Millions of Americans have started using medical cannabis since the states began legalization efforts back in the 1990s. Even today, states with legal medical marijuana programs are seeing more patients sign up for their medical cannabis cards every month. Needless to say, there are a lot of beginners out there.
To the surprise of many, using medical cannabis is not the same thing as using other prescription drugs. In fact, the entire medical cannabis environment is quite different. It comes with a rather steep learning curve as well.
Are you new to medical cannabis? If so, there are some key things you need to know. As you read the remainder of this post, bear in mind that the concepts presented here are general in nature. Medical cannabis details vary from one state to the next.
1. Cannabis Isn’t Just Marijuana
The first thing to know is that all cannabis is not marijuana. Cannabis is a species of plant with numerous varieties, including both hemp and marijuana. Most people are referring to the marijuana variety when they discuss medical cannabis. But it is entirely possible to use hemp and hemp-derived products medicinally.
Note that CBD is the primary cannabinoid in hemp; THC is the primary cannabinoid and marijuana. Both have medicinal purposes. However, CBD is legal nationwide without any restrictions. THC is legal only in certain states.
2. A Card Is Required
In nearly every state with a legal medical cannabis program, patients must first obtain a state-issued card before they can purchase and use. Cards are only issued for certain qualifying medical conditions, and only on the advice and recommendation of a medical professional.
3. Where You Purchase Matters
Where you purchase medical cannabis products matters. In states like Utah, where recreational consumption is still banned, the only place to legally buy medical cannabis is a state-licensed pharmacy or dispensary. Beehive Farmacy is one such outfit in Utah. They operate in both Brigham City in Salt Lake City.
Other states, like California, have legalized both recreational and medical marijuana. They have attempted to keep the medical market separate to ensure better quality and more tightly regulated products. You would want to purchase from a medical dispensary rather than a recreational one.
4. Brand Names Are Irrelevant
Beyond the fact that you likely need a medical cannabis card to use cannabis medicinally, the next most important thing to know is that brand names are irrelevant here. Take the Cookies brand. Beehive Farmacy representatives say that the brand name means little in terms of medical efficacy.
Instead of focusing on brand names, medical cannabis patients should focus on ingredients. They need to know the cannabinoid and terpene makeup of any given product to determine whether to purchase. It is the cannabinoids and terpenes that offer medicinal benefits, not clever brand names.
5. There Are Multiple Delivery Methods
Finally, beginners should understand that there are multiple delivery methods to choose from. The most common are dry heating, vaping, edible products, and tinctures. Some states allow smoking while others do not.
Delivery method matters because it affects both how quickly cannabis works and how long the effects last. Most medical cannabis users need to experiment with different products and delivery methods to figure out what works best for them.
In closing, understand that a doctor cannot write you a prescription for medical cannabis. Rather, medical professionals offer recommendations. As the patient, you ultimately decide for yourself how you are going to medicate. That may or may not be the right way to do things, but it is the reality at the moment.
