Study finds women are more likely to opt for pot over prescriptions
As we've conducted new and exciting cannabis research over the years, our understanding and society's views of the plant have altered significantly. Medical cannabis has quickly become the new norm, even in regions that don't allow recreational use, as the benefits of taking it are clear. Still, very few experts have looked at how medical patients specifically use cannabis or at how the sexes compare when it comes to their views and habits.
The study
A recent medical cannabis research study found that many women are open to the possibility of using cannabis as a safe alternative to other prescription drugs to treat several chronic health conditions and pain. The study, which can be found in the Journal of Women's Health, looked to measure the gender-specific attitudes that patients have regarding medical cannabis.
The results
Researchers discovered that women are far more likely to reduce or eliminate prescription medication use after receiving a medical cannabis card. Though it isn't clear why women seem to be so zealous about the potential that this plant has to offer, some research indicates that women utilize holistic or alternative therapy in a different way than men. They are also more willing to use preventative services, or alternative therapy treatments to treat mental health conditions, pain, insomnia, headaches, or migraines.
The reasons
Many women view natural healing medicines in a different way than men, but this might not be due to a shift in the attitude of society as a whole. Some evidence seems to suggest that women are much more likely to benefit from cannabis use, be it for medical or recreational purposes, which would mean that women have slowly evolved to accept this ideal as truth.
Is this a good thing?
Some would agree that the finding of a safe alternative to pharmaceutical prescriptions is a beautiful thing, as much of the more traditional medication used to treat common conditions today also come with a full list of potential adverse effects. In most cases, this is true, and a patient can often garner even more relief with cannabis than they ever achieved through doctor prescribed solutions. However, there are dangers when it comes to replacing or supplementing a prescription treatment with cannabis.
Things all medical patients should know
Getting a medical cannabis card is an easy part, especially for those who reside in green-friendly regions. Still, it's not as simple as making one large switcharoo of one for the other, and if you're going to combine the effects of cannabis with those of prescription medications, then other risks need to be considered. Many people rely on doctor prescribed medicines to stay alive, so it is essential to get this right.
Some prescribed medications are not compatible with the effects of cannabis, which means that when a patient takes both at the same time, the effects may be unpredictable. In some instances, the medications might erase any felt impacts of cannabis. In some, the cannabinoids will interfere with the effects of prescribed medication, making the prescription either less or far more effective than what would typically be expected.
This isn't just true with pain medications either, as blood pressure medicines are also known to be incompatible with cannabis. For some, that could lead to a deadly scenario that could risk life rather than save or improve it, and that is why it is so essential for all women. People, in general, to seek the advice and assistance of their healthcare provider to oversee and approve the process.
Cannabis can typically be a safe alternative to prescriptions. However, we've still got a long way to go in understanding their effectiveness either alone or when used in conjunction with other commonly prescribed medications.
