Medical cannabis is now legal in more than 30 states in the US. Cannabis can be recommended for a wide range of health concerns, including stress, chronic pain, Alzheimer’s disease, depression and other conditions like loss of appetite. If you have your medical marijuana card, the next step is to classify various cannabis products. The quality of a cannabis product makes a big difference to the health benefits and overall experience, and here are some quick facts that medical cannabis users need to know.
Knowing THC and CBD
THC – short for tetrahydrocannabinol – is the only compound in cannabis is psychoactive, or causes the euphoria and high we associate with cannabis. CBD – short for cannabidiol – is another cannabinoid, known for its therapeutic benefits. For patients relying on medical marijuana, both these compounds are as important. There are THC-based products, including concentrates, which are meant to offer relief from stress and anxiety, while CBD-based products are often recommended chronic pain. CBD products are not psychoactive, or will not cause the effects as with THC products, which makes them more desirable for some patients.
Understanding the strains
It is important to review and understand cannabis strains, from which products are made. These can be classified into three categories – Sativa, Indica & hybrids. Most cannabis strains sold by dispensaries are hybrids, which can be either Sativa or Indica-dominant. Generally, Indica-dominant strains are known to be more relaxing and contain more THC, best suited for nighttime use. On the other hand, sativa-dominant strains are energizing and can help improving mood and emotions.
Making a choice
With so many choices, making the right decision with regards to cannabis products may seem confusing. Beginners can consider pre-rolls and dried buds, which can be either vaped or smoked. Then, there are concentrates, which contain concentrated amounts of cannabinoids and terpenes, and are often suited for experienced users. There are also tinctures, oils, topical products, edibles to choose from. If you feel confused, just select a known and reliable dispensary, check what they have on offer, and ask their budtenders to help with the ideal strain and cannabis product that may help your condition.
Being responsible
Just because you have been prescribed cannabis, it doesn’t mean that you can consume it anywhere. Federally, cannabis still remains illegal, and yes, don’t plan any serious work if you plan to have cannabis in any form. Edibles take much longer to take effect, so go slow with your dosage.
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