Best & Safest Ways to Consume Medical Marijuana
This easy guide is intended to help patients and caregivers understand the best and safest way to consume medical marijuana using the different methods of administration for medical marijuana listed below, so that they can make educated decision about the products they purchase and try.
Medical cannabis is a very effective medicine used by patients across the globe to treat and alleviate symptoms of many serious medical conditions that do not respond to traditional interventions.
Studies have proven that cannabis has therapeutic properties that cannot be replicated by any other currently prescribed medications, and it induces far fewer and much less severe side effects than many commonly prescribed pharmaceuticals and over the counter drugs.
First, unless you live in a state like Colorado, Washington or Oregon that allow recreational marijuana purchases and use, and depending on your state’s laws, you will need to get a medical marijuana recommendation letter and/or medical cannabis card from a doctor.
This step usually requires an in-person appointment and screening process so that the doctor can determine if cannabis is a good choice for you.
Once you have obtained your recommendation and/or card, you will be able to enter and purchase different types of cannabis from a local marijuana dispensary or collective.
Smoking marijuana flowers is a well-known method of administration (or “medicating), but there are numerous alternative ways to gain the benefits of medicinal cannabis—each possessing certain benefits and drawbacks.
Smoking Medical Cannabis
How it works: Pack a small amount of dried (cured) cannabis flower into a pipe, water pipe (bong), or rolling paper (to create a “joint”).
Then hold a flame to the cannabis flower until it combusts as you inhale the smoke from the mouthpiece or other end of the joint.
Pros
- Delivers instant relief
- Fairly easy to regulate dosage
- Inexpensive
- Minimally processed
- Multiple options
Cons
- Smoke may be harmful to lungs. Studies have reached contradictory conclusions about whether and to what extent cannabis may cause lung damage, but combustion of any substance makes it harder to breathe.
- In many cases, not a good option for anyone with pulmonary damage (lung cancer, emphysema) or asthma
- Will make you smell like cannabis smoke
Dosage: Start small! Inhale lightly (i.e. “take a small hit.”). There is no need to hold the smoke in your lungs…exhale. Wait a few minutes. If you don’t feel the desired effect, or you want to feel a greater effect, take another hit.
Vaporizing “Vaping“ Medical Marijuana
How it works: Preheat the vaporizer to the recommended temperature. Insert a small amount of dried (cured) cannabis flower or extract into a vaporizer. Press the button and inhale. The cannabis will be heated to a temperature below its combustion point, but still hot enough to release the medicinal compounds.
Vaporizers are available in a wide array of shapes and sizes, from fancy home units to pocket-friendly pens.
Pros
- Delivers instant relief
- Less harsh on lungs than smoking
- Doesn’t make you smell as much as smoking
Cons
- Vaping units can be very expensive.
- Battery powered units must be recharged.
- Need time to warm up device.
Dosage: Start small! Inhale lightly (i.e. “take a small hit.”). There is no need to hold the smoke in your lungs…exhale. Wait a few minutes. If you don’t feel the desired effect, or you want to feel a greater effect, take another hit.
Medical Marijuana Edibles
How it works: Once upon a time, edibles were limited to homemade brownies that tasted pretty awful and contained a mystery dose of THC.
Nowadays you can find medicated cookies, popcorn, crackers, nut mixes, lollipops, ice cream, gummy bears, chocolate bars, chews, and many other kinds of food. The culinary science has evolved enough that most products are yummy—you can hardly tell they contain cannabis.
Pros
- Provides long-lasting relief.
- Good alternative for people averse to inhaling.
- You get to eat a delicious treat.
- Dosage can be very precise.
Cons
- Can take half an hour to several hours to kick in.
- Dosage can be difficult if the manufacturer.
- Must be locked up to avoid children and pets.
- Causes a different “high” than smoking.
Most Popular: This is most popular method among Children & Elderly Patients.
Dosage: Only use edibles under the supervision of a doctor. Dosages vary widely depending on your weight, metabolism, experience level, and other factors. Doctors we know have suggested starting with a small amount—2 mg or less—and waiting at least an hour before eating more.
Medical Marijuana Tinctures or Sub-Lingual Sprays
How it works: Extracted cannabinoids are mixed into an alcohol, glycerin solution or MCT Oil (Medium-Chain Triglyceride), which in many cases is coconut oil. These sublingual products usually come in a small bottle. Just squirt or spray it under your tongue and let it absorb through the thin tissue of the mouth.
Pros
- Doesn’t hurt lungs like inhaling cannabis.
- Easy to control dosage for a very low dose.
- Mild taste.
