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Causes, incidence, and risk factors | Bipolar disorder affects men and women equally and usually appears between the ages of 15 and 25. The exact cause is unknown, but it occurs more often in relatives of people with bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder results from disturbances in the areas of the brain that regulate mood. During manic periods, a person with bipolar disorder may be overly impulsive and energetic, with an exaggerated sense of self. The depressed phase brings overwhelming feelings of anxiety, low self-worth, and suicidal thoughts.
Source: healthprofessor.com (ORG, Info) | Bi Polar - Questions About Bipolar Disorder? Find Answers On Our Bipolar Site.
...
Click > here < for more.
Treatments for Bipolar.
How is Bipolar Disorder diagnosed and treated?
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Bipolar Disorder is usually diagnosed by a psychiatrist, a specialist, equipped to recognize the symptoms. An accurate diagnosis is very important, because treatment will usually include medications. If the wrong medications are prescribed, symptoms may worsen, or side effects may occur. It is wise to have a medical evaluation to be sure the symptoms do not come from another source, like poor thyroid or kidney function, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, lupus, even sodium imbalance. Bipolar Disorder can also be misdiagnosed as other psychiatric disorders like borderline personality, eating disorders, or schizophrenia.
If Bipolar Disorder is confirmed, a combination of therapies is often used with good results. These can reduce the frequency and severity of episodes. Treatment(s) can include:
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Medications like lithium, anticonvulsants (which are used with good results), medication to treat extreme manic episodes, medication to treat insomnia
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Education and therapy for the patient and family
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Psychotherapy
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Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). New methods have created a resurgence in the use of ECT. It can be used in severe cases of BP that do not respond to other treatments
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Assessment of patterns of Bipolar episodes in the life and schedule of the diagnosed individual
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Cognitive behavioral therapy
Source: bipolarcentral.com (BIZ, Info) Bipolar Disorder (BP) | Bipolar Disorder? Learn How to Cope/Deal with Loved One's Crazy Bipolar Behavior ...
Click > here < for more.
Treatment of bipolar disorder - Wikipedia | Current medical marijuana pharmaceuticals (such as dronabinol, marketed as Marinol) exist in the U.S. while Sativex, a whole-plant cannabis extract, ...
The emphasis of the treatment of bipolar disorder is on effective management of the long-term course of the illness, which can involve treatment of emergent symptoms. Treatment methods include pharmacological and psychological techniques.
A variety of medications are used to treat bipolar disorder; most people with bipolar disorder require combinations of medications.
visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treatment_of_bipolar_disorder
Bipolar Disorder, a
Site for Bipolar Disorder Advice, Articles & Medical Facts
|
The Basics of Bipolar Disorder
• What Is Bipolar Disorder?
• From Manic to Depressed: Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
• Video: Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
• Slideshow: What Is Mania in Bipolar Disorder?
• Video: How Does Mania in Bipolar Look and Feel?
• How to Diagnose Bipolar Disorder
• 5 Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Bipolar Disorder
• The Risk of Suicide for Bipolar Patients
• Bipolar Disorder Is Different for Women
...
Click > here < for more.
Bipolar
How much do you really know about Bipolar? Learn more about Bipolar!
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Is it Bipolar Disorder?
Uncovering Bipolar Disorder
7 Signs to Look For
Harvard's Special Report
·Managing Mania
Managing the Ups
Treatments for Bipolar Mania
The Clock Gene and Mania
Click > here < for more.
Balancing Bipolar
Learn surprising truths about bipolar disorder and depression.
5 Tips to Find Balance
Know your family history,
Questions to ask,
Pay attention to symptoms,
Detect mania, depression or phychosis early,
Be aware of your triggers,
Normalize your moods,
Find out your risk,
Watch out for these 5 conditions,
Minimize future episodes,
Strategies for daily management ...
Click > here < for more.
