What Are the Most Common Ways to Use Medical Cannabis?

Smoking is arguably the most popular way to use recreational marijuana. But what about medical cannabis? Do people still smoke it? And if not, how do they get the much-coveted THC into their systems? All these questions, and more, will be answered in the following paragraphs.

As you read, bear in mind that this information is general in nature. It is important to understand that the states regulate medical cannabis in different ways. Some allow delivery methods that others do not. A medical cannabis user would ultimately have to avail himself of whatever is allowed by state law if he hoped to use medical cannabis legally.

1. Dry Heating

Utah is among the many states that do not allow patients to smoke medical cannabis. However, a patient can still go into the Beehive Farmacy in Brigham City and purchase small amounts of cannabis flower. The flower can be utilized in one of two ways, the first being a process known as dry heating.

Dry heating involves a special kind of vaporizing device that heats the plant material to a temperature high enough to release the desired cannabinoids and terpenes, but not so high as to cause combustion. As with smoking, dry heating allows a patient to inhale all the constituents released by heating.

2. Ingestion

The second option for cannabis flower is ingestion. Although a patient could eat the flower straight up, that is not the best way to do it. Why? Because cannabis does not actually contain THC. It contains its precursor: THCA.

THCA is converted into THC through a process known as decarboxylation. Applying heat is the fastest and most effective way to decarboxylate. As such, smoking and dry heating both produce the desired THC.

As for ingestion, it is most commonly practiced by using cannabis flower as an ingredient in a favorite recipe. It can either be decarboxylated prior to cooking or added straight up and decarboxylated during the cooking process.

3. Vaping

Those who prefer the speed and effectiveness of inhalation often choose cannabis vapes. Vaping cannabis is nearly identical to vaping nicotine. A user relies on a specialized vape pen and a liquid suspension containing the medication. The liquid is heated by the pen to the point of vaporization. The end result is an inhalable mist that delivers medication to the bloodstream via the lungs.

4. Tinctures

Next up are tinctures. These are concentrated oils that are placed under the tongue where skin is thin and blood vessels abound. Tinctures represent the only delivery method that works as quickly as inhalation. The downside is that dosage is harder to control with a tincture.

5. Capsules, Tablets, and Gummies

Patients who prefer ingestion but are not interested in learning to cook with cannabis can consume their medications via capsules, tablets, and THC-infused gummies. It is as simple as taking any other medication in a similar form. It’s quick, easy, and can be done discreetly.

6. Topical Products

Finally, some conditions call for the use of topical products. These are lotions and ointments that are rubbed into the skin. Interestingly, some topical products do not even contain THC. Their active ingredient is the non-psychoactive CBD. You just rub the product in and wait a bit to start feeling relief.

The many different delivery methods afford plenty of choices for medical cannabis patients. Delivery methods are chosen based on medical condition, the desired relief, how quickly a patient wants the medicine to begin taking effect, and other factors. Patients are generally advised to consult with a pharmacist before choosing a delivery method.