As of June 2023, the district of California, 3 territories, and 38 states in the US have legalized the use of medical marijuana. While cannabis became popular for recreational purposes, with time, it has emerged as a promising source of relief from various health issues.
The legalization has surely given a lifeline to people looking for effective remedies for conditions that have been resistant to conventional treatment options. Medical marijuana is the use of certain Cannabis plant compounds. These majorly include cannabinoids such as CBD and THC for therapeutic interventions.
The health issues range from epilepsy to chronic pain and anxiety disorders. However, not everybody is allowed to take medical marijuana. There are certain dos and don’ts related to it that ensure it is being safely used.
So, here we are with a list that everyone must understand before using medical marijuana. Read on!
Do’s of Medical Marijuana
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Consult A Healthcare Professional
The first and must-do step before starting your medical marijuana usage is to consult a professional authorized to prescribe it. It helps ensure a safe and effective use. When you book an appointment with a medical marijuana doctor, you can discuss your specific health concerns, medical history, and treatment goals. As a result, they can prescribe the correct strain and dosage per your needs and health condition.
In addition, they help obtain a medical marijuana card that determines your use of medical marijuana is legal and complies with state laws. Additionally, this card provides access to regulated dispensaries, ensuring the quality and safety of the products you purchase.
In simple words, consulting with a qualified healthcare professional keeps you on the right side of the law and maximizes the therapeutic benefits of medical marijuana for your health.
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Follow Dosage Guidelines
It is essential to follow the dosage as prescribed by your medical professional. It helps your journey toward better health and wellness; only a healthcare professional can provide accurate direction.
The ideal dosage depends on various factors, such as:
- Your specific health condition
- Body weight
- Metabolism
- Tolerance level and more.
The doctor comprehensively assesses these factors and carefully evaluates your needs to craft a personalized dosage plan. The importance of following these guidelines cannot be overstated.
While it might be tempting to self-medicate or experiment with different doses, doing so can lead to unpredictable outcomes and potentially undesirable side effects. The prescribed dosages ensure safety and help you yearn the most out of medical marijuana.
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Right Administration Method
The method you choose to administer medical marijuana can significantly impact your experience and the effectiveness of treatment. There are different administration methods, and they have different benefits. The one you choose widely depends on your condition, preferences, and desired effects. Below are the standard techniques used to consume medical marijuana:
Smoking: It is a widely used consumption method because of its fast relief and dosage control rate. However, you should not opt for this method if you have any respiratory issues.
Vaping: It is an alternative to smoking wherein you can inhale vapors and not smoke. It is a far more convenient method, as you just have to have a vape pen, and you’re good to go. Ensure that you buy only quality devices for safety purposes.
Edibles: In this, you get to consume cannabis as edibles. It could be biscuits, gummies, brownies, hard candies, energy drinks, syrups, and more. You have to eat or drink them and experience the impact of cannabis. The edibles could be high in THC or CBD, as your treatment plan requires.
Tinctures: This method is familiar among people who like to have control over their dosage. It is a cannabis in liquid form. You have to place a few drops, as prescribed, under your tongue, and it will be adsorbed instantly. It has immediate effects. However, they won’t last as long as the edible effects do.
Dont’s of Medical Cannabis
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Do not Ignore any Reactions
It’s really important not to ignore your body’s reactions when using cannabis medically because they are a sign that something isn’t quite right. And ignoring them can lead to more serious problems. You should be aware of the following:
Adverse Reactions: Sometimes, your body might not react well to CBD or THC. As a result, you could experience side effects like dizziness, nausea, or increased anxiety. You should not ignore them at any cost; instead, take note of them.
Allergic Reactions: In some cases, people can be allergic to components in medical cannabis. They may get skin rashes, swelling, or difficulty breathing. So, you should monitor any unusual allergy reactions after consuming it.
Interaction with Medications: If you’re taking other medications, it could interact with them in unexpected ways. This could lead to health issues if left unaddressed.
Therefore, if you notice any unusual or uncomfortable reactions after using medical marijuana, it’s important to seek immediate medical care. The doctors will help determine if what you’re experiencing is a normal part of the treatment process or if it’s something that needs attention to keep you safe and healthy.
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Driving Under the Influence
It refers to operating a vehicle while impaired by substances such as alcohol or drugs, including medical cannabis. It’s hazardous, leading to accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. In simple words, your ability to react quickly and make sound judgments is compromised under the influence, thus increasing the risk of accidents on the road.
In addition, DUI laws exist to discourage and penalize this behavior, with severe consequences like fines, license suspension, and legal charges. When it comes to medical marijuana, even if it’s legally prescribed, driving under the influence is typically subject to the same DUI laws. Therefore, it is essential to be aware that even medical cannabis can impair your driving skills, like alcohol.
So, it’s crucial to never operate a vehicle while under the influence; instead, wait until you are confident in your ability to drive safely.
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Sharing Medication
Sharing medication is generally not a good idea, even if someone has similar health concerns or symptoms as you. There are several important reasons for this:
- Dosage Variability: Each person’s response to medication, including medical cannabis, can be different. What works for one person may not work the same way for another. Sharing medicine can lead to unpredictable results.
- Safety Concerns: Medications are prescribed based on individual health conditions, medical history, and other factors. Sharing medication without proper assessment by a healthcare professional can be risky and potentially harmful.
- Quality Control: Medical cannabis products are often regulated for quality and safety. Sharing medication may involve using products of unknown origin or quality.
To ensure safety and effectiveness, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional who can assess your specific needs and prescribe the right treatment.
Bottom Line
With lots of information available about medical cannabis, you can easily get intrigued to add it to your routine. However, it is important to understand that you must follow the dos and don’ts to ensure safety. You must consult professionals and only administer the prescribed dosages. But, if your body does not react to it, you should call it out. Be aware and take your health into your own hands.
