Medical marijuana is truly nature’s medicine! It is holistic, natural and has been used by many for centuries.
It is no wonder so many Louisiana residents swear by it! If you have a debilitating medical condition you too could qualify for a medical marijuana card. One condition in particular that medical marijuana aids is Huntington’s disease.
May is Huntington’s disease awareness month. So in today’s article, we will be taking a deep dive into the basics of the condition, what the symptoms are and how medical marijuana can help those diagnosed with this condition live better quality lives!
Huntington’s Disease 101:
Huntington’s disease is a brain disorder that is hereditary. Those with Huntington’s have a small error in one gene called huntingtin which causes damage to the brain over time.
Huntington’s is a brutal disease that causes a person’s mental, physical and emotional abilities to deteriorate. Most people start to see the onset of symptoms around 30-50 years of age but it also can occur in children or young adults which is called juvenile Huntington’s.
This condition is extremely hereditary as each offspring of a person with Huntington’s has a 50/50 chance of inheriting the huntingtin gene. That means for every person who is diagnosed with Huntington’s, there are even more at risk of inheriting the condition.
What are the Symptoms of Huntington’s Disease?
As with a lot of medical conditions, symptoms can vary. Below is a list of common symptoms that those with Huntington’s experience:
Mental:
Forgetfulness
Impaired judgement
Emotional:
Personality changes
Anxiety
Depression
Physical:
Unsteady gait (or walking pattern)
Involuntary movements
Slurred speech
Issues swallowing
Weight loss
People diagnosed with Huntington’s have mental, physical and emotional difficulties due to this disease. When symptoms start to reveal themselves a person can seem forgetful, have trouble planning or staying on task. Over the course of 10-25 years these symptoms persist to the point where those diagnosed have trouble reasoning, walking or talking.
They also can develop some major mood changes such as irritability and anger as well as mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.
Those with Huntington’s also develop chorea which is an involuntary movement disorder. Because of these movements a person with Huntington’s can lose a lot of weight and have trouble walking and balancing.
Huntington’s has often been described as having ALS, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s at the same time. Unfortunately, those diagnosed with Huntington’s will eventually need full-time care and assistance with everyday activities.
Medical Marijuana Can Help!
Since there is no cure for Huntington’s, the best treatment is whatever makes the patients the most comfortable.
This is where medical marijuana steps in! If you or a loved one has Huntington’s disease, getting a medical marijuana card with us can help treat some of the specific symptoms that come along with the condition.
Marijuana can help treat a whole host of symptoms that a Huntington’s disease patient may be fighting but first let's explain a little bit about how!
The Endocannabinoid System:
The endocannabinoid system, or ECS, is a system of cannabinoid receptors that are found throughout the body. Our bodies naturally produce endocannabinoids which are similar to cannabis compounds. They interact with the ECS and are key in maintaining balance throughout the body. Sometimes the ECS can be knocked off balance due to a medical condition and the production of natural endocannabinoids can weaken.
This is where medical marijuana treatment comes into play! Marijuana produces endocannabinoids that can bring balance to the ECS and additionally trigger the production of natural endocannabinoids in the body!
Medical Marijuana Can be Effective for Many Conditions:
Because a Huntington’s diagnosis is so hard to hear, a lot of people also end up struggling with anxiety and depression. Both of which are diagnoses that can be used to get a medical marijuana card in Louisiana. Medical marijuana has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety because it acts as a natural mood enhancer, and has anti-anxiety and antidepressant properties!
Many who have Huntington’s are often on a lot of medications such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety and anti-seizure drugs to deal with the physical, emotional and mental aspects of this condition. These medications can come with a bunch of nasty side effects!
Medical marijuana can help with this because it doesn’t have any side effects at all. It also can help soothe the side effects that come with other medications like nausea, insomnia, appetite loss and GI problems.
Many with Huntington’s also experience chronic pain. Medical marijuana is a natural pain reliever! Chronic pain is actually the number one condition that people use medical marijuana for. This is not only due to the vast amount of people who have chronic pain but due to the fact that it actually works!
CBD is a chemical compound in marijuana that those with Huntington’s should look for in their medical marijuana products. Because Huntington’s is a neurodegenerative disease, it responds well to neuroprotective compounds which CBD is! CBD also works wonders because it has similar effects to antioxidants which show signs of helping neurons.
How You Can Spread Awareness!
There are many ways to spread awareness about Huntington’s this month! One way is simply by sharing this blog with your family and friends. Knowing the early signs and symptoms of Huntington’s can lead to early intervention!
There also is a Louisiana chapter of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America. You can get more detail here about joining!
Another great way to help is by donating! You can make a one time donation or sign up to make monthly contributions.
If giving your time is more of your thing, you can volunteer, advocate for those with Huntington’s, attend events or even donate your vehicle!
Doctors Who Care. Relief You Can Trust.
At Louisiana Marijuana Card, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
Call us at (833) 253-2943, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
Check out Louisiana Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the medical marijuana conversation in Louisiana!
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