Welcome to an explorative world of cannabis, where we will delve into the History, Stigma, and Medicine of Cannabis, a fascinating plant.
the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
About me, I’m Dr. Fred E Kency, Jr., MD, Board Certified Emergency Medicine Physician. I am a native of Jackson, MS, and Alcorn State University Graduate. I received my Doctorate from The University of South Alabama College of Medicine. I am a United States Navy Veteran and my unique experiences and training place me in a great area to educate patient about Cannabis.
After treating many service members and their families, I have seen the real-life trauma that stays with service members after combat, it was imperative of me to educate myself on solutions that worked, and that service members were going to maintain compliance on.
The History:
We typically hear only about the negative psychoactive effects of cannabis. The use of cannabis goes back over 6000 years. In 4000 BC, Cannabis was used in Asia as an anticonvulsant; Hypnotic/Sedating medication, and an antibiotic.
The 1937 Marijuana Tax Act is what criminalized cannabis in the USA over 85 years ago. The 1971 Controlled Substance Act placed Cannabis in Schedule 1 alongside Heroine, LSD, and Cocaine.
Medical Cannabis is legal in 30+ states, while 20+ states also have recreational cannabis laws on the books. Mississippi passed its legislation in 2022 to legalize Medical cannabis. The medical cannabis program was functional by July 2022 and dispensaries opened around February 2023.
The Stigma:
Many have discussed and proclaimed Cannabis as a “gateway drug”. Studies have been clear, the only two gateway drugs are Alcohol and Tobacco, both of which are available to any person over the age of 21 in most stores across America.
Marijuana for many historians has a racist connotation. One historian states the word was conjured from “Maria y Juana” “Brothel”, bringing ideals of Dirty, Sinful, Nasty things. No one knows the true history of the word.
The Medicine:
Cannabis has three species, Sativa, Indica, and Ruderalis. Sativa is the cannabis that is said to create a “head high”. Typically when in dominance makes people feel better and gives them more energy. It is believed to have been used in ancient times to allow artist to be more creative, possibly because if used in excess, some will get psychoactive side effects.
Cannabis Indica is said to create a “body high”. People generally report a feeling of relaxation. It is also said to Stimulate appetite, relieve nausea, and be good for insomnia.
Cannabis Ruderalis is a distant cousin and when tested, typically has a low THC and High CBD ratio, like hemp.
Cannabis releases neurotransmitters called endocannabinoids. These transmitters bind to natural receptors in the body CB1 and CB2. We have more CB1 receptors in the Central Nervous System and more CB2 receptors in the Periphery.
Cannabis affect 5 key areas and most indications for medical cannabis can be in some way, tied to these five functions.
- Inflammation/Pain
- Relaxation- Mental (PTSD/Anxiety),
- Muscle, Spasticity
- Appetite
- Anticonvulsant (Seizures)
- Nausea Control
Since investments in technology, we now have multiple avenues for delivery of cannabis into our system. Methods available in most states include Flower, Tincture, Edibles, Vape, Lotions, Creams, Pills, and transdermal patches.
Mississippi currently has 22 medical conditions that qualify for medical cannabis. To apply for a card, first contact a medical cannabis certifier, like myself: (www.KencyMedicalServices.Com) or find an extensive list on (https://www.mscannapatient.com/medical-marijuana-doctors-near-me/). Once you provide proof of a qualifying condition, you can complete an application on the MS Department of Health website and be approved in as little as 24 hours. The state technically has 10 business days to process applications. Once a card is approved, a qualified patient can visit any licensed dispensary in the state to purchase product.
