4 Ways People Might Consume Medical Marijuana

Marijuana is increasingly becoming a prescribed option for those facing a range of ailments. From chronic pain to anxiety, cannabis has finally entered the stage as more than just a recreational drug. Being prescribed marijuana, of course, is just one step. How you consume it can be entirely up to you. From smoking to ingesting, these are the top four ways that people might consume medical marijuana today.

Four Main Ways to Consume Medical Marijuana

There are four main methods to consume medical marijuana, and various products and even tools are needed to achieve each option. Overall, know that you can either inhale, ingest, or use a topical cream. To understand your options better, these are the four main types of consumption:

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  • Inhalation

This is probably one of the easiest and most commonly used methods by those taking marijuana for health purposes. You can either roll up and smoke dried cannabis directly, or use it in a vaporizer to forgo the smoke and instead inhale a vapor. The reason why this method is so popular is because of how fast-acting it is. In a 2007 study, scientists determined that users feel the effects within just a few minutes, and the high peaks at the hour mark, give or take a few minutes. Of the two ways to inhale it, vaporization is the most efficient option and lets you get the most out of your prescription.

  • Ingestion

The second common way that people consume medical marijuana is through ingestion. This means taking cannabis orally in one form or another. You can buy edibles online in Canada. Gummies and baked sweets are commonly popularized options. The reason why edibles are particularly useful for those with a prescription is that this route lasts the longest. This is because the process of preparing cannabis to be consumed activates it, and ingesting it allows you to fully process the entire plant. It usually takes between thirty minutes to one hour to start feeling the effects, but results can last up to six hours by using this method.

  • Sublingual

With marijuana oil or THC oil, you can place drops under the tongue and hold them there. This is different than ingesting the THC since the goal here is to allow the blood vessels located under the tongue to absorb the THC directly. The effects and benefits are similar to ingestion, though you will need a sublingual oil or spray for it to work.

  • Topical

Cannabis can be infused in a variety of topical products, from creams to oils, allowing the user to rub the product directly into the skin. This is a popular option for those dealing with issues like arthritis since they can use it where their pain or irritation is targeted.

Top Products to Consider Today

If you are looking for new ways to use your medical marijuana, then these are the top options available today:

  • In a Vaporizer

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Vaporizers, or vapes, are a great way to consume cannabis without the harsh effects that you would experience if you were to smoke it regularly. While you can learn about the process from specialist suppliers like nectarmedicalvapes.com/dry-herb-vaporizers/, the simplified version of how vaporizers work is that they vaporize the dry herbs rather than burn them. This process generates a vapor that’s free from fumes and tar smoke. Not only is the vaporizer method more efficient in terms of extraction; it also preps the cannabis inside for a second purpose.

The cannabis left over after you are done vaping is known as ABV or “already-vaped-bud”. Before you go and throw this away, however, know that it’s been heated and, in the process, actually activated. This means it’s ready to be used as an edible. You can make it with brownies, or other desserts, to get even more value out of your cannabis.

  • As an Oil

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THC oil (as well as CBD oil, which doesn’t cause a high) is also an option for those who use cannabis to help with their condition. Oil can be used sublingually under the tongue, or it can be mixed into food and drink. If you want to get the most results out of your purchase, then placing it underneath the tongue directly is a great way to go about it.

  • As a Gummy

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Edibles are very common, and one of the newest edibles to hit the markets is gummies. Gummies contain exact amounts of THC and CBD, so you can easily work out your dosage without any guesswork involved.

  • As a Wax

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Marijuana can also be found in a concentrated form. This is known as cannabis wax or resin. Wax is a highly potent form and should be dabbed sublingually, or alternatively, it should be used in an edible form.

  • In Food and Drink

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You cannot just sprinkle dried cannabis in your baked goods. Cannabis must be activated first, both for potency and flavor. If you use a vaporizer, then the leftover cannabis will already be activated, and you can use it immediately. If not, you’ll need to activate the cannabis before you start mixing it into your food.

  • As a Topical

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If you have a skin condition or localized joint pain, you can also find and use cannabis topical products. These aren’t going to be as potent or as effective as ingesting or inhaling them would be, but they might be a good option for those who need localized pain relief without the high.

  • Capsules and Pills

Medical marijuana is available in the form of capsules or pills, offering patients an efficient and precise way to administer their medication. These pharmaceutical-grade options have gained popularity in the medical cannabis community due to their convenience and standardized dosing. Each capsule or pill contains a pre-measured amount of active cannabinoids, allowing patients to easily manage their treatment regimen.

One of the significant advantages of capsules and pills is their discretion. Patients can take their medication without drawing attention, which is especially valuable for those who prefer to keep their medical marijuana use private. This discrete method also eliminates the need for smoking or inhaling, making it a preferred choice for individuals concerned about the potential health risks associated with smoking. For those seeking healthy options in Washington, DC, consider exploring FastSlice DC for a range of medical marijuana products and solutions tailored to your needs.

  • Tinctures

Tinctures offer another versatile way to consume medical marijuana. These liquid extracts are administered sublingually, with patients placing a few drops under the tongue. Sublingual administration provides a rapid onset of effects as the active compounds are absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the thin mucous membranes in the mouth.

One of the primary advantages of tinctures is precise dosing control. Patients can easily adjust their dosage based on their specific medical requirements, allowing for personalized treatment plans. This level of control is especially valuable for conditions that require fine-tuning of medication levels to achieve the desired therapeutic effects.

Tinctures are favored by many patients for their ease of use and versatility. They can be added to food or beverages for those who prefer an ingestible option, offering flexibility in how medical marijuana is consumed. Tinctures also come in various cannabinoid profiles, allowing patients to choose the specific compounds that best address their medical needs.

Choosing the Right Product for You

The fact is, you don’t have to stick with just one product or one method of use. Having a few go-to options can help you get the most out of your investment (like the vaporizer and edible route), and it can also make you prepared throughout the day. It’s not appropriate to get high at work, even if it’s for medicinal purposes, so using a topical instead or CBD can be a good alternative.

When it comes to taking medical marijuana, it’s always important to use the lowest dose that works for you. This way, you’ll build up tolerance more slowly, so you can continue to enjoy long-lasting, effective benefits from this treatment. Of course, you must always consult with your doctor first before changing anything regarding your cannabis consumption.