The medical marijuana doctors at The Healing Clinics answer questions from patients all day. Seven of the most commonly asked questions are shared here. Have you got questions about medical marijuana? Our doctors have the answers!
QUESTION ONE: I have asthma. Can I take medical marijuana?
DOCTOR: That depends on the severity of your asthma and what your attending physician recommends. If your primary care physician approves of the use of medical marijuana, speak with one of our Healing Specialists about which products might work best.
QUESTION TWO: I just found out I’m pregnant. Should I stop using medical marijuana?
DOCTOR: Yes, stop whatever medical marijuana products you’re taking until you can talk to your OB doctor. We don’t know enough yet about how marijuana affects a developing fetus, so we advise stopping rather than taking a risk.
QUESTION THREE: What’s the difference between THC and CBD?
DOCTOR: Both THC and CBD are cannabinoids found in marijuana. CBD stands for cannabidiol, a cannabinoid that can help with several different conditions, including pain and anxiety. CBD is non-intoxicating. THC stands for Tetrahydrocannabinol and is the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis. It can cause that buzz or “high” that you might feel. THC is often used to treat nausea in patients taking chemotherapy.
QUESTION FOUR: How long does it take to work?
DOCTOR: From the time you take your product until you feel the effects can take anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours. Here’s a good rule of thumb based on methods of consumption: Inhalation (Smoking/Vaping): Typically 1 to 10 minutes. Sublingual (Tinctures/Sprays): About 15 to 30 minutes. Edibles/Capsules: 30 minutes or up to two hours. Topicals (Creams/Salves): Generally within 30 minutes but it can take as long as 90 minutes.
QUESTION FIVE: How long do the effects last?
DOCTOR: How long the effects last is also heavily dependent on the consumption method. Inhalation (Smoke/Vape/Dab) usually lasts 1–3 hours for experienced users, but can last up to 6 hours. Edibles/Ingestion take 30 minutes to 4 hours to begin, as they must be digested, but generally last 6–12 hours, sometimes up to 24 hours. Tinctures/Sublingual: Typically last 2–4 hours. In addition to these general rules of thumb, tolerance can also come into play. After using a certain cannabinoid for a long time, patients may notice a loss of effectiveness. Talk to your Healing Specialist about taking a tolerance break to “reset” your endocannabinoid system.
QUESTION SIX: Are there any side effects from medical marijuana?
DOCTOR: Side effects of medical marijuana include dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, increased appetite, and rapid heart rate. Cognitive impairment, such as memory loss, slower reaction times, and confusion, can occur. Long-term or high-dose usage may lead to addiction, respiratory issues (if smoked), or, rarely, hallucinations and psychosis. Not all patients will experience these side effects.
QUESTION SEVEN: What’s the safest way to start (especially for beginners)
DOCTOR: You’ve already taken the most important step by contacting a qualified and licensed medical marijuana doctor. Your Doctor and Healing Specialists at The Healing Clinics will evaluate any medications you’re currently on, your condition, any previous use of marijuana, and your overall health to create a custom plan. This ensures that all steps have been taken to help you have the most success with medical marijuana possible. In addition, as you take your healing journey, your doctor and specialists at The Healing Clinics will be there to offer support and guidance.
If you’re ready to start your healing journey, all of our doctors and healing specialists are ready to help. Call us at (318) 227-4088 or click the button to get started.
