Cannabis Dosing Guidelines
The process of any therapy is best guided by a medical
doctor or health care professional with the acumen, proper training and
experience. These days, medical marijuana is increasingly recommended and
often substituted for prescription drugs that have serious side-effects
and addictive properties. In some cases, such as epilepsy and other
neurological, no other medicine provides a good quality of life solution.
Cannabis medicines are now commonly used in conjunction with
other medicines to control pain, inflammation, anxiety, cancers, diabetes, and
other symptoms. Proper dosing is based on the individual and their health
concerns. One route is not best for all patients! Please consult trusted
Medical Cannabis Professionals for your ailment.
Routes of
administration for Cannabis based medicines are:
Inhalation, Oral, Topical,
Sublingual, and Injection.
MEDICAL CANNABIS GUIDELINES FOR DOSING
It is important to administer your own dosing and take note
of the dosing, timing, and effects. Experienced users already understand their
limits on dosing, as well as the type of dose (a hit, or a piece of edible, or
a ¼ dropper) and the timing – how long the effects will last.
Users starting Cannabis Dosing for their first time are
recommended to start Low and take it Slow! It may help to start with a cannabis
medicine that is high in CBD and low in THC to prevent unwanted effects, especially
for children, the elderly, and pets. Take small doses, see how long they last,
take note. It’s possible the smaller doses may not giver the user the healing
element they are seeking and they may be ready to start upping their doses.
Make sure to go SLOW! Take the extra dosing one step at a time until you are
sure of your dosing needs.
Also, the different types of dosing may give the patient
different effects. For example, one may feel good when vaping cannabis and feel
anxiety when eating cannabis, and another one may feel the exact opposite.
With Inhalation, an experienced cannabis smoker can titrate
and regulate dose to obtain the desired acute effects and minimize the
undesirable effects. Each puff delivers a discrete dose of cannabinoids to the
body. A vape is recommended to all medical marijuana users preferring the
inhalation route. Oral ingestion of THC or cannabis has quite different
pharmacokinetics than inhalation. The onset of action is delayed and titration
of dosing is more difficult. Sublingual dosing also can be measured by the
dropper. A patient is seeing how much oil or tincture is in the dropper and
self-medicate according to how he/she is able to handle the effects.
"In a two-day study, on one occasion, she was given a
mixture of intravenous THC + CBD and on the other day a female patient was
administered pure THC. With the CBD mix she was euphoric, coherent and happy.
In contrast with the pure THC, she was paranoid, couldn’t form thoughts,
couldn’t remember things, and was extremely mentally uncomfortable with how she
was feeling." - The Beckley Foundation
These days THC alone is not recommended for most patients.
Rather CBD:THC in a 1:1 ratio for THC tolerant individuals appears to
provide far superior medical benefits to most patients while psychoactivity
responses tend to be overwhelmingly better at reducing anxiety, enhancing the
feeling of well-being with minimal feelings of psychosis. Also, non-psychoactive
medicines containing CBD and little THC are becoming particularly popular in
the treatment of children, elderly, epileptics and hard-to-treat patients.
INHALATION - SMOKING
Examples: Joints, inhaler, vapes, pipes
Traditionally dried cannabis flowers (buds) or leaves are
smoked. Concentrated oily marijuana Hash and kief are also used
throughout the modern and ancient world. Inhaled medications are generally
absorbed very quickly, and act both locally and systemically in a few minutes.
Correct technique using inhalation devices is necessary to control the
dose amount. Some medications can have an unpleasant taste or cause irritation
in the mouth.
Inhalation delivers the medicine drugs to the nervous system
and brain with little dilution by the circulatory system.
Dose range: THC and/or CBD - 2-100 mg / day.
Effects: Begins in a few minutes and lasts about two hours
plus or minus.
Dosage: Start with 2 mg, Inhale fully but naturally (you
don't need to hold the smoke/vapor in your lungs) …and exhale in a relaxed way.
Wait a few minutes. and take another 2mg "hit" if your symptoms are
still present. As you learn about your response, more medicine can be used
right away, and then add on from there.
