The Ultimate Guide For Beginners
Are you seeking to understand the advantages of medical cannabis as an alternative to pharmaceutical drugs? From managing chronic pain to decreasing PTSD symptoms, medical cannabis could be your choice.
In this article, let’s investigate the fundamentals of medical cannabis and what you should know before contemplating it to treat your medical condition.
KEY TERMS TO UNDERSTAND:
- Cannabis is a plant genus that produces three flowering plants: Cannabis indica, Cannabis sativa, and Cannabis ruderalis. Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa are primarily used to produce medical cannabis. Cannabis ruderalis is naturally lower in THC content and is smaller than the sativa and indica species.
- Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a compound commonly found in the cannabis plant. CBD has no mind-altering effects but has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anxiolytic properties and can help control epilepsy.
- Cannabinoids are compounds in the cannabis plant, like THC, CBD, CBG, etc. (over 1 50 cannabinoids exist, and many were discovered at the University of Mississippi-NCC RE)
- A certificate of Analysis (COA) is a document produced by a Mississippi Testing Facility that verifies your products have been tested and are safe to use. It will show the potency levels and provide a list of cannabinoids and terpenes in the product. If ANY cannabis product does not have a COA, then do not purchase it is most likely illegal and may be harmful.
- Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is a complex, naturally occurring system within the body that plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis. It is also called endogenous cannabinoids, molecules the body makes naturally. There is still a great deal of research needed about how the ECS works within the body. See the diagram below.
- Medical Cannabis is an alternative medicine treatment that uses the cannabis plant or its extracts to help alleviate symptoms related to specific medical conditions. It is regulated by the MSDH-Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program (MMCP) and the Mississippi Department of Revenue (MDOR).
- Micro-dosing is also called “start low and go slow,” which means to start with the least amount of medical cannabis that treats your debilitating medical condition.
- Phytocannabinoids are from the cannabis plant. Phyto means “plant.” They help the body when its ECS is out of whack due to an imbalance which can disrupt homeostasis (or stability) within the body.
- Terpenes are the aromatic compounds in cannabis that produce a scent that contributes to flavor. Terpenes are beneficial to the body and produce a host of therapeutic effects that can be mind-altering.
THC is the most common compound found in cannabis plants and offers medicinal benefits; however, it does cause mind-altering effects (high). It is simply not true that high-potency THC is better than a lower-potency level. Maximum THC in flower in Mississippi is 30%, and in concentrates, it is 60%.
INTRODUCTION TO MEDICAL CANNABIS:
Medical marijuana, or medical cannabis, is a type of alternative treatment that uses the cannabis plant or its extracts to help alleviate symptoms related to specific medical conditions. Medical Cannabis can be consumed in many forms, including:
- Vape
- Edibles: tinctures, gummies, brownies, pills, lozenges (will be in geometric shape)
- Transdermal patches
- Suppositories
- Topicals: cream, balms, lotion
- Smokable flower (not recommended for patients with lung problems)
The method of consumption or use can affect the onset and duration of the effects, as well as the potency of the dose. Therefore, starting slowly and finding a dose and method that works best for each individual’s specific conditions is essential.
It is also crucial to understand the potential side effects and drug interactions that can arise with cannabis use, particularly if you are already taking other medications. Medical Cannabis has shown promise as a treatment option for various health conditions, such as the ones our Mississippi lawmakers approved for medical cannabis use in the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act (www.mscannapatient.com). However, responsible use and dosing are crucial, as the effects of medical cannabis can vary widely depending on the individual and the method of consumption. Working with healthcare professionals, pharmacists, and dispensary agents, researching COAs, studying formulations, and starting low and going slowly can help ensure a safe and effective medical cannabis journey.
An individualized approach is necessary for dosing with medical cannabis, such as:
- Product formulations, like CBD-to-THC ratios on COAs
- Terpenes
- Metabolism
All of these play a role in determining the proper dosage for each individual. It is essential to:
- Start low and go slow (micro-dose)
- Consult with your physician and pharmacist before starting medical cannabis use if taking prescription medications or having a history of psychosis.
CONSUMPTION METHODS and PRODUCT TYPES:
Medical Cannabis has various consumption methods with varying side effects. It can
Be consumed by:
- inhalation (vape, smokable flower)
- oral administration (edibles, tinctures, pills)
- topical application (lotion, creams, balms)
- suppositories
- transdermal patches
Again, it is vitally important to remember that each method comes with unique benefits and risks, which is why it is important to start with a low dose and go slow so that you DO NOT OVER MEDICATE/OVERDOSE. Over-medicating can lead to a very unpleasant experience which could leave you feeling dizzy, very lethargic, hallucinative, nauseous with vomiting, and with a bad hangover.
SUMMARY:
Medical cannabis contains chemical compounds called cannabinoids that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates various bodily functions. The therapeutic potential of medical cannabis has sparked interest in medicine and research in recent years, with numerous clinical trials investigating its use for a wide range of health conditions. However, medical cannabis research is lacking overall. Cannabinoids in medical cannabis, such as THC and CBD to name a few, are responsible for the plant’s medicinal effects. THC is the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects commonly associated with cannabis use. At the same time, CBD has no mind-altering effects but has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anxiolytic properties. Other cannabinoids and terpenes found in cannabis may also contribute to its therapeutic benefits. THC can have positive and negative side effects, and long-term use can be habit-forming. It is important to understand drug interactions before starting cannabis use.
HOW TO BECOME A MEDICAL CANNABIS PATIENT IN MISSISSIPPI:
To purchase medical cannabis legally in the state of Mississippi, you must be:
- Certified as having a debilitating medical condition by a MMCP approved healthcare
provider who can certify that you have at least one of over 20 debilitating medical
conditions. - Then you will fill out your online application via the MMCP registry portal. Please be
sure to enter and double check your information, especially your name, social security
number, DOB, and address before submitting your application. - Once approved you will be notified by email within 10 days of submitting your patient
application. You can then login to your patient portal to print or save your card
digitally. - Keep your medical cannabis registry ID card with you so you can legally purchase
medical cannabis from a MDOR licensed dispensary. Their trained employees can help
you find the best product formulations and dosing for your needs.
MCPA recommends signing up for Mississippi educational/research studies through MCPA, More Better/ReLeaf App, and the University of Mississippi to help you find the best medical cannabis formulation for your debilitating medical conditions.
IMPORTANT SAFETY AND AWARENESS REMINDERS:
- Keep your medical cannabis out of reach of children and pets. LOCKBOX IT
- Pregnant or nursing mothers SHOULD NOT consume medical cannabis.
- NEVER drive or operate a vehicle or heavy equipment while impaired.
- You can be fired from your job for testing positive for medical cannabis.
- Do NOT consume in public. It is against the law.
- NEVER SHARE your medical cannabis with others.
- Patient gun rights are protected under state law.
- Discuss your medical cannabis use with your practitioner and pharmacist.
- Start low and go slow.
- BEWARE of convenience store Delta 8, CBD, and Hemp products: unsafe!
- BE SAFE AND RESPONSIBLE PATIENTS
JOIN US NEXT WEEK FOR MORE INFORMATION.
