What is Chronic Pain?

Medical Marijuana vs. Opiates

Albany Medical Marijuana

 Opiates (narcotics) can cause depression, fatigue, insomnia and at higher doses, severe addiction. Patients using medical marijuana for chronic pain often report better sleep, improved pain control and a decrease in narcotic use.  There are ten times more marijuana receptors in the brain as opiate receptors. This makes marijuana a versatile vehicle to help control chronic pain.  Communities that have approved medical marijuana for chronic pain have experienced a decrease in prescriptions written for opiates. The decision to give New Yorkers another sensible pain control option has clear benefits to those who suffer from debilitating chronic pain. Our testimonials are real life stories from our patients who have experienced significant benefit from medical marijuana used to treat  severe,  intractable pain.

In January 2017 New York State expanded the 'qualifying conditions' for medical marijuana to include chronic pain. What is chronic pain?  Chronic pain is defined as any pain lasting more than 12 weeks.  Chronic pain can persist for months, years, or permanently.  This pain can come from arthritis, neuropathy, sciatica, joint pain, abdominal pain, neck pain, back pain, etc. The only requirement is the chronic pain is severe enough that it interferes with your enjoyment of life.