Everyone has bouts of anxiety now and then — but what happens when it becomes a common occurrence in your life? Experts estimate that about 19% of the US population has some sort of anxiety disorder, with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) being the most prevalent one.
Furthermore, about 30% of the population reports going through a period of anxiety each year. This puts anxiety disorders in the spotlight of scientific research, as the need for newer, more effective treatments becomes more imperative.
Several studies show that low doses of THC can help people cope with anxiety in the short term. Paired with long-term treatment (such as talk therapy), marijuana could become a viable treatment in the near future.
But how does one go about getting medical marijuana for treating anxiety? And more importantly: can you get a medical card for anxiety in Pennsylvania? Keep reading to find out.
Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana in Pennsylvania
To get a medical card in Pennsylvania, you must first register in the Medical Marijuana Register. There, the website will ask for some personal information, such as ID card, current address, and contact information.
Once you’re registered, you must visit an approved physician who can certify that you have one of the following qualifying medical conditions:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Anxiety
- Autism
- Cancer
- Chronic hepatitis C
- Crohn’s disease
- Damage to the spinal cord’s nervous tissue with an objective neurological indication of uncompromising spasticity
- Dyskinetic and spastic movement disorders
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Huntington’s disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Intractable seizures
- Multiple sclerosis
- Neuropathies
- Neurodegenerative diseases
- Opioid use disorder
- Parkinson’s disease
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Severe, chronic, or intractable pain
- Sickle cell anemia
- Terminal illness
- Tourette syndrome
After being certified by an approved physician, the only thing left to do is to return to the Medical Marijuana Registry. You’ll then complete your application and pay a $50 fee to gain access to your brand-new medical card.
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So Can You Get a Medical Card for Anxiety in PA?
Yes! You can get a medical card for anxiety in Pennsylvania.
As you may have noticed, anxiety is the second condition on the list of qualifying medical conditions above. This means you’ll be able to get a medical card to treat your anxiety without any problems — as long as an approved physician can certify your condition.
Although everyone goes through anxiety at some point in their lives, you may have to have a history of long-term, excessive anxiety to be certified. If you’re having doubts, make sure to check with a doctor first to ensure you’ll be eligible for a medical card.
The Effects of Cannabis on Anxiety
As any experienced cannabis enthusiast will tell you, marijuana is a fantastic stress reliever and relaxer. But do these benefits also apply to cases of anxiety?
Research shows that the link between anxiety and marijuana is generally positive, although more definitive research is required. A recent 2022 study, for example, concluded that CBD-focused marijuana can help manage anxiety disorders. THC, on the other hand, showed mixed results — although that doesn’t mean it can’t be of help too.
A systematic review showed similar results, but it focused more on social anxiety than on generalized anxiety. The same study also points out that marijuana may also help improve sleep — which can also lead to a decrease in anxiety levels.
Another report states that THC at low doses can decrease anxiety, while high doses can increase it. CBD, on the other hand, seems to reduce anxiety at any dose, making CBD-oriented products the better choice for most people with anxiety.
If you’re unsure regarding whether or not marijuana can help in your particular case, make sure to check with a doctor. A licensed professional will be able to clear any doubts you may have and provide viable alternatives if marijuana isn’t the answer.
Schedule an Appointment with a Medical Marijuana Doctor in Pennsylvania Today!
Luckily, Pennsylvania has made it fairly easy for people with anxiety (or any other qualifying condition) to get a PA medical card. Simply register into the Medical Marijuana Registry, get certified by an approved physician, and you’ll get your card in no time.
However, we at Green Health Docs understand that nothing about anxiety is as simple as it seems. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to make the process as simple as possible for everyone — no matter which condition you may have.
We’re committed to helping people get a hold of their lives once again while also discovering the incredible benefits of marijuana. If you’re ready to take the reins, schedule an appointment with Green Health Docs today!
This article has been reviewed by Dr. Anand Dugar, an anesthesiologist, pain medicine physician and the founder of Green Health Docs. Graduating from medical school in 2004 and residency in 2008, Dr. Dugar has been a licensed physician for almost 20 years and has been leading the push for medical cannabis nationwide.