The Different Ways Of Using Medical Marijuana
Medical marijuana has been found effective in treating several conditions. The plant can improve the daily lives of those dealing with nausea, chronic pain, and even sleep. With all these positives, some problems can arise. For example, patients new to medical marijuana may ask, "What is the best to consume medical marijuana?". This question is difficult for some due to all the different methods used to take MMJ. One can smoke it, eat it as edibles, use tinctures, vape, or through topical applications. Each method has advantages and disadvantages, and picking the proper approach depends on many factors like personal preference or your condition. Today, we will discuss all the different ways medical marijuana is used and the positives and negatives of each use.
What is medical marijuana?
Before we go into each method of consuming marijuana, we must first understand what medical marijuana is. MMJ differs from recreational marijuana in its use. Medical cannabis refers to the forms of cannabis from the plant used to treat symptoms of certain medical conditions like epilepsy, in contrast to recreational marijuana, which is typically used in leisure. To use medical marijuana in Virginia, you must be approved by a doctor and obtain a medical marijuana card. The rules differ from state to state, depending on the legality and regulations on recreational marijuana.
What are the different methods of using medical marijuana?
Now that you know what medical marijuana is and why some people use it, we can dive into the different methods of using the plant.
Smoking
Smoking is one of the most popular and traditional ways of using MMJ. The method involves burning the dried flowers or buds of the marijuana plant and inhaling the smoke. Here are some of the pros and cons of smoking medical marijuana.
Pros-
Quick onset: Smoking medical marijuana provides rapid relief to patients as the cannabinoids enter the bloodstream faster than other methods.
Wide availability: Easy access and standard way of using MMJ.
Cons-
Health risks: Smoking can damage the lungs and respiratory system. Consistent smoking can lead to lung infections and other respiratory problems.
Inconsistent potency: The potency of marijuana can vary. It can make dosing difficult and lead to unwanted effects.
Edibles
Edibles are another popular way of consuming MMJ. Edibles are food products that contain marijuana. To make edibles, you must go through a few simple steps. First, the cannabis must be heated at low temperatures to make the chemicals of cannabis active. This process to called decarbing. The next step is an infusion which means infusing the cannabis in a fat or oil at a low temperature. Fats and oils allow your body to absorb the compounds of MMJ better. Once you have the infused fat, you can add it to any recipe and make desserts like brownies, baked goods, or other dishes. Be sure to know how much marijuana you use, as overdosing can easily happen while making or eating edibles.
Pros-
Long-lasting effects: Edibles take longer to take effect than smoking, but their effects last longer, providing relief for several hours.
No respiratory harm: Edibles, unlike smoking, do not expose patients to harmful smoke, making them a healthier option for those with lung problems.
Discreet: Edibles don't smell or make a cloud of smoke, so people who don't want to draw attention to themselves can use them.
Cons-
Slow onset: Since edibles are eaten, it takes much longer for the effects to occur. It may take 30 minutes to 2 hours to feel the full impact.
Difficulty in dosing: It can be hard to dose appropriately since the effects are delayed.
Overconsumption: Can be deceiving because its effects don't happen right away. Patients may be tempted to take more than they need, which can cause unpleasant side effects.
Vaporizing
Vaping is another method of consuming medical marijuana that has become increasingly popular. This process involves heating the marijuana product or concentrate to a temperature that vaporizes the active compounds, which are later inhaled.
Pros-
Fast onset: Vaping provides rapid symptom relief as the active compounds enter the bloodstream quickly.
Customizable dosing: Vaping allows patients to monitor their intake and adjust dosing according to their needs.
Cons-
Lack of regulation: Difficult for patients to determine the quality and safety of the products they use.
Potential lung damage: Generally safer than smoking, but reports of lung damage have been reported with certain vaping products.
Topicals
Cannabis topicals are products put on the skin with cannabis in them to help with local pain. Cannabis extracts can be added to a wide range of topical products. Today, you can find lotions and balms with various formulas to help with different problems. Topicals can be used for muscle soreness or arthritis.
Pros-
Targeted relief: Topicals are designed for localized pain relief, making them an excellent option for patients with specific areas of pain or inflammation.
Easy to use: Topicals are simple to apply and do not require any special equipment.
Cons-
Limited effectiveness: Topicals may be less effective for conditions like nausea or anxiety.
Dosing: Topicals can be difficult to dose accurately, as the amount of active compounds penetrating the skin varies widely. Leading to applying more than once a day in some cases.
Price: Good products may be expensive
Tinctures
MMJ tinctures are a liquid extract from the cannabis plant, usually using alcohol as a solvent. They are used for medicinal purposes and can vary in potency and cannabinoid profile depending on the type and extraction method. They are taken sublingually, meaning they are placed under the tongue and absorbed directly into the bloodstream. Tinctures can also be added to food or drinks.
Pros-
Customizable dosing: Tinctures are easy to measure. This makes them an excellent option for patients who want to monitor their intake.
Rapid onset: Like vaping, tinctures provide quick symptom relief.
Discreet: A good option for patients who do not want to draw attention to themselves.
Cons-
Bitter taste: It may have a bitter or unpleasant taste, which can be difficult for some patients to tolerate.
Alcohol-based: Some tinctures are made with alcohol, which can concern patients who cannot consume alcohol due to medical or religious reasons.
Transdermal Patches
Cannabis transdermal patches are made from a topical extract of marijuana and work all day by slowly releasing the medicine. All you need to do is put the patch on your skin in an area with good blood flow.
Pros-
Consistent dosing: Provide consistent dosing over time, making them an excellent option for patients who need long-lasting symptom relief.
Discreet: Patches are a good option for patients who want to avoid drawing attention. They can be applied under clothing.
Cons-
Skin irritation: Some patients may experience skin irritation or other adverse effects from the patch adhesive.
What is the best way to take medical marijuana?
Well, there you have it; these are just some common ways of consuming MMJ and their pros and cons. To summarize, smoking is a popular method that provides quick symptom relief but may harm the lungs. Edibles offer a discreet and long-lasting option, but dosing accuracy can be challenging, and the onset of effects can be delayed. Vaping is a fast-acting option and avoids the harmful effects of smoking, but it may have unknown health risks associated with inhaling vaporized substances. Topicals offer targeted relief without producing psychoactive effects, but their effectiveness may be limited for certain conditions. Tinctures allow for customizable dosing and rapid onset but can have a bitter taste and potential for overconsumption. Transdermal patches offer consistent dosing and discretion but may cause skin irritation. Patients should work with a healthcare professional to determine what method of using MMJ works based on their needs.
