Medical cannabis, or medical marijuana, has been gaining popularity in recent years. There is evidence to suggest that the active ingredients in cannabis can treat symptoms associated with a variety of health problems. Cannabis is now used in conjunction with traditional medications to reduce pain, nausea, vomiting, muscle spasms, and to increase appetite. While there are plenty of people who benefit from using cannabis medically, it's efficacy can vary. Here are three things that you should know about medical marijuana.

It's Not Legal Everywhere

The first thing that you should be aware of before you seek out medical marijuana is that it is not available everywhere. Medical marijuana is legal in 29 states, as well as in the District of Columbia. Possession limits and other specifics regarding the use of medical marijuana can vary from state to state.

If you are considering seeking out medical cannabis, you will need to know whether or not it is legal to do so in your state. You will also need to get a recommendation from a doctor and an ID card in most states to be able to obtain medical marijuana.

What It Can Treat

While many benefit greatly from the use of medical cannabis, it's not a cure-all. There are plenty of symptoms and conditions that are not alleviated through its use. Research done on medical cannabis has also been limited.

However, medical cannabis is often used to treat nausea and appetite loss due to chemotherapy or chronic illness, muscle spasms that are caused by multiple sclerosis, seizure disorders, and the symptoms of Crohn's disease.

For medicinal purposes, cannabis can be smoked, eaten, taken in liquid form, or vaporized. Consulting with a medical professional can help you determine if cannabis will be effective at treating your symptoms.

The Cost

Another thing that you should be aware of when it comes to medical cannabis is the cost. Costs can vary depending on the amount of cannabis purchased, the quality of the cannabis, and your location.

On average you can expect to pay between $200 and $400 for an ounce of marijuana buds. Concentrates typically range from $20 to $60 per gram while edible products range from $2 to $5 per dose. Many areas even have medical marijuana delivery services that will deliver right to your door.

If you are considering medical cannabis, there are a few things that you should now. It's not legal in every state, so make sure that you are knowledgeable about your state's laws before you seek out medical cannabis. While it can treat a variety of symptoms, it's not for everyone. Costs can also vary depending on where you live and the type of cannabis used.