Given the recent health concerns about vaping, the state of Massachusetts has placed a four-month ban on the sale of vaping products. It is controversial, and several vape companies have challenged the state in federal court. The U.S. district judge upheld the ban last week, citing that it was in the public interest.
What is available in Massachusetts?
Certified Medical Marijuana Patients in Massachusetts still have access to “Vapable Cannabis Concentrates.” Licensed Dispensaries who are creating their marijuana products here within the state following the numerous regulations still sell refillable vaping devices that can be filled with the cannabis concentrates by the user themselves. Massachusetts Licensed Dispensaries also sell these loose cannabis concentrates packaged in syringes or jars.
Certified MMJ Patients can purchase the oil, and buy the refillable vaporizer and be off to the races just as they were before this ban went into effect. The same distillate, co2 oil, shatter, wax, and rosin is still available; just not prepackaged in a Pax pod, cartridge or something similar.
If you have primarily been using vaping for your medical cannabis and do not want to use the refillable vaporizer method described above, there are other methods you can use.
Here are a few examples:
Topicals
For patients with localized pain or inflammation, topicals can be very effective. Topical CBD or CBD/THC mixtures come in lotions and gels and are a practical choice for many of our MedWell patients who have sports injuries or arthritis. Come in and talk to one of our doctors to see if topicals are right for you.
Edibles
Many medical patients are turning to edibles for effective treatment. An edible is a food or beverage infused with cannabis – CBD, THC, or both. Dispensaries have many products you can choose from. Dosing is critical when considering edibles, and we can help with that, too. Because edibles must first be digested, they do tend to take longer to act. It is essential to know this because many patients expect the effect to be immediate. When it isn’t, they take more and end up having too intense an effect.
Edibles used to be a bit stigmatized but now are considered a very acceptable way to administer medical cannabis. Edibles are particularly popular for older patients and for patients who do not want to smoke or vape.
Oils
CBD oil and other cannabis oils can be taken orally, in capsule form, or by being placed under the tongue (sublingually). Oils can be very potent, and can be taken by themselves or added to foods or beverages. Like edibles, the oil must be digested, so it can take longer to take effect. Again, the utmost care must be used regarding dosing. Many of our patients like taking the oils in capsule form. They can take these capsules along with their other medications and then go on with the rest of their day.
Tinctures
Tinctures are typically a stronger cannabis extract usually taken under the tongue. The tinctures are in liquid form and enter the bloodstream immediately to provide fast-acting relief. With tinctures, you will have an easier time controlling the dosage. If you have been vaping and have grown accustomed to a particular flavor of vaping additive, the chances are that the same flavor is available in tincture form, so you get the same great taste without the worry of harming your lungs.
Transdermal Patches
If you are looking for slow-release medication, a transdermal patch can deliver cannabinoids directly to your bloodstream. Many of our patients who are trying medical cannabis for the first time start with these patches because they provide a measured long-lasting dose and are easy to use.
Many Choices
Let MedWell Health help you find a product that is perfect for your medical needs. Regardless of the ban on vaping in Massachusetts, with proper guidance, the dispensaries around Massachusetts offer a wide variety of products that can relieve your pain. We are here to help! Give us a call (774 517 5195) or come in to see us today.
Aaron Bloom serves as the CEO, overseeing the mission and growth of DocMJ and Medwell Health and Wellness Centers. Aaron’s passion for improving patients’ lives comes from his background in health care. For more than 20 years, Aaron owned, operated, and represented traditional healthcare organizations. This experience created a passion for finding improved ways to relieve suffering. His goal as CEO is to work daily to relieve all patients who seek better health and wellness through the medicinal benefits of medical cannabis and evidence-based alternative medicines.
