As the legalization of marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes continues to spread throughout the United States, a growing number of people are becoming curious about this herb and what it can do for them. The answer is that it can do quite a bit! Cannabis has been shown to be effective at treating a wide variety of conditions, from chronic pain to anxiety to seizures. And for those who use it recreationally, it can help induce a meditative state or put you in the mood for socialization, depending on which strain you select.
However, a lot of people are turned off by the idea of smoking, and understandably so. Smoking is widely known to present health risks of its own. In fact, if your lung health is less than optimal, you may not be able to smoke. It’s also just unpleasant for a lot of people. Smoking comes along with a burning sensation, a likelihood of coughing, and an aftertaste many don’t enjoy. There’s also a social stigma around smoking that many people would prefer to keep away from.
So how can you partake in this substance without having to light up?
Vaping
Vaping, or using a vaporizer, is one of the most popular alternatives to smoking. The vape pen is easy to carry, usually around the size of an actual pen, and easy to fit in your pocket. Vaping can be done conveniently, discreetly, and at an efficient cost.
How does it work? The device heats the compound and creates a vapor, which the user inhales in place of smoke. Of course, inhaling vapor is much easier on the lungs than combusted plant material.
The only problem is that you must be sure your vape cartridge is from a reliable source. If you shop in an unregulated market, you could end up with a dangerous product.
Edibles
Everyone can enjoy cannabis-infused food and beverages. Brownies are the stereotype, but you can also find gummy candies, chocolate bars, and even sodas and coffees. As legalization continues to spread, the creativity will only continue, and people will find new and better things to infuse with cannabis.
Be careful with dosing if edibles are your choice. You don’t want to sit there snacking on a cannabis-infused treat without being mindful about how much you’re taking in. Make a plan before you start, and consume carefully. Start with a small amount if it’s your first time to ensure that you know what you’re doing and that you have a pleasant experience.
Oils and Tinctures
Tinctures use alcohol as a solvent to separate the cannabinoids and terpenes from the rest of the plant. These infused liquids allow the cannabis to enter your bloodstream directly, making for quick delivery. You can consume tinctures by placing a few drops under your tongue. Follow the directions with care when deciding how much to use.
Oils are often found in capsule form, and they take a little bit longer to kick in. You can take them directly, or you can add them to any food or drink.
Topicals
For those using cannabis to address muscle pain or skin issues, a balm or a lotion may be the best choice. You can apply it directly to the affected area, ensuring that the healing effects of cannabis are felt where you most need them. Unlike many of the other items on this list, you cannot get high from using a cannabis topical product.
There are many ways to experience all that cannabis has to offer. Think carefully about your needs before selecting the product that is right for you!
I do use medical marijuana and it really helps a number of medical issues that I have,the only issue that I have is by it being so expensive that I can’t afford it get it when it is ready to be refilled and I am disabled,. I will be glad if and when the price goes down.It really works and I am so ready to get off some of that medicine.
I Too am I price conscious and funds restricted patient. Prices compared to what I hear those on the streets paying, are slightly better but still on the costly side, especially for those who solely depend on medical marijuana just to get functional for the day or to stay functional through the day. In NJ, until recently, we had six dispensaries in the state, we are now down to five and, for many, the locations of the dispensaries are a bit of a pain to get to. I too am hoping for rapid and awesome expansion of the medical program in my state.