- Preferred method for children.
Cons
- Can be expensive for people who require a high dosage of cannabinoids.
- Takes effect faster than edibles, but still not as fast as inhalation.
Dosage: Start with just a few drops and wait ten minutes. If you don’t feel relief, try a few more drops. Eventually you’ll figure out your ideal dosage—for most people, it’s between half a dropper and a couple of droppers at a time.
Medical Cannabis Transdermal Patches
How it works: Apply patch to a clean, dry and hairless skin surface. Many medical professionals recommend adhering the patch on the inner-wrist area, top of foot or ankle. This is the ideal method for any patients who rather not inhale the medicine. If you have explored multiple options without success, this might be the right path for depending on your choice of high you are trying to reach.
Pros
- No Smoking Required.
- Comes in different formulations.
- Mild dosages.
Cons
- Some individuals may develop an allergic reaction.
- Must be applied on a clean and dry skin surface.
- Not be applied where a great deal of body hair.
Dosage: Most transdermal patches come in 10mg dosed patches. They can be cut in half for smaller doses.
Medical Marijuana Suppositories
How it works: You insert a small cone-shaped mass of cannabis extract into the rectum, where it absorbs through the colon. This method is somewhat controversial and rather less dignified than other ways to medicate, but some patients swear by it.
Put on protective gloves, lie on your side, and insert the suppository about 1.5 inches. Squeeze your sphincter muscles and stay in place for at least a few minutes. When you’re ready, get up, throw away the gloves, and thoroughly wash your hands.
There are also companies who make pre-made ratios of medicine for rectal use – 1 mg non-injectable syringes.
Pros
- Great alternative to edibles.
- Kicks in quickly and lasts long
- Most Efficient way to digest.
Cons
- Difficult and embarrassing to administer.
- Must be refrigerated.
- Difficult to apply.
Dosage: Most suppositories come in two sizes: 2g for adults and 1g for children. They can be cut in half for smaller doses.
Medical Marijuana Topicals
How it works: Medical cannabis tinctures are a great way to medicate without any psychoactive effects. Salves, ointments, lotions, and sprays are great for arthritis, chapped skin, eczema, minor burns, muscle soreness, sunburns, swellings, joint pain, and tendonitis, to name just a few.
Pros
- Topicals don’t get you “high”
- Addresses skin issues
- Localized pain relief
Cons
- Does not help cancer, PTSD, epilepsy, or glaucoma.
- Don’t provide a euphoric feeling.
- Patients report some products simply don’t work.
Dosage: You’re unlikely to cause any real harm with topicals, but do try to find ones that are aimed at your specific ailment. Use salves and ointments as much as you want as often as you want, keeping in mind that they can get greasy. If you experience skin irritation, discontinue use. Consult your doctor about using transdermal patches.
Ingesting Fresh Medical Cannabis
How it works: Raw cannabis has developed quite a following. Patients claim that the raw plant has medicinal properties that are lost when the plant is dried or heated.
You ingest the raw leaves and buds straight from the plant, usually by mixing them into a juice or smoothie.
Pros
- Raw cannabis is packed with THC-A, the acid form of THC, which is not psychoactive. Some patients and doctors believe THC-A has unique medicinal properties.
- Some patients whose chronic diseases never responded to other treatment (including dried cannabis) say that juicing raw marijuana has been their miracle cure.
Cons
- Requires large amounts of fresh cannabis.
- Has an unpleasant vegetal taste.
- Studies have not confirmed results.
Dosage: Dr. William Courtney, the leading advocate of juicing, recommends ingesting fifteen leaves and one or two big buds (2–4″) daily.
Medical Marijuana Beverages
How it works: Your local dispensary probably sells bottles of cannabis-infused teas, juices, smoothies, and sodas. You can also make your own cannabis tea by steeping a bud, piece of wax, or tincture in hot water.
Adding a bag of your favorite tea can improve its flavor.
Pros
- Provides long-lasting relief.
- Alternative for people averse to inhaling their medicine.
- Give a specific feeling, such as stress relief or energy.
Cons
- Takes 30min-2hours to kick in.
- Dosage can be difficult.
- Causes a different “high” than smoking.
Dosage: Consult with your doctor before drinking marijuana beverages. Start with one small sip & wait an hour before deciding whether or not to drink more.
Dabbing Medical Marijuana
How it works: A “dab” is a cannabis concentrate (hash oil, budder, shatter, wax, etc.) that you heat to a high temperature and inhale. The delivery devices vary, but they tend to be complicated and usually involve the use of a butane torch.
