{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/cannabis-101/10","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2526-markdown","title":"Can Certain Foods Interact With Cannabis to Affect Your High?","slug":"can-certain-foods-interact-with-cannabis-to-affect-your-high","content":"A few years ago, [Howard Stern interviewed singer Neil Young](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/12-things-we-learned-from-howard-sterns-interview-with-neil-young-20141014) and Howard mentioned that he could no longer smoke marijuana because it made him paranoid. In response, Neil provided an interesting suggestion: Chew on a few black peppercorns to calm the paranoia.\r\n\r\nNeil’s recommendation echoes an idea that’s long been popular in the cannabis community, and a question that researchers have been curious to investigate: Can certain foods interact with marijuana to produce a different high?\r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\r\n\r\n### Terpenes, the Entourage Effect & Food-Marijuana Interactions \r\n\r\nThis idea stems from a theory called the entourage effect, which is the concept that the different compounds in cannabis—such as terpenes, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD)—could interact with each other to produce synergistic effects. In other words, each compound could be a musical instrument, and when consumed together, could work in symphony to create a unique sound.\r\n\r\nIn addition to being found in cannabis, terpenes are found in many plants, including fruits and vegetables. As fragrant compounds, they’re [responsible for the aromas in essential oils](http://www.eurekaselect.com/95572/article) and different cannabis strains.\r\n\r\nBecause terpenes are found in both food and cannabis, some have speculated that consuming certain terpenes could change the cannabis “symphony,” leading to a different high.\r\n\r\nRELATED: [5 TIPS TO REDUCE THE EFFECTS OF HAVING TOO MUCH CANNABIS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a5cfdb5c7e0180007a78273/5-tips-to-reduce-the-effects-of-having-too-much-cannabis)\r\n\r\n### What Does the Science Say About the Entourage Effect?\r\n\r\nWhile it’s a promising idea, the [entourage effect has yet to be validated by scientific research](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/some-of-the-parts-is-marijuana-rsquo-s-ldquo-entourage-effect-rdquo-scientifically-valid/). This is partly due to the difficulty involved in conducting studies on marijuana, namely because of its status in the United States as a Schedule 1 drug.\r\n\r\nThe entourage effect is a contentious subject among researchers, with two main sides to the story. Dr. Ethan Russo made a strong case for the entourage effect in _The British Journal of Pharmacology_, where he introduced a theory called “[phytocannabinoid-terpenoid synergy](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165946/).” This theory states that terpenes may have the potential to inhibit some of THC’s effects on the nervous system, which in turn could change the cannabis consumer’s experience, including mood, emotions and feelings.\r\n\r\nOn the other side, critics say that evidence suggests that [THC works solo to drive cannabis’s psychoactive effects](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/some-of-the-parts-is-marijuana-rsquo-s-ldquo-entourage-effect-rdquo-scientifically-valid/). \r\n\r\nWhat’s more, little research has been done on food terpenes interacting with cannabis. Much of the research done on terpenes has taken place on mice or _in vitro_ (meaning, on cell cultures or microorganisms). In the mice studies, the terpenes are often administered by giving the mice an extract, which means we don’t know if the same outcome would happen if a food source of terpenes was given.\r\n\r\nA well-designed research study, such as a double-blind clinical trial, could help answer questions about the entourage effect and whether food terpenes can interact with cannabis.\r\n\r\n### Anecdotal Reports of Cannabis-Food Interactions\r\n\r\nThat said, there are countless anecdotal reports of foods changing the cannabis experience. Four foods in particular come up frequently.\r\n\r\n**Black Pepper** \r\n\r\nMany people agree with Neil Young that eating black pepper in conjunction with marijuana helps decrease paranoia. One of the terpenes in black pepper is [beta-caryophyllene, which has been studied in mice for its pain-relieving effects](http://www.europeanneuropsychopharmacology.com/article/S0924-977X1300302-7/pdf).\r\n\r\n** Pine Nuts**\r\n\r\nSimilar to black pepper, some people say that when they eat pine nuts, they feel like it calms THC’s effects and leads to greater alertness and mental clarity. The terpene in pine nuts that could be of scientific interest is pinene, which is also what gives pine trees their scent. \r\n\r\n** Lemon**\r\n\r\nBack in the 1800s, a Scottish toxicologist named Robert Christison recommended lemon for people who ingested too much cannabis. This remedy is still around today and was recently featured in [Refinery29's list of ways to feel better if you get too high](http://www.refinery29.com/marijuana-so-high-how-to-calm-down#slide-2). Limonene is one of the terpenes in lemon.\r\n\r\n**Mangoes**\r\n\r\nOn the other hand, [mangoes have been anecdotally reported to intensify a marijuana high](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/571ff712d392e1000c00031f/what-is-it-about-mangoes-and-marijuana). Mangoes contain the terpene myrcene, which is also found in lemongrass and cardamom.\r\n\r\nThese foods and their terpenes could be a good starting point for any future research, especially because these foods have nutritional benefits, too. Pine nuts have heart-healthy fats, mangoes and lemons have vitamin C (among other nutrients), and black pepper contains phytochemicals.\r\n\r\nHave you experienced any of these food-cannabis interactions firsthand? If so, let us know in the comments.