What are the Tools of this Type of Medicine?

As a part of our counseling and medical team, I often receive questions from my patients about the best methods to use medical marijuana. With the growing acceptance of medical marijuana as a treatment option for approved medical conditions in Maryland, it’s important to understand the most common and effective ways to ingest or use it. In this blog post, we’ll compare and contrast the most common methods of using medical marijuana and discuss their benefits and drawbacks.

Smoking

Smoking is perhaps the most well-known method of using medical marijuana. This can include pre-rolls, pipes, or the traditional bong. When smoking, the active compounds in the marijuana are inhaled through the lungs and absorbed into the bloodstream. This method is popular because it provides fast relief and is easy to control dosage. You can determine how much you inhale and at what pace. However, smoking can have negative effects on lung health. It especially may not be suitable for patients with respiratory conditions (such as asthma or emphysema).

Vaporizing

We usuallying think of vapes as the plastic wands you can pick up with pre-loaded amounts of nicotine and fruity flavors. You’ve seen them at gas stations, I’m sure. This type of vape, however, is a portable heator of sorts that has a compartment you fill with the dry plant material. Vaporizing, or “vaping,” is similar to smoking but heats the marijuana to a temperature that releases the active compounds without burning the plant material. This method is considered to be less harmful to lung health than smoking, and the effects are felt quickly. However, vaporizing devices can be expensive and require maintenance.

Edibles

Edibles are a popular option for those who dislike the smell or impact of smoking or vaporizing marijuana. Edibles are food products that are infused with marijuana, such as gummies, or baked goods. Often baked goods are created by first transfusing the dry product in a carrier oil such as olive oil or butter. The final oil is then used in replacement of traditional cooking oils. Another growing product in this space are beverages such as colas or even beers that contain the active compounds. When using edibles, the active compounds are absorbed through your digestive system and can take longer to take effect than smoking or vaporizing. Edibles can be challenging to dose accurately, and the effects can be more potent and long-lasting for some people.

Tinctures

Tinctures are concentrated liquid extracts of marijuana that are typically taken sublingually, or absorbed by keeping the drops under your tongue. This method provides fast relief and is easy to control dosage. Tinctures can also be added to food or drink for those who prefer not to take it sublingually. However, tinctures can be expensive and may have a strong taste or odor.

Topicals

Topicals are a non-psychoactive method of using medical cannabis. They are applied directly to the skin in the form of salves, creams, or balms. Topicals are primarily used for localized pain and inflammation relief and do not produce the same type of “high” associated with other methods. However, topicals may not be as effective for systemic pain relief.

In conclusion, there are many effective ways to use medical marijuana. Each method has its benefits and drawbacks, and it’s important to choose a method that works best for your needs and preferences. Before using medical marijuana, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional to determine if it’s a suitable treatment option for you and to discuss dosage and potential side effects.

At Firefly, we provide the evaluations that enable you to qualify for access to the medical marijuana that could assist in your condition. We also give guidance about the types of strains that include Linalool and other helpful compounds for your specific ailment. Give us a call today at 567-FIREFLY, or reach out to us on our website at www.fireflymedicalcards.com.