There are various different types of medical cannabis. Each classification and strain have their own effects on the body and a patient’s wellness.
Cannabis is an overarching genus classification including the species Cannabis Sativa from which all medical and non-medical compounds are derived. The most commonly known of these compounds are Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (1). CBD is a non-psychoactive compound, whereas THC is a psychoactive compound that produces a “high”. Both CBD and THC interact with the endocannabinoid system in your central nervous system, which helps play a role in regulating processes like sleep, mood, appetite, memory and reproduction. (2)
Cannabis Sativa is commonly known as hemp and has a variety of industrial uses. It is rich in CBD. Sativa is associated with wakefulness. There are over 420 cannabis sativa derived compounds. Of these compounds we have cannabis indica (3). Cannabis Indica, derived from Cannabis Sativa, is commonly known as marijuana due to high levels of THC. Indica strains are associated with sleep and calmness.(2)
Medical cannabis can affect each patient differently depending on many variables that include things like the patient’s body, patient’s mindset, prescribed dosage, and even the specific chemical makeup of the strain/cannabis variation the patient chooses to take. The way that a patient takes medical cannabis can also affect when and how they feel relief.
Oral: This route includes edibles such as capsules, gummies, and foods containing CBD or THC (4). The time period after which one will feel the effects of oral medicine varies due to individual metabolism and GI absorption rates. Onset for relief after taking medication can be as slow as 30 minutes up to 1.5 hours, however, relief could last for hours depending on prescription and dosage. Food and candy with medication is not usually advised by Dr. Moore because of high caloric intake.
Sublingual: This includes tinctures or oils that can be dropped under the tongue. The absorption happens in the mouth, which could mean a faster onset than oral routes averaging about 20-30 minutes after taking. Relief could last for hours depending on prescription and dosage.
Inhalation: This includes smokable* flower, whole-plant, bud, cannabis cigarettes and vape products. Vaporizing devices (vape pen, e-cigarette, etc) heat THC oil, allowing for inhalation; this is vaping. Smokeables refers to cannabis products like whole plant/flower that involve lighting/burning and the subsequent inhaling of smoke. Vaping can deliver a higher THC dose than smokeables over the same time period.
Topical: This includes creams, lotions, balms oils or patches that are applied on the skin (topically) and are then absorbed. This can offer localized relief for a patient. Topicals can take some time to build up in a patient’s system before offering relief. Patches offer continual absorption of medication.
*Patients under the age of 18 may not obtain certification for marijuana for medical use by smoking unless the patient is diagnosed with a terminal condition.
Sources:
(1) Surterra Wellness: Types of Cannabis
(2) A Simple Guide to the Endocannabinoid System
(3) Cannabis Uses, Benefits & Dosages
(4) Different Ways of Using Medical Marijuana in Florida