As a new medical cannabis user, you might have a few questions about getting started with using medicinal cannabis. Don’t panic, though – our team is here to help you understand all you need to know about starting with your medical cannabis journey.
Top Tips for Getting Started with Medical Cannabis
When it comes to getting started with medical cannabis, it’s important that you are aware of our top tips for helping you get started. Luckily, trying medical marijuana for the first time doesn’t need to be difficult, so long as you make sure that you follow our advice and tips for how to get started.
#1 Getting your Medical Marijuana Card
If you live in a state where medical marijuana is not yet legalized, or if recreational marijuana is still illegal, then you will likely need to start your medical marijuana journey by getting a medical marijuana card. This card is usually prescribed by your physician and can allow you to have access to marijuana for healthcare purposes. Some of the common reasons that people need medical marijuana include cancer, epilepsy, HIV or AIDS, because of having seizures, Crohn’s disease, and more.
Indeed, there are a huge number of potential conditions that can be made easier thanks to medical marijuana; if your physician agrees that medical marijuana is the way to go for your needs then you should absolutely ask them about the possibility of getting your medical marijuana card.
#2 Choose a Reputable Dispensary
Our second top tip for new medical marijuana users is that you choose a reputable and reliable cannabis dispensary. There are usually a large number of dispensaries in states where medical marijuana has been legalized and the teams running the dispensaries are usually welcoming and helpful for new patients; as a result, you shouldn’t need to worry about your first visit.
However, we highly recommend that you check out past customer reviews of the dispensary online before making a visit so you can be confident that the dispensary you’ve picked can help you find the perfect medical marijuana product(s) for your needs.
#3 Understand the Different Cannabis Strains
If you are visiting a dispensary that sells both recreational and medicinal cannabis then it can be helpful to understand the differences between different types of cannabis. We’re not saying that you need to understand the details of every strain, of course, but having a generic understanding of the different strains and what different terms mean could be beneficial.
One thing that we highly recommend new medicinal cannabis users learn is the difference between Indica and Sativa strains of cannabis, as well as hybrid strains between the two. Generally speaking, Indica strains – or a hybrid Indica/Sativa strain – will be best suited for use as a medicinal cannabis product. This is due to the fact that Indica strains have a lower concentration of THC than Sativa strains. THC is the cannabidiol compound responsible for the sensation of being high, so choosing a strain that is lower in this will lessen the likelihood of you experiencing a high.
In addition to this, you may want to also consider the different effects cannabis strains can offer. Usually, cannabis is described as giving either a calming, invigorating, or balanced effect for users; these will change the way you feel after taking the cannabis, so if you are taking medicinal cannabis for a specific emotional response, make sure you choose a strain that will help with this.
As before – your local cannabis dispensary staff should be happy to help you find a strain that is perfect for your needs. So, don’t panic if you’re not entirely aware of the exact ins and outs for each strain. Just being aware of the generic terms can help you find a strain that’s right for you.
#4 What Cannabis Product is Right for me?
Choosing medicinal cannabis might seem easy, but there are actually a huge number of different types of medicinal cannabis to choose from – and this is due to the fact that medical cannabis comes in many different forms. The most obvious cannabis option for medicinal users is cannabis oils and topicals, however, there are also lots of other fun cannabis products on the market that you might want to try. Not every dispensary will stock these, but if you can find them, they can be a fun way of getting in your daily cannabis dose.
Cannabis edibles are one of the most popular and effective alternative cannabis products. These include cannabis gummies, chews, chocolates, and more; indeed, the sheer number of different edibles is massive, so there is sure to be something that takes your fancy. Alternatively, other popular cannabis products include cannabis vapes, bath bombs, and more. Have a look at the different options that are available in your chosen cannabis dispensary and ask the dispensary staff if you need any more information on the products – they’re there to help, after all!
Choose the Right Cannabis Today!
Getting your medical marijuana card can open up a whole word of possibility for your cannabis use. Don’t limit yourself just to medical marijuana oils and creams, though; medical marijuana can come in so many different forms, so feel free to experiment a little with other medical marijuana products to find one that you love! And remember – your chosen dispensary’s staff are always on hand to give further advice, should you need it, so don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need to.