Preheat the vaporizer to the temperature recommended by the
manufacturer. Insert a measured amount of dried (cured) cannabis flower or
extract into a vaporizer. Press the on button and then simply inhale. The
cannabis is heated to a temperature below combustion but still hot enough to
release the active ingredients: the cannabinoids and terpenes. Vaporizers
are now available in a wide array of shapes and sizes, from exotic units to
pocket/purse pens.
For most patients, the effects of smoking dried cannabis are
felt almost immediately, but soon begin to diminish. Depending on the
individual patient, and the cannabinoid content and potency of the cannabis
strain, effects wear off almost completely within 90 minutes to 4 hours.
Examples: Edibles using cooking oils & butter, capsules.
Advantages: Easy to take, long lasting, soothing and smooth.
Raw cannabis contains THC-A, a non-psychoactive but medicinal form of THC. Baking
converts THC-A into psychoactive THC (d9). So raw and baked can deliver
non-psychoactive or psychoactive effects respectively. THC overdose is possible
so start small when using THC high products.
Dose range: 2 - 100 mg
Side Effects: Eating too much medical cannabis (high in THC)
can cause extreme drowsiness, dizziness, inability to concentrate, diminished
ability to focus, rapid heartbeat, increases or decreases in blood pressure,
need for sleep, and feelings of euphoria. Balanced forms with equal quantities
of THC:CBD or CBD alone are recommended for THC intolerant individuals.
"Dr. William Courtney, a juicing guru of fame, recommends
ingesting fifteen leaves
and a couple of big buds daily."
The oral route is generally the most convenient and cheapest
of drug delivery systems. The majority of cases, medical marijuana tends to
sooth and balance the intestinal tract, particularly the large intestine, were
inflammation can be dramatically reduced as seen in many documented cases of
Crohn's. However, drugs, including marijuana can cause gastrointestinal
tract irritation in some. Medication that comes in tablets or capsules
form tends to be delivered more rapidly than edibles - such as brownies - where
absorption is time-released.
"Juicing raw cannabis is the Crohn’s Disease health cure that
Kristen claims saved her life. Diagnosed at 16 with juvenile rheumatoid
arthritis, the illness quickly turned into an auto immune disorder that left
her bedridden for four years. Finally, the teen and her mother began to look for
alternative treatments. Kristen began juicing raw cannabis, and after a month
she claims her pain stopped and her recovery began. She is now an advocate for
medical marijuana treatment for fellow sufferers." -
Kristen Courtney
Cannabis is usually infused into butter and oil that is
substituted into a great variety of recipes. Edibles take 20 minutes to an hour
to take effect while inhalation takes only a few minutes. Doses can be
difficult to judge because absorption rates vary depending on the individual
and medicine. The condition of the digestive tract and the pre-intake of
other foods and beverages also affect absorption, release and effect.
The easiest way to control an edible dose is to take a known
amount of THC and or CBD on a relatively empty stomach, perhaps with afternoon
tea or before breakfast. Another way is to munch a little bit, and then wait an
hour and gauge the effect before eating more. Through trial and effect,
the correct, comfortable dosage can be established.
Many patients with cancer, aids, chronic pain, nervous
system disorders often find that oral administration provides greater
relaxation and calming cerebral effects than any other method. Oral cannabis
meds are particularly popular for those with medical conditions that interfere
with a good night's sleep. Again, it is the type of cannabis, rate of
delivery and dose that are the main factors in the result.
Cannabis tinctures have been around forever. Tinctures
allow medication without any psychoactive effects. Before prohibition in the
1930's US Pharmacopeia listed tinctures as a preferred form of application.
Marijuana infused whiskey was also a popular choice as some people would
imagine. Today low-dose ethanol cannabis tinctures are readily available in
states with legalized medical marijuana.
MANAGING ORAL
DOSES
- Start with ¼ of the producer's recommended “dose” of the herbal medicine.
- Wait an hour and observe/analyze the effects - with a licensed health care professional if possible.
- Consume another ¼ dose if required, wait another hour, analyze effects.
- Consume the remainder of the dose, if required.
- Analyze results the next day and discuss optimal dosage with your health care professional.
TOPICAL APPLICATION
Examples: Creams, lotions, oils and patches.
