Popular Ways for Consuming Medical Marijuana

How Do YOU Consume Medical Marijuana?

The growing acceptance of marijuana for both medical and recreational use has introduced a huge array of choices for both the patient and the connoisseur.  Here are some popular ways for consuming medical marijuana.

Consuming Medical Marijuana - Option #1 - Topicals

Perhaps the easiest and way to use medical marijuana, it’s definitely a healthier choice than smoking it…  Topicals are loaded the with the healing component extracts of marijuana. The oil/lotion based topical comes in the form of balms, salves, lotions, sprays and ointments are applied on the body and will absorb through the skin.

They are effective in the relief of inflammatory diseases, roughened skin, eczema, minor burns, muscle soreness, sunburns, swelling, joint pain and tendinitis — they can even relieve the painful symptoms of shingles.

This method of application offers users the benefits of targeted marijuana relief, without the effects of being “high”.

Consuming Medical Marijuana - Option #2 - Tinctures

You might be wondering “what the heck is a tincture?”

A tincture is a concentrated form of medical marijuana that is made in an alcohol solution. Cannabis buds and leaves are soaked in alcohol and then put through a fine strainer to create a potent liquid infused with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other cannabinoids. Tinctures are most commonly consumed by drops placed directly under the tongue. Tinctures are absorbed sublingually, so the cannabinoids go directly to the bloodstream.

This is the preferred method of delivery for children who are prescribed medical marijuana with absorption times in as little as 10 minutes.

And as you might have guessed, tinctures are a healthier alternative to smoking or vaping medical marijuana.  The main downside to tinctures is they’re more expensive for patients who require higher doses.

Consuming Medical Marijuana - Option #3 - Edibles

With demand for edibles increasing steadily as a preferred method of delivery, it appears marijuana, in general, has gone “mainstream.”  Common edibles that have medical marijuana come in such familiar foods such as lollipops, gummy bears, cookies, crackers, ice cream, chocolate bars, chewing gum, popcorn, and nut mixes, among others.

Again, a major benefit of using edibles is children and the elderly can easily medicate without smoking or vaping.  Additionally, edibles are easier to prescribe suitable or precise dosages for patients depending on their prior interaction with marijuana, weight, metabolism and other considerations.  Another benefit is the relief period lasts considerably longer than other methods, roughly 4-6 hours.

Consuming Medical Marijuana - Option #4 - Vaping

Vaporizers are a great way to access the medical properties of cannabis without the detrimental effects of inhaling smoke. Vaping involves the burning of dry flowers or medical marijuana oil at a temperature lower than its combustion point.  The lower burning point significantly reduces carcinogenic and other harmful effects of marijuana as well as the odor.

So it should come as no surprise that vaporizers are widely and gladly accepted among more health-conscious patients.

The patient feels relief immediately, there’s no smoke, non-smell.

The vapor is not as harsh on the lungs like smoke.  But vaping does require batteries and vaping devices, which increases cost.

Another drawback… Not all cartridges and oils are created equally.  It is important to purchase cartridges and oils from reputable companies. Lower quality and cheaper products often increase the risk of chemical solvents and lower quality materials in their medical marijuana products.