Oregon Medical Marijuana Act Debilitating Medical Conditions Advisory Panel (link) |
Oregon Medical Marijuana Act Debilitating Medical Conditions Advisory Panel Bipolar (Depressive and Other Mood Disorders) NOTE: Bipolar and mood disorders generally include anxiety disorders.
Visit - http://www.omma1998.org
-
where you’ll find, among other things, results from
the advisory panel to add new conditions summarized at this link - http://www.omma1998.org/worksheet_link.html
which includes -
“Controlled clinical trials are unavailable although there are many case reports reporting
benefits of Cannabis as a mood stabilizer in bipolar disorder. Grinspoon & Bakalar use an
analogy to lithium in the 1950's when its effect on mania had been discovered but there were
no controlled studies.”
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BIZ, INF (link)
|
Depression and Mental Illness.
There are abundant historical references to the use of cannabis as a suggested treatment for
mood disorders like depression. (1) However, human studies are scant and the results are
mixed.
A 1947 study of 50 depressed patients administered synthetic THC found the drug
beneficial to 36 of the participants. (2) A double-blind controlled study conducted three
years later on 57 patients reported that the administration of small doses of synthetic THC
did not improve their symptoms. (3) A pair of more recent studies also yield conflicting
results. One reported that cannabis helped relieve depression in Bipolar patients, while the
other determined that THC failed to improve depression in eight hospitalised patients. (4)
A 1994 survey of 79 mental patients found that those who used cannabis reported relief from
depression, anxiety, insomnia, and physical discomfort, as well as fewer hospitalizations. (5)
Lastly, a 1996 study cited in the 1999 Institute of Medicine (IOM) report, "Marijuana and
Medicine: Assessing the Science Base," found that Dronabinol (oral THC a.k.a. "Marinol")
significantly assuaged mood disturbances and anorexia in 11 Alzheimer's patients. No side
effects were observed. (6)
The conflicting data concerning cannabis and depression should caution patients considering
experimenting with the drug therapeutically. Additionally, cannabis' ability to occasionally
produce paranoia and other dysphorias (typically among inexperienced users) could heighten
some patient's feelings of depression.
Cannabis' most promising potential to mitigate symptoms
of depression likely lies with patients who have previous experience with it, and are failing
to respond to traditional therapies.
REFERENCES
* (1) B. Zimmerman et al., "Is Marijuana the Right Medicine for You? A Factual Guide to
the Medical Uses of Marijuana,
New Canaan, CT: Keats Publishing (1998), 138-139; L. Grinspoon
et al., "Marihuana: The Forbidden Medicine" (second edition) New haven, CT: Yale University
Press (1997), 141.
* (2) G. Stockings, "A new euphoriant for depressive mental states," British Medical
Journal
1 (1947): 918-922 as cited by L. Grinspoon et al., "Marihuana: The Forbidden Medicine"
(second edition), 141.
* (3) C. Parker et al., "Synthetic cannabis preparations in psychiatry: I. Synhexyl,"
Journal of Mental Science
96 (1950): 276-279 as cited by L. Grinspoon et al., Marihuana: "The
Forbidden Medicine" (second edition), 141.
* (4) "Review Of Human Studies On Medical Use Of Marijuana," Dale Gieringer, Ph.D.,
(1996). ref: http://norml.org/medical/medmj.studies.shtml
* (5) R. Warner et al., "Substance Abuse Among the Mentally Ill," American Journal of
Orthopsychiatry
(1994) as cited by Dale Gieringer, Ph.D. in "Review Of Human Studies On
Medical Use Of Marijuana."
* (6) L. Volicer et al., "Effects of dronabinol on anorexia and disturbed behavior in
patients with Alzheimer's disease," International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry
12 (1997):
913-919 as cited by J. Joy et al., Marijuana and Medicine: Assessing the Science Base,
Washington D.C.: National Academy Press (1999), Section 4.37 (uncorrected proofs edition).
ref: http://bob.nap.edu/books/0309071550/html/
Facts about Bipolar Disorder and Medical Marijuana facts pertaining to Bipolar Disorder | ... psychiatric diagnosis that describes a category of mood disorders, or mood swings, defined by the presence of one or more episodes of abnormally elevated mood clinically referred to as mania or, if milder, hypomania.