Advantages: Topical medicines act mostly at the site of
harm, high levels of patient satisfaction, easy to use, slow but long-lasting
effect, non-invasive, non-psychoactive.
Disadvantages: slow absorption. The dose of some forms
such as creams or lotions, the dosage is difficult to control.
Dose range: 10 to 200 mg.
By delivering drugs almost directly to the site of action,
the risk of systemic side effects is minimized. However, skin irritation can
result in a minority of patients.
"CBD oil helps with the healing process and inflammation, stuff
like that. So you want to get these for before and after the fights, training.
It’ll make your life a better place." - Mixed Martial Artist - Nate
Diaz
Topical herbal medicines are applied directly to the skin or
muscles. Topicals include lotions, salves, balms, sprays, oils, and creams.
Patient testimonials suggest that they are tremendously effective for
skin conditions like psoriasis, joint diseases like rheumatoid arthritis,
migraines, restless leg syndrome, spasms, common muscle stress and soreness. Unlike
inhalation and oral routes, topicals are 100% non-psychoactive- you could bathe
in them and never get stoned. Good for arthritis, psoriasis, dermatitis, skin
cancer, and other skin conditions.
PATCHES - TRANSDERMAL
APPLICATION
Cannabinoids like THC and CBD are fat and alcohol soluble.
Formulations containing cannabinoids, like THC and CBD or other
cannabinoids pass from the patch through the skin into the blood.
While patches are relatively rare right now, this route of
administration might become the most popular and effective choice of all.
Just slap on a patch and go. Some medication tends to be relaxing
and other types invigorating. People with chronic conditions that require
constant medication to maintain their quality of life can start their day with
a "day patch" and finish off with a "night patch", counting
their blessings all the while.
How to use: Just apply the patch to a clean, dry and
probably hairless skin surface. Popular places to apply a patch are the
inner-wrist area, top of foot or ankle. This method is readily accepted by
patients that do not want to inhale cannabis medicine.
Examples: Essential Oils and Tinctures.
Advantages: Easy, fast, effective. easy to control the dose,
preferred route for children.
Disadvantages: Hard to get the right medicine, often
expensive.
Dose range: 1 to 100 mg.
Sublingual means drug administration through the tissue
under the tongue. Some patients find that either oral or sublingual
delivery is the best choice for their conditions.
A cannabis tincture is a highly concentrated form of
marijuana dissolved in alcohol (ethanol), glycerin or MCT oil such as coconut.
Dosage must be carefully monitored, it takes only a few drops to achieve a
therapeutic effect. Patients start with a few drops sprayed or squirted under
the tongue. Users monitor the effect and take another few drops, if
required. In the beginning stages, the process, of course, should be done
at home and be directed by a licensed health care professional. Tinctures
can also be mixed with beverages l but the potency and effect is more
unpredictable than simple under the tongue administration.
MEDICAL MARIJUANA SUPPOSITORIES - HEAVY DUTY THERAPY
The use of cannabis medicines delivered via suppositories is
uncommon but it may become an especially effective route to treat certain
difficult to treat conditions, like cancer and organ insults.
Advantages: Efficient, fast and long lasting, may be
particularly effective for liver, pancreas and internal organ injury resulting
from cancer and other causes.
Cons: Inconvenient to administer "on the road". Refrigeration of medication is required. Hemorrhoid sufferers suffer.
Dosage: Suppositories come in various sizes, 1 or 2 grams usually with varying amounts of active ingredient and type. Bum pills can be cut in half to reduce dose.
Cons: Inconvenient to administer "on the road". Refrigeration of medication is required. Hemorrhoid sufferers suffer.
Dosage: Suppositories come in various sizes, 1 or 2 grams usually with varying amounts of active ingredient and type. Bum pills can be cut in half to reduce dose.
"There is a “watershed” of veins in the rectum. Collectively
they are called the rectal or hemorrhoidal plexus. The majority of the
venous flow (after absorbing cannabinoids) goes by way of the superior rectal
vein into the portal vein, while the inferior veins flow into the vena cava.
