When medical marijuana was initially legalized in Ohio, it came with the caveat that smoking it was strictly prohibited. That means most medical marijuana patients in Ohio needed to familiarize themselves with other methods of consumption they probably weren’t familiar with previously.
Smokeless medical marijuana products contain varying amounts of CBD and THC, and the way in which different formats are processed in the body creates varying effects. For this reason, it’s vital to understand the impact each one has on pain management efforts.
After learning about the effects smokeless medical marijuana can have, you’ll probably be eager to try it for yourself! Keep reading below for more information on how tinctures, topicals and edibles work, and what to keep in mind when incorporating them into your treatment plan.
Medical Marijuana Edibles
One of the most common forms of smokeless medical marijuana available to patients is edibles. Part of their popularity stems from the fact that they often look like your favorite snacks that you’d find on the shelves of your local gas station or drugstore. Whether you like to snack on gummies, chocolate bars or baked goods, you’ll be able to find THC-infused edibles that satisfy your taste buds and your need for symptom relief.
No matter what type of medical marijuana edible you’re considering, there are two important factors in how effective it’ll be for pain relief:
1. THC & CBD levels
Products higher in CBD are generally more effective at treating pain, but they still need to have THC in them in order to benefit from the entourage effect.
2. Dosage
A 2-5 mg level dosage could be considered a lower one, while a 5-10 mg dose could be considered moderate. Deciding on an appropriate dosage level is trickier for patients with a higher tolerance. Usually anywhere between 30-50 mg is effective enough to feel the effects of edibles when you have a high tolerance to THC.
A Note on Getting Started With Medical Marijuana Edibles
The golden rule for edibles is to start slow, and to wait at least a couple of hours in between doses. Since your body processes cannabinoids differently when you ingest them, rather than smoking cannabis, it might feel like nothing is happening after immediately consuming an edible. But that’s typical. Usually it takes at least 30 minutes for medical marijuana patients to begin to feel the effects.
Medical Marijuana Topicals
Those who don’t pay close attention to the world of medical marijuana may be completely unfamiliar with the concept of marijuana topicals. When medical marijuana was introduced in Ohio, the first type of topical product that was available to patients was transdermal patches. Now, Ohio medical marijuana patients have the option to choose from balms, lotions and creams, as well as patches.
For medical marijuana patients who prefer to enjoy the pain relief of THC without the side-effect of feeling “high”, cannabis topicals are a tremendous solution. Their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties make them ideal for conditions like arthritis, headaches and spasticity, and they provide localized relief in a convenient, discreet way.
Aside from THC and CBD, medical marijuana topicals often contain other ingredients that can produce a calming sensation like numerous essential oils.
When patients use medical marijuana topicals, THC joins forces with CB1 receptors present in the skin, nerves and muscle tissue. This facilitates fast acting relief to the area where the topical is applied.
The cannabinoids present in topicals are absorbed through the skin, then released throughout the rest of the body through the bloodstream. This usually happens so slowly that users can’t feel any psychoactive effects. Patients who aren’t a fan of vaping, or being under the influence of medical marijuana, can benefit tremendously by getting familiar with topicals.
Medical Marijuana Tinctures
Another form of cannabis consumption likely to throw new medical marijuana patients for a loop is marijuana tinctures, also known as cannabis oil. This is a great option for medical marijuana patients seeking greater control over their dosages than edibles or raw flower can provide. Medical marijuana tinctures are consumed sublingually, usually by taking a few drops of it underneath the tongue.
They’re often made with higher proof alcohol, but alcohol-free tinctures can be made with products like glycerin. Although they’re a smokeless form of medical cannabis, tinctures can still provide patients with a feeling of intoxication if the dosage is too strong. Some conditions that are often treated using medical marijuana tinctures include MS, seizures and cancer among others. Its effects are relatively long lasting, especially upon taking a heavier dosage.
It's recommended that newer users start with a low dose of 2 mg or less. That allows patients to receive their desired relief without going overboard. Of course, if 1mg doesn’t cut it patients are free to try a 2 mg dose within the next 24 hours to see if that gets the job done.
Consuming Smokeless Medical Marijuana in Ohio
Since medical marijuana is still relatively new to Ohio cannabis consumers, there’s lots to learn about the true impact it has on pain relief. One of the most effective ways to begin learning about the effects medical marijuana can have on pain relief is to schedule an appointment with a certified medical marijuana physician today.
Options for pain management are more abundant than ever before, and smokeless cannabis provides the natural relief you deserve without facing the potential long-term effects of inhaling marijuana smoke or vapor. There’s no longer any need to continue suffering from chronic pain—or any other conditions that qualify for treatment—when there are so many different natural options available.
Doctors Who Care. Relief You Can Trust.
Here at Ohio Marijuana Card, our goal is to help everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
If you have any questions, call us at (866) 457-5559, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
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