Buzz
Even as more states adopt laws allowing recreational use, cannabis serves purposes beyond mere enjoyment. Its journey toward legalization is rooted in its historical role in alleviating pain and discomfort—if it were solely about recreation, it would never have gained such widespread acceptance. This isn’t to say that cannabis as medicine is a modern concept. Its medicinal use dates back centuries—it was an ancient remedy and even featured in early 20th-century pharmacies before its prohibition in the 1930s (a tale that is worth its own narrative).
After its association with counterculture, cannabis resurfaced as a therapeutic aid for AIDS patients in 1980s San Francisco, predating effective HIV treatments. California’s Proposition 215, passed in 1996, legalized medicinal cannabis experimentation, leading to treatments for children with severe seizures using extracts and tinctures. (This movement paved the way for the first FDA-approved, federally legal cannabis-based drug: Epidiolex, used for seizure disorders.)
Currently, cannabis remains a focal point for both public interest and scientific research. An unprecedented number of studies are exploring how cannabis might not only ease symptoms but also address chronic pain, cancer, and even mental health issues like anxiety and PTSD.
If you're managing a medical or psychological issue that causes pain or stress, medical cannabis might offer relief. Here, we’ll explore how it’s applied in practical, real-world scenarios.
Why choose medical cannabis?
People turn to cannabis for medicinal purposes for numerous reasons. For starters, it’s generally considered safe for most individuals. Compared to opioids and other contemporary pain treatments, it poses fewer and less severe risks—such as overdose, dependency, and digestive issues.
Pain is an inevitable part of life, but cannabis can help lessen its impact. It works by interacting with pain receptors throughout the body, reducing their activity, and is even under investigation for its anti-inflammatory properties, which may match or exceed those of over-the-counter drugs (alongside numerous other potential health benefits).
Mental health is intricate, ever-changing, and deeply personal, often influenced by environmental factors or substances consumed—be it prescribed medications or cannabis. Many individuals labeled as “stoners” were actually using cannabis to self-treat conditions like ADHD, autism, OCD, PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
If this seems like an imprecise field of study, that’s because it has been—federal restrictions have long hindered cannabis research. As regulations ease and scientific exploration becomes more accessible, researchers are eager to uncover the full potential of cannabinoids and other compounds in cannabis for alleviating pain and treating illnesses. Despite the challenges, cannabis is already being used medicinally today. If you’re considering this option, here’s how to approach it correctly.
Focus on the three S’s
We consulted Dr. Erik C. Smith from Veriheal, a platform connecting patients with knowledgeable, cannabis-savvy doctors, to discuss how patients can integrate medicinal cannabis into their treatment plans (bearing in mind that state laws may require navigating legal hurdles first).
Dr. Smith emphasizes the “three S’s”—support, shop smart, and go slow—to guide patients effectively. Start by finding a trusted dispensary for support. Patient advocates or budtenders can share their expertise and help tailor a plan to meet your needs. Even in states where recreational cannabis is legal, consider visiting a dispensary focused on medical use, as these often employ licensed pharmacists (depending on state regulations).
“I always advise patients to consult with clinicians and review as many products as possible,” Smith explains. “Cannabis products are sealed, and the packaging often doesn’t clearly explain usage or even how to open them.”
Dr. Smith highlights the next step as shopping smart: “Buy a small selection of products initially. Since everyone reacts differently to cannabis, sampling a few options helps patients identify what works best for them.”
Once you have your cannabis, you might be tempted to use it liberally, but if you’re new to it, you may not anticipate the intense effects of overconsumption. Smith recommends starting “low and slow... Begin with the smallest dose and gradually increase it to find the most effective level.”
On the topic of dosages...
In our earlier discussion on microdosing cannabis, we explored the stark contrasts between high and low doses of THC, the main psychoactive compound in medical cannabis. The type of product and method of consumption significantly influence the intensity of the “high.” To maximize benefits, aim to harness the full spectrum of the plant’s compounds—its diverse phytochemicals, including non-THC cannabinoids, terpenes, phenols, and others yet to be fully studied.
For those seeking therapeutic benefits without the high, cannabis strains high in CBD and low in THC are ideal. Dr. Smith explains, “While THC content matters, chemovars (commonly called strains) with varying CBD:THC ratios are key to the plant’s medicinal value. High-CBD strains offer significant therapeutic effects while reducing THC’s psychoactive impact. Personally, I prefer 1:1 THC:CBD chemovars for their ability to provide relief and ease anxiety.”
The method you choose to consume cannabis is crucial for achieving the desired effects. For those seeking lighter doses, options like vapes, topicals, tinctures, or edibles are ideal. On the other hand, individuals needing stronger effects might prefer combustion methods such as dabs, joints, pipes, or bongs. Alternatively, potent edibles and high-performance vaporizers, such as a Volcano or Pax, can also deliver the required intensity.
Regardless of the dosage size, Dr. Smith’s advice is invaluable: “For most conditions, combining an inhalation method with an oral approach works best. While topicals are excellent for skin issues and chronic joint pain, a dual-method delivery system is often the most effective strategy.”
A combination of a systemic, internal dose and a fast-acting inhaled dose can provide quick relief for many individuals, regardless of the cannabinoid or milligram amount. This is due to the slower onset but prolonged effects of edibles and beverages, which are processed by the digestive system. These start to take effect just as the immediate but shorter-lasting impact of vaped or smoked cannabis begins to diminish.
Key insights into micro- and macrodosing
Affordability and tolerance are two critical factors for anyone using medical cannabis. Similar to other medications, developing a tolerance to cannabis means you may eventually need higher doses to achieve the same relief. Without careful management, this can lead to increased costs and potential unaffordability.
Preventing this issue can be simpler than expected, according to Eric Leslie, CMO and co-owner of Cheeba Chews, a well-established medical and recreational cannabis company with a decade of experience. He emphasizes the importance of accurate labeling. While estimating dosage with combustible cannabis can be challenging even with lab tests, properly tested edibles offer a higher level of precision.
Leslie explains to Mytour, 'Third-party testing results displayed on the packaging are essential for new medical patients to determine their ideal dose. Additionally, seek products with cannabinoid diversification. THC is a potent element of cannabis, but the entourage effect is undeniable—combining THC with other cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, CBN, and CBC can amplify its benefits for both body and mind.'
Similar to many edibles, Cheeba Chews are known for their high potency in a compact form. This can be advantageous, as edibles can be easily divided into smaller portions if a full dose isn’t necessary.
“Patients with varying cannabinoid tolerances turn to medical cannabis for diverse reasons,” Leslie notes. “A standout feature of Cheeba Chews is our ability to consistently infuse both small and large amounts of cannabis oil into a single piece of taffy. Our perfected recipe accommodates a wide range of dosages.”
Whether you prefer dabbing for pain relief or slowly consuming a fruit chew over weeks, medical cannabis can be an effective treatment for numerous conditions, provided it’s legal in your state. Access to medical cannabis is expanding, even in more conservative U.S. regions. Initially, it’s often available to those with specific disabilities or severe conditions, but gradually becomes accessible to individuals with a broader spectrum of health issues.
In a potential future where cannabis is no longer classified as a Schedule 1 substance at the federal level, personalized cannabis therapies could become commonplace. Until then, a combination of experimentation, patience, and a medical cannabis card might be all that’s required to start experiencing daily improvements in well-being.
