When you hear the word marijuana, you most likely picture the dried cannabis flower that is smoked from a pipe or in rolling paper as a “joint”. Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana program is different. Let’s introduce you to Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana program.
The traditional form of consuming cannabis will not be permitted in Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana program. The program only allows for consumption of cannabis in the form of pill, oil, topicals, vapor, tincture and liquid.
As a new patient to Medical Marijuana, these alternative ways to consume cannabis may be foreign to you. Let’s take a look at the unique benefits and medicinal effects of each delivery method allowed in the program so you can better understand your options and decide what works for you.
Ways to Consume Cannabis
Ingestible Oil & Pills
Cannabis oil is a concentrated and distilled form of the marijuana plant. Ingestible oils often come in capsules and are taken orally. Because these oils are digested, it may take an hour or more to feel the full effects, so always take caution with your dose. Cannabis oil capsules are a discreet, powerful, and long-lasting way to consume cannabis.
Topicals
Medical Marijuana topicals are cannabis-infused salves, ointments, lotions, and sprays. Topicals are absorbed through the skin and can provide localized pain relief from inflammation, muscle soreness and tension. This delivery method is non-psychoactive and will not produce any cerebral euphoria, making it a great option for those seeking the therapeutic benefits of marijuana while remaining clear-headed.
Vapor
Vaporizing cannabis is a healthy alternative to smoking that delivers comparable effects. The chemical compounds of marijuana vaporize at a temperature well before combustion, minimizing the release of harmful toxins and other risks associated with smoking. Vaporized cannabis has a subtle taste, produces considerably less odor, and delivers immediate and powerful relief to patients. In Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana program, it will be legal to vaporize oil, liquid and wax forms of cannabis, but not dried flower.
Tinctures
Tinctures are liquid concentrates that extract cannabis compounds through an alcohol, glycerin or coconut oil solvent. These products usually come in a small dropper bottle or spray and are applied directly under the tongue. Tinctures make it easy to control dosing and provide faster relief than ingestible forms of marijuana.