\r\n\r\nPhoto credit: [Darryl Godden](https://www.flickr.com/photos/blackmango/)\r\n\r\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/90bf6e501d2e83335a12547b9a0ff9fc/14b42/66989f147f10a197f746168316d0c856.jpg","srcSet":"/static/90bf6e501d2e83335a12547b9a0ff9fc/f836f/66989f147f10a197f746168316d0c856.jpg 200w,\n/static/90bf6e501d2e83335a12547b9a0ff9fc/2244e/66989f147f10a197f746168316d0c856.jpg 400w,\n/static/90bf6e501d2e83335a12547b9a0ff9fc/14b42/66989f147f10a197f746168316d0c856.jpg 800w,\n/static/90bf6e501d2e83335a12547b9a0ff9fc/47498/66989f147f10a197f746168316d0c856.jpg 1200w,\n/static/90bf6e501d2e83335a12547b9a0ff9fc/0e329/66989f147f10a197f746168316d0c856.jpg 1600w,\n/static/90bf6e501d2e83335a12547b9a0ff9fc/3a239/66989f147f10a197f746168316d0c856.jpg 3571w","srcWebp":"/static/90bf6e501d2e83335a12547b9a0ff9fc/58556/66989f147f10a197f746168316d0c856.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/90bf6e501d2e83335a12547b9a0ff9fc/61e93/66989f147f10a197f746168316d0c856.webp 200w,\n/static/90bf6e501d2e83335a12547b9a0ff9fc/1f5c5/66989f147f10a197f746168316d0c856.webp 400w,\n/static/90bf6e501d2e83335a12547b9a0ff9fc/58556/66989f147f10a197f746168316d0c856.webp 800w,\n/static/90bf6e501d2e83335a12547b9a0ff9fc/99238/66989f147f10a197f746168316d0c856.webp 1200w,\n/static/90bf6e501d2e83335a12547b9a0ff9fc/7c22d/66989f147f10a197f746168316d0c856.webp 1600w,\n/static/90bf6e501d2e83335a12547b9a0ff9fc/bb957/66989f147f10a197f746168316d0c856.webp 3571w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2540-markdown","title":"Getting the Most Out of Using Sublingual Cannabis","slug":"getting-the-most-out-of-using-sublingual-cannabis","content":"In our series for cannabis newcomers, we've looked at how and why cannabis patients [vape](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a1f473a100a820006562eb3/the-ins-and-outs-of-vaping-medical-marijuana), [smoke](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a2acaa2100a820006562ebc/why-some-patients-prefer-smoking-joints) and [eat](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a567e8fc7e0180007a7826c/consuming-cannabis-edibles-to-improve-your-health) their cannabis. In this article, we'll get into yet another form of administration: sublingual cannabis. While sublingual options aren't as well known as other methods of using this medicine, they're quickly growing in popularity among medical marijuana patients.\r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\r\n\r\nWhy do patients choose sublingual options? Are sublinguals right for you? And do you know how to get the most out of your medicine when using it sublingually? Read on to learn more. \r\n\r\nRELATED: [5 WAYS OTHER THAN SMOKING FLOWER TO CONSUME MARIJUANA](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/596d1b982c7b4b3e1c2e81fc/5-ways-other-than-smoking-flower-to-consume-marijuana)\r\n\r\n### What Is Sublingual Cannabis? \r\n\r\nSublingual cannabis comes in a few different forms—from tinctures and sprays to strips that dissolve under your tongue. What they all have in common is their method of absorption. Rather than getting absorbed through the digestive system, which happens when you eat an edible, these products rely on sublingual absorption, or [absorption through the mucosal membranes under your tongue](https://www.huffingtonpost.com/thomas-p-connelly-dds/medicine-in-the-body-_b_823530.html). Dense with capillaries, these membranes provide a direct route for cannabis to enter your bloodstream. By holding these products under the tongue, patients are able to medicate quickly and with ease. \r\n\r\nOf course, there's been a little bit of controversy over the effectiveness of sublingual cannabis, with some arguing that marijuana can't actually be absorbed in this way. Don't let the critics deter you. Scientific studies, along with anecdotal reports from patients, show that [sublinguals effectively deliver cannabis into the bloodstream](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3358713/).\r\n\r\n### Why Do Patients Use Sublingual Cannabis? \r\n\r\nSublinguals are a popular choice for patients who'd rather not inhale their cannabis. For those who rule out vaping and smoking, either for personal health reasons or because they don't enjoy that type of high, sublinguals offer the perfect substitute. For one thing, it's one of the only non-inhaled options that can offer quick relief from symptoms.\r\n\r\nEdibles are a common substitute for smoking or vaping cannabis. However, unlike sublinguals, edibles are swallowed and processed through the digestive system. This process can be slow and often takes over an hour-and even two or more-for the cannabis to take effect.\r\n\r\n[Sublinguals, on the other hand, bypass the digestive system and are absorbed almost immediately](https://www.hellomd.com/answers/5939ce7d56203b2d83fe390c/how-long-does-it-take-to-feel-the-effects-of-a-sublingual-tincture). Effects can usually be felt within 15 minutes of ingestion. For medical marijuana patients who need fast relief from symptoms that come on quickly, sublinguals are a great alternative to inhaled methods.\r\n\r\nSublingual cannabis also mirrors inhaled methods in how long it lasts. [While the effects of edibles can last six to eight hours, sublinguals tend to only affect the user for two to three hours](https://www.hellomd.com/answers/5732067cbd5c43000b00000e/sublingual-versus-a-regular-edible). This makes them an excellent choice for patients who don't want to feel the effects all day.\r\n\r\nFor example, I've worked with patients who use sublinguals for occasional panic attacks. The fast-acting sublingual can halt the panic attack before it becomes overwhelming. When the panic attack has been averted, the medicine may no longer be needed. While a marijuana edible high might last all day and affect the patient's functionality, the sublingual's effects will subside relatively quickly, and the patient can decide whether another dose is needed later in the day. \r\n\r\nOther folks like sublingual cannabis simply because they prefer the high. As with most forms of using cannabis, this method has its own unique way of metabolizing the cannabinoids and terpenes present in the medicine. These differences not only affect the onset and duration of the high, but also change the quality or effects of the high that the patient experiences. You may find that you prefer this high as well, but the only real way to know is to try it for yourself. \r\n\r\n### How to Use Sublingual Marijuana\r\n\r\nIf you think sublingual cannabis might be the right option for you, the good news is that it's very easy to use. Simply take the tincture, spray or strip, and hold it under your tongue for around 90 seconds. The hardest part is actually keeping the sublingual under your tongue and not swallowing it by reflex. If you do swallow it, it may act more like a traditional edible, since it will need to be processed through the digestive system before it begins to work.