Tips for First Time Medical Marijuana Patients

If you’ve recently made the decision to try medical marijuana, then you likely have some questions and concerns about using it to treat your medical condition. Like any new industry, there is a lot to know about medical marijuana.

First things first, though. It’s important to ensure medical marijuana is the right option for your particular health condition. Discussing this with your health care provider should always be the first step. It’s also important to know if medical marijuana is legal in the state you reside in. Regulations about who qualifies and how to legally use medical marijuana will differ from state to state. Be sure to check with your state’s designated department to ensure you know how to properly obtain a legal certificate or medical marijuana card.

There’s also a lot to know about the product itself — this is to say that not all buds are created equal. When applying for your medical marijuana card, ask lots of questions of your health care provider. If you have any concerns about smoking marijuana compared to other consumption methods, then this should also be raised during your appointment.

Beyond knowing how to obtain your medical marijuana and how to select the right product for you, there are also a number of safety considerations to take into account. Factors such as your own personal tolerance, your personal preferences as well as your state’s requirements will all come into play.

Because there is so much to consider, we’ve compiled a guide on what to expect with medical marijuana for beginners and how to navigate through the complexities of your new venture with cannabis therapy.

Conditions Treated by Medical Marijuana

Before getting started with medical marijuana treatment, it is vital to ensure your specific health condition is not only appropriate to treat with medical marijuana, but is also legally recognized in your state. As of November 2016, there are 28 states plus Washington, DC that have legalized the medical use of marijuana.

There are many misconceptions about the medical marijuana industry, and it’s common for consumers to be confused about when to seek medical treatment using cannabis. They may not know if their condition can even be effectively treated by medical marijuana, and many are skeptical of the legitimate health benefits.

To help ease the confusion, use the following list as a guideline of common medical conditions with symptoms that are treatable using medical cannabis:

• Cancer
• Chronic pain
• Epilepsy
• HIV/AIDS
• Glaucoma
• Hepatitis C
• ALS
• Crohn’s Disease
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Arthritis
• PTSD
• Eating disorders
• Various other chronic or debilitating diseases and conditions

Bear in mind that this is not an official or exhaustive list. Always check with your state’s legalities to ensure your condition qualifies for medical marijuana treatments.

Be Prepared for Lots of Research

Like any consumer market, the buyer must always beware of what they are purchasing. Medical marijuana is no different. It is important for all first-time patients to do as much research as necessary so they feel comfortable purchasing medical cannabis products.

Here are a few ways to conduct your own research on the medical marijuana industry and the effects of this type of treatment:

• Online Resources: There are several online resources available, including the Marijuana Doctors, to help beginners learn the ins and outs of using medical marijuana. Visiting dispensaries and speaking directly with experts is another way to gain more insight into the use of medical marijuana, its effects, the health benefits and anything else you may wish to inquire about.
• Other Medical Marijuana Users: It is also recommended that first-time patients connect themselves with other more seasoned patients who have experience using weed to treat specific medical conditions. This is valuable information that comes first-hand from others who have once been in your position.
• Clinical Studies: It’s important for both skeptics and believers alike to familiarize themselves with the basics of clinical studies done on medical marijuana results. Countless scientific studies conducted by a variety of organizations have been published in medical and scientific journals and are available online for everyone’s reference. Look for studies that have specifically been conducted on the effects of medical marijuana in treating your condition in particular.

Obtaining Your Card

To legally purchase and use medical cannabis for the treatment of your symptoms, you must obtain the recommendation from a certified medical health practitioner. Depending on your state, this could be a physician, physician’s assistant, psychiatrist, naturopathic physician, an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner or another medical specialist. There are also medical doctors who specialize in prescribing and recommending medicinal marijuana. Research your local state for more information on locating and working with one of these doctors.

To obtain your medical marijuana card, you’ll need to:

• Fill out the Documentation Properly: Once you’ve received your doctor’s recommendation or prescription for your personal use of medical marijuana, there are applications that must be filed with your state. The process for filing applications varies from state to state. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the official application process. Always fill out the application entirely and provide copies of necessary identification. Incomplete applications risk being turned away.
• Pay Your Application Fee: It’s also important to be aware that many states will require the patient to pay an application fee when obtaining legal authority to use medical marijuana. Fees are typically around $100 or more and are a one-time payment. This can come as an unexpected surprise to those who may already be struggling financially with the costs of their medical condition. Be sure to also check if there are any subsidies available for the costs of application feeds. In some states, veterans and people with disabilities may be eligible for a reduced application fee.

• Be Aware of the Timeframe: How long it takes for your application to be processed and approved depends on each state. Some states may process applications relatively quickly. Other states, like those that only recently legalized the distribution of medical marijuana, may not process and approve applications for several months to come.

