More and more scientific studies and clinical
tests are substantiating
the benefits of medical marijuana in alleviating the symptoms of
numerous medical conditions. Due to its wide range of application,
medical cannabis is now available in various forms, so patients can
choose a method of ingestion that works best with their condition. The
method of consumption primarily affects the time it takes to feel its
effect, as well as the duration of its efficacy. Here’s a guide that
discusses the different methods of consuming this wonder plant.
Breathe it in [vape it]
If you want the benefits of marijuana without inhaling any of its toxic
compounds (such as you might from smoking it), using a vaporizer is the best way to go. With this method, medical cannabis is heated at just the right temperature to extract its
useful compounds with digital accuracy, so you get to inhale its vapor
instead of its smoke. In addition, vaporizers also increase the potency
of medical cannabis. Thus, you can have twice as much effect for half
the amount of marijuana.
Even though this method is relatively new, it is fast becoming the preferred way to use cannabis for many. Scientific studies already support its beneficial effects compared to smoking. In 2010
study, Van Dam NT and
Earleywine M. from the University of Albany recruited 20 cannabis users
with at least 2 respiratory symptoms to investigate the effect of
vaporized cannabis on the pulmonary function of the participants.
Findings of the study reveal improved respiratory function in
participants after a month’s use of vaporized cannabis, suggesting the
potential of this method of delivery in reducing the harmful risk it may
have on the respiratory system.
Rub it in
Medical marijuana can also be applied topically on the skin surface in
the form of salve, spray, cream, balm, oil, or lotion. Topical
formulation provides anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and analgesic
effects without delivering any of the psychoactive properties of
cannabis. Topical cannabis is commonly used by patients suffering from
arthritis, sunburns, tendonitis, joint pain, muscle soreness, and skin
diseases.
Eat it
Edibles or foods that contain cannabis, are cooked using oils or butters derived
from the plant. Most users who use this method of consumption report
that the cannabis takes effect gradually and wears off longer. Eating
edibles is usually recommended for patients with chronic pain or sleep
disorder, as well as spasticity, because of its more pronounced effect
on the body, rather than the mind. The downside of using this type of
medical marijuana is that the dosage is never perfectly precise and with
delayed onset of effects compared to inhaled cannabis, you may
inadvertently consume more than necessary. In addition, what you already
have in your digestive system (i.e medication and food you’ve eaten
recently) may interact with THC to produce unpredictable effects on your
body.
Ingestible Oils
This kind of cannabis product is a blend of edibles and concentrates.
Ingestible oils are made by using an alcohol solvent to extract the
therapeutic chemicals found in marijuana. Once the solvent evaporates,
what will be left are these tar-like oils, which have high amount of
cannabidiol (CBD) and traces of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC); thus,
stripping the oil of the psychoactive substance of marijuana. The oil is
placed in a capsule for easy ingestion.
Tinctures
If you want a fast-acting application with dosages you can easily
control,
tinctures are the one of the best method of using medical cannabis. Tinctures are
concentrated form of medical marijuana, which are formulated in an
alcohol solution and can be applied directly on your skin, mixed with
food or beverages, or placed in small amounts under your tongue. Because
of their potency, you need to be extra careful with their dosage. It’s
best to start with smaller doses, allowing some time to feel their
effect, before adding more.
Drink it
Other parts of the cannabis plant like its stem, leaves, and buds can be
brewed to make a medicinal beverage. The potency of the tea can vary
depending on the amount of cannabis used. If you have just started
making your concoction, use a small amount of marijuana at first before
adding more to achieve a suitable dosage. In addition, you also need to
add oil, butter, or alcohol to dissolve THC, as the compound is not
water soluble. Like edibles, the effects of marijuana teas are
slow-acting because the therapeutic compounds in cannabis first must be
absorbed in your digestive tract. However, you can count on the effects
lingering for up to four to eight hours after ingestion.
Aside from teas, many dispensaries have medicated coffee and sodas.
These beverages are made by adding drops of tincture to the liquid, so
that you can easily ingest medical cannabis while taking a sip of your
favorite beverage.
Smoke it
Call it old-school, but smoking has been the most conventional way of consuming marijuana for
many years. You can smoke cannabis using a pipe, rolling papers, water
pipes, and in rare instances, it can be inhaled using hookahs. The
advantage of smoking marijuana is that the plant’s effect can be felt
almost immediately. However, many medical organizations, including the
American Lung Association,
discourage this method of consumption, as it may have adverse effect on
your lungs and increase your risk for respiratory disease.
If you do choose to smoke medical cannabis, it’s best that you use a
hand pipe that allows you to smoke consistent doses regularly. If you’re
using rolling paper, make sure you use a filter. In addition, for
maximum efficacy with the least inhalation, it’s better to use cannabis
with higher THC potency and to exhale the smoke right after inhaling it
deeply to keep its harmful compounds from coating your lungs.
Medical cannabis is now available in so many forms, it shouldn’t be
difficult for you to choose an option that suits your condition and
preference.
Photo by Ba Tik