\r\n\r\nFor those who want step-by-step instructions on this process, **check out our how-to video**:\r\n\r\n`embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_G4OqWxgys`\r\n\r\nIn the next installment of the Cannabis for Newbies guide, we'll talk about cannabis topicals. These surprisingly potent products just might be the solution to your aches and pains.\r\nNeed a medical marijuana recommendation? [Consult with one of HelloMD's knowledgeable doctors](https://www.hellomd.com/); it's easy, private and 100% online. ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/381f0d151e1d0c19cb8e18c5f146b573/14b42/d3e41503f8a1f0be627b05a2df264075.jpg","srcSet":"/static/381f0d151e1d0c19cb8e18c5f146b573/f836f/d3e41503f8a1f0be627b05a2df264075.jpg 200w,\n/static/381f0d151e1d0c19cb8e18c5f146b573/2244e/d3e41503f8a1f0be627b05a2df264075.jpg 400w,\n/static/381f0d151e1d0c19cb8e18c5f146b573/14b42/d3e41503f8a1f0be627b05a2df264075.jpg 800w,\n/static/381f0d151e1d0c19cb8e18c5f146b573/47498/d3e41503f8a1f0be627b05a2df264075.jpg 1200w,\n/static/381f0d151e1d0c19cb8e18c5f146b573/0e329/d3e41503f8a1f0be627b05a2df264075.jpg 1600w,\n/static/381f0d151e1d0c19cb8e18c5f146b573/cb708/d3e41503f8a1f0be627b05a2df264075.jpg 1755w","srcWebp":"/static/381f0d151e1d0c19cb8e18c5f146b573/58556/d3e41503f8a1f0be627b05a2df264075.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/381f0d151e1d0c19cb8e18c5f146b573/61e93/d3e41503f8a1f0be627b05a2df264075.webp 200w,\n/static/381f0d151e1d0c19cb8e18c5f146b573/1f5c5/d3e41503f8a1f0be627b05a2df264075.webp 400w,\n/static/381f0d151e1d0c19cb8e18c5f146b573/58556/d3e41503f8a1f0be627b05a2df264075.webp 800w,\n/static/381f0d151e1d0c19cb8e18c5f146b573/99238/d3e41503f8a1f0be627b05a2df264075.webp 1200w,\n/static/381f0d151e1d0c19cb8e18c5f146b573/7c22d/d3e41503f8a1f0be627b05a2df264075.webp 1600w,\n/static/381f0d151e1d0c19cb8e18c5f146b573/0525b/d3e41503f8a1f0be627b05a2df264075.webp 1755w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2528-markdown","title":"DIY Recipe: Quick & Easy Cannabis Strain-Specific Tincture","slug":"diy-recipe-quick-and-easy-cannabis-strain-specific-tincture","content":"In our previous article, part of the cannabis for newbies series, we went into [what the benefits are with consuming cannabis edibles](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a567e8fc7e0180007a7826c/consuming-cannabis-edibles-to-improve-your-health). There's such a large variety of marijuana edible products out there, and lots of great reasons why patients take edibles for their medical needs.\n\nStill, if you're one of those patients who's sensitive to the differences in marijuana strains, you may find it difficult to get consistent edibles in a strain that works for you. Strain-specific cannabis edibles are available, but they're few and far between. Don't give up on edibles-all you may need is to use the right marijuana strain. \n\nRELATED: [EDIBLES. DO THEY WORK? ARE THEY SAFE? AVOIDING THE EDI-SASTER](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5640eb06510f78000b000014/edibles-do-they-work-are-they-safe-avoiding-the-edi-saster)\n\nAs a strain-sensitive patient, I stayed away from edibles for years. When I finally decided to give them another shot, I realized that my best bet was to make the edibles myself. This way I could pick the strains that worked well for me.\n\nMaking a good edible, I realized, is time-intensive. I was exhausted and overwhelmed by the process, and I'd often wind up making way more than I could easily consume before the cannabis-infused food went bad. I'd wasted my precious medicine.\n\nI knew there had to be a better way. So, after some research, practice and experimentation, I created this quick and easy recipe for making strain-specific tinctures.\n\nThe key to this recipe is using a full-melt cannabis concentrate instead of cannabis flower. While infusing an oil with flower takes time and requires very specific temperatures, concentrates dissolve quickly and easily into bases like oil, butter, honey, glycerin or alcohol. This saves time and minimizes the risk of something going wrong. It also allows you to work with much smaller amounts of cannabis, so you can make the amount you need and nothing more. \n\n### Recipe for Cannabis Strain-Specific Tincture\n\nTo begin this recipe, make sure you have the following ingredients prepared and tools ready to use: \n\n### Ingredients\n\n* 1/2 g (500 mg) full-melt cannabis concentrate in a strain that works well for you (I like to use rosin, because it's a full-melt extract that has never been touched by chemical solvents. That said, CO2 or any other full-melt concentrate will work as well.)\n\n* 1 oz (30 mL) oil (I use MCT oil, which is a liquid form of coconut oil, but you can use any liquid oil you like to cook with or mix into your food, such as olive, sesame or hemp oil. You can also substitute in butter or coconut oil if you're looking for a cooking base, rather than a tincture. Since butter and coconut oil solidify at room temperatures, they can't be used as a tincture but are perfect for making infused baked goods.) \n\n### Tools\n\n* Small pot\n* Nonstick spatula\n* 1-oz bottle with dropper\n* Small funnel (that fits into dropper bottle)\n* Small glass or silicone ramekin \n* Metal dab tool (a small metal tool designed for working with concentrates) or a butter knife\n\n### How To\n\n1.\tThe first step is to prepare your concentrate by decarboxylating it. Decarboxylation is a process in which cannabis is heated so that tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) will convert into (tetrahydrocannabinol) THC. This activates the psychoactive effects of the medicine as well as other properties of THC. If you'd like your medicine to give you the effects of a traditional edible, you can follow our [instructions on how to decarboxylate](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56de6bd6c60fd50008000081/decarboxylating-marijuana-why-its-important). As many concentrates come in plastic containers, be sure to use your dab tool or butter knife to transfer your concentrate into a baking dish, like a small glass or silicone ramekin, before heating. \n>_Note: If you're looking for a less psychoactive high, you may want to skip this step and leave your medicine in its raw form. THCA edibles have been gaining in popularity; this is because [THCA has many of the benefits of THC without the high](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/584f78817f091000089c44a4/the-medicinal-benefits-of-thca)._\n\n2.