Qualifying Conditions
Epilepsy or a Seizure Disorder
Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain that causes seizures. Seizures may occur because of a genetic disorder, traumatic brain injury (TBI), central nervous system infection, or stroke. Seizures are a common occurrence, affecting an estimated 8 to 10 percent of the population over a lifetime. If you have been diagnosed with epilepsy or a seizure disorder, you can qualify for medical marijuana in the state of Texas. There are some case studies that report marijuana can decrease seizure frequency; however, randomized trials of the efficacy of cannabinoids for different forms of epilepsy have also been completed and await publication. Be aware that cannabis can interact with some seizure medications. Make sure to notify your neurologist if you start using medical marijuana.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disabling disease of the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord), where the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibers and causes communication problems between your brain and the rest of your body. Some people develop debilitating symptoms that get worse over time. Medical marijuana can alleviate some of these symptoms, such as muscle spasticity.
Spasticity
Spasticity is defined as involuntary increased muscle tone leading to stiffness or spasms. This can interfere with movement and is associated with pain. Some muscle spasms can be attributed to damaged nerve pathways in the brain or spinal cord. Muscle spasms can also be associated with traumatic brain injuries, strokes, cerebral palsy, MS, or ALS. Patients in the state of Texas can qualify for medical marijuana for troubling muscle spasms.
Muscle spasticity can also be treated with other medications or interventions. Some of these medications are muscle relaxants, such as Baclofen or Tizanidine. Botox injections can also be used to treat spasticity. You can talk with your physician about all possible options.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease (after the famous baseball player who died of the disease), is a rare neurological disease that affects motor neurons which leads to involuntary muscle movements. Unfortunately, ALS has no known cure and becomes very debilitating to patients. Preliminary data suggest that cannabinoids may have modest effects on spasticity and pain, although further studies are needed to validate this. Here at Zen Cannabis Clinic, we will work with you to find the right dose of medical cannabis for you.
Huntington's disease
Huntington’s disease is a rare, inherited disease that causes the progressive breakdown (degeneration) of nerve cells in the brain. Huntington’s disease usually results in movement, thinking (cognitive) and psychiatric disorders. Huntington’s disease symptoms can develop at any time, but they often first appear when people are in their 30s or 40s.
People with Huntington disease can experience changes in their mood, muscle rigidity, insomnia, and irritability. Medical Marijuana can help patients with these unwanted symptoms.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy is a type of nerve damage. This can be caused by an injury to the “central nervous system” that is made up of the brain and spinal cord or the “peripheral nervous system” that is made up of the nerves in the body. Common injuries to the central nervous system are accidents (involving the spinal cord or brain) and strokes. Injuries to peripheral nerves can happen with diabetes, an autoimmune process, infection, or medications (such as chemotherapy). A few studies found cannabis to be helpful in treating neuropathic pain. Zen Cannabis clinic will work with you to find the right ratio of THC/CBD for you.
Dementia
Dementia is the general term for a group of brain disorders that cause memory issues and make it hard to think clearly. Symptoms start very mild and get worse over time. The most common kinds of dementia are Alzheimer’s dementia, Parkinson disease dementia, vascular dementia, or dementia secondary to Lewy bodies.
Dementia can cause behavioral disturbances, insomnia, or issues with muscle movements. Medical marijuana might be able to relieve some of these symptoms. Here at Zen Cannabis Clinic, we will work with you to find the right dose of medical cannabis.
Autism
Autism spectrum disorder, often called just “autism,” is a developmental disability that affects how a person interacts with the world. It can make it difficult for a person to communicate with or understand other people. It can also cause behaviors that are different from how people without autism act. The cause of autism is not known.
There is some promising data on the effects of cannabinoids on symptoms of autism including hyperactivity, attacks of self-mutilation and anger, sleep problems, anxiety, restlessness, psychomotor agitation, and irritability. However, randomized, blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials are necessary to clarify findings on the effects of cannabis and its cannabinoids in individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
Incurable Neurodegenerative Disease
These conditions are defined by permanent damage to nerve cells in the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerves. Some of these common conditions are neuropathies, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, amyloidosis, etc…
For the list of all these conditions please visit this website:
If you are not sure if you have a qualifying condition, don’t hesitate to contact our office.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is a long-standing pain that persists beyond the usual recovery period after an injury, or it occurs along with a chronic health condition, such as arthritis. Chronic pain is one of the most common reasons that patients seek medical attention. Chronic pain results from combined biologic, psychological, and social factors, and most often requires a multifactorial approach to management. Pain can interfere with your life’s work and normal daily activities, causing you to become depressed and irritable. Depression and irritability often lead to insomnia and weariness, leading to more irritability, depression, and pain. This state is called the “terrible triad” of suffering.
Chronic pain is currently awaiting Texas Senate approval to be added to list of approved conditions. Many people who suffer from chronic pain have other qualified diagnosis such as PTSD. Here at Zen Cannabis Clinic, we will review your qualifications for medical marijuana.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event. Some patients report improvement in anxiety and sleep after using medical marijuana. Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of THC/CBD on PTSD symptoms.
Most people who go through traumatic events may have temporary difficulty adjusting and coping, but with time and good self-care, they usually improve. However, if the symptoms worsen, last for months or even years, and interfere with your day-to-day functioning, you may have PTSD.
If you think you have undiagnosed PTSD, you can be evaluated by our provider and be started on medicinal marijuana. It’s recommended that you also follow up with a psychiatrist and/or psychologist.
People can develop PTSD in response to traumatic events. This includes a traumatic death of a loved one. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a lot of people to experience the death of a loved one and consequently develop PTSD. Many healthcare providers also developed PTSD during the COVID-19 Pandemic as they witnessed an unusual number of deaths. If you believe you have signs/symptoms of PTSD, we can evaluate your condition with a simple questionnaire. You can find the questionnaire online at
Cancer
Cancer is the result of some of your body cells multiplying and growing uncontrollably.
Cancer and its treatments can come with many limiting symptoms such as pain, neuropathy, loss of appetite, anxiety, and nausea & vomiting. Patients with cancer in the state of Texas can benefit from the positive effects of cannabis to relieve these symptoms.
THC is an effective treatment for nausea and vomiting caused by cancer treatments. It can also help increase your appetite. CBD can help with sleep and anxiety. Some people report improvement in their pain and needing less pain medicine. Marijuana also has less side effects than medications used to treat cancer pain (i.e., opioids).
Cannabis may also be used by individuals who are seeking palliative and end-of-life symptom relief. Often, these symptoms include pain, nausea, insomnia, agitation, and/or night sweats.
Zen Cannabis Clinic will work with you to find the formulation that’s right for you.