According to the American Lung Association, marijuana smoke contains many of the same toxins and carcinogens as tobacco smoke. Smoking cannabis is linked to lung damage and other severe health issues. Luckily, there are many smokeless methods of cannabis consumption. Thus, you can enjoy marijuana without damaging your lungs. However, before using marijuana for managing your condition, make sure you get an MMJ card from a 420 clinic.
Vaping
Vaporization is safer as compared to smoking. This is because cannabinoids vaporize at a much lower temperature, and the vapors are much easier on the lungs. Moreover, vaping prevents certain terpenes and other compounds from burning, thus delivering a flavorful cannabis consumption experience. Using portable vape pens, you can easily generate vapors and inhale them for immediate medicinal effects.
Dabbing is a popular vaping form with stronger hits. Cannabis concentrates contain higher levels of THC and CBD than those of flowers. Research says that the average potency of THC in concentrates is 40-80 percent while it’s around 20 percent in the case of flowers. You can opt for flowers or concentrates with the right cannabinoid profile to get customized medicinal effects.
Edibles
Edibles are available in the form of chocolate bars, brownies, pizzas, ice-creams, and other foods and beverages. So, you can eat marijuana to enjoy therapeutic effects. At medical dispensaries, a wide range of cannabis edibles with different concentrations of THC and CBD are available.
Edibles are safer than smoking because you don’t have to inhale cannabis smoke. So, you aren’t exposed to harmful chemicals. It’s important to note that cannabis-infused edibles take longer to get absorbed in the bloodstream and last longer. They reach a peak in around 20-180 minutes after ingestion. So, edibles are perfect for medical users looking for lasting relief. You can also make edibles at home.
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However, the onset and duration of edibles depend on cannabinoid profile, dosage, body weight, and various other factors.
Topicals
Topicals are cannabis products that can be applied directly on the skin. They are usually preferred by patients to get localized relief from pain and inflammation. According to the recent Civilized Culture poll, the topical market is set to explode.
Cannabinoids in topicals bind to the receptors in the endocannabinoid system in the body. The majority of the topicals don’t reach the bloodstream. So, they usually don’t deliver high effects even if they have high-THC levels. However, transdermal patches can reach the bloodstream, thus there are some chances that you will experience psychoactive effects.
At medical dispensaries, you can find a wide range of balms, lotions, creams, etc., which have different cannabinoid profiles.
Tinctures
Tinctures are cannabis extracts, which come with dropper bottles. So, you can easily control the dosage. They contain the decarboxylated form of marijuana. Decarboxylation is a process of activating the important chemical compounds in the herb. Tinctures can be infused with alcohol or glycerine. Alcohol-based tinctures have a fast action. These cannabis products are absorbed sublingually. However, you can also mix them with food products.
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Tinctures are available in a wide range of flavors, potencies, allowing medical users to choose what suits their personal preferences and medical needs. Medical experts say that when stored properly, tinctures can last years.
Talk to a Licensed Doctor
Cannabinoids delivered through vaping, edibles, topicals, or tinctures don’t work the same way for every patient. This is because not everyone has the same symptoms, body weight, tolerance to cannabis, etc. Also, the amount of cannabis you consume matters. If your friend gets relief with 10 mg of a cannabis-infused chocolate bar, it’s not necessary that you will experience the same effects.
So, choose your marijuana products wisely. Talk to a board-certified doctor to seek professional help for cannabis consumption methods, strains, dosage, etc.
To access state-licensed dispensaries, you need to apply for MMJ recs at a 420 clinic. However, you can see a licensed doctor online using telemedicine technology. Here’s the process-
- Sign up an account
- Talk to a doctor online
- Receive an MMJ letter in PDF via email
Final Thoughts
Using smokeless methods, you can deliver cannabinoids into the body without inhaling the smoke. Vaporization converts cannabis into vapors, which can be inhaled through the lungs for immediate medicinal effects. Edibles are absorbed through the digestive system, thus have a slow onset and longer duration. Topicals are applied directly on the skin, and tinctures are absorbed sublingually. The effects of marijuana on the body and mind depend on factors such as strain, dosage, body chemistry, etc. So, work with a board-certified doctor to learn how to use cannabis.
Visit a 420 clinic to receive MMJ recs.