Medical cannabis may be picking up ever-increasing numbers of fans and admirers, but those who are new to this medicine still may need professional guidance. Even as an overwhelming number of Americans support safe access to medical cannabis, for some of us the leap from being “cannabis-curious” to “becoming a medical marijuana patient” can feel a little intimidating. Here at Green Goods, we field a lot of questions from new patients, such as:
- What will the medication make me feel like?
- How much do I take? How long will the effects last?
- What’s CBD?
We’ll help you get started with a few tips for first-time medical cannabis patients. If you don’t see your specific concern addressed here, remember: You can always call, email, or schedule a virtual consultation with any of our on-staff cannabis experts. We’re confident that before long, you’ll be practiced and comfortable at accessing the benefits this all-natural plant medicine may offer you!
What Will the Medication Make Me Feel Like?
For those who have never tried cannabis—or those for whom it’s been a while—one of the chief concerns is that the medicine will make them feel overly distracted or confused. The cannabis plant’s “high,” by the way, comes from the cannabinoid THC (more on this in a moment).
Depending on the specific product and method of administration, certain people may experience a relaxing, full-body heaviness, while others may find it delivers a stimulating cerebral sensation.
However, one of THC’s commonly referenced side effects is a euphoric “high.” While some people tolerate it well, you may find it disorienting, especially if you ingest too much of a high-THC cannabis product. Here are a couple of tips to help you ease into the experience:
When you’re just starting out, be sure to take the smallest possible dose and then wait to assess the results. Depending on whether the cannabis was inhaled (smoked or vaped) or taken in the form of an oral solution or tablet, the onset time—how long it takes before you start to feel the effects—can vary widely, from a couple of minutes to as long as a couple of hours! Be sure to read the packaging carefully, and don’t hesitate to ask one of our knowledgeable staff members for guidance. Remember: you can always take more cannabis medicine, so start low and go slow.
If you do accidentally take more medicine than you intended to, remember: it’s virtually impossible to fatally overdose from cannabis. You may feel disoriented, but the effects will gradually wear off.
How Much Do I Take? How Long Will the Effects Last?
As we hinted above, the fact is that there’s no “standard” dose for cannabis. Everyone’s body and symptoms are different, so it’s likely there will be some adjustments involved in finding your optimum dosage.
Here’s another important point to remember: some cannabis patients report greater benefit from lower dosages. If the lowest dose doesn’t deliver the results you want, you can gradually increase the dosage over time to find your “sweet spot.” But resist the urge to “go big” and take the time to dial in your optimum dosage.
Read the packaging carefully, and don’t ever hesitate to reach out to one of our on-staff cannabis experts!
Tips for First-Time Medical Cannabis Patients: What’s CBD?
You may have heard about CBD, the “other” cannabinoid in cannabis besides THC. (There are actually about 150 cannabinoids, but THC and CBD are believed to be the most medically active.)
CBD doesn’t make you feel high. In addition, CBD may deliver a variety of medical benefits, including:
–Relief from several types of pain
–Reduction of anxiety and stress
–Treatment for certain types of seizures
Is CBD better than THC? Not necessarily. For instance, while both cannabinoids may help our bodies fight pain and associated inflammation, each works in different ways. And due to the phenomenon called “the entourage effect,” the cannabinoids and other active compounds in cannabis tend to work better together than separately.
That said, if you’re nervous about THC’s potentially intoxicating effects, we offer a wide range of high-CBD products that deliver little to no disorienting effects. For first-time medical cannabis patients, these CBD options may be a great way to ease into the healing power of this revolutionary plant-based medicine.
Do you have other questions about becoming a cannabis patient? Don’t hesitate to ask; we’re always here to help!
