Breathe Easier With Alternative Medical Cannabis Options

On July 17, 2023, CNN reported that Canadian wildfire smoke has continued to trigger moderate to severe air quality alerts in dozens of northwest states in America. Major cities such as Chicago, Detroit, New York, Cleveland, and even reaching as far south as Northern Alabama continue to be impacted.

During the past weeks, the air quality index has continued to worsen and significantly impacted the visibility and quality of air for more than 70 million Americans. During the first two weeks of July 2023, there were over four hundred (400) new wildfires that started in British Columbia alone—the B.C. Wildfire Service stated the region experienced over 51,000 lightning strikes from thunderstorms. Unfortunately, many of the storms were dry, without rain to quench the fires.

Poor air quality first affects people with respiratory problems, including individuals with asthma, emphysema, or COPD. But not only people with a respiratory condition are finding it harder to breathe, with the air quality impacted by wildfire smoke from our northern neighbors.

What can you do to help ease the burden on your lungs while you cope with poor air quality? Something to consider may be changing the intake route for medical marijuana while the problem persists to help you breathe easier.

Why is Smokable Cannabis So Popular?

Smokable cannabis, including whole flower (or raw cannabis) and vape cartridges, remain top-selling in most states. In some states where recreational marijuana use is legalized (such as Massachusetts), adults aged twenty-one (21) and older may be permitted to grow their own cannabis plants at home.

Why do many patients choose smokable medical cannabis? For some, it is a conventional method they simply prefer, and for some, there is a meditative ritualistic aspect about packing a bowl or enjoying a few puffs from a pre-roll.

There are a few other reasons why smokable medical cannabis remains a top choice for patients:

Fresh Green Flavor

When you purchase smokable flower that is fresh, there is a characteristic flavor that you cannot enjoy in other types of medical cannabis products. When the moisture content is high in fresh cannabis, the flavors and scent are enjoyable.

Over time, particularly if cannabis is not stored in an airtight container (and out of direct sunlight), it begins to lose flavonoid, terpene, and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content. You can still smoke older cannabis that is dried out or dehydrated. There are also methods to rehydrate cannabis at home to improve its flavor.

Fast-Acting Effects of Marijuana Smoking

After you inhale smokable cannabis (either raw flower or vape), the effects of marijuana have a rapid onset. Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) quickly enters the bloodstream through the bronchial tubes located in the lungs.

Inside the lungs are small air sacs called alveoli, which help process oxygen and carbon dioxide. The cannabis smoke also enters the alveoli, where small capillaries (blood vessels) diffuse the smoke to allow it to enter the bloodstream through the alveolar walls.

Once THC is inside your bloodstream, it binds to natural blood proteins like albumin and is transported throughout the body. When it arrives in the liver, it is metabolized into compounds like 11-hydroxy-THC and THC-COOH. As THC travels through your body, it engages with CB1 and CB2 receptors and the human body’s endocannabinoid system.

On average, most people begin to feel the effects of medical marijuana after ten minutes post-consumption. But some people can feel the onset of psychoactive and physical changes after as little as three minutes, depending on a variety of factors.

The onset of effects from THC can be delayed if the individual has built a tolerance to cannabis. Other factors that can slow down or minimize absorption include body composition or weight, a full stomach, and of course, the potency of cannabis consumed.

High CBD content in cannabis can also reduce the psychoactive effects (which is why many patients prefer to mix hemp and cannabis flower to reduce impairment potentially). Individuals with a high metabolism will feel the effects sooner (and sometimes more strongly) than people who have a slower metabolism. And some prescription medications can also slow the rate your body absorbs THC.

Terpene Content

When you open a container or sealable bag from the dispensary, the smell of fresh cannabis flower is hard to miss. Certain strains are more aromatic, but there is a reason why cannabis earned the name “stinkweed.” The scent of high-quality fresh cannabis is so strong it can linger in a closed space for hours after use. And absorb into soft materials such as clothing or furnishings.

Terpenes are responsible for both the aroma and flavor of cannabis. Fresh marijuana that is appropriately harvested retains more terpenes than products that are made or processed from cannabis extracts. Uncured cannabis is also sticky to the touch, and that is the preference for most cannabis smokers because the flavor and terpene content is intact.