Also, concentrates can contain as much as 90 percent THC, so you will get a very high dose of psychoactive compounds.
This method is NOT recommended for patients with a low THC tolerance or those new to cannabis medications!
Pros
- Useful for urgent medication of acute illnesses.
- Cost-efficient for patients who need High-THC.
- Provides instant relief.
Cons
- Concentrates are at higher risk of containing harmful chemicals.
- Solvents are used to extract the medicinal chemicals, may not be properly removed.
- May cause overdose, while never fatal, can be very unpleasant and uncomfortable.
- Devices are difficult to use; accidental burns are more likely.
Dosage: Consult with your doctor prior to trying dabbing—it’s probably more than you need. If you do choose to try it, start with just one ‘small’ hit, but know that it will have extremely strong psychoactive effects.
Hey Brad,
Great info here. I’ve tried CBD oil and topicals for pain relief. I’m really interested in teas and the such. However, I’m a bit hesitant. A while back I entered a shop for some CBD oil and was offered a complimentary dab. I am a lightweight with this stuff and had no idea what a dab was. Whooa man. In 2 minutes I felt like I was levitating like David Blain, but with panic. Don’t wanna go through that again. Would you recommend these teas for those with low tolerance?
Hello Otorres and thanks for the comment.I am sorry to hear of your experience. Unfortunately, when visiting a dispensary, you are going to be dealing with many unqualified people who know nothing of their products or how it works. To most people working there, it’s just a job with easy access to marijuana.
Here in BC, Canada, there are many,many dispensaries and 99% of the people working in them were hired off the street. Kinda scary. The dab you did is one of the purest forms of THC, and if you are unfamiliar with it can cause you quite the high for sure. It can be quite scary if you are unfamiliar with how it works and how you can react.
Hopefully with legalization around the corner here in Canada, this will change and only qualified, certified employees will be hired. Similar to a Food Safe certificate.
CBD oils and topicals do not contain any THC, or very minimal amounts so you should be safer with those. Teas are a good choice as well, but again in moderation. When ingesting, it takes longer for your body to react as it has to be metabolized first. Try a little tea at first, see your reaction and if needed, up your intake. I have tried the teas and they are quite mellowing and soothing.
Hope that helps and feel free to contact me with any questions.
cheers
Brad
Hello Brad,
This is very interesting for the complete beginner to see all the options. I do want to try the topicals for bursitis and the tinctures as well. Do they help with inflammation in general? I have a lot of “itis” conditions such as bursitis, tendonitis etc. as well as inflammation of my knees which flares up due to auto-immune sensitivity to certain foods and a variety of triggers. I currently use ice packs on my hips and knees all night as well as arnica gel and lots of supplements.
At the moment, my cat gets cannabis in a pet supplement but I don’t yet!
Thanks,
Jessica
Hi Jessica and thanks for the comments.
With all the “itis” conditions that you mention, then for sure you are a candidate for using medical marijuana. I would that that a lot of the topicals will benefit you greatly. They are easy to use, not messy at all and reaction time is very quick.
My neighbor has bursitis and arthritis in his hands, and he recently decided to give a medical marijuana topical a try. He rubbed on his hands, and with 5-10 minutes, he was already feeling relief. However, he is under a doctors care, and before you try any form of medical marijuana, you should discuss with your doctor, as he should be able to direct you in the right direction for what will work.
You can order the topicals online:
https://medicalmarijuanacommissary.com/purchase-topicals
Another use for you may be edibles. They are not used as a direct treatment for a certain area of the body, but as a whole body treatment. The effects of edibles typically last 4-6 hrs, which may also work for your condition.
https://medicalmarijuanacommissary.com/shop/edibles
Check out the links for ideas and please if you have any questions, shoot me a message and I will help the best I can.
cheers
brad
Hi Brad,
This is a lot of information. I didn’t know there are that many ways of using medical cannabis. What surprised me is the suppositories. I liked that you posted the list of pros and cons of each use of medical marijuana. Having such doses in your everyday foodstuff like crackers chocolates, other kinds of food is new to me. I would never have imaged cannabis be contained in food. This post is very informative.
Thanks for sharing this post.
Hello Rosa and thanks for the comment.
Medical marijuana edibles are on the rise. People are shying away from smoking marijuana to consume in other ways, like the topicals, oils and yes, even suppositories! I am sure given time, there will be many more uses for medical marijuana that will surprise us.
Hey Brad, I’m in the process of getting my medical marijuana card. I live in Arizona. Once upon a time I smoked marijuana all the time. I think it’s supposed to be stronger now. Is that right? I was amazed at all the ways of using it. I think I would prefer a vaporizing. How expensive is a vaporizer?
