Studies show that medical marijuana is an effective pain reliever and possesses calming properties that can help alleviate various health problems. More interestingly, marijuana as a medicine has fewer side-effects than commonly used pharmaceutical drugs.
If you’re looking to get a hold of marijuana for your health condition, you’ll first need to get your medical marijuana health card. Just give us a call at 1-800-496-3024 or sign up through our contact page to book an appointment. Once you’ve been evaluated and approved, you can expect to receive your medical marijuana health card within 10 working days.
Through your brand new card, you’ll be able to purchase various forms of cannabis from a marijuana dispensary in your area. If you’re new to the whole thing, you might have some questions on how to use it as a medication. The good news is that there are numerous ways you can do that. In this blog, we’ve outlined some common consumption methods.
1. Smoking
This is the most frequently used method of using medical marijuana. All you need to do is wrap up some dry cannabis flowers into a rolled up piece of paper or pipe. Basically, roll a joint and light it up. Inhale the smoke through the opposite end.
Pros
Instant pain relief
Easy to manage the dosage
Cost-effective
Cons
Smoking may not be the ideal option for patients with lung-related health problems such as asthma or lung cancer.
2. Vaping
Smoking and vaping is kind of similar. To take medical marijuana in vapor form, you’ll need to preheat a vaporizer and pack it with dry cannabis flowers. Press a small button near the mouthpiece for the substance to combust so you can inhale it.
Pros
Instant pain relief
Easier on the lungs compared to smoking
Cons
Vaping devices can be expensive
Battery powered vaporizers will need to be recharged
You’ll have to wait for the device to warm up
3. Marijuana-based edibles
Ever heard of pot brownies? As awful as they taste, they also contain some unhealthy dosage of THC—the psychoactive component of cannabis that gets you high. With medical marijuana, you can get a range of goodies that have very careful doses of the substance that you can barely tell it’s there. Think cookies, crackers, ice cream, chocolate bars, chewing gum and popcorn. This is a great way to administer medical marijuana to the elderly who need the medication but are averse to smoking. But please be warned that doses with edibles significantly vary and you must consult a marijuana doctor before opting for this method. You can always get in touch with us for proper consultation.
Pros
Lasting pain relief
No risk to lung health
You get a yummy treat each time you take your dose
Cons
Effects take about 30 minutes to kick in
The dosage needs to be carefully managed
4. Beverages
Medical marijuana dispensaries are likely to have juices, sodas and teas infused with cannabis. In some cases, you can also get a cannabis tincture that can be steeped in hot water for a DIY medical marijuana tea.
Pros
Gives lasting pain relief
Helps with stress alleviation and improves energy levels
Cons
Need to be patient for effects to kick in
The dosage needs to be carefully administered
If you’re in Arizona, you can drop by our Tucson or Tempe clinic and we can put you in touch with caregivers that can provide you with a form of medical marijuana that suits your consumption choice.