The next step after getting a recommendation from one of the marijuana doctors in NY is to plan out your journey ahead to get the best possible effects of the herb. And one of the most important steps of this planning process is choosing a method of administration.
The best part about using cannabis as medical aid is the fact that you can choose from dozens of different methods. So, unlike pharmaceuticals, you don’t have to worry about popping pills because you get the freedom to choose a delivery method as per your needs and preference.
To help you with choosing a method, here’s a detailed introduction to different cannabis consumption methods based on their ease of use.
Why is Ease of Use Important?
When you use anything, would you like it to be easy to use or a complicated process that you can’t get a hang of and is inconvenient? I’m hoping you prefer the first option.
Ease of use is essential when deciding on a method of administration. Since cannabis is your medication, you want the method to give you relief and everything you expect from cannabis in the best possible way. But at the same time, the dosing process should be convenient for you and fit your lifestyle.
Now, ease of use can vary from person to person. It’s subjective to the needs, lifestyle and preference of the patient. However, a general classification can help patients know where to make a start.
We broadly define the ease of use using five different aspects: Usage, Availability, Potency or Effectiveness, Price and Potential for Regular Use. Based on these aspects, each delivery method is scored below to give you an idea of its ease of use.
Transdermal Patches (7/10)
Transdermal patches are cannabis or CBD-infused patches that are used by applying them to the skin. All you have to do is peel, stick and forget. You can get a hang of it even without reading the instruction manual. The patch delivers the infused cannabinoids into your bloodstream through the skin over a period of time so it doesn’t cause intoxication or deliver extremely strong effects. And you can feel the effects day long.
Cannabis transdermal patches are fairly new in the market and because of that, you will not find a lot of brands offering a variety of patches. The patches that are available in the market are not as strong as other cannabis products since not a lot of cannabinoids can be infused in a single patch.
Considering the cannabinoid concentrations, the transdermal patches are very affordable. However, a single patch only has a single-use and may not be the ideal choice for daily dosing.
Cannabis Edibles (8/10)
Cannabis edibles require the least amount of effort. You can open your jar of chocolates or gummies and enjoy the deliciousness as well as the health benefits. Edibles are of hundreds of varieties. They vary from basic brownies to flavorful gummies. You can easily find one of these varieties near you.
If you are buying your edibles from a state-registered source, you can be sure that each edible contains only a specific dose of cannabinoids. And brands can increase or decrease the cannabinoid concentration as per the demands of their customers. So, you can find mild to strong concentrations of gummies easily. However, gummies do take longer to kick in so you need to use them accordingly. Most edibles are well within the budget. The price generally spikes as the concentration increases.
Now, not every type of edible is ideal for everyday use. While you can stick with gel capsules or gummies, edibles like chocolates or beef jerky may not be the best option.
Tinctures (8.5/10)
Tinctures are alcohol-based cannabis extracts that are used sublingually or by ingesting it as it is or by infusing it in food or beverage. Though sublingual use is not that complicated, you still need to understand how to place the oil under your tongue for it to be absorbed properly. And if you nail the method, it can give you almost instant and potent results.
Tinctures are one of the most widely available cannabis products. There are several brands that offer good quality tinctures online as well as in dispensaries. Tinctures have a flexible customer base as they can be used by a beginner as well as someone with a severe health condition. The concentrations can vary from as low as 150mg to as high as 6000mg per bottle.
Tinctures can be expensive and the price varies based on the extraction process, cannabinoid quality and strength. But, it can be a great deal considering you can easily use tinctures every day.
Topicals (7.5/10)
Cannabis-infused topicals are meant to be applied on the skin just like a normal cream or lotion. You layer a generous amount on the affected area and it will provide you a targeted relief in minutes with no side effects. It’s easy to find a wide range of cannabis topicals online. They come in the form of balms, lotions, sprays and even skincare products.
Now, topicals are meant for targeted relief only. So while it’s ideal for muscle spasms and body aches, it may not be the best choice for mental conditions or internal body issues.
The price range of cannabis topicals is pretty decent since they do not come in very high concentrations but just enough to relieve body pain effectively. Overall, they can be very beneficial when used daily.
Smoking/Vaping (6.5/10)
Cannabis inhalation in the form of smoking, vaping or even bongs is one of the most common and widely available forms of delivery methods. However, you need to make a lot of preparations before smoking or vaping. For starters, you need a rolling paper, grinder, a rig and a well-ventilated area. Additionally, you should be aware of the right inhalation technique to achieve the best effects.
Now that smoking cannabis is legal in New York, you will easily be able to find different strains or rolled joints. However, if you are into vaping, it may get a little tricky to have them shipped to you since many shipping services have stopped or banned the shipping of e-cigarettes or vapes.
Inhaling cannabis is by far the fastest way to deliver cannabinoids into your system. You can feel the effects almost instantly every time. However, it carries the risk of respiratory problems, contact high and can cause discomfort to people around.
Now, smoking can require investment. You will need all the additional accessories and proper equipment in the case of bongs or vapes.
While inhaling cannabis is quick and ideal for people who need instant relief, using it daily can be risky for your health.
With the right knowledge, you can start to find the right method for yourself. Just remember to consult a professional or one of the medical marijuana doctors in NY to have a safe experience with whichever method you choose.