10 Things To Avoid If You Are Using Medical Marijuana
Medical marijuana (MMJ) is a hot topic these days. Over 3 million people have been approved for marijuana cards nationwide that have qualifying medical conditions. More and more states are legalizing its use, and people are experiencing the benefits it can have for treating various medical conditions like chronic pain, PTSD, and other conditions. Before you start using MMJ, there are a few things you should avoid doing under certain circumstances.
Here are the 10 things to avoid while on medical marijuana treatment
1. Don’t smoke if you have respiratory conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD, or bronchitis. Smoking medical marijuana can be harmful to your lungs, particularly smoking blunts. If you’re going to use medical marijuana, the “healthiest” ways to consume it are edibles, tinctures, or topicals. This will allow you to get the full benefits of cannabis medicine without damaging your lungs. Your options may be limited based on your medical condition to achieve better results. If you are in good health, moderation is the key. Consider mixing up how you consume your MMJ products with directions from a marijuana doctor that will take into account your lifestyle and medical condition symptoms.
- Don’t eat any MMJ edibles before checking the ingredients to make sure you aren’t allergic to any of them. Also, make sure to check for the THC content so you know what you are getting yourself into. If you’re going to consume medical marijuana in edible form, be sure to start with a low dose and give it time to digest before ingesting any more. Eating too much medical marijuana can lead to unpleasant side effects, such as extreme sleepiness or anxiety.
- Don’t drink it if your medical condition symptoms including inflammation without exploring all the ingredients. While some people like to mix medical marijuana tinctures with tea or even make tea with their medical marijuana, it’s not always a good idea. Drinking medical marijuana with certain liquids like tea or other caffeinated products can lead to dehydration, which is something you want to avoid if you’re using it to treat a condition like pain or inflammation. Stay away from high-sugar or corn syrup-based products as well if you are a diabetic or have diabetes in your family history. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
- Don’t touch cannabis topicals until right before you are ready to apply it to the designated area necessary for pain relief. If you’ve been prescribed MMJ in topical form realize that the active ingredients in topical medical marijuana can be absorbed through your skin. If you get it on your skin before you are ready to medicate it may cause unwanted side effects, such as dizziness or confusion. You may want some of the side effects but if your timing is of the side effects may happen before you are prepared.
- Don’t take too much THC or CBD and over-medicate. You reduce the chances of over-medicating with expert guidance from a cannabis doctor. If you consume too much THC you might fall asleep when you don’t want to or may get too anxious.
- Don’t medicate if you have to drive or operate heavy machinery. You are at risk of a DWI. Medical research indicates a significant risk of crashes after acute cannabis use. You risk your life and the lives of others. Its not worth it.
- Don’t buy products on the black market. You never know what you are really getting. Medical marijuana patients save on taxes at dispensaries along with some other patient perks. Would you buy your sushi from someone in an ally? So why buy marijuana on the black market? The chance of buying medical cannabis contaminated or toxic is significantly less if you purchase from licensed medical marijuana state-approved dispensaries.
- Don’t leave your MMJ laying around or where children or pets can get into it especially if you consume edibles. Keep it secure in a locked facility preferably in containers for added safety. Children and pets don’t know the difference between a cookie or gummy that has THC in it and one that doesn’t. You don’t want to be responsible for sending a child to the hospital which could lead to criminal arrest and conviction.
- Don’t travel to states that haven’t approved medical marijuana laws. Check out a list of states that have marijuana card reciprocity
Conclusion:
Medical marijuana certainly has its place as a remedy to help relieve and manage symptoms from qualifying medical conditions. In order to enjoy safe medical marijuana consumption, to protect your family and community, as well as your own safety. Follow the guidelines that are applicable to you including various precautions and actions like we mentioned in this article. Remember, start with a “low” dose and increase gradually as directed by your MMJ doctor. If you have any questions about using medical marijuana, be sure to ask your doctor or healthcare provider first. Safe cannabis consumption is in your and your family’s best interest.