The portal vein collects most all venous return from the pancreas to the
rectum with all the nutrients and enzymes for digestion) where the blood goes
on to the liver for what is called first-pass metabolism. The majority of
THC is converted to 11-OH-THC, a similarly psychoactive molecule. The
vena cava on the other hand goes back to the heart and general circulation
before it more slowly reaches the liver for metabolism. " - Jeff
Hergenrather MD
How to Use: Patients insert a small cone-shaped waxy
ball of cannabis meds into their rectum, where it is absorbed via the lower
colon into the blood. This method is perhaps controversial and less palatable
than other ways to medicate, but some patients thank god for it. It is not
difficult, just put on some gloves, lie on your side, and insert the suppository
about 2 inches into the anus. Squeeze sphincter muscles and don't move for a
few minutes. Then you're good to go. There are also syringe deliverable
suppository medicines too.
INJECTION - NOT GENERALLY RECOMMENDED!! UNLESS ADMINISTERED
BY A MEDICAL CANNABIS PROFESSIONAL.
Examples: Hypodermic needle, IV drip.
Advantages: Fast, potent medication for extreme cases.
Disadvantages: Inconvenient, expensive, can require
assistance, pain.
Dose range:2 to 100 mg.
Injections can be intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), and
subcutaneous (SC). Injections meds take effect rapidly - in 15–30 seconds
for IV, 10–20 minutes for IM, and 15–30 minutes for SC. Medication is more or less
100% bioavailable. Cannabis is used for AIDS/HIV, Cancer, chronic pain
sufferers and anti-inflammatory conditions to improve feelings of well-being,
overcome anxiety, reduce inflammation, improve appetite and manage pain.
People already on IV can conveniently use Cannabis based medicines by
simplifying the appropriate concentrate to their drip.
This procedure must
be approved and done by a licensed health care professional.
"After being diagnosed with cancer, Beverly Hills celebrity Cheryl
Shuman began taking a cocktail of medications and up to 27 morphine tablets a
day in a bid to overcome the disease. However, after learning about cannabis
oil, Cheryl started to treat herself. She says the treatment cured her in 90
days and remains in remission to this day." - Cheryl
Shuman
SAFETY - LAB TESTED
MARIJUANA IS THE BEST WAY TO GO
There is little point in medicating and poisoning oneself at
the same time. Mold, pesticides and residual solvents are serious
contaminants too often found in random testing. When using any kind of cannabis
medicine, products should be free of residual solvents (used to extract medical
ingredients), pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, mold, fungus and other
toxic components.
The cannabinoid profile should be measured using liquid
chromatography (LC) to see that the THC, CBD and other cannabinoids are present
in the appropriate therapeutic quantity.
Overdosing is a possibility with both THC and CBD but are
low-risk as compared to most other medications. The beauty of cannabis
based medicines is that their toxicity and side effects are much lower than
your standard pharmaceutical preparation. THC overdose can famously
result in temporary psychosis and scares the living hell out of the victim.
CBD is well-tolerated in humans and overdose is very uncommon.
Side-effects are limited to minor complaints.
"Several studies suggest that CBD is non-toxic in non-transformed
cells and does not induce changes on food intake, does not induce catalepsy,
does not affect physiological parameters (heart rate, blood pressure and body
temperature), does not affect gastrointestinal transit and does not alter
psychomotor or psychological functions. Also, chronic use and high doses up to
1,500 mg/day of CBD are reportedly well tolerated in humans." PubMed
Don’t forget to take a break from cannabis! Too much
consumption of cannabis will increase your tolerance, so it is important to
take a break from cannabis once in a while (consult with your trusted Medical
Cannabis Professional). It may help to switch strains when the effects of one
is no longer working.
Remember, Sativa helps patients stay awake and alert, Indica
helps patients relax and sleep. THC is psychoactive (may be beneficial for some,
depending on condition and individual), CBD is non-psychoactive. Juicing RAW,
uncooked cannabis leaves and topicals can also be non-psychoactive.
WARNING: This article is for informational purposes only! You must do your own research, consult with a trusted Medical Cannabis Professional, only YOU know what is best for you! Heel better my friends!
Resource:
Please watch this Video: iCAN Isreal Cannabis - Dr. Deborah Malka - "Dosage and Delivery Methods of Medical Cannabis"
