Holistic HealthMedical Marijuana & Cannabis
Explore This Topic

Medical Marijuana

Medical Marijuana
Irina Gutyryak/iStock
By
Updated on January 30, 2025
by
Medical marijuana is an herbal medication made from the cannabis plant. Health providers may recommend it to help treat certain medical conditions like glaucoma, Alzheimer's disease, chronic pain, and more, depending on your state’s laws.

If you think medical marijuana may be helpful for you or you have any questions about getting a prescription, speak with your healthcare provider.

What Is Medical Marijuana?

Medical marijuana consists primarily of chemical compounds called cannabinoids, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and others like terpenes.

The THC cannabinoid is the compound in the plant responsible for the mind-altering effects, or high, that marijuana is known for. CBD has been explored for its anti-inflammatory effects and use for seizures, pain, and mood disorders.

 In some states, THC can be prescribed in pill form to treat certain illnesses.

Is Medical Marijuana FDA-Approved?

There are no FDA-approved marijuana drugs to treat medical conditions. But the FDA has approved two other cannabinoids to ease symptoms of some chronic illnesses.

Epidiolex is a cannabidiol (CBD) medication used for seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, or Dravet syndrome, in patients age 2 years and older.

Marinol (Dronabinol) is a synthetic, lab-produced form of THC. It’s used for nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy and to increase appetite in HIV/AIDS patients. The main difference between Marinol and marijuana is that Marinol comes in pill form and contains only a controlled amount of THC and no other cannabinoids.

CBD vs. Medical Marijuana

CBD and marijuana share some similarities since they come from the same plant. While the CBD cannabinoid is found in the cannabis sativa plant, yet from a variety with low THC called hemp, it can be extracted separately for medicinal purposes. Unlike marijuana, CBD won’t give you psychoactive symptoms, which are those that affect your mood, thoughts, and perceptions. This is due to their low THC content.

Hemp-derived CBD products are legal on a federal level and in most states as long as they contain no more than 0.3 percent THC.

 But since CBD is classified as a prescription drug in some forms and does not fall under the current dietary supplement regulations, the FDA is proposing a new regulatory framework to address safety concerns and better protect consumers.

Both CBD and marijuana have some risks if you decide to use them. While generally considered safe, it may cause liver damage at higher doses and for those at increased risk.

 Others include diarrhea, changes in mood, and interactions with other drugs. Researchers are still working to better understand its effects.

Risks of marijuana include panic attacks, increased heart rate, hallucinations, withdrawal symptoms, and impaired cognition.

What Is Medical Marijuana Used For?

Medical marijuana is prescribed to manage various conditions, often where mainstream medical treatments have been insufficient. Common intended uses include:

  • Chronic pain relief
  • Reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
  • Improving appetite in conditions like HIV/AIDS
  • Managing neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis or epilepsy
  • Addressing mental health conditions like anxiety, or PTSD (in some cases)
  • Glaucoma, though research proving its effectiveness for this is limited
  • Sleep problems
  • Helping to reduce opioid use
  • Alzheimer's disease, though more research is necessary to prove its effectiveness

Medical Marijuana Safety and Side Effects

Research on medical marijuana’s safety is evolving, and much of the existing research shows mixed results. While marijuana may benefit certain patients, others may not tolerate it as well. There’s a need for larger, longer-term studies to prove its effectiveness. But there are some generally known short and long-term effects linked to medical marijuana use.

Side Effects

The main side effect of medical marijuana is the “high” feeling created by THC. For some, this high might make you feel happy or relaxed. For others, you may feel restless or irritated. It’s also common to feel forgetful or experience impaired thinking.

If you take marijuana in very high doses, you’re more likely to experience side effects like:

  • Paranoia
  • Anxiety
  • Hallucinations
  • Increased appetite
Be sure to keep any cannabis products away from children. Its side effects may be severe enough to require hospitalization.

Long-Term Health Effects

The regular recreational use of marijuana may cause negative — and possibly permanent — changes to the brain that can affect:

  • Memory
  • Processing
  • Learning
  • Decision making
Studies also show that for some people, long-term marijuana use can also heighten the risk of:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Psychosis
  • Chronic bronchitis
  • Certain cancers, such as lung, head, neck, and throat cancer
  • Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain after use)

Regular marijuana use also has a risk of addiction and dependency. Some experts estimate this to be the case for around 10 percent of long-term users.

Who Shouldn’t Use Medical Marijuana

Medical marijuana may not be safe for everyone. It generally is not advised for:

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women
  • Children and teens (due to brain development concerns)
  • People with a history of substance abuse
  • Those with psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia
  • People taking medications that interact with cannabis

Forms of Medical Marijuana

Medical marijuana and CBD can be consumed in various forms, including:

  • Inhalation (smoking or vaping)
  • Edibles, like gummies or brownies
  • Tinctures and oils
  • Capsules or tablets
  • Topicals (lotions or balms)

Where Is Medical Marijuana Legal?

Marijuana is illegal at the federal level and regulated as a Schedule 1 drug. But state-based programs are allowed to devise their own laws for medical marijuana, which can lead to variations in what health conditions it can be prescribed to treat, as well as the quality and potency of the drug.

Therefore, medical marijuana’s legality varies by state. It is currently legal in the following states:

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Georgia (limited)
  • Hawaii
  • Illinois
  • Indiana (CBD oil only)
  • Iowa (limited)
  • Kansas (CBD oil only)
  • Kentucky (limited)
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi (limited)
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska (CBD oil only)
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Carolina (CBD oil only)
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina (CBD oil only)
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee (limited)
  • Texas (limited)
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin (CBD oil only)
  • Wyoming (limited)

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Prescription

Each state has its own procedure for allowing its residents to purchase medical marijuana. Check your state’s department of health website to find out exactly what the process in your state entails.

