Did you know that according to the CDC ( Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), about 6 in 10 of the adults you meet in the US may be suffering from a chronic disease. Furthermore, about 4 in 10 of those adults suffer from two or more chronic diseases. In other words, this means that about 60% of the adults in the United states suffer from one or more chronic conditions.
Although such a rise in chronic disease prevalence was anticipated by WHO, it still remains an issue. And, even though genetics is one of the main causes, lifestyle is the one of the main culprits to this sharp increase. Poor diet, lack of exercise, excessive drinking and smoking are some of the main causatives of conditions like cancer, diabetes and heart problems.
However, the US health system day after day, is formulating ways to counter these changes. Legalizing medical marijuana has proven to be an effective stride in countering some chronic conditions. And, with the help of telemedicine, it is becoming easier to reach and assist the patients suffering from chronic conditions.
What is Telemedicine?
There are usually misconceptions about telemedicine and telehealth. Well, let me clear the air for you. Yes, the two in some ways are similar, but telehealth is a very broad term. Telemedicine covers digital clinical services like telecommunication technology. Being able to consult patients from anywhere around the globe using your phone or your computer. Telemedicine is usually limited to that.
However telehealth is broad in the sense that it covers both clinical and non-clinical services like training of health workers and admin digital meetings. This in other words may imply that telemedicine is a subset of telehealth.
What is Medical Marijuana?
Different people have different perspectives about cannabis. Most societies till today still shun its use. But, as much as cannabis may seem bad, it has proven to be effective in treating and managing many health conditions. Because of this, over 30 states in the US have legalized the use of marijuana for medical purposes. And, over 15 states have also legalized the use of marijuana for recreational purposes.
However, to get medical marijuana you have to have a permit. Most states have a list of medical conditions that qualify someone to get a permit. Here are some of the most common conditions:
- HIV/ AIDS
- Anorexia
- Arthritis
- Cachexia (wasting syndrome)
- Cancer
- Chronic pain
- Glaucoma
- Migraine
- Severe nausea
- Muscle spasms
- Multiple sclerosis
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Seizures
- Crohn’s disease
- Autism
- Anxiety Disorder
Telemedicine and Medical Cannabis
Telemedicine has proven to be very useful in helping patients to access medical marijuana in the US. To be able to purchase marijuana products from a dispensary, you have to possess a medical marijuana card.
To get a MMJ card you have to have a medical recommendation. Recommendations are given by medical marijuana doctors or certified physicians. Now, with the introduction of telemedicine, you no longer have to visit a physician physically. Not when you can rely on 420 evaluations. This means that the whole process can be done digitally using a trusted online clinic. All you have to do is to complete a prequalification form and get evaluated by a doctor using video call. If the doctor approves that your condition is eligible for you to use medical marijuana, you get a recommendation. The recommendation can be used to apply for a medical marijuana card from the state.
However, to get access to medical marijuana in states like California, all you need is a medical recommendation from a trusted clinic like California Marijuana Doctors. With the best medical marijuana doctors Los Angeles, Riverside, San Francesco, Fresno and Orange County patients can talk to.
Telemedicine and Other Health Sectors
According to an article by PAHO, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how important telemedicine is. During the period of the lockdowns, most people who wanted medical attention started resorting to telemedical services. Instead of risking your life going to the hospital, you could just facetime the doctor and get a medical consultation online. A very effective way of containing the virus, it insured the safety of both the doctor and patient.
Furthermore, according to an article by NCBI, telemedicine has also proven to be one of the best solutions for the unequal distribution of medical resources in China.
Why Telemedicine?
Have you ever thought about how people in remote areas, probably far from medical services, can get good medical attention? Think of how medical advancements like telemedicine can make a difference in their lives.
Furthermore, a study by Pubmed also approves that using telemedicine is a great way of cutting several costs. For instance, by talking to a doctor online you cut small costs like fuel and other traveling expenses. Also, think of the time you save and the dangers you avoid.
Conclusion
Telemedicine is becoming popular day by day. Not only in the United States but worldwide. And, some strategists also agree that it has been very useful in easing the process of acquiring medical cannabis. Telemedicine is the future of medical cannabis.
Furthermore, it is also important to make sure you get a medical marijuana card, even in states like California. The process however, is a bit different after talking to a California marijuana doctor. You apply physically at your county or city health department for a medical marijuana card California.
