Unlike the earlier times, accessing cannabis is not a hefty task anymore. Today, a simple search for a ‘medical marijuana doctor near me’ on Google will find you hundreds of physical locations as well as online clinics. You can choose one that you can trust and kickstart your journey to a healthy life.
But while getting a recommendation and card is easier, the patients should not forget that they need to be safe with their cannabis usage. Though cannabis may not be as harmful as other prescribed medications, it still needs to be used under supervision or at least by keeping certain important points in mind. So, let me help you make a start with your research.
Here are a few ‘don’ts’ that you must remember when engaging in a cannabis session.
Don’t Self Medicate
It’s true that cannabis has tremendous medical potential. It is anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, antiemetic and even anti-anxiety. Patients with all sorts of ailments like cancer, anxiety, depression, insomnia etc. can find relief with a small dose of cannabis. But, while this green herb helps therapeutically, it can also worsen the situation if not consumed properly.
This is why it is important for every patient who thinks that they can benefit from cannabis treatment to visit their nearest medical marijuana doctor and get guidance. They will help you learn the right ways to take your dose and use cannabis in a way that will best suit your medical condition.
Don’t Travel With Cannabis Without Your MMJ Card
Medical cannabis may be legal according to the state laws but it is illegal under the federal government. The Controlled Substance Act categorizes cannabis as a Schedule Drug thus making it illegal to use it as a medicine. This complication is the reason why you lose the shield of legal security for possessing cannabis upon reaching an area that’s under federal jurisdiction. This includes the airspace and state borders.
So, if you need to travel by road or by air to a different state, make sure to carry your MMJ card or recommendation letter with you. It will give you a free pass in case somebody stops your interrogation. Also, if you are traveling by a public transport or by airlines, make sure to contact the transport services and airlines before reaching the place.
Don’t Lose Patience
You need to have a lot of patience when using medical cannabis. For starters, if you have no idea about your right cannabis dose, you will have to microdose for a while until you find your right dose. Similarly, patience is necessary after consuming cannabis too.
Not all delivery methods work the same way and neither do all products deliver the effects they claim. There are a lot of variables at work here which changes the end result for every patient. For example, your environmental factors may affect the high you experience in two different sessions. Edibles can take as long as 4 hours to kick in. And when they do, the effects may be stronger than expected. If you are not patient and misunderstand the late onset with ineffectiveness, you may end up overdosing.
Don’t Drive After Using Cannabis
The rules for driving after consuming cannabis is similar to alcohol intake. If you are caught driving while being high on cannabis, you will be charged for DUI.
That’s because cannabis is psychoactive and can alter your brain functions to impair balance, reflexes and rational thinking. Driving in such a condition puts you and others in danger which is why driving under the influence of cannabis (even medical) is prohibited.
Don’t Mix Cannabis With Alcohol
Alcohol and cannabis are not a good combination, especially when you are using cannabis for medical reasons. Alcohol is a toxin for your body. It’s one of the reasons why you vomit after drinking more than your body can handle. When you pair cannabis with alcohol, they interact. Since cannabis is antiemetic, it prevents vomiting and can lead to alcohol poisoning.
Cannabis also increases the sedative effects of alcohol. So unless you want to be locked to the couch, avoid pairing the two substances.
These points are important to remember if you have just begun your cannabis journey. As long as you follow the instructions and make sure that your consumption methods are safe, you will not be disappointed. Cannabis will help you reach a healthy state in life. So, avoid all the points and buckle up for an effective cannabis treatment.
