Join us on Phoenix Rising with Dr. Lynda Varlotta.
In this episode of “Phoenix Rising,” the focus is on demystifying medical marijuana, with Dr. Lynda Varlotta, a seasoned osteopath and medical marijuana educator, offering her insights. The discussion covers the therapeutic potentials of medical marijuana, differentiating between its medical and recreational use, and exploring the various components and their effects.
Medical Marijuana as a Therapeutic Agent: Dr. Varlotta shared her journey into medical marijuana, emphasizing its role in alleviating chronic pain, inflammation, and other medical conditions. She highlighted the importance of understanding the differences between CBG, CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids for targeted treatment.
Misconceptions about Medical Marijuana: The conversation addresses common misconceptions, stressing that medical marijuana should not be conflated with recreational use. The importance of recognizing the medicinal value and potential side effects of THC is discussed, alongside the non-psychoactive benefits of other cannabinoids like CBG and CBN.
Cranial Sacral Therapy and Osteopathy: Dr. Varlotta also touches on her practice in cranial sacral therapy and osteopathy, explaining how these treatments complement the use of medical marijuana by enhancing body function and promoting healing.
Educational Emphasis on Medical Marijuana: Dr. Varlotta advocates for an educational approach to prescribing medical marijuana, requiring patients to undergo a comprehensive learning process about its use, benefits, and the science behind it before obtaining their medical marijuana card.
The Holistic Integration of Medical Marijuana: They address the integration of medical marijuana with conventional medical practices and other holistic approaches, encouraging an open-minded perspective towards treatment options beyond pharmaceuticals.
Legal and Cultural Perspectives on Cannabis: Discussion extends to the legal and cultural shifts surrounding cannabis, including the historical use of hemp, the federal government’s involvement in medical cannabis research, and the evolving legal status of medical and recreational marijuana.
Patient Stories and Personal Experiences: The host shared personal experiences with medical marijuana in treating post-herpetic neuralgia from shingles, highlighting its effectiveness in managing pain and inflammation without the psychoactive effects associated with recreational marijuana use.
Call to Action for Further Education and Advocacy: Both Phoenix and Dr. Varlotta call for further education on the diverse components of cannabis and advocated for a nuanced understanding of its medical applications, encouraging both patients and practitioners to explore medical marijuana as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Dr. Lynda Varlottais a Long Island native. She graduated from NYIT/NYCOM in 1998. She graduated from the Family Residency at Stony Brook University hospital in 2002. She has been practicing Integrative/Holistic Family Medicine for 21 years in Stony Brook, NY. Taught at Touro College Osteopathic Medicine in NYC. Became a NY state Compassionate Care Physician for the Medical Marijuana Program in 2016. Passionate about being a Medical Cannabis and CBD educator.
Filmed at LTV Studios in Wainscott, NY 11975
