Are you suffering from cachexia or wasting syndrome, and are curious if you would be eligible for Delaware medical marijuana for cachexia or wasting syndrome? As you know it can be absolutely debilitating to suffer from cachexia or wasting syndrome. And it is completely understandable to be looking for alternatives to help with this condition.
The good news is that as a Delaware resident you can access medical marijuana for cachexia or wasting syndrome. If you suffer from cachexia or wasting syndrome and have questions about the possibility of obtaining a Delaware medical marijuana card, the team at Green Relief Health is here to help! Our Patient Care Coordinators can be reached Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at 302-564-9994 or by scheduling an appointment here.
What Is Cachexia?
Cachexia is often commonly referred to as wasting syndrome. It is typically often associated with an underlying condition and leads to not only weight loss but also muscle loss that often is not reversible. Cachexia can often occur alongside conditions such as cancer or AIDS, but it can also be associated with heart failure, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cystic fibrosis. Many with cachexia may appear malnourished and underweight, but this is not always the case. It is possible for someone to have cachexia or wasting syndrome while still appearing to have a normal weight. This means that physicians and providers need to be diligent in monitoring patients that they suspect could have cachexia. Typically, to diagnose cachexia, you are looking for several clues in addition to weight loss or appearing malnourished. Patients will often experience fatigue, reduced muscle strength, reduced appetite, and a loss of at least five percent of body weight over 12 months.
The significant amount of body weight loss that occurs from cachexia can lead to several other serious problems including death. In fact, it has been estimated that, in 20-25% of those with advanced solid tumors, it is considered the primary cause of death while also being a significant comorbidity in others, reducing median survival by up to 30%. As you can imagine energy loss and fatigue also cause significant quality of life issues for many patients. For this reason, and many other patients often seek alternative treatments for cachexia.
How Can Delaware Medical Marijuana Help For Cachexia?
Ok now that we know a little bit more about what cachexia or wasting syndrome is we can explore how Delaware medical marijuana may be able to help. One aspect of any disease that is often not spoken about is the psychological effects of a disease. Patients with cachexia often isolate themselves do to their condition. This has the potential to lead to anxiety and depression. Feelings of anxiety and depression can often compound the problems associated with cachexia such as lack of appetite. Many treatments for cachexia often come with their own side effects. For example, Oxandrolone is an anabolic steroid that doctors may prescribe to cachexia patients. Side effects of Oxandrolone include acne, increased hair growth, voice changes, and menstruation abnormalities in women.
The research on medical marijuana for cachexia is positive. In fact, dronabinol was one of the first FDA approved forms of medical marijuana that is used to treat nausea, vomiting, and cachexia in cancer and AIDS patients. One 2007 study published a double-blind study comparing the effects of marijuana, dronabinol, and a placebo on caloric intake and found that both marijuana and dronabinol positively impacted body weight.
The ability of marijuana to have appetite gain from marijuana is well known. For many patients with cachexia the increase in appetite can be significant while using medical marijuana. However, it isn’t just the increase in appetite that many patients will report as helpful. Marijuana will often demonstrate a calming or anti-anxiety effect for some patients. This can help patients deal with some of the psychological factors associated with cachexia.
Can I Get A Medical Card For Cachexia in Delaware?
The good news is that you can get a medical card for cachexia in Delaware. The state of Delaware has 14 conditions specifically listed in the law and cachexia is one listed in the law. To qualify for Delaware medical marijuana for cachexia you will need to be able to document your cachexia or wasting syndrome diagnosis.
A patient can document their cachexia through their medical history. You will need to be able to show that in your medical history you have been seen by a provider for this cachexia. Inside of your medical history there will be notes that your provider has made to document the existence of cachexia or wasting syndrome.
Getting Your Delaware Medical Card For Cachexia
Once it is determined that you have a proper qualifying condition for a medical card like cachexia you will need to see a certified medical cannabis doctor in Delaware. This provider will meet with you to go over your medical history and qualifying condition. If the provider finds that you meet the criteria to qualify for a medical card in the state of Delaware, you will then be able to submit your application to the Delaware Office of Medical Marijuana.
After your doctor’s visit there is still one step to go to qualify for a Delaware medical marijuana card. You will then need to submit an application to the state of Delaware to verify your residency in the state. In addition, you will sign a form to release your medical information to the state of Delaware which is a part of the approval process. This process can either be done online or through the mail. There is a $50 application fee to submit this application to the state of Delaware, which is important to keep in mind.
How Can Green Relief Health Help?
If you’re curious about whether you may qualify for a Delaware medical marijuana card for cachexia, reach out to us today! If you’d like to speak with a Green Relief Health team member, you may contact our office Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. On our website you can also find a large selection of educational blogs, an FAQ page with answers to frequently asked questions, and our own line of hemp-derived CBD that’s recommended by physicians!
