Thrive Healthcare by calling the office or booking online today.