Hi Robert and thanks for the comment. The levels of THC that are being produced in marijuana flowers today is stronger than days gone by. Thru research and genetic testing, strains of marijuana are a lot stronger, but each strain is designed for particular attributes that have been tested to affect certain conditions and ailments. If you prefer to vape, then please check out my site for a variety of vaporizers available.
https://medicalmarijuanacommis…
Vaporizer prices vary from inexpensive( $30-$40) to high end which can run a couple of hundred. Depending on what features you want-say digital readings, temperature control then these will cost you more. You can acquire a real decent vaporizer and it will last for years. Mine has.
What is your price range? Perhaps I can suggest some vaporizers that may interest you.
This is great information I would like to know what you think of cannibalize oil. I have a friend who makes it using alcohol and a rice cooker and some more things. He takes it for a tumor he has and is seeing if it will in fact shirnk or even kill it. I just want to know how safe or effective is this method and would you recommend it for anyone with cancer?
Hello William and thanks for the comment. For me, oil is and will be the way to go.
Although I use a vaporizer, I do smoke some. However, the CBD oils have very little to no THC, the pycho active ingredient that elevates our mood and makes some of silly.
If your friend is making his own-koodo’s to him. He then has the ability to make it as strong as he likes or tolerates. I am sure he is under the care of a doctor or specialist and they are aware that he is using this for a self administered treatment. Using medical marijuana should always be done under a doctors care.
I myself would be interested in his results and how his body and the tumor reacted to the oil. I have read articles regarding using medical marijuana for cancer treatment. Many use for the side effects of chemotherapy however there are those studies that certain types of cancer have reacted positively in reducing size, but given research time, perhaps one day.
cheers
brad
This is interesting. I am not sure whether medical marijuana is practised in my country, or that it is even legal over here.
Anyhow it is interesting to know that it is used for medical purpose & that there are so many ways it can be administered.
Anyway, what kind of sickness do medical marijuana treat?
Hi Alex and thanks for the comment.
Medical marijuana is used for many medical conditions-arthritis, cancer, anxiety, sleep disorders, appetite control, PTSD, seizures and many more. The uses for medical marijuana are increasing, and given time I am sure it will be very commonplace in medical treatment.
Dry herb vaping is the way to go I reckon. Just make sure you have adjustable temperature setting and you can run it low and you don’t even feel the vapour.
Suppositories could be very strong and very uncomfortable. I’ll give them a miss.
Great post and thanks for sharing.
Hey Vince and thanks for the comment.
Vaping is a great way to consume the flower of marijuana, but you are right. If you have the temperature too high, then it just burn the flower, rather than heating to the right temperature to produce the vapor. Read the instructions for sure otherwise you waste alot of the marijuana you have paid for!!
This is a great post for the healthy ways to consume marijuana. I have found edibles and vapors to be the best but as you mentioned can be quite expensive. Now I need the steps to make edibles. I’m ready to just eat it raw as you mentioned but would the effects be the same?
Hello max and thanks for the comment.
You will get the same effects eating it raw as you would consuming edibles. It’s kinda nasty eating it raw, and feels like you are eating a bunch of dried grass with a very strong flavor of mother earth herself. With making edibles, you can refine it down to oils which can be a process, or mix into edibles such as cookies, brownies and such to curb the strong flavor of the marijuana.
Wow. So many ways of doing this now. It a long way from the days of the ZIg Zag papers! lol. I must be getting old. Do you need a prescription and can you only get it from a pharmacist for the suppositories and patch? Funny how for so many decades the medical establishment has been so negative about Marijuana as medicine and now all of a sudden they think they should be the only ones with the right to sell and produce it. lol. An amazing article. It made me really think about the value of time for the effect to take place vs length of effect as very important to consider for methods of consumption.
Hey Gord and thanks for the comment.
Although you could possibly find the suppositories or the patches at a dispensary, I would prefer when it comes to tincture such as these that you acquire a medical marijuana prescription for the product, and obtain from a licensed facility. This way you know that the dosage you want is the dosage you get, and it is produced in a regulated and monitored facility. And you’re right-smoking the marijuana may not be the best way for you to consume, but glad there are many alternatives available.
Although I am well aware that marijuana is a drug that can be used to treat several medical conditions, I am more concerned of its negative effects. I mean, isn’t it addictive? Yes it is pharmaceutical but at what expense? My brother smoked marijuana in high school and he nearly destroyed himself so this something I don’t want others to experience.
