The topic of doctors exploring treatment with edible dosing touches on a critical and evolving area of healthcare. This natural dosing offers a promising avenue for patients seeking alternative therapies and holistic care approaches.
Key Takeaways
Microdosing is the consumption of small amounts of a substance (THC or CBD when talking about cannabis) to achieve therapeutic benefits without experiencing psychoactive effects. In cannabis, microdosing usually involves taking doses as low as 1-5 mg of THC. This method can manage conditions like anxiety, chronic pain, and mood disorders.
Smaller amounts of marijuana can engage the endocannabinoid system in a way that provides medical benefits without the intoxication associated with larger doses. Microdosing offers a more controlled experience, allowing people to fine-tune the dosage to suit their needs and lifestyle.
Edibles provide a discreet, more controlled way of consuming cannabis compared to inhalation, with longer-lasting effects.
From a holistic healthcare perspective, embracing medical marijuana means considering the whole patient: their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. By incorporating edible dosing, doctors can offer personalized treatments that might reduce dependency on traditional painkillers or sedatives, potentially lowering the risks of side effects or addiction.
However, doctors also need to be well-educated on the intricacies of dosing. Edible effects can be delayed and prolonged, which can lead to overdosing or unpredictable experiences for patients who are not properly guided. Understanding how to integrate this into a broader healthcare plan, including potential interactions with other medications, is crucial.
Embracing edible dosing in medical marijuana prescriptions could allow doctors to expand their toolkit for managing a wide range of conditions in a more patient-centered and holistic manner. Still, it requires thoughtful, well-informed integration into medical practice.
A variety of patients can benefit from edible dosing:
Patients who do not wish to smoke or vape cannabis, whether for health reasons like respiratory issues, personal preference, or discretion, may find edibles a better fit. Edibles provide a smoke-free alternative, making them suitable for people with conditions like asthma or COPD.
Edibles are often indicated for patients requiring extended symptom relief. Since they metabolize slower than inhaled cannabis, the effects last longer, making them ideal for managing chronic conditions such as:
Edibles can be a suitable option for patients who struggle with taking pills or suffer from conditions like nausea (cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy), making traditional medications or oral cannabis capsules challenging to ingest.
Edibles allow for more controlled dosing, especially for patients who are new to cannabis or are sensitive to the psychoactive effects of THC. Microdosing with edibles can help these individuals gradually adjust to cannabis without the risk of overwhelming effects.
Patients seeking alternative, natural treatments in conjunction with their overall health plan may find edible dosing aligns with a holistic approach. This could include those with autoimmune diseases, mental health conditions, or those managing pain and inflammation through lifestyle changes.
The doctor will carefully assess each patient's needs and medical history before prescribing edible dosing, as THC levels, onset times, and duration of effects can vary, especially when combined with other treatments.
Edibles, when consumed for microdosing or medicinal purposes, can be ingested through a variety of cannabis-infused products. Here's how they are consumed:
These are one of the most popular forms of edibles. Users take a small, pre-dosed gummy containing a precise amount of THC, often between 1-10 mg per serving for microdosing.
Tinctures are liquid cannabis extracts that are placed under the tongue (sublingually) for faster absorption. They can also be mixed into drinks and food, making it easy to adjust dosage for microdosing purposes.
These are consumed like traditional pills and offer a precise, controlled dose. With capsules, it's possible to avoid the taste of cannabis and have a discreet way to medicate.
Cannabis-infused beverages, such as teas, juices, or seltzers, are consumed by drinking. They typically contain low doses of THC or CBD, making them suitable for those interested in microdosing.
Traditional cannabis edibles like brownies or cookies can be made with precise amounts of THC for controlled dosing. However, they might take longer to metabolize due to the digestion process, with effects taking longer than other methods. Wait at least 1-2 hours before eating more, as the effects can take time to kick in.
Edible dosing of medical marijuana through microdosing presents significant potential for improving patient outcomes in a holistic healthcare framework. Edibles offer an alternative, non-invasive method of consumption that is ideal for individuals seeking long-lasting relief from chronic pain, anxiety, sleep disorders, and more.
Studies highlight the benefits of low-dose THC in reducing stress and anxiety, managing pain, improving mood, and even enhancing cognitive function, particularly in older adults. Make sure you consult a healthcare professional familiar with cannabis treatments to tailor the dosage to your specific needs and medical conditions so you receive the right therapeutic benefits safely.
The microdosing marijuana journey begins with understanding your needs and consulting a healthcare professional familiar with medical marijuana. Then choose a dispensary that offers various options tailored to your wellness and holistic goals. Look for products and the specific strains suited for your condition.
River Remedy MS provides a range of high-quality edible dosing options to support holistic healing.
While marijuana edibles are available for both medical and recreational use, individuals should consult with a healthcare professional to determine if they are suitable for their health needs, especially if they have underlying medical conditions or are taking other medications.
Marijuana edibles can be purchased at licensed dispensaries that offer medical or recreational cannabis, depending on your location. Always ensure that the dispensary complies with local regulations.
When purchasing edibles, consider factors such as cannabinoid content, ingredient quality, and product reviews to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.