Your Guide to Understanding the Different Forms of Medical Marijuana

Western medicine is finally turning its attention toward the use of medical marijuana. Marijuana’s medicinal use was known throughout Asia since approximately 500 BC, according to History.com. 

Medical marijuana uses include reducing stomach pain, vomiting, lessening nausea, increasing appetite, and giving a euphoric feeling. 

The people currently living with AIDS and battling cancer use marijuana for the benefit of a returning appetite and less nausea. 

Now that medicinal marijuana is gaining popularity, there are many ways to ingest the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) laced marijuana. 

Follow along as we discuss the forms of medical marijuana and how to use them.

The Different Forms of Medical Marijuana

Due to the changing legislature, medicinal and recreational marijuana is becoming legal. According to Governing.com, 11 states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational marijuana. And 33 states and D.C. have legalized medicinal cannabis, according to WebMD.

With the increase in people using cannabis to relieve symptoms, the ways to ingest weed have expanded, too. Years ago, the most popular way to partake in marijuana use was smoking it or baking brownies. Both methods are still popular, but there are more options for getting your THC.

Many Cannabidiol or CBD products don’t contain THC but provide the benefits of smoking marijuana without the psychoactive high. CBD has cannabinoids from the marijuana plant, Cannabis sativa,according to Healthline.com. 

Vaping

Vaping is in the news a lot lately because of people overdosing. While more research is necessary, vaping could offer some advantages to smoking joint cigarettes and pipes. 

Using a vaporizer won’t cause a cloud of smoke like joints or pipes. It’s almost odorless, and the effects are almost instant. But if you decide to vape, use caution of how much marijuana you inhale. 

Medical Cannabis Flower

Smoking a joint or pipe is old school but easy to use. The effects happen immediately, but the smoke may be toxic. The smoke could increase irritation and inflammation of the respiratory tract, according to Everyday Health.

Smoking could lead the other health issues. So it might be better to take advantage of the different methods of using marijuana.

For example, medical cannabis flower may be consumed in a tea instead of being smoked, as I describe in the video below.

Tinctures

Tinctures allow the user to measure the dosage. The effects of the tincture last longer than inhaling and don’t irritate the lungs or throat. 

But tinctures can take up to forty-five minutes to work. So depending on the symptoms a person wants to reduce, this method isn’t suited for fast relief. If the person doesn’t mind waiting longer to feel the effects, it’s okay.

Edibles

If a person wants to eat to enjoy the relief of marijuana, then an edible is the right choice. Edibles come in candy, cookie, brownie, and tea form, to name a few. No one can tell you’re eating an edible, so discretion is upheld.

The effects of edibles kick in after 30-60 minutes and last six to eight hours. But depending on your body weight, metabolism, and the amount ingested, it could last longer, according to Healthline.com. 

Use caution when munching on an edible because you don’t want to ingest too much THC if your edible has it. Some edibles are THC free.

Please note that as of October 10, 2019, edibles are not a currently approved modality for medical cannabis in the State of Florida.

Patches

Adhesive reusable patches stick to the skin and allow the slow-release of cannabinoids into the wearer’s bloodstream. It can take up to a half-hour for the patch to work. But if removed, the feeling goes away. 

Capsules

Using THC-free capsules is convenient. The person experiences the pain and nausea relieving side-effects without getting high or testing positive. 

It’s an easy way to ingest cannabis without worrying about smoking, eating, or applying a tincture. Plus, you won’t need to worry about measuring your intake as the amount of cannabinoid is known before buying them.

The Steps for Getting a Medical Card

In the state of Florida, you must pass a few steps before you can buy medical marijuana. Please ensure you follow the steps and adhere to the guidelines after receiving your medical card. 

Finding a Doctor

A person must find a physician to recommend the use of marijuana for their current medical condition. The Herbal Clinic, MD, offers appointments for patients who believe they have a qualifying condition. Completing the new patient paperwork before your initial meeting is required. 

Come to your first office appointment with the doctor. Try to arrive a few minutes early, so your visit may begin on time. If the doctor believes your medical condition qualifies you for marijuana recommendation, you will get entered into the Florida State Registry. To apply for the medical card, please visit the Office of Marijuana Use website.

How To Apply For a Medical Card

To apply for a Florida medical marijuana card, please visit the Office of Marijuana Use website. Log into the Medical Marijuana Use Registry. Go to the “Your Card” menu at the top of the page to the identification card application. Your driver’s license or state ID should import. If it doesn’t import, contact your doctor to verify your social security number and date of birth.

Upload a copy of the identification under the proof of residence section. Click on “choose file.” Select your ID and “click open.” 

After submitting your proof of residence through the website, sign the application. Once you’ve finished the app, click “submit my card application.”

Next, use the “click here to pay here.” The pop-up window appears. Input your payment information by e-check or credit card. 

You can check your status after submitting it. When it’s approved, you may contact a licensed medical marijuana treatment center to complete an order.

Think You Qualify?

Do you suffer from a painful medical condition? You may qualify for a recommendation of forms of medical marijuana. 

If you live in the Tampa or Hudson area, please contact us to learn about our services.