Marijuana represents an incredibly versatile and high-potential tool within the medical field. In recent years in particular, massive amounts of attention have been lent to cannabis by researchers from around the world as they work to understand the sheer scope of possibilities this plant holds for sufferers of an incredibly long list of conditions and illnesses.
The anecdotal evidence is also mounting. At this point in time, thirty-six states have legalised the use of medical marijuana, which means that, in all likelihood, you have by now encountered someone who has turned to this drug as a therapeutic treatment.
Still, many of us continue to enter into the world of medical marijuana with a strong sense of trepidation. If smoking doesn’t come naturally, for instance, then this can be a sharp learning curve; if you are still struggling to shake off that sticky taboo that once kept marijuana away from many patients who needed it, then this can also be a difficult beast to wrestle.
Don’t despair, however, and don’t let a few nerves prevent you from taking the treatment you need. Read more about getting used to your medical marijuana prescription, below.
Understand ‘Biphasic Responses’
One of the biggest causes of confusion behind medical marijuana, particularly for those who know little about the drug, is the fact that certain doses can worsen symptoms, while other doses can potentially improve them. Add to that the fact that, for anyone who has never experienced the psychoactive effects of marijuana before, a little apprehension is expected, and the prospect of exploring medical marijuana becomes quite daunting.
This is largely down to a phenomenon known as a ‘biphasic response’, whereby the dosage largely dictates the nature of the effects. It is for this reason that you needn’t feel the need to jump straight into a significant dosage; in this article, the writer goes into plenty of detail about why you may not need to rely on a high dosage, and how you may well find greater benefits with a limited quantity.
Understanding the nature of cannabis as medicine, and how to get the most out of your prescription, is important not only to ensuring you feel more comfortable and educated on the subject in those early days, but also that you are able to find long-term relief with the drug.
Recognise How Far Medical Marijuana Has Come
Only in recent years has the term ‘medical marijuana’ gained considerable traction within mainstream medicine and public discourse. Even now, people continue to change their minds in favour of marijuana as a therapeutic treatment – despite the fact that many of us grew up to inherit the stigma held against cannabis, and its use as a recreational drug.
The fact of the matter is that times are constantly changing. The potential health benefits of using marijuana are being explored across many different avenues, and its study within conventional scientific and medical circles is growing more and more normalised as a growing body of researchers lend their name to findings.
In a recent study, for instance, 42% of Americans had no problem with the use of medical marijuana; a further 16% used it, and 20% claimed that, while they would not do it themselves, they took no issue with other patients utilising it. What this means is that the overwhelming majority of the population recognise the benefits of using marijuana for medical purposes, and would not condone those who chose to use it.
Consider Consuming it, Rather than Smoking
Smoking is not something just anyone can enjoy. For some, it can feel a little too much like ‘doing drugs’; for others, the act itself is unpleasant – particularly if they are suffering from a lung condition.
The same benefits many claim to receive from smoking marijuana can be attained through consuming it. It can be used like any other ingredient, and baked into a wide variety of foods – from the classic ‘weed brownies’ to bread or, if you’re feeling decadent, cheesecake.
While the effects are a little slower to take hold than they are when taken into the lungs, users report a strong, full-body feeling that can potentially alleviate pain, anxiety, nausea and a range of other symptoms. The best news is that lower doses are recommended once again, and that the ‘hit’ will not come all at once, as it does when smoking.
Learning how to bake with cannabis can be a learning curve, particularly if you are still new to it, but it offers a more relaxed, natural approach to taking this beneficial drug for those who would rather not roll a joint.
It is normal to feel a little nervous before moving onto any new medication, but marijuana stands at the very center of a rapidly growing body of research into new ways of managing chronic pain and other physical and mental conditions that impact every area of our lives.
If nerves are keeping you from exploring this treatment, then ensure you are in a calming environment. Consider practicing some intuitive breathing techniques, and follow our tips to ensure that you are able to work on healing your body, and alleviating your symptoms.
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