Recently, medical marijuana has garnered immense interest among both doctors and patients. An increasing number of scientific studies have confirmed that compounds found in this plant can offer relief in treating various disorders [1]. Understanding the proper dosage of medical marijuana is crucial to achieving maximum therapeutic benefits and minimizing side effects. In this article, we will present key information on dosing medical marijuana to assist patients in treating their conditions.
What will you learn from this article?
👉 What are the indications for using medical marijuana?
👉 Is the use of medical marijuana safe?
👉 Instructions on how to use medical cannabis step by step.
Table of contents:
- Proper dosage of medical marijuana matters
- Factors affecting the dosage of medical marijuana
- Guidelines for dosing medical marijuana
- What dose of medical marijuana does a doctor prescribe?
- Summary
Proper dosage of medical marijuana matters
Dosing medical marijuana is crucial to achieving an optimal therapeutic effect. As with other medications, too low a dose may be ineffective, while too high a dose can lead to unwanted side effects. Proper dosing allows for precise regulation of the action of medical marijuana, increasing the chances of achieving positive therapeutic outcomes.
🤓 Factors affecting the dosage of medical marijuana
The dosage of medical marijuana can vary depending on many factors. What do you need to consider before starting treatment with medical marijuana?
Individual patient needs
The dosage of medical marijuana should be tailored to the individual needs of the patient. Each body reacts differently to the active substances contained in marijuana, so it is important to consider the patient’s health condition, the degree of discomfort, and other individual factors [3].
Type and composition of medical marijuana
The type and composition of medical marijuana are crucial in determining the appropriate dose. Different varieties of marijuana contain different levels of active compounds, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). That is why it is necessary to adjust the dosage to the content of these substances [4].
Method of intake
The method of using medical marijuana also affects dosing. Marijuana can be consumed in various forms, such as smoking, inhalation, oral consumption, topical application, etc. Each method has a different duration of action and potency, so the dosage should be adjusted to the chosen method [5].
Patient’s experience
The patient’s experience with medical marijuana matters in determining the dose. Individuals who have not previously used marijuana should start with lower doses to assess their tolerance and avoid unwanted effects [6].
Guidelines for dosing medical marijuana
When determining the dosage of medical marijuana, it is worth adhering to several principles. They ensure that the therapy is safe.
Start with a low-dose
It is advisable to start with a low dose of medical marijuana and gradually increase it. This allows for assessing the body’s reaction and avoiding potential side effects. Gradually increasing the dose allows patients to find the optimal dosage for their individual needs.
Monitor effects
Patients need to monitor the effects of dosing medical marijuana. Attention should be paid to changes in symptoms, pain relief, adverse reactions, and overall well-being. This will allow for adjusting the dosage if necessary.
Consult with a doctor
It’s always a good idea to consult a doctor before starting medical marijuana dosing. A doctor can provide valuable advice and recommendations on dosing, taking into account the individual needs of the patient [7].
Additionally, the doctor also takes into account possible interactions of other drugs with medical marijuana.
What dose of medical marijuana does a doctor prescribe?👨⚕️
In each case, the dose of medical marijuana is determined individually. The doctor takes into account the patient’s health condition and the expected effects of treatment.
The most common daily dose of medical cannabis ranges from 0.3 to three grams. This means that a patient takes from nine to even 30 grams of medical marijuana per month.
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It should be emphasized that vaporization is the most effective method of taking medical marijuana. With some vaporizers, as little as 0.1 or 0.2 grams of dry herb is enough to perform a full inhalation. This form of using cannabis allows for so-called microdosing – i.e., using the smallest possible doses of medical marijuana. This way, the patient can enjoy the effects of treatment, and at the same time, no negative side effects occur.
Dosing of medical marijuana – summary
Dosing medical marijuana is a key element in the effective treatment of various ailments. With proper dosing, patients can achieve maximum therapeutic benefits and improve their quality of life. However, it is important to remember that dosing medical marijuana should be tailored to the individual needs of the patient, the type and composition of marijuana, the method of consumption, and the patient’s experience. It’s always a good idea to consult a doctor before starting medical marijuana dosing.
Bibliography:
[1] Bowles DW, O’Bryant CL, Camidge DR, et al. The intersection between cannabis and cancer in the United States. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2012;83(1):1-10. doi:10.1016/j.critrevonc.2011.09.008 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22019199/
[2] Russo EB. Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. Br J Pharmacol. 2011;163(7):1344-1364. doi:10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165946/
[3] Volkow ND, Baler RD, Compton WM, Weiss SRB. Adverse Health Effects of Marijuana Use. N Engl J Med. 2014;370(23):2219-2227. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1402309 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4827335/
[4] Whiting PF, Wolff RF, Deshpande S, et al. Cannabinoids for Medical Use: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA. 2015;313(24):2456-2473. doi:10.1001/jama.2015.6358 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26103030/
[5] Hazekamp A, Ware MA, Muller-Vahl KR, Abrams D, Grotenhermen F. The medicinal use of cannabis and cannabinoids–an international cross-sectional survey on administration forms. J Psychoactive Drugs. 2013;45(3):199-210. doi:10.1080/02791072.2013.805976 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24175484/
[6] Siddappa NB, Dashwood WM, Kashanchi F, Al-Nakkash L, Heredia A, Yang HC. Cannabis and cannabinoids in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. Viruses. 2021;13(3):441. doi:10.3390/v13030441 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35203372/
[7] National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Health and Medicine Division; Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice; Committee on the Health Effects of Marijuana: An Evidence Review and Research Agenda. The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and Recommendations for Research. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2017 Jan 12. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425762/