Some of the most common terpenes in fresh cannabis are limonene, pinene, linalool, myrcene, and caryophyllene. Not only do terpenes enhance the flavor and aroma of raw cannabis, but they may also provide wellness benefits. For example, limonene has a strong citrus scent and flavor; some patients have found it helps improve mood and energy.

Customizing the Blend of Bud

Some patients prefer cannabis strains that are high in cannabidiol (CBD) content. But those strains can be harder to find (depending on where you live) and more expensive. However, hemp flower (which has high CBD content) is very easy to find and purchase.

Patients that struggle with diseases or conditions that are caused by high inflammation may choose to blend medical marijuana with hemp. Lower potency bud combined with hemp can increase the intake of cannabidiol (CBD) which may help with inflammation and symptoms of pain more effectively.

Cannabidiol (CBD) also has anti-anxiety effects that may also be helpful, depending on the patient’s needs. There are no other types of medical marijuana products that allow for that level of customization.

What Are Some of the Disadvantages of Smokable Cannabis?

Smokable cannabis is not the right choice for every patient. While for some, smokable flower and vaping can be more enjoyable, there are some reasons to consider another medical marijuana type or route. Particularly if you are using medical cannabis to help manage moderate to severe symptoms.

Here are some of the things considered to be the downside of smoking cannabis:

Difficult to Administer a Precision Dose

There are only two ways to moderate smokable marijuana use. You can choose lower THC strains with cannabidiol (CBD) to reduce impairment. And you can, of course, control how much you consume in terms of how many puffs you take.

But how can you be sure how much cannabis you have taken from a standard vape rig? The truth is, you can’t be sure because you cannot accurately measure each puff. Today there are metered-dose vape pens that are either pre-programmed to shut off at a specific amount (i.e., 2 mg). Some are available as disposable products in dispensaries or online as vape rigs with rechargeable batteries.

There are also dry herb vaporizers which are more expensive but allow you to pack your vape with fresh cannabis flower and incinerate it with a built-in induction heater. But unless you have a dry herb vaporizer, it is difficult to measure exact doses using pre-rolls or packing a conventional pipe.

How many times have you consumed more cannabis than you intended to? It is easy to do, particularly if medical cannabis use is new. If you have delayed effects, you may smoke more than you need and become uncomfortably impaired.

Can Aggravate Respiratory Problems

Whether you are coping with chronic pain, depression, or anxiety or suffer from other conditions like multiple sclerosis (M.S.), cancer, or epilepsy, there can be some unintended consequences when you smoke marijuana for medical purposes. Very few doctors recommend smokable medical marijuana because it can adversely affect lung health.

Several clinical studies found that long-term use of smokable cannabis can cause lung injury. While the risk of lung cancer is not comparable to tobacco smoke, there is evidence of potential side effects that can impair the respiratory system. Just as you see residue in glass pipes, cannabis does produce a small amount of tar and contains other carcinogens that may increase the risk of developing lung cancer.

Other adverse effects of smoking cannabis regularly include:

• Bronchial irritation and inflammation, which can cause symptoms similar to bronchitis.
• Development of a chronic cough, thanks to excessive production of phlegm.
• Reduction of oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange functions of the lungs.
• Damage to lung tissues and the respiratory tract can make patients more susceptible to respiratory infections like bronchitis and pneumonia.

Patients diagnosed with chronic respiratory diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, asthma, emphysema, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are not advised to use smokable medical cannabis. There are many other routes to choose from which will not worsen respiratory conditions.

More Time Consuming to Use

Many say that smokable medical marijuana use is convenient and easy. That may be true if you prefer to purchase cannabis vape cartridges. Attach your base, and inhale. But if you prefer the old-school method of smoking cannabis flower, there are many steps and extra equipment you need to use.

First, unless you are purchasing a low-cost shake, cannabis buds have to be broken apart, and then a grinder is used to mulch the flower. Some people use fine nose scissors to cut the bud before grinding it. It is a two-step process to ensure that the cannabis flower is broken up so that it incinerates evenly and releases THC, terpenes, and other minor cannabinoids when you smoke.