Where to Purchase Your Medical Cannabis

There are a number of places you can legally purchase your medicinal cannabis products from. However, it must be a certified distributor of medical marijuana as approved by your state. Places that are legally authorized sellers of medicinal marijuana products are called dispensaries, and there are many different kinds of dispensaries to choose from. Each operates as its own business, and, therefore, they will each carry different product lines, offer different services and have different staff members available to help.

Medical marijuana dispensaries also go by different names including wellness clinics or compassion clinics. Wellness clinics are outlets that offer health and wellness programs to patients in addition to medical cannabis products.

Choosing Your Product

As a beginner, the number of product choices you are faced with may seem overwhelming. This is why it’s important to choose a reputable dispensary to work with. Knowledgeable and compassionate staff will be key in having a positive experience with using medical marijuana. Here are some things to know:

1. Choosing a Strain

The different types of cannabis products available are known as strains and are also sometimes referred to as varieties. Strains are a classification for the different types of plants that the medicinal marijuana products are derived from. The product strains represent the intensity of the effects and the particular experiences they are intended to provide to the consumer. From the different strains, there are multiple other subtypes available.

The following are the main classifications of marijuana strains. Here we break down where these strains are from and which types of conditions they are better suited to treat:

• Cannabis Sativa: Sativa cannabis plants are tall plants that grow in equatorial regions. Sativa varieties of medical marijuana are more invigorating and are meant for stimulating creativity or physical activities. For this reason, Sativa products are taken for conditions like depression or diseases that cause chronic fatigue.
• Cannabis Indica: Indica cannabis plants grow in mountainous regions and are shorter, fuller plants. Indica plants also have thicker coats of resin which develop as a form of protection. Indica varieties are taken for their relaxation health benefits. This makes Indicas a better treatment for conditions like insomnia or chronic pain as it can help to calm nerves and relieve pain.
• Cannabis Hybrids: Hybrid cannabis plants are cultivated through a combination of both Indica and Sativa plants. This results in a combination and variety of effects from both types. Hybrid plants are typically recommended when medical marijuana patients have very specific needs for symptom relief. The ability to tailor the effects is what makes hybrids recommended as the best cannabis strains for beginners with serious medical conditions.

2. THC and CBD Levels

One of the most fundamental factors to consider when purchasing your desired strain of medical marijuana is the strain’s level of THC.

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the active compound in the cannabis plant that provides the psychoactive effects of consuming marijuana. The THC concentration level of the marijuana products is what determines how strong or weak these psychoactive effects will be. Low levels of THC are generally recommended for first-time users so as to prevent bad or scary first experiences with psychoactive compounds.

Instead, many experts will recommend that first-time users choose products that are lower in THC and higher in CBD (cannabidiol). Unlike THC, CBD is not a psychoactive compound. CBD provides relaxing health benefits that reduce the anxiety-producing effects of THC. Different products will have different ratios of THC to CBD, and so it’s important to inquire about this before consuming any medicinal marijuana product.

3. Try Different Strains

Just as with pharmaceutical drugs, medical marijuana differs from producer to producer and product to product. The effects of each of these products will also vary from person to person. That’s why it’s important to make purchasing decisions based on your own needs and reactions to the products.

When starting out, you won’t have any experience to work with. Experts suggest testing out small amounts of different strains or varieties to determine each one’s effectiveness for you.

4. Choose Your Delivery Method

Once you’ve narrowed down your personal needs and selected your appropriate marijuana strain, your next step is to choose your desired delivery method. This again is a strictly personal decision as different ways to consume marijuana affect each patient differently. If you have particular concerns or questions about marijuana consumption methods, then it’s important to discuss this with your doctor ahead of time. Be sure to ask lots of questions to make the right decision for your personal preferences.

There are several ways to consume marijuana, but the primary methods include:

• Smoking: Smoking is the most well-known method of consuming marijuana. The majority of consumers choose to smoke marijuana because it is seen as easier and provides dose control benefits. The acute effects of smoking marijuana usually come on quickly and dissipate after 20 to 30 minutes. However, smoking can cause serious burning sensations in the throat and lead to coughing fits. This turns many people away from smoking as a consumption method.
• Vaporizing: Becoming more and more popular, vaporizing is seen as the easiest and most convenient method of experiencing weed effects for the first time. It doesn’t deliver the same harsh effects on the throat and lungs as traditional smoking does. Vaporizers for beginners also come in convenient refillable pens that are designed for portability.
• Ingesting: Ingesting marijuana is done through edibles. This is usually the option that is chosen by medical marijuana beginners who don’t want to smoke cannabis. It is recommended that consuming edible marijuana be done slowly and in low doses. This is because the effects of eating marijuana are delayed as compared to smoking.
• Topical: With topicals, cannabis is infused into lotions or balms that can be massaged directly into the skin. The skin absorbs the cannabis and provides relief for localized pain and inflammation. The topical consumption method is much more effective for specific types of conditions such as arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Topicals do not typically result in a “high” effect, and so this method is also great for those who just want symptom relief without any psychoactive effects.

