What Are The Different Ways To Administer Medical Marijuana?
What is Marijuana?
Marijuana, otherwise known as cannabis comes from the cannabis plant which has many
useful usages. The stalks can be used for paper, clothing, rope, and building materials, the
seeds can be used for food and fuel oil, and the whole plant, stalk, leaves, seeds, and
flowers can be used for medicinal purposes. Once mature, the plant’s leaves and flowers are
covered with trichomes, tiny glands of resinous oil containing cannabinoids and terpenes
that provide physical and psychoactive effects. There are many ways in which cannabis
leaves and flowers can be consumed.
Marijuana in the Medical world
Studies have shown that the use of medical marijuana has gained much more popularity in
the recent years. Medical marijuana can treat a range of different illnesses or symptoms
ranging from cancer effects, chronic pain control to treating insomnia. Although, it is not yet
legal in all states and countries there is a major support in this to be changed. With 11 states
now making medicinal marijuana legal and ongoing commissions for a further 5 states to
legalize it in 2020. Studies show that patients who were previously using opioids have
switched to marijuana with a positive outcome resulting also in a drop in opioid-related
deaths. Many people have started to lose faith in pharmaceutical drugs and want a more
natural way to treat their diseases/illnesses or problems and since cannabis/marijuana is a
plant this makes it a natural resource.
Additional Source: Administering Medical Marijuana Orally or Rectally
Different types of Marijuana
There are many types of cannabinoids and terpenes that are found in the marijuana plant.
– The most common and well-known cannabinoid is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) this
is the element of the plant which has the most significant psychoactive effects. The ratio of
THC to other cannabinoids depends on the strain of the plant you use.
– Cannabidiol (CBD) is the strain used to relieve anxiety, nausea, inflammation, and
convulsions without psychoactive effects. This is the strain that is mostly used in medical
marijuana since it does not give the ‘high’ sensation when used.
– Cannabinol (CBN) has a mild psychoactive effect and is usually used to decrease intraocular
pressure and to treat seizures.
– Cannabichromene (CBC) is mainly used when treating insomnia as it is a strain that
promotes pain relief and acts as a sedative.
– Cannabigerol (CBG) Is also a sedative and contains antimicrobial properties as well as
lowering intraocular pressure (pressure behind the eyes).
– Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) Is still under research however is proving to be useful for
type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders.
Effects of Marijuana:
The effects of marijuana differ and there are other elements that contribute to the effect on
an individual. Each person reacts differently to a particular strain of marijuana and should
you find you react negatively to one strain does not mean that you would react negatively
to all strains. It can take some trial and error to find the strain suitable for you. To gain the
effect you desire you should consider the dosage, your experience and history of usage, your nutrition and diet, and also your mindset, mood when using. These factors will determine which effect the marijuana will have. Although, generally the effects are similar for qualifying medical conditions, eliminating pain and nausea control, appetite stimulation, reduced muscle spasms as well as improved sleep. It will depend on which strain you use as to how beneficial the effects are for you or your condition.
Different administrations of marijuana:
Since there are different strains of marijuana it goes without saying that there are also
different administration techniques and the best one for you will be determined by, the
comfort of use, strength desired, and the overall desired effect.
Edibles
For the cannabinoid to be effective it must be heated, you can implement the strain of
marijuana into food or drink sources which you heat before ingesting as this is known as edibles. For example homemade brownies, cookies, or cake with the marijuana as an added ingredient, special
tea brewed with the strain of marijuana present. By using the marijuana in this way, the
effects may take longer to show however they may last longer this is due to the time it takes
for the body to absorb the THC in the liver. Cannabinoids are fat-soluble hydrophobic oils
meaning that they are able to dissolve in oils, butters, and fats however, do not dissolve in
water. Depending on which strain you use and how much you include will depend on how
strong the effects will be from the edible made.
Cannabis Oil
Cannaoil is a cooking oil infused with cannabinoid this can be used within your cooking
routine providing the food you are making does not need to be heated over 280 degrees
Fahrenheit. The oil can be heated in any kind of pan over a low heat and then the cannaoil
can be extracted through a strainer.
Cannabis Butter
Cannabutter can be used in a similar way to that of the cannaoil. By heating the pure strain
of marijuana or cannabis together with some butter allows them to mix together which can
then be used in a cooking method.
Tincture
Tinctures use a mix of pure alcohol to extract the cannabinoid which can then be dropped
into the mouth by small amounts to be absorbed through the mucous membranes located
in the mouth.
Spray
Using the same method of tincture, the spray is combined with pure alcohol which is then
sprayed under the tongue to be absorbed by the mucous membranes.
Cannabis Topicals
These are creams made up of the cannabinoid strain which are applied to the skin. These
treatments are mainly used for external medical concerns. Medically applied cannabis creams have shown to treat allergic reactions, lessen inflammation, post-herpes neuralgia, and even muscle strain. Marijuana reacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors which can be found all over the body including in the skin cells. THC and CBD have both proven to be effective for pain relief and inflammation and by using the marijuana in a cream it has shown to have no psychoactive effects (meaning there is no ‘high’ with the user).
Smoking
The most obvious and well-known use of medical marijuana is via smoking. This is the way in
which the cannabis/marijuana plant is rolled into a smoking paper mixed with tobacco and
then smoked. By administrating the marijuana in this way you are likely to receive a fast
effect as well as getting the ‘high’. All Natural MD Marijuana Doctor.
It is important to remember that medical marijuana is still undergoing research for its
benefits versus negative effects, however, in saying that the negative seems to be very little
thus far. Working out which administration is best for you will more than likely be a trial and
error phase and if you are unsure where to begin you may want to speak to a professional
to get their opinion.
References marijuana study and research: