Effective Methods for Medical Marijuana Consumption

Key Points

• Choosing the right consumption method can significantly impact the speed and intensity of relief.
• Vaporisation offers quick relief and high bioavailability by heating cannabis below combustion.
• Oral consumption methods include capsules, tablets, baked goods, and oils, providing longer-lasting effects.
• Topical applications are effective for localised pain and inflammation without psychoactive effects.
• Sublingual sprays and suppositories are emerging methods offering targeted relief and rapid onset.

Introduction

Different ways to take medical marijuana influence not only how fast the effects set in but also their intensity. As such, it’s worth taking the time to choose which approach best suits your medical needs and lifestyle. 

Whether it’s through vaporisers, topicals, edibles, or tinctures, finding the most effective method can enhance its benefits. Each option offers unique advantages, enabling you to customise your intake to fit seamlessly into your daily routine. By understanding these intake methods, you can make more informed choices that align perfectly with your health goals.

Ways to Take Medical Marijuana: Why It Matters

Navigating the variety of ways to take medical marijuana can be crucial for achieving optimal results for your condition. Choosing the right method for consumption can significantly influence both your experience and the efficacy of the treatment. 

Here’s why:

• Bioavailability: This refers to how much of the active ingredients are available for your body to use. The bioavailability of inhaled forms like vaping tends to be higher compared to edibles, which must pass through the digestive system.
• Onset time: This is the time it takes for the effects to be felt. For example, inhaled methods provide quick relief within minutes, while edibles may take 30 minutes to two hours.
• Duration of effect: The length of time you’ll feel the benefits also varies. Edibles can last for several hours, whereas inhaled methods might provide relief for a shorter time.

Inhalation Methods

When exploring ways to take medical marijuana, inhalation methods stand out due to their rapid onset and high bioavailability. From vaporisers to nebulisers, these techniques offer almost instant relief, making them a favourite among patients needing swift symptom management.

Vaporisation

Vaporisation is an advanced method in the realm of inhalation that involves heating cannabis products to a temperature just below combustion. This process releases beneficial compounds, such as cannabinoids and terpenes, in the form of vapour, which can then be inhaled.

Vaporisation products can be categorised into three main forms [1]:

Advantages of Vaporising

A 2020 study from Psychology of Addictive Behaviours suggests that an increasing number of medical cannabis users are considering vaping as an option due to its several advantages [2]:

• Flexible timing of medication delivery: Vaporising cannabis allows patients to administer their medication with greater flexibility, enabling more precise control over dosage and timing without reliance on pre-scheduled intervals.
• Ease when travelling: Due to the portability of devices, patients find it easier to manage their medication needs while travelling, ensuring continuous and convenient access to their treatment.
• Variety in device types and formulations: Vaporisation offers patients a wide range of device options and weed formulations, allowing them to choose what best suits their needs and preferences.
• General health benefits: This consumption method is associated with general health benefits, including the reduction of harmful smoke inhalation, which is a concern with traditional smoking methods.
• More effective for certain medical conditions: For specific medical conditions, vaporising has proven to be a more effective method of delivering therapeutic compounds compared to other forms of consumption.
• Helps in promoting tobacco cessation: Vaporising cannabis can aid patients in quitting tobacco use, providing an alternative inhalation method that is perceived as less harmful.
• Portability: The compact and portable nature of devices makes them easy to carry and use discreetly in different settings.
• Concealability: Devices are typically designed to be discreet, allowing patients to use them without drawing undue attention.
• Efficiency in the use of weed: Vaporising is seen as a more efficient way to utilise cannabis, as it achieves the desired effects with potentially less material compared to other methods
• Legal considerations: It’s essential to note that smoked marijuana remains illegal in the UK, necessitating alternatives like vaporisers.

Disadvantages of Vaporising

While vaporisation is generally considered a safer alternative to many other ways to take medical marijuana, it’s important to consider potential implications [2]:

• Lung health: Although vaporisation is much gentler on the lungs compared to smoking, inhaling any foreign substance into the respiratory system still carries risks.
• Weaker medication delivery: Some patients perceive vaporisation as delivering a weaker dose of medication, which may not be sufficient for those needing higher-strength effects.
• Product quality: The safety of vaporisation also depends on the quality of the product used. Contaminants like pesticides or mould can still be present and harmful when vaporised.
• Device cost: The initial cost of purchasing a vaporisation device can be a barrier for some patients, as these devices can be relatively expensive.
• Device safety: Ensure the vaporiser is made of high-quality materials to avoid inhaling harmful substances from the device itself. Devices like the Volcano Medic 2 offer advanced vaporisation systems and are known for their quality and safety. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for use and maintenance.

Oral Consumption

Orally ingesting cannabis is another popular method for those seeking relief in a more controlled and sustained manner. It remains one of the more effective ways to take medical marijuana, especially for those needing prolonged relief and a discreet method of administration.

Methods of Consuming Marijuana Orally

Each oral consumption route offers unique benefits and considerations. Capsules provide precision, tablets offer convenience, baked goods are enjoyable, and oils are versatile. Understanding these differences helps tailor consumption to individual lifestyles and therapeutic needs.

Advantages of Oral Consumption

Some key advantages of the oral consumption method include the following: 

• Longer-lasting effects: The effects of orally ingested marijuana are typically more prolonged compared to inhalation methods. This is beneficial for users needing sustained relief over several hours.
• Discreet usage: Consuming cannabinoids with infused edibles or marijuana pills allows for a more discreet mode of consumption, eliminating the odour associated with smoking or vaporising.
• No respiratory side effects: Ingesting cannabis orally avoids the potential irritative effects on the lungs, making it a more feasible alternative for those with respiratory issues like asthma.

Disadvantages of Oral Consumption

That said, the bioavailability (how readily the body uses cannabinoids) of orally ingested cannabis is highly variable. A 2020 systematic review in Medicina found that different products like capsules, tablets, baked goods, and oils result in different levels of THC and CBD absorption. [3]

In general, the body absorbs only a small amount of cannabinoids from oral consumption as compared to other ways to take medical marijuana. A 2021 study from The Permanente Journal showed that only 4% to 12% of ingested THC and about 6% of ingested CBD are absorbed by the body. In comparison, inhaling THC results in 10% to 35% absorption, and inhaling CBD leads to 11% to 45% absorption. [4]

When the digestive system processes THC, it changes into a compound called 11-OH-THC, which is much stronger in producing a high. This explains why edibles can cause stronger and longer-lasting effects, but this also means missing out on some other benefits of THC.

Despite being less bioavailable through the ingested route, CBD is highly lipophilic (fat-soluble). A 2022 clinical study from Nutrition suggests that this characteristic allows it to be more available to the body when consumed with food, particularly oily foods, as is with baked, infused goods. [5]

Topical Applications

Topical applications of weed offer a unique and effective method for utilising cannabinoids. This administration route works best for localised relief of pain and inflammation sans the psychoactive effects typically associated with THC.

When exploring ways to take medical marijuana, topicals like THC cream can provide a non-invasive, targeted approach ideal for patients seeking localised treatment. Here are some key points to consider:

• Application area: Topicals should be applied directly to the affected area for maximum effectiveness.
• Dosage and concentration: Start with products containing a lower concentration of THC or CBD and gradually increase as needed.
• Combination therapy: Topicals can be used alongside other forms of medical marijuana for a comprehensive treatment plan.

Benefits of Topical Cannabis

Topical weed products include creams, balms, lotions, and patches that are applied or lathered directly onto the skin. They are designed to deliver cannabinoids like THC and CBD through the skin to interact with localised cannabinoid receptors. These products are especially beneficial for:

• Anti-inflammatory properties: Cannabis-based medicines can help alleviate symptoms of inflammatory conditions affecting the skin, primarily psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (AD), allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), asteatotic eczema (AE), acne, and seborrhea, as noted by a 2023 Pharmaceuticals review. [6]
• Localised pain relief: Results from a 2023 clinical study in the Journal of Cannabis Research found that topical applications of CBD can significantly reduce self-reported pain in athletes dealing with chronic lower extremity pain. Moreover, the study highlighted that side effects were minor for those who used topical CBD. [7]
• Safer administration route: A recent 2023 study from Advances in Therapy showed that a transdermal method effectively delivers cannabinoids into the bloodstream over 12 hours, with minimal side effects and no high. The steady release and localised treatment make it a promising choice for those seeking therapeutic relief without vaping or eating weed products. [8]

How to Take Medical Marijuana: Unique and Emerging Methods

Discovering new and effective ways to take medical marijuana can enhance therapeutic benefits and provide more targeted relief. These new approaches offer tailored solutions for different medical needs and personal preferences.

Sublingual Sprays

Sublingual sprays are a convenient and fast-acting way to take medical marijuana. They involve spraying a cannabis-infused solution under the tongue, where THC and CBD are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream.

Some benefits of using the sublingual method include:

• Rapid onset of effects (within 15-30 minutes)
• Easy to dose accurately
• Discreet and portable

While the sublingual route can provide reliable absorption of cannabinoids, they might be as effective as other methods. For instance, a 2022 clinical trial found that sublingual doses provided less pain relief than inhaled ones for those facing lower back pain. [9]

Suppositories

Suppositories are a less common but highly effective method, especially for patients who cannot take marijuana orally or inhale it. These are inserted rectally or vaginally, allowing cannabinoids to be absorbed through the mucous membranes.

Key benefits of using cannabinoid suppositories include [10]:

• Bypasses the digestive system, avoiding liver metabolism
• Provides targeted relief for pelvic and gastrointestinal issues
• Longer duration of effects compared to oral ingestion
• High bioavailability

Ways to Take Medical Marijuana: Legal Medical Weed vs. Black Market Weed

Understanding the stark differences between legally obtained products and those from the black market is crucial. Legal avenues provide several advantages that ensure both safety and quality.

Why Trust Lyphe for Medical Cannabis Treatment

At Lyphe, we are dedicated to offering safe and legal access to medical cannabis through seamless online services and support from experienced doctors. 

Here’s why you should trust us:

• Experienced doctors: Our clinic is one of the first in the UK to treat patients with medical cannabis. Our doctors’ extensive knowledge ensures you’re in expert hands.
• 100% online services: From booking appointments to getting your medication delivered, we provide a fully online, convenient experience, eliminating the need for travel or waiting.
• Dedicated patient support: Our patient advisors assist you throughout your treatment journey, making the process smoother and simpler.

Book your online appointment today and take the first step towards better health with Lyphe.

Key Takeaway: Ways to Take Medical Marijuana

Finding the most effective methods for cannabis consumption can enhance your overall experience and ensure you’re getting the best results for your health needs. Whether through edibles, tinctures, or vaporisers, choosing regulated and safe options is paramount for consistency and safety.

To explore the best ways to take medical marijuana tailored to your unique requirements, consult with our experienced doctors and let Lyphe guide you. Book your first consultation today and take the first step towards effective and reliable cannabis treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)