\tWhen you have your concentrate ready to go, warm 1 ounce of oil in a small pot on your stove's lowest heat setting. Allow the oil to warm up, but never boil or even simmer. \n\n3.\tAdd 1/2 gram of cannabis concentrate to the oil and watch for the concentrate to start melting into the oil.\n\n4.\tWhen the concentrate melts, stir it into the oil with the spatula. \n\n5.\tAs soon as the concentrate completely dissolves into the oil and the mix is a uniform color, remove the pot from the heat. This entire process should only take a few minutes. \n\n6.\tAllow to cool, then pour mixture through the small funnel into the 1-ounce bottle. \n\nYour resulting 1-ounce cannabis oil tincture will contain around 50 half-dropper (1.25 mL) doses. Each dose will contain around 10 mg of cannabis extract. \n\n### How to Use Your Cannabis Tincture\n\nYou can use this cannabis tincture in a variety of ways. The easiest method is to take it under your tongue as a sublingual medicine. To do this, drop the oil under your tongue and hold it there for up 90 seconds before swallowing. By allowing the tincture to absorb sublingually, you'll get more immediate effects as the medicine will enter your bloodstream directly rather than having to be processed by your digestive system. \n\nIf you'd rather take the tincture as an edible, you can mix it in with other food. I sprinkle mine over toast, add it to cereal, mix it in with applesauce or put it into my salad dressing. You can add it to almost any food you'd like. \n\nWhichever way you consume your tincture, make sure to [start small with your dosing until you know how much you need and how you're affected](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/57aa569b4059f80007e22798/dosing-cannabis-edibles-safely). Instead of taking a full dose, you might want to try a half or quarter dose, or even try just a drop or two. Wait a full two hours before taking more as edible effects take a while to kick in. \n\nIn the next installment of the Cannabis for Newbies series, we'll go over best practices on consuming sublingual cannabis products and why patients choose to use them. \n\nPhoto credit: [The Inadvertent Gardener](https://www.flickr.com/photos/inadvertentgardener/)\n\nNeed a medical marijuana recommendation? [Consult with one of HelloMD's knowledgeable doctors](https://www.hellomd.com/); it's easy, private and 100% online.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/e613b19f4e3ec922c0032bb63f3d976c/14b42/1c9de3c889edf80f2369ab44efd619e5.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e613b19f4e3ec922c0032bb63f3d976c/f836f/1c9de3c889edf80f2369ab44efd619e5.jpg 200w,\n/static/e613b19f4e3ec922c0032bb63f3d976c/2244e/1c9de3c889edf80f2369ab44efd619e5.jpg 400w,\n/static/e613b19f4e3ec922c0032bb63f3d976c/14b42/1c9de3c889edf80f2369ab44efd619e5.jpg 800w,\n/static/e613b19f4e3ec922c0032bb63f3d976c/6bc0a/1c9de3c889edf80f2369ab44efd619e5.jpg 931w","srcWebp":"/static/e613b19f4e3ec922c0032bb63f3d976c/58556/1c9de3c889edf80f2369ab44efd619e5.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e613b19f4e3ec922c0032bb63f3d976c/61e93/1c9de3c889edf80f2369ab44efd619e5.webp 200w,\n/static/e613b19f4e3ec922c0032bb63f3d976c/1f5c5/1c9de3c889edf80f2369ab44efd619e5.webp 400w,\n/static/e613b19f4e3ec922c0032bb63f3d976c/58556/1c9de3c889edf80f2369ab44efd619e5.webp 800w,\n/static/e613b19f4e3ec922c0032bb63f3d976c/23a11/1c9de3c889edf80f2369ab44efd619e5.webp 931w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2538-markdown","title":"5 Tips to Reduce the Effects of Having Too Much Cannabis","slug":"5-tips-to-reduce-the-effects-of-having-too-much-cannabis","content":"We’ve all been there: You took an extra puff on a joint, decided to dab before you were ready or ate an edible that was stronger than you thought it’d be. Before you know it, the rush of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—cannabis’s psychoactive component—to your system has got you feeling anxious, paranoid and dizzy. \r\n\r\nThese common consequences of marijuana overconsumption can happen to anyone, even the most experienced of users. Regardless of how you got there, we’ve got your back. Here are a few ways you can combat (or at least distract yourself from) the unpleasant effects of having had too much cannabis. \r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\r\n\r\n### 1. Try a Cannabidiol (CBD) Product \r\n\r\nWhether it’s via vape or sublingual, consuming a fast-acting CBD product can help calm your anxieties and bring you back to level ground within minutes of ingestion—one to two minutes with vaping, 15–30 minutes with sublinguals tinctures or sprays. CBD can influence THC’s effects on our body by modulating the way THC interacts with the brain, thus giving CBD the ability to dampen THC’s psychoactive effects. \r\n\r\nRELATED: [4 HELPFUL CBD PRODUCTS TO ADD TO YOUR ROUTINE](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/59f76d29134aa1001ae93e6c/4-helpful-cbd-products-to-add-to-your-daily-routine)\r\n\r\n ### 2. Sniff or Nibble on Black Peppercorn \r\n\r\nBlack peppercorn is often thought of as the classic home remedy for excessive marijuana consumption, but science may soon show why it tends to work. Black pepper is rich in terpenes—aromatic compounds that can interact with THC in your body, thus influencing the type of high you might feel. Cannabis itself contains a medley of terpenes, but they can also be found in certain foods.