You have options.
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This may be the most important message to share these days about medical cannabis. Also known as medical marijuana, and akin to the popular CBD products you may have seen or heard of, cannabis for medical use has grown in popularity in recent years. It is now legal to use it in 37 of the 50 U.S. states, and the other 13 allow legal use of cannabidiol (CBD) products that contain less than 3 percent of the substance that produces “high” marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol. THC).
When you start exploring the effects of cannabis, consider keeping a diary to keep track of your reactions and the types you are trying. Talk to your doctor about your interest in exploring medical cannabis. The rules vary a lot and are changing rapidly.
Each state with a medical cannabis program has its own set of rules. You can find your state program here.
Definitions
Cannabis use can be overwhelming for patients to navigate, especially considering the different terms. Here is a breakdown of some of the main and most common terms with their definitions.
Dispensaries: A dispensary is a store that sells cannabis for medical or recreational use.
Bidding: A budtender is a dispensary employee and should be able to answer your questions about cannabis and refer you to products that can meet your specific needs.
Strains: There are three main types of cannabis. A variety is classified as indica, sativa, or hybrid. Within these categories, there are many versions of different strains and products with names like OG Kush, Acapulco Gold, Pineapple Express and many more, each of which has different effects.
Indicates: They usually produce a relaxing effect on the user, while sativa is known to have an energizing effect. A hybrid is a combination of the two.
THC: An active ingredient found in cannabis that produces the “high” sensation described by many users.
CBD: The second most common active ingredient found in cannabis and does not cause a high.
What is the use of medicinal cannabis?
Cannabis for medical use is not yet approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, although it is legal in many states. Our pocket guide to cancer and cannabis includes a little history of the plant and its state in the United States over the past 100 years.
At the federal level, cannabis is classified as a List 1 drug. However, state-by-state legislation has allowed for more studies under state law. Pennsylvania, for example, has a provision for academic and industrial research collaborations under its medical cannabis law.
The growing legalization of cannabis in the United States has led to more and more types of studies. For example, when Pennsylvania legalized cannabis for medical use in 2016, the law included a provision to allow research into medical centers, such as Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia and its hospital system, Jefferson Health. Other centers are doing similar work.
The experience of many medical experts and patients has shown that for some, cannabis is an effective treatment for a variety of symptoms. These include, but are not limited to:
- Pain, especially chronic pain, and nervous pain.
- Muscle spasms and tension.
- Nausea and loss of appetite for chemotherapy.
- Various symptoms of HIV and AIDS.
- Various symptoms of multiple sclerosis and ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).
- Symptoms of Crohn’s disease, epilepsy and seizures.
- Anxiety, and in some cases depression.
- Insomnia and other sleep problems.
Glaucoma is another condition for which cannabis can be a useful treatment. The caution here is that the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends not using cannabis for this purpose because there are safe, effective, and proven glaucoma drugs for research.
In short, cannabis has been tested for many conditions, is effective for some, and we are learning more as restrictions are eased and research is being done.
Where can I get cannabis for medical use?
You can get medical cannabis in person at a specialty store called a dispensary. You can also order cannabis products online for collection or delivery (in some states).
Websites like Leafly and Weedmaps are useful resources that will take you to a local dispensary.
Gummy bears and brownies sound great. Are there any drawbacks?
Gummies, brownies and other edible products may be the most attractive way to try cannabis for those who are not interested in smoking. Like all forms of cannabis, you will want to start with a low dose and go slowly to measure how your body reacts.
Groceries usually have a delayed effect, so it is important to go slow in their consumption. Start with a bite to see how your body reacts. You may not feel anything at that time and it may take up to an hour for your body to experience a reaction. Keep track of your body’s response in a journal.
Should I smoke or vaporize? I’m not sure how.
No. Smoking cannabis is a traditional way of using it, but it is not necessary to get the effects. Today, there are many options for using medical cannabis, from creams, oils or patches that you put on your skin, to edible forms, to cannabis-infused seltzers, tinctures and more.
Is vaping safer than smoking?
Not necessarily. Both can damage the lungs and the respiratory system.
What if I don’t feel comfortable in a dispensary?
Not all dispensaries are the same, so you may want to go shopping until you find one where you feel comfortable. Dispensaries with expert staff focused on the medicinal benefits of cannabis can help you find the products that work best for your unique needs.
If your health prevents you from shopping in person, you may be able to appoint a caregiver who can take you to the dispensary. Most states with medical cannabis programs allow caregivers to register with patients. A friend or family member can hold this role. You must first register with your state and then appoint a caregiver.
Will my health insurance pay for medical cannabis?
No. Like most herbs and supplements, medical cannabis is a pocket expense. It is not covered by Medicare or Medicaid, and flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts cannot be used to pay for it.
Insurance can cover the cost of FDA-approved prescription drugs that are based on cannabis: Epidiolex, for epilepsy, and Dronabinol and Marinol, used for nausea.[i]
What if my pet eats my medical cannabis?
Call a veterinarian or ASPCA Pet Poison Control Center immediately. Cannabis can be toxic to pets. Foods such as cookies and brownies can be especially appealing, but they can also contain xylitol, chocolate, or other substances that are toxic to pets.
What if my children or grandchildren get into my medical cannabis?
Call a physician or poison control center immediately.
If children or grandchildren live or visit your home, store cannabis products securely, preferably in a locked cupboard. The packaging must be child-proof and children must not be able to see it through it, especially for jelly beans and other groceries.
Can I take too much medical cannabis?
Medicinal cannabis may be overused, but no deaths have been reported. If excessive consumption occurs, there are things you can do to combat the negative impact, such as drinking water, chewing a peppercorn, or taking a shower. Remember that the sensation will not last and will eventually pass. If you have high blood pressure or are prone to panic attacks, contact your doctor immediately or visit the nearest emergency room.[ii]
To avoid this, tell your doctor, pharmacist, and other healthcare professionals that you are using it. They can help alert you to interactions with other drugs and treatments. They should also know what dose you are taking.
Can I do my usual activities while using medical cannabis?
There is a growing trend for healthy people to use cannabis before exercising.[iii] For some, yoga or meditation are complementary to cannabis use. However, drowsiness and dizziness are common side effects of this botanist, as are some other medications. Do not drive or use machinery while taking cannabis. Do not take cannabis while caring for children.
If you are at higher risk of falling, for example, if you are an adult or your health condition is causing balance or movement problems, be careful with cannabis. It may be a good idea to remove anything you may stumble upon and have someone nearby who is not using it when using cannabis.
What is CBD?
CBD stands for cannabidiol, one of the more than 400 chemicals in the cannabis plant. You may have seen CBD oil, jelly beans, and other products at local stores. You can even buy CBD products for your pet. CBD will not produce the high you would get from a product that contains THC.
As with other cannabis products, it is important to buy CBD from a reputable source, such as a well-run natural health store. One study found that many CBD products are incorrectly labeled and do not contain high quality ingredients.[v] Like other nutritional supplements, CBD is not regulated in the US. Look for companies that include third-party lab testing information that accurately details product content.
As with all medications, it is important to talk to your doctor about your cannabis use. Clinical trials are research studies that test new drugs and treatments with human volunteers.
“Placebo-controlled” means that a drug is compared to something that appears to be the same but does not contain the therapeutic substance being studied.
“Double mask” means that neither study volunteers nor researchers know if they are receiving the drug being studied.
Such studies are considered the best way to learn if a drug or other treatment is safe and effective, because neither researchers nor volunteers are biased by what they already think of the drug being studied, and the drug is study by comparing it. to something that does not contain real medicines.