One of the nice things about using a grinder is the Kief collection. That is the concentration of trichomes that appear as fine crystal-like dust. It is highly potent and can be added to your bowl or sprinkled inside a pre-roll cone. Some people also use kief in their tea, coffee, or homemade edibles.

The next step is to either pack your pipe with the raw flower or use a cone to make your own pre-roll. Then you will need a lighter to incinerate the cannabis and inhale it. Some people don’t mind the multiple-step process. But if you are a patient with epilepsy or arthritis (for example) and use medical marijuana on a daily basis, it can be time-consuming and tedious.

Sanitizing Your Smokable Cannabis Rig

If you are using a water pipe, there is also a need to clean your rig on a daily basis. The moisture from the water trapped inside your pipe can cause bacteria and fungi to bloom. It is not just resin that is making your bong look dirty!

The pathogens from pipes can cause health problems if you are not sanitizing your rig properly. Remember, if you are using glassware that has not been cleaned, you can inhale toxic compounds that may have a negative impact on your health.

What Are the Non-Smokable Medical Marijuana Options?

While smoking marijuana is the traditional and common way to use medical cannabis, patients have many other options. The effects that you get from smokable cannabis, including help with pain relief, anxiety, depression, muscle spasms, insomnia, and more, can also be achieved with other types of medical marijuana.

If you are concerned about your lung health or you are experiencing respiratory issues, explore some of the other available intake methods.

Cannabis Oil Tinctures

Tinctures are made from cannabis oil. And there are many varieties to choose from. Some tinctures are available in pleasant flavors, while others have no flavors added. But may contain herbal extracts that can help provide relief.

Unlike smokable cannabis, you can take a dose of a medical marijuana tincture anywhere. It is portable, and the bottle contains a dropper. Simply draw a measured amount of the tincture into the dropper, and dispense it in your mouth, under your tongue. And let the tincture pool there (without swallowing) for at least one minute.

The blood barrier under the tongue is very thin (you can see veins close to the surface). When you use the sublingual uptake method and pool the tincture there for a minute, it allows the cannabinoids and terpenes to be absorbed effectively into your bloodstream. Effects can be felt after thirty to forty-five (30-45) minutes after consumption.

You can also add tinctures to a food or beverage. For example, you can add a measured dose to your coffee, cold beverage, or smoothie. When consumed with food, the effects will take a little more time before they are noticeable, anywhere from thirty minutes to two hours, before the full effects may be felt after swallowing a tincture.

But the relief you may experience from a medical cannabis tincture will last much longer than smokable cannabis. Some patients have shared that they continue to feel positive effects up to seven hours after they have consumed a medical marijuana tincture.

Medical Marijuana Edibles

Aside from smokable cannabis, edible medical marijuana products are the second most popular for patients. And that is because they are easy to travel with and consume. It is also an accurate way to make sure you are taking the right amount of medical cannabis (suggested by your doctor) because you know how much THC is inside each portion.

They are also tasty to consume and available in a variety of different products, from baked goods to hard candies, gummies, and more. Make sure to store edible marijuana products out of the reach of children, who can mistake them for candies.

Capsules and Tablets

Cannabis capsules and tablets are available at every dispensary for patients who want to simplify medicinal cannabis use. Capsules are typically coated to be swallowed easily. One of the advantages of using medical marijuana in capsule or tablet form is complete control over the amount you take, with accurate dosing. It is less complicated than other methods of medical cannabis use.

Transdermal Patches

Suppose you want to supply a steady amount of medical cannabis to your body for medicinal purposes but don’t want to be bothered with preparation and measuring doses. In that case, a transdermal patch may be a great choice. Simply apply the patch as directed and replace it regularly.

You can become impaired using a transdermal patch similar to any THC product. It acts the same way. However, patients with mild symptoms may choose this convenient intake method. They are comfortable and discreet (you can place them anywhere).

Find Out Which Type of Medical Cannabis is Right for You

If you have been thinking about getting your medical card, but you do not want to use smokable cannabis, there are many other options available. Schedule an appointment with MedWell Health & Wellness Centers and talk to one of our expert cannabis healthcare providers.