\r\n\r\nIn his seminal paper, about [how terpenes interact with components of the cannabis plant to produce synergistic effects](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165946/), neurologist Ethan Russo muses that the terpene pinene in black pepper might lend the user mental clarity, while the terpene myrcene can add sedative effects—both of which are beneficial to those in an over-stimulated state. \r\n\r\n### 3. Drink Water, or a Citrus Juice \r\n\r\nHydration is always key, but especially when you’ve consumed too much cannabis. Drinking water will help with the cotton mouth you’re likely to feel, and it can distract you by giving you a simple activity to partake in. \r\n\r\nIf you have lemonade or another citrusy beverage available to you, consider sipping on those—citrus is cited in numerous historical texts as an antidote to cannabis intoxication as far back as the 10th century and as recently as the 1930s. Terpenes again, may be the reason behind this ancient remedy. It may be that the terpene limonene, which is what gives lemons and other acidic fruits their citrusy aroma, interacts with the THC in your body to alleviate that too-high feeling. \r\n\r\n### 4. Find a Quiet Place to Lie Down  \r\n\r\nTry to find a quiet place where you can lie down and relax. Some people may find it helpful to turn off the lights—this can help calm an over-active brain. \r\n\r\nSleeping off a too-intense high is a good option, if it’s available to you. If you can’t sleep, remain calm, close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Overall, you must remind yourself that the discomfort will pass.\r\n\r\n### 5. Do an Easy Activity  \r\n\r\nWhen you’re too high, you’re your own worst enemy, so the best thing to do is distract yourself. Remember all of the things that are actually fun to do high? You can still do them:\r\n\r\n* Listen to your favorite album.\r\n* Watch a light-hearted movie.\r\n* Talk to a friend.\r\n* Color or draw something.\r\n\r\nFind a way to occupy your mind. By focusing on other things, you can help keep anxiety and paranoia in check. \r\n\r\nThe number one thing you should tell yourself when experiencing a cannabis overdose is that all of your discomfort will eventually pass. Remember, there’s never been a documented case of someone dying as a direct result of consuming too much cannabis—that’s likely because [cannabis doesn’t act on the brainstem](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a453281100a820006562f3f/the-science-behind-why-marijuana-is-safer-than-opioids), where key life functions like breathing are controlled.  \r\n\r\nIf you find that none of these suggestions are working, and you’re feeling increasingly uncomfortable, you can always seek medical attention—even in areas where cannabis is illegal. Doctors and nurses are trained with your best interest in mind, and perhaps all it’ll take to calm your nerves is being in the care of a medical professional. \r\n\r\nDo you have a special way of counteracting a too-intense cannabis high? Share your suggestions with the community in the comments section below.  \r\n\r\nPhoto credit: [Mikhail Vasilyev](https://unsplash.com/@miklevasilyev)\r\n\r\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/b74b397189aa295130001d9dad45ccfd/14b42/4e289137ec5cae43e6ac24ebc181010d.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b74b397189aa295130001d9dad45ccfd/f836f/4e289137ec5cae43e6ac24ebc181010d.jpg 200w,\n/static/b74b397189aa295130001d9dad45ccfd/2244e/4e289137ec5cae43e6ac24ebc181010d.jpg 400w,\n/static/b74b397189aa295130001d9dad45ccfd/14b42/4e289137ec5cae43e6ac24ebc181010d.jpg 800w,\n/static/b74b397189aa295130001d9dad45ccfd/47498/4e289137ec5cae43e6ac24ebc181010d.jpg 1200w,\n/static/b74b397189aa295130001d9dad45ccfd/0e329/4e289137ec5cae43e6ac24ebc181010d.jpg 1600w,\n/static/b74b397189aa295130001d9dad45ccfd/5414d/4e289137ec5cae43e6ac24ebc181010d.jpg 3330w","srcWebp":"/static/b74b397189aa295130001d9dad45ccfd/58556/4e289137ec5cae43e6ac24ebc181010d.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b74b397189aa295130001d9dad45ccfd/61e93/4e289137ec5cae43e6ac24ebc181010d.webp 200w,\n/static/b74b397189aa295130001d9dad45ccfd/1f5c5/4e289137ec5cae43e6ac24ebc181010d.webp 400w,\n/static/b74b397189aa295130001d9dad45ccfd/58556/4e289137ec5cae43e6ac24ebc181010d.webp 800w,\n/static/b74b397189aa295130001d9dad45ccfd/99238/4e289137ec5cae43e6ac24ebc181010d.webp 1200w,\n/static/b74b397189aa295130001d9dad45ccfd/7c22d/4e289137ec5cae43e6ac24ebc181010d.webp 1600w,\n/static/b74b397189aa295130001d9dad45ccfd/59f74/4e289137ec5cae43e6ac24ebc181010d.webp 3330w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2537-markdown","title":"Consuming Cannabis Edibles to Improve Your Health","slug":"consuming-cannabis-edibles-to-improve-your-health","content":"In our series of articles geared towards cannabis newcomers, we’ve been discussing the various ways you can consume cannabis. So far, we’ve covered the many methods of inhaling cannabis, from [smoking a joint](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a2acaa2100a820006562ebc/why-some-patients-prefer-smoking-joints) and [vaporizing](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a1f473a100a820006562eb3/the-ins-and-outs-of-vaping-medical-marijuana) to using [bongs, pipes](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a3403a5100a820006562ec2/using-pipes-and-bongs-to-smoke-medical-marijuana) or [dab rigs](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a4fd8fc100a820006562f52/why-do-some-patients-dab-medical-marijuana). Next up: cannabis edibles. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### What Are Cannabis Edibles? \n\nWhen people talk about edibles, they tend to refer to tasty treats like pot brownies and medicated candies. There are so many delicious products currently available—from sweets like chocolates, ice cream or candies to savory items like medicated pizza, BBQ sauce or chips. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The possibilities appear to be endless when it comes to these cannabis-infused snacks. \n\nEdibles are highly versatile in that you can turn almost any food or drink into an edible. Most edibles are made from a base—such as butter, oil, glycerin, honey or alcohol—infused with cannabis. Once you have one of these bases, there are countless options for what to infuse.