Different Ways to Consume Medical Marijuana
When it comes to marijuana use, the majority of the users think about smoking. But, scientists have discovered new consumption methods over the years. You can find marijuana-infused foods and topicals. In fact, CBD gummies are the most popular edibles.
Consumption method matters. How cannabinoids are delivered into the body affects the therapeutic effects of marijuana.
Here are the available options for users to consume cannabis-
1. Smoking
It’s the most popular method among cannabis users. It’s quite similar to smoking cigarettes—burning the substance and inhaling the smoke containing active compounds.
There are many ways to smoke cannabis. The majority of people prefer smoking joints—cannabis rolled in papers. Many prefer blunts—flowers rolled in cigar paper made from the tobacco plant. Other methods include water pipes, hand pipes, and hookahs.
Although smoking delivers instant effects, it’s not without risks. The burning of marijuana generates a wide range of toxins and carcinogens, which are harmful to lung health. In fact, cannabis smoke contains many of the same harmful chemicals as present in tobacco smoke.
If you are experiencing lung health issues, see a medical marijuana doctor before starting smoking cannabis. Or, you can opt for other delivery methods discussed below.
2. Vaping
Vaping is another inhalation method, which is considered safer than smoking. This is due to the fact cannabis is heated at a much lower temperature. Additionally, it preserves temperature-sensitive ingredients in marijuana, allowing you to receive potent, flavorful effects.
You can either vape flowers or concentrate. Thus, at medical dispensaries, you can find a wide range of cannabis products for vaping.
Today, you can find a wide range of portable vape pens. They have an easy operation. Simply load cannabis in the chamber, press the start button and enjoy. Simple!
Moreover, some modern technology vaporizers allow you to control temperature, thus adjusting the release of cannabinoids. Thus, you can enjoy a customized vaping experience.
However, vaping delivers stronger effects. According to a report published in 2018, participants who vaped cannabis experienced more powerful effects than those who smoked it. Thus, vaping is linked to increased risks of overdose.
3. Edibles
If you don’t want to inhale cannabis, go for edibles. These are foods and beverages infused with cannabinoids. At medical dispensaries, you can find a wide range of options in edibles, such as brownies, ice creams, teas, chocolate bars, gummies, etc.
What sets cannabis-infused edibles apart from other delivery methods is onset time. Unlike smoking, they don’t kick in within a few minutes. You have to wait for 30-120 minutes to feel the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids instead. This happens because cannabinoids are transferred to the bloodstream via the digestive tract.
So, it’s important to dose edibles properly to make the most out of your cannabis consumption experience.
Additionally, edibles last longer, usually 8-10 hours. So, if you are planning to eat marijuana, be ready to experience lasting effects.
4. Topicals
Yes, cannabis is available in the form of creams, lotions, etc. you can apply cannabis in the affected areas. This method is widely preferred by patients who want to get localized relief from pain, soreness, and inflammation.
Lotions, sprays, and oils work by interacting with the cannabinoid receptors, which are found throughout the body. The receptors are usually activated by endocannabinoids produced by the body naturally.
Since topicals deliver non-intoxicating effects, they are often chosen by users looking to receive marijuana’s therapeutic benefits without getting high.
At medical dispensaries, you can find topicals with different levels of THC and CBD. What’s more? Most manufacturers are now considering adding essential oils to increase the effectiveness of topicals. So, read the label carefully when buying patches and other topical products.
5. Tinctures
Tinctures are cannabis extracted in alcohol or glycerine. Alcohol-based tinctures have a fast action while glycerine-based tinctures are a suitable option for kids.
The best part of using tinctures is that they are easy to dose. They come in droppers—thus you can easily adjust the dosage according to your medical needs.
Tinctures are usually absorbed sublingually. Fill the dropper, and place a few drops under your tongue. This way, cannabinoids get absorbed in the body instantly but may take some time to pass through the liver.
However, you can also incorporate tinctures in juices, ice creams, soups, and salad dressings.
Whatever method you choose, dosing is important. Follow the “start small” motto. Start with a small dose and add up gradually if necessary. Read the instructions carefully and follow the guidelines for recommended dose.
Use Medical Marijuana Right
If you are considering cannabis treatment for your condition, learning how to use the herb right is important. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all. Every patient is different and requires a customized treatment plan.
We advise you to try different methods, dosages, and strains. Make a journal and note down your experiences with different consumption methods & stick to the ones delivering you desired health benefits.
Talk to a board-certified marijuana doctor to seek professional help for using marijuana for medical purposes.
In conclusion, these are some methods of marijuana consumption. Opt for smoking/vaping to receive quick effects and edibles for lasting relief. Prefer tinctures for dosage control.
Before opting for any cannabis consumption method, make sure you check the local laws. Different cannabis legalized states may have different regulations for consuming the herb.
Most importantly, apply for a marijuana evaluation to buy, possess and use cannabis legally. At Online Medical Card, you can get a doctor’s recommendation in just 10 minutes. Fill in a simple form and one of the New Jersey marijuana doctors will contact you via video call. If approved, you will receive your MMJ recommendation letter via email.
Source: https://mdganja.com/blog/different-ways-to-consume-medical-marijuana/