There are several different ways to use the cannabis plant in order to attain its therapeutic benfits. Each of them may be more effective for certain symptoms, and certain circumstances, and each can be done in a manner that promotes its safety and efficacy.

On this page you will find information that will help you use cannabis safely and effectively, including:

  • the whole plant
  • different modes of ingestion
  • options for safer smoking
  • strain selection, potency and tolerance
  • side effects
  • drug interactions
  • safety considerations.
Please note that the following should not be construed as the giving of advice or the making of a recommendation and it should not be relied upon as the basis for any decision or action. It is based on our research and experience. Additional resources are provided for your information.

Using the Whole Plant

The whole cannabis plant may be efficiently utilized. The flower ("bud") is the most resinous and therefore potent part of the plant. This makes the bud ideal for smoking. The leaves ("shake") and stems are less resinous, and therefore are better suited for baking and making tinctures.

Modes of Ingestion

  • Smoking:
Smoking is the easiest way to find the appropriate dosage since the effects are usually felt within 30-60 seconds, and develop fully within 5-15 minutes. The effects may last from 30 minutes to 5 hours.

It is ideal to smoke as little as possible in order to reduce costs and respiratory irritiation. We recommend you take 1-2 puffs and wait 15 minutes in order to find the right dosage. Increase dosage as necessary.

  • Ingesting (Eating and Drinking):
Cannabinoids can be extracted into fat (butter or oils) and then ingested.

The effects of ingested cannabis may be felt within 30 minutes to 2 hours (depending on metabolism), and may last from 2-8 hours.

Effects of ingested cannabis tend to be much more pronounced than smoked cannabis, both physically and psychoatively, and vary depending on strain used in the preparation. An elevated dosage, though not lethal, can be very uncomforable (i.e.vomitting, panic). Therefore it is important to take care in finding the right dosage. Small amounts should be ingested, and it is recommended to wait 2 hours before increasing the dosage gradually, if necessary. 

  • Tinctures:
Cannabinoids can also be extracted into alcohol or glycerine, and make into tinctures. Tinctures may be dropped or sprayed into the mouth to be absorbed into the mucous membranes.

Effects of tinctures are usually felt within 5 minutes up to 1 hours, and last about 4 hours. It is recommended to start with about 3 drops of tincture, and wait an hour before increasing the dosage, incrementally and as necessary.

Alcohol based tincutres may also be dropped into hot water in order to let the alcohol evaporate, and then ingested. Effects will be the same as they are for ingested cannabis (above).


Options for Safer Smoking 

There are various methods of smoking cannabis that can reduce bronchial irritation while obtaining the medicinal benefits of the plant.

These methods include:

  • Cannabis may be ground or cut and then rolled into a “joint”. Using natural-based rolling papers such as those derived from hemp or rice is recommended for both health reasons and to avoid using tree products. 
  • Pipes can be used to avoid smoking paper and are useful when smoking small quantities. We recommend glass pipes to prevent ingestion of possible harmful by-products from other pipes made from other sources of material. 
  • Water pipes can be used to cool the temperature of inhaled plant matter. 
  • Vaporizers can be used as a smokeless alternative and also provide a uniquely “clear” psychoactive effect.
  • A blend of herbs that soothe the lungs can be rolled and smoked with cannabis.  We recommended, as well as, offer a herbal smoking blend made up of the following 4 herbs: damiana, coltsfoot, mullein, and peppermint. We do not recommend rolling cannabis wtih tobacco.

Strain Selection, Potency and Tolerance

The efficacy of cannabis is directly related to strain selection, therefore we recommend care be taken in selecting appropriate strains to meet your needs.

You will need to smoke less of a high-potency cannabis to reach the desired effect. Potency varies with strains.

If you find yourself needing to smoke greatert quantities or more often in order to achieve the desired effect, reduce or stop intake for a time. Changing the variety of cannabis normally used will also help you to return to a minized effective dosage level.

Side Effects

  • Some effects of cannabis use may not be therapeutic. They can be mitigated through awareness.
  • Cannabis may cause dizziness upon standing due to lowered blood pressure.
  • Initial increase in heart rate and/or blood pressure may be problematic for those with heart conditions or severe anxiety
  • Cannabis may cause a decrease in coordination and cognitive abilities, and short-term memory loss while medicated
  • There are no significant withdrawal effects when cannabis use is ceased or decreased, however symptom relief will cease or be decreased. Minor restlessness, nausea, and fatigue may be experienced.

Drug Interactions

Clinically significant interactions have not been detected. Studies on the interaction of Cannabis and pharmaceutical medications is sparse and inconclusive.

Pharmacy Magazine reported in June 2001 that *:

  • Cannabis has been shown to decrease the clearance of barbiturates so they remain in the body longer, and may need to be reduced.
  • Cannabis has been shown to increase the clearance of Theophyline, therefore its dose may need to be increased
  • There can be side-effects when cannabis is combined with Fluoxetine or Disulfiram. These effects can include mild mania and excitement with moderate behaviour change
  • Cannabis may enhance the effects of amphetamines, anticholinergics, anihistamines, cocaine, hypnotics, physchotomimetics, sedatives or sympathomimetics

  * this study does not take into account different strains.

 

Results from a survery of OMMP Members overwhelmingly indicate that they do not find negative drug interactions. Many reported that they are able to reduce their dosage of some of their pharmaceutical drugs (particulary opiates) and that cannabis mitigates negative side effects of them, which in some cases is the reason for their use of cannabis.

Those receiving digitalis or other cardiac medications should use cannabis under careful supervision by a medical doctor. 

Safety Considerations

  • Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if impaired by cannabis ( indicas can be especially sedating)
  • Cannabis mixed with alcohol may cause vomiting and nausea.
  • Heavy smoking with no harm reduction techniques (i.e. smoking small amounts of high potency organic cannabis) may lead to respiratory irritation.
  • Hold shared joints and other shared smoking implements so as not to touch your lips to them.
  • Choose organic cannabis whenever possible to minimize exposure to radioactivity and chemicals. This is especially important for people with compromised immune systems. 
  • It is still illegal in United States to possess, grow, or distribute cannabis. Know your rights and take precautions to avoid the harmful effects of arrest, cannabis seizure, imprisonment and criminal record.