\n\nOf course, not all edibles take the form of our favorite snacks. For those who want to medicate with edibles regularly without eating large amounts of candy or junk food, you can look to tinctures and capsules, which deliver the medicine more directly. \n\nRELATED: [ESSENTIALS ABOUT EDIBLES THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55f44cbb33663800064d0000/essentials-about-edibles-that-you-need-to-know)\n\n### Why Do Some Patients Prefer Marijuana Edibles? \n\nThere are a few reasons why edibles are a favorite for many patients. For one thing, it’s a discreet method. Patients are able to medicate with edibles without worrying about smelling like cannabis (like you might after smoking a joint).\n\nIn addition, it’s sometimes hard to distinguish between cannabis edibles and other types of food without being told what they contain. Patients who need to medicate can even take their edible in front of others, without revealing that they’re using cannabis. Just be careful to have an excuse ready if your edible looks so tasty that your friend asks for a bite. \n\nAnother reason [patients use edibles is their effects are long lasting](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55f5f22c3530340006b70000/the-differences-between-edibles-and-flowers). Edible effects tend to last for around six to eight hours, while the effects from inhaled methods tend to diminish after only two to three hours.\n\nFor patients who want a consistent medicinal effect throughout the day, it can be much more appealing to take an edible every six to eight hours than to have to continually take smoke breaks to get relief. Patients with chronic pain may find edibles to be a great option for providing relief all day long. \n\nThese long-lasting effects are also more consistent. With smoked methods, there’s usually a progression of the high, where it ramps up to its peak quickly and then tapers back off and gradually fades. With edibles, the high comes on more gradually over a few hours and then lasts for some time before dropping back down.\n\nThis more gradual and consistent effect is ideal for certain patients. Patients with anxiety or depression, for example, often use edibles to support their mood throughout the day. While smoking or vaporizing can offer immediate relief from a panic attack or sudden feelings of sadness, the ups and downs of inhaled methods can have these patients in a constant roller coaster of emotions.\n\nEdibles can offer something more stable, acting like an anti-depressant to provide background support. Patients report that this can reduce the likelihood of getting anxious or depressed, so that they don’t have to use more fast-acting methods as often.\n\nPatients also sometimes use edibles because they’re looking to take a large dose, all at once. For patients who have a high tolerance, smoking or vaping simply won’t give them the effects they need. In addition, edibles are often the easiest way to medicate for patients with chronic pain who may require larger doses or patients attempting to use high doses of cannabis oil to treat symptoms related to their cancer treatment.\n\n### How to Use Cannabis Edibles the Right Way & Avoid a Bad Trip \n\nIf you think using edibles might be right for you, you should learn the basics about how to use them. Many folks have bad experiences with edibles because they didn’t understand how to choose the right edible for their needs, or how big of a dose to take.\n\nWhen patients take more of a cannabis edible than they’re used to, they may find themselves [experiencing an uncomfortable and frightening trip](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/58ac759d05b7950007646b95/how-to-stop-a-marijuana-induced-anxiety-attack). Instead of making them feel better, or relieving their pain, these [high doses of cannabis edibles leave them confused, dizzy, sedated, disoriented, uncoordinated and unable to think clearly](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/57aa569b4059f80007e22798/dosing-cannabis-edibles-safely). It can be an unnerving experience that lasts all day. \n\nTo avoid a bad experience with edibles, don’t dive head-first into any edible you find at your dispensary. Start small and think about your needs. The first rule of edibles is to start at the smallest dose you can.\n\n[Microdosing with amounts as low at 1–2.5 mg is a great place to begin](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/59c1b07e93afe720b53117a1/microdosing-a-better-way-to-take-cannabis). Once you take your first microdose, wait at least two hours before you think about taking more. Patients often think that they aren’t going to get any effect when an edible doesn’t kick in immediately. But it can take time for edibles to start working.\n\nIf you take your next dose too soon, you may realize too late that you’ve taken too much. If two hours pass, and you still don’t feel like you’ve had enough, then you can take another dose of the same size. Each time you increase your dose, make sure to wait the full two hours. \n\n### How to Choose the Right Edible for You\n\nWhen selecting an edible, think about your needs. Are you looking to have a psychoactive experience? If so, most edibles are packed with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive element in cannabis, so it should be easy to find what you’re looking for.\n\nYou may also want to think about what strains have worked well for you in the past. Are you looking for an indica, sativa or hybrid edible? Consider strain-specific edibles to provide even more control over your experience.\n\nIf you’re looking for relief without the high, edibles rich in cannabidiol (CBD) or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA)—both of which are non-psychoactive—may be a better fit for you. These cannabinoids offer many of the benefits of THC edibles, but tend to leave the user clear-headed and able to function normally.\n\nWhichever edibles you choose, always start small and titrate up slowly. If you do run into some less-than-pleasant side effects, just remember that they will pass in a few more hours. \n\nIn the next installment of the Cannabis for Newbies series, we continue our discussion of edibles by teaching you a simple recipe for making your own edible: a strain-specific tincture.\n\nPhoto credit: [Mel](https://www.flickr.com/photos/cleverocity/)\n  \nNeed a medical marijuana recommendation? [Consult with one of HelloMD’s knowledgeable doctors](https://www.hellomd.com/); it's easy, private and 100% online.