Individuals who experience manic episodes also commonly experience depressive episodes or symptoms, or mixed episodes in which features of both mania and depression are present at the same time. These episodes are usually separated by periods of “normal” mood, but in some individuals, depression and mania may rapidly alternate, known as rapid cycling. Extreme manic episodes can sometimes lead to psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. The disorder has been subdivided into bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymia, and other types, based on the nature and severity of mood episodes experienced; the range is often described as the bipolar spectrum.
(Wikipedia)
Marijuana Facts and Resources:
The effect of extreme marijuana use on the long-term course of bipolar I illness: a single case study.
“Subjective reports by patients suggest an overall positive effect, but these may be unreliable. We herein report a case in which mood data was prospectively collected over two years of total substance abstinence and two years of extreme marijuana use. Marijuana use did not alter the total number of days of abnormal mood, however, marijuana was associated with an increase in the number of hypomanic days and a decrease in the number of depressed days. While not conclusive, the data suggest that marijuana may indeed have an effect on mood in bipolar patients that needs to be systematically examined.”
visit: http://www.showmethefacts.org/medical-marijuana-facts/bipolar-disorder/
The Use of Cannabis as a Mood Stabilizer...
ONLINE POT The Use of Cannabis as a Mood Stabilizer in Bipolar Disorder: Your guide to Medical marijuana,& Online buying of medical pot,
visit: http://www.onlinepot.org/medical/article12.htm
"Cannabis and Depression" by Jay R. Cavanaugh, Ph.D. (Article)
Numerous patients report significant improvement and stabilization with their bipolar disorder
when they utilize adjunctive therapy with medical cannabis. While some mental health
professionals worry about the impact of cannabis on aggravating manic states, most bipolar
patients trying cannabis find they "cycle" less often and find significant improvement in
overall mood.
Bipolar disorders vary tremendously in the time spent in the depressive versus
manic states. Those who experience extended depressive episodes are more likely to be helped
with cannabis. visit: http://www.letfreedomgrow.com/cmu/depression_and_cannabis.htm
"Cannabinoid and Opioid Receptor Localization Studies" and " Cannabinoid receptors as
therapeutic targets: pain pathways." By Miles Herkenham , Ph.D.
(Articles and photos) "… Cannabinoid receptors are notably sparse in areas that control heart
rate and respiration (medulla), explaining why there are not fatal overdoses of marijuana.
Cannabinoid receptors are also located in areas that control emesis (nucleus of the solitary
tract) and pain (see bottom), suggesting medical potential of marijuana."
… and … " Whereas mu
opioid receptors in spinal cord are associated predominantly with thin-diameter primary
afferents, cannabinoid receptors are localized to both thin and coarse diameter fibers. These
differences may provide a basis for the possibility that cannabinoids may relieve pain when
traditional opiate drugs fail." Posted by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
Their website (http://www.nimh.nih.gov/) provides information from the Federal agency that
conducts and supports research on mental illnesses.
visit: http://intramural.nimh.nih.gov/lcmr/sfn/cannabis.html
. Medical Cannabis Patient: Judy Decker, Bipolar Disorder For Info ...
(ORG, INF) Page 1. A PATIENT, NOT A CRIMINAL Medical Cannabis Patient: Judy Decker,
Bipolar Disorder Safe Access Now! For Info Contact Americans ...
visit: http://www.csdp.org/active/poster7judyd.pdf
"The Use of Cannabis as a Mood Stabilizer in Bipolar Disorder: Anecdotal Evidence and the Need
for Clinical Research" by Lester Grinspoon, M.D. & James B. Bakalar; Department of Psychiatry,
Harvard Medical School,
Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
mh235@columbia.edu
J Psychoactive Drugs 1998 Apr-Jun; 30(2):171-7 (Article) Abstract-The authors present case
histories indicating that a number of patients find cannabis (marihuana) useful in the
treatment of their bipolar disorder. Some used it to treat mania, depression, or both.
