Anthony Dutcher Interview – Discussing the Importance of Medical Marijuana

We are very excited to be able to bring you an interview about medical marijuana with the Marketing Director of Veriheal, Mr. Anthony Dutcher. As a former Community Director at Crypto Media Group and a former COO of Vix Media Group, Mr. Dutcher is a well respected and authentic source of both reliable and valuable information and educated insight on several current modern-day topics and issues.

More on our distinguished guest

• Mr. Dutcher has a BBA in Business Administration Management ^[1]
• His trusted opinion is very much sought after since the year 2017 where he helped market on behalf of public offerings totaling over $100 million in raised capital, so his words bring authenticity and are universally acclaimed
• Mr. Dutcher has successfully coordinated marketing campaigns for over a hundred projects across major industries including healthcare, cannabis, technology, blockchain, and media

For the interview transcript, the abbreviations used are IJ (Interviewing Journalist) and AD (Anthony Dutcher). Let’s hear from the man himself and look closer and delve into our interview with Anthony Dutcher

Medical Marijuana FAQ

IJ: Mr. Dutcher, it is a pleasure to meet you. I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for sharing your time with us today. So we can get the most out of our slot, I will press on with the first question straight away. How would you describe medical marijuana?

AD: “Many people imagine that medical marijuana is a different plant from recreational marijuana, but Veriheal believes they are one and the same. Medical marijuana is the same as recreational marijuana, and it contains 100+ cannabinoids, each having a different effect on the body. The only difference is that people who take medical marijuana have a health condition, and the plant’s use can help manage symptoms or improve their wellbeing.”

IJ: It is well publicized that the list of medical conditions that marijuana can manage is quite extensive. Can you elaborate on the conditions medical marijuana can treat?

AD: “Many studies have shown that regular use of medical marijuana can improve the symptoms of several illnesses, such as chronic pain, epilepsy, Crohn’s disease, muscle spasms, and multiple sclerosis. Medical marijuana can also help manage the symptoms of mental health conditions such as anxiety and chronic stress since it promotes a sense of calm and relaxation ^[2]. Of course, the efficiency of medical marijuana for all these conditions hasn’t been clinically proven yet, since it’s a relatively new option. It’s only now starting to be researched, but, so far, results are most encouraging in my opinion. The most significant amount of clinical evidence for the health benefits of medical marijuana is for reducing the muscle spasms caused by multiple sclerosis and reducing the side-effects of chemotherapy (nausea, vomiting, pain) ^[3]. There is also evidence to suggest that marijuana might help control seizures ^[4], and the FDA approved a drug called Epidiolex, which contains CBD, for the management of severe seizures. ^[5]“

IJ: That is amazing and let’s hope the research continues to produce encouraging results. Before we move on, can you just briefly explain how medical marijuana is so beneficial to so many conditions?

AD: “Research is still underway, but scientists and Veriheal believe that it could be because the hundreds of cannabinoids in the cannabis plant have effects on multiple areas of the body. Thus, medical marijuana might reduce anxiety, ease muscle spasms, reduce chronic pain, stimulate appetite, control inflammation, and more.”

IJ: On the legality of cannabis, as it is such a controversial and divisive topic, I’d be grateful if you could clear something up for us. Is medical marijuana legal or illegal?

AD: “You should also keep in mind that the list of medical conditions eligible for medical marijuana varies from state to state and is subject to change at any time. California was the first state to legalize medical marijuana in 1996 ^[6]. Since then, 33 more states have legalized it, and so did the District of Columbia. However, the regulations surrounding medical marijuana use and the steps needed to qualify differ from state to state. For instance, in some states, you need a medical marijuana ID card, while a doctor’s recommendation is enough in others. To make sure you take medical marijuana legally, I would advise checking your state’s requirements.”

IJ: Some people eat a brownie, others use a capsule rather than smoking it. What is the best way to take medical marijuana?

AD: “Medical marijuana may be a versatile remedy, but, to enjoy all its benefits, you should take it according to your needs and always based on what your doctor recommends. Depending on the issue you want to manage and the severity of the symptoms, there are several consumption methods. Orally, you can consume sublingually, by putting a few drops under your tongue, by eating it, or by ingesting it (as a pill). You can smoke it or inhale it through a vaporizer. You can apply it directly to your skin as a cream or lotion. Your doctor may suggest one or more of these consumption methods. For example, if I suffered from chronic pain, they might recommend me inhaling it for quick relief, plus a cream to provide sustained effects throughout the day. As for the dosage, that varies too. In general, Veriheal doctors recommend a small concentration, to begin with, and then they work their way up depending on how you respond.”

IJ: How do people control this, as with any drug it seems likely if left to an individual to manage, it could spiral out of control. Is it possible to overdose from medical marijuana?

AD: “Firstly, it is physically impossible to consume 1,500 pounds of cannabis in 15 minutes – that’s how much it takes to overdose. And second, your dosage will be strictly controlled. A licensed physician or cannabis coach will instruct you on how to take marijuana for the best results, based on the severity of your symptoms.”

IJ: OK that is certainly reassuring. I presume that the prescription is for a set period. Is that true or can you take medical marijuana indefinitely?

AD: “The duration of usage again depends on your medical condition. You can take medical marijuana in the short term to cope with the pain and inflammation caused by an accident, or, if you have a chronic illness, such as severe anxiety disorder or MS, therapy might span for years. In that case, you can easily renew your marijuana recommendation with a doctor on Veriheal’s platform.”

IJ: That makes sense. A lot of people wonder how they get started with the process. Can you explain the approval process for medical marijuana?

AD: “Depending on the state in which you live, you will need a medical marijuana recommendation from a licensed physician. I’d recommend using Veriheal, a telehealth platform that streamlines the process of obtaining a recommendation. All you need to do is sign up on the website and complete an online profile where you mention your existing health conditions. Then, you will meet with a qualified medical professional who will evaluate you. Depending on your conditions and the regulations in your state, they will decide if you are eligible for medical marijuana, and if you are, they will give you a recommendation.”

IJ: We are actually running out of time now, so one last question for you Mr. Dutcher. How long is a typical marijuana card valid for?

AD: “Your recommendation or ID card for medical marijuana is only valid for a limited time, typically up to 12 months. After it expires and your doctor can ascertain that you can still benefit from its usage, you can easily renew it.”

IJ: Mr. Dutcher, it’s been fascinating, thank you once more for joining us today. We wish you well and hope to speak with you again soon.