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.36986301369863,"src":"/static/654834f08e5aa9644ee851e565f85ce9/14b42/fed2d3f45067f9fb83886cd93b348e27.jpg","srcSet":"/static/654834f08e5aa9644ee851e565f85ce9/f836f/fed2d3f45067f9fb83886cd93b348e27.jpg 200w,\n/static/654834f08e5aa9644ee851e565f85ce9/2244e/fed2d3f45067f9fb83886cd93b348e27.jpg 400w,\n/static/654834f08e5aa9644ee851e565f85ce9/14b42/fed2d3f45067f9fb83886cd93b348e27.jpg 800w,\n/static/654834f08e5aa9644ee851e565f85ce9/a4588/fed2d3f45067f9fb83886cd93b348e27.jpg 1191w","srcWebp":"/static/654834f08e5aa9644ee851e565f85ce9/58556/fed2d3f45067f9fb83886cd93b348e27.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/654834f08e5aa9644ee851e565f85ce9/61e93/fed2d3f45067f9fb83886cd93b348e27.webp 200w,\n/static/654834f08e5aa9644ee851e565f85ce9/1f5c5/fed2d3f45067f9fb83886cd93b348e27.webp 400w,\n/static/654834f08e5aa9644ee851e565f85ce9/58556/fed2d3f45067f9fb83886cd93b348e27.webp 800w,\n/static/654834f08e5aa9644ee851e565f85ce9/c515d/fed2d3f45067f9fb83886cd93b348e27.webp 1191w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2518-markdown","title":"Why Do Some Patients Dab Medical Marijuana?","slug":"why-do-some-patients-dab-medical-marijuana","content":"In the previous installment of our series geared towards folks new to cannabis, we broke down the [various types of cannabis concentrates](https://hellomd.com/articles/understanding-cannabis-concentrates-and-how-to-use-them) and the many ways to consume them. In this article, we put the spotlight on dabbing, perhaps the most controversial method of using cannabis concentrates. While many argue that dabbing bears no medicinal value, others say it’s the only method that truly helps ease their symptoms or conditions.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nWondering if dabbing might be right for you? To help you decide, we lay out some of the reasons why dabbing cannabis is so controversial and explore why patients choose to dab.\n\nRELATED: [IS DABBING GOOD FOR YOU?](https://hellomd.com/articles/is-dabbing-good-for-you)\n\n### The Potential Risks Associated With Dabbing\n\nDabbing is a method of consuming cannabis concentrates usually in higher doses than are possible when using other methods. Patients dab using a dab rig, which is similar in appearance to a bong. But instead of having a glass bowl where flower is burned, a dab rig has a metal or quartz “nail.” When dabbing, this nail is heated and a dab of concentrate is dropped onto or pressed against the nail. At low temperatures, the concentrate is vaporized on contact, while at higher temperatures it combusts and is turned into smoke. Either way, the patient inhales the smoke or vapor through the neck of the dab rig and is quickly given a large dose of cannabinoids.\n\nDabbing has garnered a fairly bad reputation over the last few years—and not without cause. Because it makes taking large doses of cannabinoids very easy, it’s also extremely easy to take in more cannabis than is manageable and comfortable for a given individual. When dabbing high THC extracts, many folks report having had overwhelming experiences. [Some even head to the emergency room, complaining of distorted vision, overwhelming panic or other uncomfortable side effects from THC](https://hellomd.com/articles/why-dabbing-has-no-place-in-medical-marijuana). While these effects subside after the high wears off, the effects of a large dose of psychoactive THC can be very frightening. \n\nAnother controversial aspect of dabbing is the way the nail is heated. To heat the nail, many dabbers use a mini blow torch, which can occasionally leak butane and poses a potential fire hazard. We recommend avoiding this practice if you dab and instead opt for an e-nail, which is heated electronically.\n\nUsing an e-nail reduces the potential risks that come with using a blow torch, and it also allows you to have more control over the temperature of your dabs. Keeping your temperature low will result in a safer dab, as certain elements of your concentrate—such as terpenes—can become carcinogenic when exposed to extreme heat. According to a recent study published in the American Chemical Society's ACS Omega, [to be on the safe side you should set your e-nail to temperatures lower than 611 degrees F](http://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsomega.7b01130). \n\nDabbing is also controversial because most dabbers use concentrates that have been processed using butane. Butane not only poses health risks to humans when inhaled, but also carries risks for those making the extracts. Processing concentrates using this chemical can lead to explosions during manufacturing. To avoid the risks posed by the presence of this toxic and unstable chemical, we recommend using concentrates processed without chemical solvents. \n\n### Why Do Patients Dab Marijuana? \n\nGiven all of the risk factors that people face when dabbing, you may wonder why medical patients would ever choose to dab. There are so many cannabis options, you’d think that dabbing is really just something for recreational users. Still, many cannabis patients report that dabbing is the method that works best for them. And there are a number of reasons why some patients prefer it.  \n\nThe most obvious reason to dab is that each dose packs a major potency punch. Concentrates are rich with cannabinoids and terpenes, the medicinally active elements of the cannabis plant. While this can send novice users into an uncomfortable psychoactive trip, for patients with a high tolerance, the high potency level might be just what’s needed.\n\nAs a writer and a cannabis-use consultant, I frequently meet patients who tell me that the only method that works for them is dabbing. I hear this most often from patients who have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Flashbacks to traumatic incidents can keep PTSD sufferers trapped in their memories for hours at a time, unable to function. That said, many report that the fast-acting, potent dose gained when dabbing is able to jolt them back into the present moment, shifting them out of their frightening memories and allowing them to function again.