Your Guide to Medical Marijuana

Over the past decade or so, there has been a major shift in how people view marijuana. Once considered a dangerous drug, people are now realizing there are numerous medical marijuana benefits, especially for those suffering from chronic diseases such as cancer, AIDS, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and more. This has led to the legalization of marijuana for medical use across 29 states, as well as DC, with more likely on the way in the coming years.

Navigating the world of medical marijuana can be tricky, especially if you’ve never used it before. You have to learn your correct dosage, find the type of strain that works best for your condition, and figure out how to take it as well as how each delivery system differs in its effects.

Your doctor will help you to sort out all these technical details, but it never hurts to have a bit of knowledge going into your appointment.

Marijuana Dosages

Unlike typical medications, it’s hard to predict the correct cannabis dosage based solely on weight, age, and severity of symptoms. You should tell your medical provider if you have ever smoked or taken marijuana previously, as that might affect your optimal dose. A qualified medical marijuana physician will be able to approximate an appropriate dose for you, but it may take some trial and error before you find your best dosage.

Generally, with medical marijuana dosing, it’s better to start more conservatively. If you are not feeling the relief you expected, work with your physician to up your dose or change your delivery system until you find the best way to relieve your symptoms.

Cannabis Delivery Systems

There are a wide variety of ways one can consume cannabis. Smoking has historically been very popular, but smoking has all the drawbacks of smoking tobacco in that it can irritate the lungs and potentially raise your risk of cancer, as smoke (but not cannabis itself) contains carcinogenic substances. Plus, in some states such as Florida, smoking is not a legal way to consume medical marijuana.

An alternative to smoking that many people opt for is vaping. Using a vaporizer eliminates the harmful effects from smoke, and while the onset of the cannabis effects takes slightly longer, it is still one of the most efficient means of cannabis consumptions, with a faster onset than many other methods.

In addition to inhaling smoke or vapor, some more delivery systems for medical marijuana include:

· Tinctures: Tinctures are liquid cannabis extracts. They are usually taken by placing a few drops under the tongue. Tinctures can be easier than other methods to find the right dose, and they are very discreet if you’re concerned about the reactions of other people in your life. Onset can take up to 45 minutes with this method.

· Edibles: While edible cannabis products do not produce the most reliable effects due to factors that can impact absorption (such as stress, food, or sleep), they are one of the easiest to consume and result in some of the longest lasting effects — sometimes up to 12 hours! When choosing edibles as your consumption method, we recommend starting with a low dose and eating a little bit more every few hours until you reach the effects you want.

· Raw: While most cannabis studies only look at the effects after undergoing decarboxylation when exposed to heat, eating cannabis flowers directly or preparing them into a tea have been shown to produce some beneficial effects, mainly in reducing pain, nausea, or inflammation.

What Strain Is Right For You?

There are many, many different strains of cannabis available for medical use. The best way to find the strain right for your condition is to speak with your prescribing physician, as long as that physician is familiar with different strains and what they do. If not, there are resources available online, as well as physical materials such as magazines with advice about MMJ strains.

While there is considerable debate around medical marijuana strain classification, in general you can expect to see these three terms:

· Indica: Indica strains are usually considered to have a relaxing, sedative effect. They tend to be best for nighttime use, and may be beneficial for insomnia, chronic pain, muscle tension or spasms, stress, and lack of appetite. In low doses, these strains may be appropriate for anxiety relief.

· Sativa: Sativa strains tend to be better for daytime use, as they provide a more energetic effect. Sativa strains can be effective when used for fatigue, glaucoma, and moderate pain relief. In low doses, it may help with depression as well.

· Hybrid: There are many hybrid strains on the market that combine the effects of both indica and sativa. These strains can have vastly different effects, so you should talk to your physician or a dispensary employee to see what you can expect from any one hybrid strain.

THC vs. CBD: What You Need to Know

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the two most common cannabinoids present in cannabis plants. Cannabis strains can be bred to have higher or lower percentages of each of these cannabinoids in order to produce different effects on the body. Understanding the role THC and CBD play in creating these effects can help you to find the right strain for your particular concerns.

· THC: THC is the cannabinoid responsible for the psychoactive effects in marijuana. If you use a strain high in THC, you will get the high typically associated with marijuana and will not be able to drive or do work that requires a clear, unimpaired mind. However, many adults enjoy the high that comes along with THC in addition to its vast medical benefits.

· CBD: The CBD cannabinoid does not produce a psychoactive effect, making it a great choice for patients who want medical benefits without the high. Elderly patients or those who work demanding jobs may find that they prefer high-CBD low-THC strains. Although CBD is not psychoactive, it can provide a mood boost, making it potentially beneficial for people suffering from depression or anxiety.

There are many strains that balance the percentages of CBD and THC so that patients can get the benefits of both. Talk to your physician or a dispensary employee so that they can help you get an idea of whether or not you’d benefit more from CBD or THC.

In Conclusion

Medical marijuana can provide amazing benefits for many people suffering from debilitating medical conditions. It is a safe and effective alternative to opioids, which have been shown to be highly addictive. Deaths from opioid overdose have risen sharply over the past decade due to over-prescribing by doctors, and many opioid users end up turning to heroin since it is less expensive and easier to obtain.

Medical marijuana causes dependency in less than 10% of users, compared to 30% of people prescribed opioids. In addition, marijuana dependency is never fatal. Withdrawal from marijuana is similar to caffeine withdrawal, and dependency can usually be overcome fairly easily.

If you are suffering from chronic pain or other health problems but do not want to risk becoming addicted to opioids, medical marijuana may be the solution. If you’re lucky enough to live in a state that has legalized medical marijuana, give it a shot. It can’t hurt, and it may help significantly raise your quality of life.