Medical marijuana has been a hot topic recently, with more people championing its health benefits and potential medicinal uses. However, accessing and using medical marijuana isn’t always straightforward, and people may not know how to legally incorporate it into their life. This article aims to provide the necessary information so you can legalize and safely use cannabis medicinally.
Legally Obtaining Medicinal Marijuana
Contrary to what many people think, medical marijuana is not prescribed like conventional medicine. In California and the other 22 states currently allowing its use, access to medical marijuana is a process that often involves jumping through hoops.
To successfully obtain cannabis for medical use, you need to do the following:
- Find out which states currently allow medical marijuana and their legal possession limits.
- Learn which medical conditions are legally treated with medical marijuana in your state.
- Obtain a valid doctor’s recommendation letter certifying your medical condition.
- Get a state-authorized medical marijuana ID card.
The easiest states to obtain a medical marijuana ID card in are California, Colorado, Michigan, and Montana. Finding a physician who understands the laws and medicinal uses of cannabis can be challenging, so it’s important to do thorough research. Websites such as medicalmarijuana.com can help you find a qualified doctor by state.
Precautions
When using medical marijuana, you should avoid smoking it, especially if you have decreased lung function, heart disease, or a history of stroke. It’s also essential to keep your medical marijuana out of the hands of children, pregnant women, or nursing mothers. Be mindful of legal restrictions, such as not smoking it in public places or within a certain distance of school grounds.
Best Ways to Take Medicinal Cannabis
There are several ways to consume medicinal cannabis, depending on your preference or medical condition.
Smoking: Although smoking is the quickest way to get marijuana into your bloodstream, it’s not recommended for long-term medical use. If you choose to smoke it, take precautions to minimize your risk of exposure to toxins and tars.
Vaporization: Using a marijuana vaporizer is a better alternative to smoking; it gently heats cannabis to a lower temperature, releasing the active medicinal components without harmful byproducts.
Edibles: Eating cannabis-infused food or drink is the easiest and safest way to use medicinal marijuana. Edibles take longer to take effect but offer a longer-lasting relief, which is ideal for treating chronic conditions.
Drinks: Cannabis-infused drinks, such as milks, teas, sodas, and alcoholic beverages, can deliver the medicinal effects of cannabis.
Tinctures, capsules, and sprays: These liquid forms of cannabis can be taken under the tongue, ingested as capsules, or applied as under-the-tongue sprays.
Topicals: Cannabis-infused balms, salves, lotions, sprays, and ointments applied directly to the skin can be effective pain relievers and anti-inflammatories.
Suppositories: Though not a popular choice, suppositories can be useful for those who experience nausea or vomiting.
With the legal landscape surrounding medical marijuana constantly changing, it’s crucial to stay informed and updated on your state’s laws and regulations. By following the proper steps and precautions, you can safely and legally benefit from the health advantages of medicinal cannabis.