They
stated that it was more effective than conventional drugs, or helped relieve the side effects
of those drugs. … An analogy is drawn between the status ofcannabis today and that of
lithium in the early 1950s, when its effect onmania had been discovered but there were no
controlled studies. In the caseof cannabis, the law has made such studies almost impossible,
and the onlyavailable evidence is anecdotal. visit:
1 http://www.rxmarihuana.com/mood_stablizer.htm
2 http://www.biopsychiatry.com/canbi.htm
3 http://www.ukcia.org/research/TheUseofCannabisasaMoodStabilizerinBipolarDisorder.html
4 http://www.rxmarijuana.com
5 http://www.ukcia.org
6 http://www.medjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?s=6febb1a48d121dd71f5f8abca8afbcb6&goto=lastpost&forumid=24
from Bipolar World; "Mood Stabilizers or Cannabis?" By Dr. Phelps
|
"Marijuana may have some mood-stabilizing properties based on what users tell me, but they
pretty universally give it up in favor of the drug approach once they've had both,
if they
really have bipolar II (some other stuff that looks similar, I see people still using MJ
some -- like post-traumatic stress disorder, for example)."
visit: http://www.bipolarworld.net/Phelps/ph_2000/ph84.htm
Negative Experiences w/Cannabis (Article)
by [Bipolar Disorder News]
visit: http://www.bipolarworld.net/Phelps/ph_2001/ph566.htm
Marijuana (Cannabis Sativa / Indica) and Bipolar Disorder (biz, links?)
Some individuals with Bipolar Disorder claim that marijuana helps both with mania and depression.
Dosages required for these effects may be less than what is necessary to feel “stoned”.
by RemedyFind.com
visit: http://www.remedyfind.com/rem.asp?ID=4420
Is medical marijuana an effective treatment for depression, bipolar disorders, anxiety, and similar mood disorders?
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May 29, 2008 (ORG, Info) | "Bipolar disorder, also commonly known as manic depression, ... With appropriate use of medical cannabis, many of these patients have been ...
General Reference (not clearly pro or con).
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) defined depression and bipolar disorder in its 2005 brochures "Let's Talk Facts About Depression" and "Let's Talk Facts About Bipoloar Disorder (Manic Depression)":
Depression:
"Depression is a serious mental illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act.
Depression has a variety of symptoms, but the most common are a deep feeling of sadness or a marked loss of interest or pleasure in activities. Other symptoms include:
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Changes in appetite that result in weight losses or gains unrelated to dieting
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Insomnia or oversleeping
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Loss of energy or increased fatigue
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Restlessness or irritability
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Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt
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Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
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Thoughts of death or suicide or attempts at suicide...
For many people, depression cannot always be controlled for any length of time simply by exercise, changing diet or taking a vacation. It is, however, among the most treatable of mental disorders: between 80% and 90% of people with depression eventually respond well to treatment, and almost all patients gain some relief from symptoms."
Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression):
"Bipolar disorder, also commonly known as manic depression, is a brain disorder that causes shifts in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function.... Bipolar disorder can cause dramatic mood swings - from high and feeling on top of the world, or uncomfortably irritable and 'revved up,' to sad and hopeless, often with periods of normal moods in between....
Because bipolar disorder is a recurrent illness, long-term preventive treatment is strongly recommended."
visit: http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/viewanswers.asp?questionID=226
Kind RX |
This site is dedicated to creation of an interactive forum for patients, professionals and interested lay public to discuss information related to the current research and field experience of medical marijuana prescribed or used to treat the aggravating symptoms of mental, emotional and behavioral disturbances.