What to Expect When Buying Medical Marijuana

If you choose to buy your medical marijuana supply from a local dispensary, then it is recommended to work only with a reputable business. Check out the company website and read online reviews such as those on Facebook, Google or Yelp. This can help you see what other customers are saying about the particular dispensary. You may also want to visit a few different dispensaries in person to help get a feel for the quality of service you can expect.

Other elements to consider include:

• Know Your Budtender: “Budtender” is the industry term for the in-store experts who work in dispensaries. Budtenders have a vast range of knowledge when it comes to strains, varieties and consumption methods. Though they are not medical practitioners, they do have the expertise to help you choose the right product for your symptoms. Budtenders stay up-to-date on the latest medical marijuana information and research and are a valuable industry asset, especially when it comes to choosing the best cannabis strains for beginners.

• What Questions to Ask: When browsing through the store and getting a feel for the business, it’s important to ask lots of questions before you decide to buy from them. You’ll need to ensure they can consistently meet your needs and provide you with proper product knowledge and service.

Here are some suggested questions to ask the dispensary staff or business owners:

• Where does the product come from?
• How often is the supply restocked?
• What hours is the store open?
• How many locations do they have?
• How much does your desired strain cost?
• Are the products organic or not?

The answers you get can help you decide if it’s a company you want to build a long-term relationship with or not.

Consumer Safety

No conversation on what to expect with medical marijuana would be complete without addressing consumer safety tips. Though medical marijuana is a safe and effective treatment for many patients and medical conditions, there are still precautions to take as you would with any drug. Here are some consumer safety tips to consider when trying medical marijuana for the first time:

• Working With a Caregiver: When experiencing weed effects for the first time, it is recommended to work with a designated caregiver. Caregivers are people who are designated by the patient to provide personalized care for the use of medical marijuana. Caregivers can be there for you when you first use medical cannabis to ensure your safety and provide support. Laws about how to work with a caregiver and what a caregiver can and cannot do for the patient will vary from state to state. Be sure to research the role of the caregiver in your state to ensure you are maximizing their support and following the law.
• Be Aware of the Effects: Weed effects for first time users can result differently depending on the person. Some people may have a natural tolerance while others may feel the effects right away. Some people feel a sense of euphoria and relaxation while others feel paranoid or anxious. What to expect with medical marijuana consumption depends on the individual and the different strains and consumption methods as discussed previously.
• Don’t Share With Others: This is a rule that should be looked at as a two-way street. Don’t share your weed with others, and don’t take weed from someone else. Not only is it unsafe to share medicinal marijuana with others, it’s also not legal. Just as with any other prescription drug, medicinal marijuana can affect each patient differently. Using medicinal marijuana to treat medical symptoms is a decision that must be made between the patient and their doctor.

• Follow Dosages: For first-time medical cannabis users, it’s important to follow the dosages exactly as prescribed. Over time, dosages can be adjusted. However, in the beginning, following recommended dosages helps to control treatment and better understand how you are reacting to its effects.
• Report Side Effects to Your Doctor: Any adverse side effects or negative reactions with other medicinal products should be reported to your doctor immediately. This includes if the dosage of cannabis becomes too potent and is overwhelming to consume. It’s important to not take any risks and to consult your doctor. Dosages, strains and consumption methods can always be adjusted to ensure patient safety.

Consumer Privacy

Many medical marijuana beginners are concerned about the perception of them using the product to treat their illness. They may not know how to approach the topic with their medical health care provider, their families and friends or their other community members. Because there is still a stigma or certain perception of marijuana consumption, patients may feel embarrassed to ask questions.

Remember that each individual’s medical records are protected by privacy laws set out in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This law protects the privacy of medical records and all discussions between a patient and his or her medical healthcare professional.

Keep in mind, however, that though your medical information between yourself and your medical practitioner is legally protected, your conversations between yourself and any employees of medical marijuana dispensaries are not. Employees of marijuana dispensaries are not certified health care practitioners. Whenever you discuss your symptoms and needs with a dispensary staff member, keep in mind that you must use your own discretion.

Choosing Your Medical Marijuana Doctor and Dispensary

If you’re ready to try medical marijuana to treat your health condition, then it’s important to find reputable and knowledgeable experts to work with. The right doctor can help suggest a course of medicinal marijuana treatment that can provide symptom relief and help you to restore your quality of life. To find a doctor in your area, use our Find a Doctor search function to help locate a health care practitioner who specializes in medical marijuana recommendations.

Our Dispensary Search function can also help you to find reputable businesses in your area that can help you choose the best cannabis strains for beginners and assist you with your purchasing decisions.