The term ‘marijuana’ used to be associated with junkies and people who did nothing but get high all day. However, with all the debunking that’s been done on the myths and wrong notions about it, a lot of people have become more lenient toward marijuana. Studies showing the possible benefits that marijuana can bring have also contributed to that outcome.
Since the stigma concerning marijuana usage is already slowly fading away, you may be thinking of trying it out yourself. Fortunately, this article presents some crucial information for first-time users like you, including how you can consume marijuana for medicinal purposes.
Get A Medical Marijuana Card
Before learning the different ways to introduce medical marijuana into your system, it’s important that you first secure a medical marijuana card. A medical marijuana card in Florida or any other state can only be issued by a licensed doctor.
The main purpose of this card is to discourage the use of marijuana for recreational purposes. Hence, it ensures responsible usage of the plant, which is to help address different kinds of ailments. Also, with a medical marijuana card, you won’t be on the wrong side of the law.
Kinds Of Marijuana
After acquiring a medical marijuana card, the second thing you have to do is to know the kinds of marijuana you can use. This is important as each strain has distinct benefits and effects—you wouldn’t want to opt for something that’ll make you feel active if your main purpose for taking marijuana is to relax.
Essentially, there are three varieties of cannabis: Indica, Sativa, and Ruderalis. Additionally, there are already plenty of growers who are able to come up with a hybrid of the Indica and Sativa strain, harnessing the benefits that both kinds bring.
To paint a clearer picture, here are some benefits of the Indica strain:
- Better sleep
- Promotes relaxation
- Reduces inflammation
- Relaxes your muscles
- May help ease nausea
On the other hand, here are some effects you might experience when you consume cannabis Sativa:
- Increased energy and appetite
- More clarity and focus
- Elevation of your mood
Lastly, here are some possible benefits of cannabis Ruderalis, which some users believe won’t get you a ‘high’ feeling because it has the lowest THC count among the three strains:
- Promotes bone growth
- May reduce seizures and convulsions
- Slows down bacterial growth
- Relieves anxiety
- Reduces inflammation
- Aids sleep
Ways To Take Medical Marijuana
After getting a medical marijuana card and knowing which kind of marijuana to go for, the next thing for you to do is to know how to consume the plant itself. There are several ways to take medical marijuana, so you’ll surely find one that suits your needs.
- Sublingual
With this method, you simply consume the cannabis by letting its liquid form dissolve under your tongue for around 30 seconds. You can do this via tinctures that contain the liquid concentration of the marijuana plant.
The sublingual method is perfect for those who want to avoid smoking for a number of reasons. Also, since it’s one of the fastest ways to experience the effects of marijuana, the sublingual method is usually the go-to option for many users.
Since tinctures are an alcoholic extract, they often lack aroma. Because of that odorless nature, the sublingual method is convenient to use in public places.
- Capsules
This is another discreet way to take medical marijuana. THC capsules, which are often referred to as cannacaps, contain marijuana that’s suspended in oil. Additionally, with pills or capsules, you can have an accurate dose, so you don’t have to worry about experiencing unwanted effects due to a high amount of THC getting into your system. Also, this method of delivery is perfect for those with respiratory problems.
- Smoking
This method of taking medical marijuana is perhaps the most popular on this list. But take note that this method involves plenty of preparation.
To start with, take the doctor’s recommended amount of marijuana and then roll it into a joint. You can also use a pipe or bong as a mode of delivery. If you’re using a joint, simply light it and then smoke it as you would a cigarette. With a bong or pipe, light the spot where you place the marijuana while inhaling.
Just like with the sublingual method, you may immediately experience the effects of marijuana through smoking. That’s why this method is suitable for those who want to get some quick relief from any muscle pain, relieve nausea, or induce sleep. However, smoking may not be suitable for those with some respiratory issues.
Also, take note that smoking would entail secondhand smoke, which isn’t ideal if there are people living with you. To prevent anyone else from inhaling the smoke by accident, opt for a pipe or bong. This apparatus allows you to recapture some secondhand smoke so others won’t be exposed to it. And in doing this, you may have a full experience of the product.
- Patches
Last but not the least, this method is similar to wearing an adhesive bandage, but the plastic that’s coated with adhesive is infused with the chemical components of marijuana, namely CBD, THC, or both.
Using patches is simple and straightforward. All you have to do is apply a patch to any venous part of your body such as your wrist, arm, or ankle. Your body heat will activate the patch, causing it to release CBD, THC, or both, the amount of which would depend on the patch itself. These chemicals will then penetrate your skin and go into your bloodstream.
Since you have to wait for your body to heat up, this method isn’t suitable for those who want to immediately experience the effects of marijuana. Still, it’s one of the most discreet ways of introducing marijuana into your system.
Final Words: Talk To Your Doctor
Even though there’s plenty of anecdotal evidence and studies published regarding the benefits of marijuana, it’s still advisable to consult a health care professional prior to using it. This way, they can assess if marijuana is going to be the right supplement for the specific ailment you have.
Besides, you can’t legally purchase or even use marijuana without your doctor’s approval—dispensaries and online shops usually require a medical marijuana card for verification purposes. So consult with your doctor first so they can give you the green light and you can make the most of marijuana without a worry.
