“I used to smoke marijuana. But I’ll tell you something: I would only smoke it in the late evening. Oh, occasionally the early evening, but usually the late evening – or the mid-evening. Just the early evening, mid-evening and late evening. Occasionally, early afternoon, early mid-afternoon, or perhaps the late-mid-afternoon. Oh, sometimes the early-mid-late-early morning. . . . …But never at dusk.”
- Steve Martin, Comedian, Actor & Writer
Is Medical Marijuana Right for You?
If you believe medical marijuana may soothe a medical condition you have that has been diagnosed by a physician, it is important to learn about different strains and methods of ingesting it. The type of strain you select will determine it’s strength and it’s effect on your mind and body. New strains of medical marijuana continue to be stronger with increased percentages of THC so choosing the type for your condition is crucial to your healing.
Sativa vs. Indica Strains
Certain strains, or type of marijuana, work best with certain medical conditions. The type of strain you select will affect your mind and body so choose carefully. After experimenting with both types, patients usually prefer one strain over the other, or a hybrid that contains a combination of both.
Sativa Strains
The Cannabis sativa plant is generally used for stimulating appetite and by increasing energy and activity levels. Sativas are good for daily use where you can still work, play the guitar and function on a daily basis. A few patients report they spend hours cleaning their house because they were pain free and had so much energy from a sativa strain.
Indica Strains
Conversely, the Cannabis indica plant is generally more potent than sativa and has sedative/relaxants which create a sedated feeling. Some patients describe indica as a “couch-like” feeling, which is why it is good to medicate with this strain at night and in the comfort of your own home. Indicas are effective in treating symptoms such as anxiety, chronic pain, muscle spasms, insomnia and other sleep disorders.
Hybrid Strains (combination of both Sativa and Indica)
New strains of marijuana are being developed every day. They are a combination of sativa and indica, with one strain being the dominant strain. For example, you may see a strain on a menu at a dispensary listed as 60% sativa and 40% indica, which indicates that the medicine is dominantly sativa. Like finding a good wine, it usually takes a few tries until you find one you like and that is best suited to your condition. So don’t be afraid to experiment.
Methods Of Use
Marijuana affects the mind and body in significantly different ways from person to person. The method you use, the type of strain and the amount you ingest all play key factors in the effects upon your body and mind. As patients seek alternative ways to use medical marijuana, new methods are being developed, most notably tinctures and topical applications. Let’s take a look at some of these methods.
Dried Marijuana
The most traditional form is to inhale dried marijuana by rolling it into a joint or placing it in a pipe. However, like cigarette smoking, you inhale harmful toxins which are created by the burning process. The effects of smoking are immediate and can last for several hours, depending on the strain you select and the amount you consume.
Vaporizer
This is an alternative way to inhale your medicine while eliminating harmful toxins from smoking. The marijuana is placed inside the vaporizer machine which slowly heats it and fills a clear plastic bag that you then inhale from. Vaporizers are a bit expensive (usually several hundred dollars) but due to their inherent design can save you money by using less medicine. Some patients never go back to the traditional smoking method after they’ve tried a vaporizer.
Edibles
Cookies, brownies, candy, fudge, pasta sauce, honey, ice cream, pizza, etc.
Many patients prefer edibles because they find smoking difficult or inconvenient. Each person reacts differently but the effects start working within 45 minutes to an hour and last for several hours at a time. Currently, the processing and packaging of marijuana edibles are unregulated so it is wise to obtain your edibles from a business that uses a certified kitchen.
Hash Oil/Kief
These forms of marijuana are more concentrated and are stronger than inhaling or eating marijuana and are recommended for experienced users. Hash Oil is made by a solvent extraction and can be dripped onto a joint, added to a pipe or used in cooking. Kief is a dried form of cannabis. One way to make kief is to extract the cannabinoids (a compound that contains THC) by sifting the leaf and bud parts of dried marijuana through a fine screen. Kief can be sprinkled onto your medicine for an extra boost or used to make edibles or other products.
Tinctures
Herbal tinctures are potent, alcohol-based liquid extracts that are perfect alternatives for those who find smoking difficult. The alcohol used can be vodka, rum, brandy or even apple cider vinegar. The process extracts and preserves the resins and other soluble material from the marijuana plant. You ingest it by applying a few drops on your tongue or by adding to recipes or drinks. Tinctures are fast acting and convenient to carry with you for regular applications.
Topical Application
This method involves applying balm, lotion, ointment or rubbing alcohol solution containing marijuana directly to the skin. Topical applications provide relief to swollen joints, sore muscles, muscle spasms and arthritis pain by acting as an anti-inflammatory. This method works only on the area applied and does not leave the patient with a feeling of being ‘high’. Apply a little at a time to see what amount works best for you.
Healthy Alternatives
Helping patients manage their physical and mental challenges is a priority for anyone entering this business. Combining alternative and organic practices with the medicine can be an effective, long term approach to healing. Many dispensaries offer alternative solutions such as organic medicine, massage therapy, acupuncture, as well as nutrition, naturopathy and homeopathy counseling. In cities where multiple dispensaries exist, select one that offers these additional services as they truly care about your well-being.
Choose Organic
We are big believers in buying organic and supporting the growers who have made conscious choices to grow organic. There are many chemicals used in growing marijuana but as the demand for organic growers increases, more organic medicine is available to patients. By investing a little more in a better product you are nourishing your body and keeping it in optimum health.