Legal marijuana sales hit almost $20 million in 2020, and they are expected to continue growing.
Since legalization has been expanding each year, new users are flocking to marijuana for its medicinal properties.
How do you know if medical marijuana is right for you?
Here is a marijuana guide that explains how it may benefit you and the different ways you can use it.
How Does Medical Cannabis Work?
Long gone are the days of people smoking weed just to get high. If you opt to use medical marijuana, you don’t have to get high at all. This is because of the different types of cannabinoids found in the plant.
Cannabinoids are compounds found naturally in the marijuana plant. THC and CBD are the two most well-known of these compounds. While THC is responsible for the high psychoactive feeling, CBD does not produce a high.
Your body has an endocannabinoid system with receptors that interact with THC and CBD. Studies have been slow due to legalization issues, so there is still much to learn about how exactly these interact.
What is known is that when CBD and THC are combined, you will feel less high or anxious. With the right ratio, you can find relief from a long list of health conditions.
Medical Marijuana Uses
People across the country are using marijuana for a variety of physical and mental conditions. To obtain a medical card, you’ll need a qualifying condition, among other requirements.
Common conditions that qualify for treatment are cancer, PTSD, and chronic pain. Unfortunately, many Americans experience one of these or other qualifying conditions. There is no need to continue suffering, however.
Marijuana can ease both anxiety and pain. If you are not interested in smoking, there are still other ways you can find relief with marijuana.
Types of Products
If you visit a marijuana dispensary like Harvest House of Cannabis, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Each type of product has pros and cons, so it’s important to research options.
Flower/Pre-Rolls
If you prefer to try classic ways of smoking, purchasing flower or pre-rolls is likely the right choice for you. The flower is the bud of the cannabis plant, while pre-rolls come in a similar form to cigarettes as they have already been rolled for you.
One of the primary benefits of smoking is that you’ll be consuming all of the compounds within the plant. Terpenes, which are aromatic compounds found in marijuana and other plants, help you get the full power of the plant.
However, if you have a lung condition or simply do not enjoy smoking, you have other options.
Vaporizers
Vaporizers are another way to inhale marijuana. They are less harsh on the lungs, and many people prefer the flavor compared to smoking flowers. Vaporizers are also a more discrete way to take your medicine on the go.
Those with lung issues may still wish to avoid vaporizers, however. There is also still a scent associated with vaping, so you’ll have to keep that in mind when you travel.
Concentrates
Another method of inhaling marijuana is through the process of dabbing. When you buy concentrates, you can use a specific device to create a vapor to inhale.
Concentrates offer some of the same benefits as flower in that many of the original compounds are retained in the product. However, if you are new to marijuana, you may want to go with a more approachable product.
Edibles/Tinctures
Using marijuana orally has become much more popular in recent years. You can now purchase all sorts of food products that contain marijuana. This includes gummies, chocolate bars, baked goods, drinks, and more.
Edibles are one of the most approachable ways to try medical marijuana for the first time. Alternately, you can buy a tincture that contains marijuana to place under your tongue.
Edibles and tinctures are easy to take and bring with you throughout your day. One downside, however, is that it is more difficult to pick a strain that you like. Connoisseurs may wish to go with a different product because of that.
Topicals
Topicals are particularly useful for people who use marijuana for pain relief. They are convenient to apply and do not cause any psychoactive effects.
However, those looking for a high with their marijuana may wish to opt for a different product.
Strains
Words like Indica, Sativa and hybrid get thrown around a lot. Knowing these categories can help you select the right product to get the relief you’re seeking.
Indica and Sativa are different styles of the cannabis plant, while a hybrid is a combination of multiple strains. Historically, indicas were thought to be more relaxing, while sativas were thought to be more uplifting.
You can use Indica and Sativa categories to help narrow down your preferences. However, it is now known that all of the compounds within a strain work cohesively to create different effects. For instance, some sativas can be relaxing.
Speaking with your local budtender or your doctor can help you narrow down strains. In general, those with a higher CBD to THC ratio will be better for anxiety and produce less of a high, which is an excellent place to start.
Make Medical Marijuana Work For You
As medical marijuana has become more accepted, a world of possibilities has opened up. Symptoms for almost any ailment can be relieved with marijuana and in a natural way. Patients also have plenty of options to choose from regarding how they take this medicinal plant.
Are you looking for more tips on bettering your health? Check out our posts for advice on how to improve your life in new ways!