As medical director for Medical Cannabis of Southern California I often evaluate patients who experience costochondritis. Costochondritis is is pain at the location of the cartilage where the ribs attach to your sternum (breast plate). Ultimately it is the result of inflammation of the cartilage and the joint. Typically it is very painful and is often treated with rest, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like motrin or if treating the underlying cause if it is easily defined. Recently I had two patients who were treating their chest wall pain with cannabis with great success.

As medical director for Medical Cannabis of Southern California I often evaluate women who suffer from pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS)/premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). They often complain of headache, pelvic pain, breast pain, difficulty sleeping, bloating, irritability, anxiety, depression and an inability to concentrate. Typically the standard treatment that their doctors prescribe do not work well enough and they would like to try cannabis. I have seen amazing results with women who vaporize cannabis to treat their PMS.

As medical director for Medical Cannabis of Southern California I often evaluate patients suffering from fibromyalgia. The majority of my fibromyalgia patients are women in the >40 age group. Typically they present to me with a bag of prescription pain medications that they would like to stop.

As medical director for Medical Cannabis of Southern California I often evaluate patients who complain of muscle and joint pain. Two days ago I had a patient come into my office with the diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica who had heard that cannabis can help reduce muscle inflammation and pain.

As medical director for Medical Cannabis of Southern California I often evaluate patients who suffer from arthritis. Many patients are unaware of the significant anti-inflammatory properties that cannabinoids (the medically active ingredients in the plant) have.

As medical director for Medical Cannabis of Southern California I frequently evaluate women who suffer from the symptoms of perimenopause. Fortunately cannabis can be a great alternative treatment for many of the symptoms women experience during this time.