Medical marijuana can be an effective alternative treatment for a number of severe and chronic health conditions. However, when you are using medical marijuana for any of your health conditions, it is advised to be mindful of the dosage and administration methods.
Medical marijuana comes in many strains, and choosing the right one will help treat your underlying health condition. In this blog, we will tell you everything you need to know about the safe dosage and administration of medical marijuana.
Keep reading to find out useful insights and minimize the risk associated with the overdose.
1. Consult a Qualified Healthcare Professional
Before you start using medical marijuana on a daily basis, it is advised to consult a qualified healthcare professional who has the authority to recommend medical marijuana. A doctor with the right education about medical marijuana will be able to understand your healthcare conditions and tell you how and when you use it.
This will enable you to understand all the benefits and risks associated with medical cannabis and choose the right dosage for your personal healthcare needs. Moreover, they will help you understand what is the right administration method that is tailored to your underlying health condition.
Also, keep visiting the doctor even when you are using medical marijuana for some time. They will see your progress and make the necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. This will provide you with more benefits and enable you to get the full potential of medical marijuana.
A medical professional will also help you obtain a medical marijuana card, the only way to access and use medical marijuana. For example, if you live in Oklahoma, consult a registered medical specialist in your state and get a written recommendation to apply for medical card in Oklahoma.
2. Start Low and Go Slow
Medical marijuana has different effects on everyone. That’s why doctors always recommend starting with the low dosage and then proceed your way slowly to higher dosages. Starting with a low dosage enables you to check how your body responds to this dose.
This way, you can also minimize the risk of experiencing unwanted side effects and enjoy the right benefits that come with using medical marijuana as an alternative treatment. How marijuana affects your body depends on several factors.
Some of these factors include your body weight, metabolism, and any specific health conditions you are using medical marijuana for. When you take a gradual approach to using medical marijuana, it allows your body to adjust itself to the changing routine. This is when medical cannabis can provide the maximum benefit with minimal risk.
3. Understand THC and CBD Ratios
There are certain substances found in medical marijuana. THC and CBD are two of the most important ones and have different effects on your body and mind. That’s why it is advised to understand their proper ratio so you can achieve the desired results without getting any side effects, especially the ones related to the psychoactive properties of marijuana.
Let’s first have a look at what these two compounds are. THC is a compound that is known for its psychoactive properties, and this is the compound responsible for the feelings of “high” often associated with marijuana.
CBD, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive and is known for its therapeutic properties. All of the therapeutic benefits of marijuana are because of this compound.
Different strains and doses of marijuana have different ratios of THC to CBD. So, be sure that you choose a product with a balanced ratio of CBD and THC to get maximum benefits.
4. Select the Right Delivery Method
Just like the strains and doses, marijuana also comes in many forms. Each form has its own delivery method. While you may not know, these delivery methods can significantly impact how marijuana affects your health and is absorbed into your system.
Some of the most common delivery methods and forms include inhalation, edibles, topical creams, or oil tinctures.
I. Inhalation
Inhalation involves smoking or vaporizing. This method is considered the most effective if you want quick results and immediate relief.
II. Edibles
Edibles include gummies, capsules, or tinctures that are ingested orally. This method of consumption is best for long-lasting effects, but it may affect slowly.
III. Topical Creams
Topical creams and oils, on the other hand, are good for curing chronic pain and are applied directly to the skin. This consumption method has no side effects.
So, choose the right delivery method based on your medical condition or as directed by your doctor to get maximum benefits.
5. Look out for Drug Interactions
Medical marijuana is often used along with other traditional medications to treat severe and chronic medical conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to be mindful of the potential drug interactions with medical marijuana and adjust your treatment accordingly.
This is because certain medications can interact with the cannabinoids present in medical marijuana. This interaction can affect the absorption, effectiveness, and activity of these medications. When these interactions become severe, they can lead to unwanted side effects and reduce the efficiency of the medication or marijuana.
If you want to avoid these interactions and side effects, it is advised to get help from your healthcare specialist. Tell them about your usage of medical marijuana and any concurrent medications you are taking. They will then adjust your treatment plan accordingly and monitor any signs of potential drug interactions in the future.
6. Store Medical Marijuana Safely
Along with the usage, you will also be mindful of how you store medical marijuana. This is important to maintain its potency and efficacy. The best way to store medical marijuana is to store it in a cool and dry place that is away from direct sunlight or any other heat sources.
This will prevent its structure and prevent its interaction with other chemicals. Moreover, to ensure the safety of people around you, keep your medications and marijuana away from children and pets. In this context, you can use quality containers that cannot be accessed directly.