Each state also has a list of qualifying conditions that they’ve approved for the use of medical marijuana. These lists, while they vary from state to state, often include conditions like cancer, anxiety, and inflammatory bowel disease.

No matter what state you’re in, in order to buy medical marijuana, you will have to take these steps:

  • Find a registered physician who will confirm in writing that you have a qualifying condition that would be improved by the drug.
  • Submit this information to your state’s department of health.
  • Receive an ID card that allows you to purchase medical marijuana at a dispensary.
States, and sometimes counties within states, charge fees for card applications. Some states, like California, will waive or reduce the fee for eligible patients. Since medical marijuana isn't regulated like prescription drugs, it's important to get help to determine a quality source that is third-party tested and in a dose and form that is appropriate for your condition. It's recommended to get help from a trained physician or health provider experienced in this area before starting medical marijuana. This also applies to CBD when used outside of its prescription formulations.

The Takeaway

  • Medical marijuana can provide relief from various health conditions, but be cautious when taking it, as it comes with risks.
  • There are two cannabinoid medications that are FDA-approved to help ease certain conditions, but your doctor may still prescribe you marijuana if it’s legal in your state.
  • CBD is another type of cannabinoid that is legal on a federal level and may provide similar relief for some conditions as marijuana but has its own risks and side effects.

Common Questions & Answers

What are the pros and cons of medical marijuana?
The major benefit of medical marijuana is that it may alleviate pain or symptoms associated with some severe chronic issues. But marijuana isn’t well tolerated by everyone, has a risk of dependency, and may cause an increase in heart rate, anxiety, or paranoia.
The diseases and illnesses that qualify for a medical marijuana card vary by state, but common conditions include chronic pain, seizures, and multiple sclerosis. Check if you qualify with your physician or your state’s department of health.
The cost of medical marijuana cards varies by state. On average, prices vary from $50 to $200. Because THC is illegal federally, medical marijuana purchases can’t be covered by insurance.

Resources We Trust

Meet Our Experts
See Our Editorial PolicyMeet Our Health Expert Network
Justin Laube, MD

Justin Laube, MD

Medical Reviewer

Justin Laube, MD, is a board-certified integrative and internal medicine physician, a teacher, and a consultant with extensive expertise in integrative health, medical education, and trauma healing.

He graduated with a bachelor's in biology from the University of Wisconsin and a medical degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School. During medical school, he completed a graduate certificate in integrative therapies and healing practices through the Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing. He completed his three-year residency training in internal medicine at the University of California in Los Angeles on the primary care track and a two-year fellowship in integrative East-West primary care at the UCLA Health Center for East-West Medicine.

He is currently taking a multiyear personal and professional sabbatical to explore the relationship between childhood trauma, disease, and the processes of healing. He is developing a clinical practice for patients with complex trauma, as well as for others going through significant life transitions. He is working on a book distilling the insights from his sabbatical, teaching, and leading retreats on trauma, integrative health, mindfulness, and well-being for health professionals, students, and the community.

Previously, Dr. Laube was an assistant clinical professor at the UCLA Health Center for East-West Medicine and the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, where he provided primary care and integrative East-West medical consultations. As part of the faculty, he completed a medical education fellowship and received a certificate in innovation in curriculum design and evaluation. He was the fellowship director at the Center for East-West Medicine and led courses for physician fellows, residents, and medical students.

See full bio

Jasmine Lynn Seales

Author

Jasmine Lynn Seales is a writer and editor with expertise in health, wellness, and lifestyle topics. Her writing has appeared in Healthline, Healthgrades, Self, and Architectural Digest, among others, where she covered health-focused stories ranging from wellness products to rare diseases and public health issues. She has also contributed editorially to CNN and other local news outlets.

Originally from Detroit, she now lives in Atlanta with her Pomeranian-Chihuahua mix, Jewels.

See full bio
See Our Editorial PolicyMeet Our Health Expert Network
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Medical Marijuana. Mayo Clinic. May 30, 2024.
  2. Cannabis (Marijuana). National Institute on Drug Abuse. September 2024.
  3. EPIDIOLEX® (cannabidiol) oral solution. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. March 2024.
  4. MARINOL (dronabinol) capsules, for oral use, CIII. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. January 2023.
  5. About CBD. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. February 15, 2024.
  6. DOT "CBD" Notice. Department of Transportation. February 18, 2020.
  7. FDA Concludes That Existing Regulatory Frameworks for Foods and Supplements Are Not Appropriate for Cannabidiol, Will Work With Congress on a New Way Forward. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. January 26, 2023.
  8. Cannabidiol. LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. February 16, 2023.
  9. Weiner S. CBD: Does it work? Is it safe? Is it legal? Association of American Medical Colleges. July 20, 2023.
  10. Cannabis (Marijuana) and Cannabinoids: What You Need to Know. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. November 2019.
  11. Cannabis and Mental Health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. February 15, 2024.
  12. Cue L et al. Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome. National Library of Medicine. July 3, 2023.
  13. Cannabis/Marijuana Use Disorder. Yale Medicine.
  14. Marijuana Addiction. Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation.
  15. P Grinspoon. Common questions about medical cannabis. Harvard Health. May 28, 2021.
  16. Drug Fact Sheet: Marijuana/Cannabis. Drug Enforcement Administration. April 2020.
  17. State Medical Cannabis Laws. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. February 16, 2024.
  18. Waters B. A Guide to Choosing the Right Medical Cannabis Product. Utah Patients Coalition. April 26, 2023.