This site is a mental health education and information resource dedicated to providing accurate and reliable information about the use of medical marijuana for mental disorders and a forum for patients, professionals and the interested lay public to exchange ideas, information and comments.
Visit: http://kindrx.blogspot.com/
The American Alliance For Medical Cannabis (AAMC) |
MEDICAL USE: Cannabis and Bipolar
and more,
Visit: http://www.letfreedomgrow.com/
Marijuana in Bipolar Disorder |
The role of cannabis (marijuana) in psychiatric disorders remains controversial.
In bipolar disorder, it is known that many people use cannabis for various reasons.
There are some reports that people use cannabis for help in alleviating mania and others report its use for relieving depression. However, these reports are anecdotal and no systematic research has ever been done to see if these effects apply to the population in general.
Additionally, there are reports that indicate that cannabis can have a detrimental and potentially causative role in the development of psychosis and paradoxically, can induce mania.
The authors of this paper conducted a literature search to identify what has been published regarding the relationship between cannabis and bipolar disorder.
visit: http://boards.cannabis.com/medical-marijuana-news/161618-marijuana-bipolar-disorder.html
palmspringsbum - medical;
A collection of information on medical marijuana by a patient and focused on cannabis vs. the dangers of pharmaceuticals ... and Bipolar Disorder
|
The pharmaceutical industry markets, sells and profits greatly from prescription drugs that, at best, mainly work in 30% to 50% of people and, at worst, actually contribute to hospitalization, permanent disability, disease, illness and death.
Prescription drugs have killed more Americans than the entire Vietnam War and on a yearly basis.
visit: http://www.palmspringsbum.com/medical.html
ASA Forum / I am bipolar and wish for medical marijuana |
Does anyone know of a good psychiatrist in Alameda County who could help me? I have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, two years ago. I have tried Geodon, Xanax, Zoloft, Depakote and Serquil for sleeping. NONE of these meds have helped me, instead made my mania worsen.
Can I get medical marijuana for bipolar illness anywhere in Alameda County?? Appreciate any advice. thank you! ... Your best option is to talk with the doctor you are already seeing about your use (or potential use) of medical cannabis. ...
visit: http://www.safeaccessnow.org/punbb/viewtopic.php?id=1964
Has Anyone Heard of Smoking Marijuana for Bipolar Symtoms?
by leslie :-D - allnurses Guide |
my 16 yo dd has bipolar w/schizo-affective disorder. bipolar is her primary dx. i've been researching several bipolar websites to learn as much as possible. she is currently at a psyche hospital and it's her 6th hospitalization since april/05.
what i've been reading are dozens and dozens of testimonials from people with bipolar and they all state that smoking a bit of marijuana regulates them and they feel normal; and that it works better than any med(s) they've ever been on. i've also read testimonials from spouses and children of the one afflicted w/bipolar.
the medical community basically states that marijuana induces bipolar and schizophrenic states. yet those affected, ALL swear that it's the best thing that happened to them, even if it is illegal. my dd has been on many meds yet she remains resistant. i am desperate but also curious to hear if anyone else has heard about the benefits of smoking marijuana for those w/bipolar.
visit: http://allnurses.com/psychiatric-nursing/has-anyone-heard-131354.html
What states grant medical marijuana for Bipolar Disorder? |
Please, I don't want to hear your opinion on this. And I don't need to hear how it can worsen or induce episodes. I've done my research in this, along my own experiences on this. Some people have counterproductive effects from this. But a lot of testimonials have voiced the ineffectiveness and unwanted side effects from conventional medicine. I'm on my 3rd combination of medications, reacting badly to them once again. Abilify made me want to kill myself, literally.