I come from a place in the Philippines where marijuana is cultivated and grown, secretly of course as it is a prohibited drug in our country. And many of our neighbors became rich by selling this weeds (no wonder our country is always in the news when it comes to illegal drugs) and this has been going on for years.
There have been some propositions to lift the ban so people can grow marijuana and make a decent living by selling to licensed pharmaceutical companies but it was never approved because this might cause more damage than good.
Anyway, thank you for this informative post. I’ve come to know more about the medical uses of marijuana along with its pros and cons.
Hi Alice and thanks for the comment.
As far as I know, marijuana is not addictive. The real harm comes from abusing it. Very strong strains of marijuana are available today thanks in part to chemistry and genetics. A plant however can only produce so much THC, while the processed forms of medical marijuana can be created with the level of THC as strong as you want. i think perhaps at that point it may become addictive but more studies need to be done to confirm that.
I know the Philippines have always been a hot spot for illegal drugs, and that is perhaps why so many people visit. But with the recent crackdown and the attempt to regain control of that market by the government is ongoing, and perhaps one day will be legal as many parts of the world now deal with the legalization aspect.
Extremely imformative. I didn’t know they have suppositories, topicals, and beverages. i love the fact that you made sure that you included the cons in your information, to me, that is extremely important. You did a good job.
Hi Carol and thanks for the comment.
I am glad to hear that perhaps in my own way, I can contribute to the awareness of using marijuana as a medical tool, and not just a form of getting high.
What a very interesting site. I never knew half of this information and it is very informative. Very well presented and I like the pros & cons. Very relevant ads. I really enjoyed this post and have friends who will appreciate it very much. Thank you.
Hi Susan and thanks for your kind comments.
Please be sure to send your friends my way, and will be happy to answer any questions they may have.
cheers
brad
I’ve been an avid mmj connoisseur for well 12 years and even i was surprised at the many different ways that to ingest mmj that you illustrated. Some of the methods are not for me but i can see how those would benefit some people.
I think you hit this one out of the park. Giving people the pros and cons of each one of these methods was a very good idea. It’s easy to get carried with and people can get to the point where they are uncomfortably high.
Dabbing has to be the easiest way to achieve that uncomfortable high. I remember the first time i tried it i was incredibly warm and got really uncomfortable.
Smoking jays is such a classic means to enjoy mmj but i can see how extended period of of using this method can be harmful to the lungs. Our lungs are not meant to have any kind of smoke inside them and over time they can become weaker.
Edibles have to be the most exciting means of enjoying mmj. It used to be just brownies but now the industry has evolved to ice cream, sour candies, suckers, heck if you get the butter you can add that to any food and have an awesome meal LOL
When it come to weighing the pros and cons out i firmly believe that the good out does the bads by a long shot.
Awesome article. Very informative. Well written
Justin
Thanks for your kind comments.
I was somewhat surprised when I started looking into this. I too use medical marijuana so this is all of interest to me. I have smoked, use a vaporizer, dabbing once and for now stay away from edibles for the simple fact they are for now very unregulated so you really do not know if you are getting the required dosage. I am good on the “suppositories” for now.
I know that they are working on legislation for production and sale of edibles. But that will take time and I guess I will just have to wait some.
I use my vaporizer quite a bit. I have a portable that I can take with me, and also have a home vaporizer. I prefer this to smoking as it is cleaner, easier on the throat and lungs, and getting a more effective response to the marijuana because your are inhaling the vapor instead of a lot of the tar that will coat your throat and cause a lot of coughing. Hate that when smoking a joint but it is eliminated by using the vaporizer.
check out this article:
again, thanks for the great comment and please come back or bookmark my website to follow along.
cheers
brad
My uncle was wondering about ways to consume medical marijuana and I am pretty sure he does not know dabbing and Medical Marijuana Topicals. I don’t consume it but I am sure my uncle will try some of these.
Thanks for the comment Furkan. The dabbing and Topicals are rather new, but catching on very quickly.
I use medical marijuana for my chronic back pain, and I have tried the topicals on my neck and shoulders with good results.
I hope your uncle has the opportunity to try either the dabbing or topicals.
cheers
brad
Wow that was a great article. I had no idea there were that many ways to get ‘treatment’ out there. Suppositories? Really?
You did an awesome job of listing both pros and cons for each.
thank you for all your hard work.
Thanks for your kind comments.
I reacted the same way you did when researching this post. “Suppositories” from medical marijuana-who would have thought!!!
I do believe that with all the research that is being done on marijuana for medical purposes, that the uses that will be brought forward in the near future are going to help a lot of people, and will be just as common as aspirin.
cheers
brad