I know in California there's patients being treated with medical marijuana. I'm curious if any other states do also. I haven't seen any listing bipolar disorder as one of them, but they leave the option open for other conditions depending on a review. I've seen the effects of marijuana as a mood stabilizer with frequency and duration of episodes. . and severity (more effective than medication that I've been on so far). My state (PA) has a bill in the state congress for the medical use of marijuana right now. I'm hoping by this time next year I can be smoking a bowl and it not being considered self-medicating and be legal : )
visit: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090515012745AAK3Wvm
Medical Marijuana Debate Forum -
Marijuana and bipolar. | Hello all, First time on this forum….So my life has had some major changes happening….I had a pretty good schedule ...
... Sleeping has got all twisted around. About 4 weeks ago, I read some article about medical Marijuana. So I figured what the heck. Got a joint from a friend and gave it a shot. To my surprise it has helped out…
visit: http://ehealthforum.com/health/marijuana-and-bipolar-t158066.html
other Viable Forums, chat rooms and other such online resources
will be listed here as we learn about them.
ABILIFY (BIZ, Info, Drug) | Medication For Bipolar ...
Get Info On How Medication Can Help You Manage Your Bipolar Symptoms.
Click > here < for more.
"Treatment Series for Bipolar Disorder"
Bi-polar Disorder? (BIZ, Info) |
How to understand, treat and manage bi-polar. Go beyond survive.
...
Bipolar Symptoms,
Bipolar Disorder Side Effects &
Bipolar Disorder Medications.
Learn to Treat OCD, Anxiety, Depression, Mania, Rapid Cycling & Psychosis from best selling author and leading expert in the fields of bipolar disorder and depression,
Julie A Fast.
A bipolar disorder treatment system tailored for you,
with Julie's expert insight and examples every step of the way.
What is the key to the lock that is bipolar disorder- what is the secret to Julie’s success? If you know a proven system- the system always produces a predictable result. When you use my Health Cards Treatment System, the results are guaranteed: reduced mood swings, better response to medications, improved friendships, more solid romantic relationships and family harmony.
You can find the work that works for you, improve your finances and add joy to your life. The key is a system that helps you manage bipolar disorder- and the beautiful thing is that I have set it up for you. You don’t have to repeat my 15 years of research, testing and use of the system. All you have to do is follow the system and see the benefits immediately. For many people, using The Health Cards changes their lives in just one week. Think of what they can do in a lifetime!
Click > here < for more.
BIPOLAR in general
| Web Ring -
Sponsored links for BIPOLAR DISORDER, visit: http://www.bipolarresource.com/
other Businesses, and such resources
will be listed here as we learn about them.
Marijuana in Bipolar Disorder | United S...
Drug news for an enlightened generation, Whilst the British government does its damndest to propel the country back into ... News Medical Marijuana Inc ...
|
Marijuana in Bipolar Disorder.
Whilst the British government does its damndest to propel the country back into the dark ages so far as national drug policy is concerned, the rest of the world is making great strides in getting to grips with cannabis and mental disorders, but not in the way the Home Secretary would have us believe.
The role of cannabis (marijuana) in psychiatric disorders remains controversial.
In bipolar disorder, it is known that many people use cannabis for various reasons.
There are some reports that people use cannabis for help in alleviating mania and others report its use for relieving depression.
visit: http://cannazine.co.uk/cannabis-news/united-states/marijuana-in-bipolar-disorder.htmlhtml
RxMarijuana.com | Marijuana: The Forbidden Medicine.
(ORG, inf, Book) Featured Medical Marijuana Patient Accounts * to share website visitors' medical marijuana histories to provide insight into uses for this medicine which are not widely known. … If you wish to send us a personal account of your medical marijuana experiences, ... Cannabis and Bipolar by Michael McKenna ... visit: www.rxmarihuana.com/shared.htm
Medical-101.com
(web-ring / link-list) * Your starting point for the best medical info. Free Medical Cannabis info Find what you're looking for! Visit: www.medical-101.com/s/medical_cannabis
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