\n\nMeanwhile, other patients—such as those with severe chronic pain—report that dabbing is the best way to quickly and effectively relieve their painful symptoms. \n\nOther patients say they dab because they want a cleaner medicinal experience than smoking their cannabis. Because concentrates have less plant matter and more cannabinoids, patients can get the dose they need without as much smoke or vapor reaching their throat and lungs. If you need a higher level of potency, and you have to choose between smoking a joint and taking a single dab, keep in mind the joint requires inhaling a lot more smoke. Dabbing is an option that’s quicker and more efficient in terms of getting a higher dose without having to inhale as much of the non-medicinal elements of the plant. \n\n### How to Dab Marijuana Concentrates\n\nIf you’re interested in dabbing, there are a few [rules of thumb you can follow to ensure that you’re dabbing safely](https://hellomd.com/articles/how-to-dab-safely):\n\n* First, avoid cheap, low-quality dabbing nails. Low-quality titanium (below grade 2) or stainless steel nails can give off toxic chemicals when heated. Patients should stick to grade 2 titanium or quartz when purchasing a nail.\n* Second, look for high-quality concentrates that have been processed without chemical solvents.\n* Third, start by using a _very_ small amount with your dabs—until you get to know how they affect you. \n\nIf you think dabbing may be a good option for you, *check out our how-to video on dabbing with an e-nail*: \n\n`embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDYiH61QvzQ`\n\nIn our next installment of the Cannabis for Newbies series, we take a look at how and why folks consume edibles to address their medical needs.  \n  \nNeed a medical marijuana recommendation? [Consult with one of HelloMD’s knowledgeable doctors](https://hellomd.com/); it's easy, private and 100% online.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/581fee9c5d3f019590ea0f32e04b0b9c/14b42/05f68c3c5a18d167fad865370f7d5fea.jpg","srcSet":"/static/581fee9c5d3f019590ea0f32e04b0b9c/f836f/05f68c3c5a18d167fad865370f7d5fea.jpg 200w,\n/static/581fee9c5d3f019590ea0f32e04b0b9c/2244e/05f68c3c5a18d167fad865370f7d5fea.jpg 400w,\n/static/581fee9c5d3f019590ea0f32e04b0b9c/14b42/05f68c3c5a18d167fad865370f7d5fea.jpg 800w,\n/static/581fee9c5d3f019590ea0f32e04b0b9c/47498/05f68c3c5a18d167fad865370f7d5fea.jpg 1200w,\n/static/581fee9c5d3f019590ea0f32e04b0b9c/0e329/05f68c3c5a18d167fad865370f7d5fea.jpg 1600w,\n/static/581fee9c5d3f019590ea0f32e04b0b9c/123d9/05f68c3c5a18d167fad865370f7d5fea.jpg 2719w","srcWebp":"/static/581fee9c5d3f019590ea0f32e04b0b9c/58556/05f68c3c5a18d167fad865370f7d5fea.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/581fee9c5d3f019590ea0f32e04b0b9c/61e93/05f68c3c5a18d167fad865370f7d5fea.webp 200w,\n/static/581fee9c5d3f019590ea0f32e04b0b9c/1f5c5/05f68c3c5a18d167fad865370f7d5fea.webp 400w,\n/static/581fee9c5d3f019590ea0f32e04b0b9c/58556/05f68c3c5a18d167fad865370f7d5fea.webp 800w,\n/static/581fee9c5d3f019590ea0f32e04b0b9c/99238/05f68c3c5a18d167fad865370f7d5fea.webp 1200w,\n/static/581fee9c5d3f019590ea0f32e04b0b9c/7c22d/05f68c3c5a18d167fad865370f7d5fea.webp 1600w,\n/static/581fee9c5d3f019590ea0f32e04b0b9c/094f8/05f68c3c5a18d167fad865370f7d5fea.webp 2719w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2503-markdown","title":"Understanding Cannabis Concentrates & How to Use Them","slug":"understanding-cannabis-concentrates-and-how-to-use-them","content":"In the last few installments of our series for folks new to cannabis, we went over the many ways you can consume cannabis—from vaping and [smoking joints to using bongs or pipes. Marijuana flowers are highly varied and versatile. You can choose from a wide medley of strains and use the flower in so many different ways.\n\nAnd yet cannabis concentrates may boast even more variety, since many kinds of concentrates can be made from any given flower. In this article, we’ll go over how concentrates are made, how to use them and why some patients prefer concentrates when treating their conditions or symptoms. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Types of Cannabis Concentrates\n\nCannabis flowers are rich with cannabinoids and terpenes, which give the plant its medicinal effects. When these flowers are processed to extract their essential oils, their active ingredients become much more concentrated. The result—you guessed it—is a cannabis concentrate. There are so many different types of concentrates available. Walking into a dispensary, you’ll likely see a collection of concentrates that includes many colors, textures, consistencies and presentations. You may also see a number of names used to describe these concentrates, such as: \n\n* extract\n* oil\n* wax\n* dabs\n* shatter\n* rosin\n* hash\n* kief\n* honey\n\nThis variety is partly due to differences in the flowers used for each product, but is primarily based on how the concentrates were made. \n\n\n\n### Cannabis Extractions Using Chemical Solvents\n\nConcentrates are made in a variety of ways. In recent years, chemical extractions have grown in popularity, so much so that these days most concentrates are made using some kind of chemical solvent. BHO, or butane hash oil, is one of the most popular concentrated cannabis extracts; it’s made by using butane, but you can also find products made with chemicals like:\n\n* propane\n* isopropyl alcohol\n* ethanol\n* hydrocarbons\n* carbon dioxide\n\nThese chemical solvents produce concentrates in a variety of colors—from clear to amber—and textures—from liquidy or sticky like taffy to hard and brittle or dry and crumbly. \nUnfortunately, many of these solvents have known health risks. While there are processes to remove the chemical solvents from the resulting extract, not all manufacturers have the skill or equipment to fully purge these chemicals. In states where testing regulations are lax or nonexistent, cannabis extracts may still contain harmful residual solvents. \n\n### Non-Chemical Cannabis Extraction Methods\n\nTo avoid the risks posed by the presence of chemical solvents, many patients choose to use extracts that haven’t been processed with chemicals. The most historical methods, involving the production of kief and hash, use natural resources like water and movement to extract cannabinoids from the plant.\nKief has a light powdery consistency and is made by filtering cannabis pollen through a screen. Meanwhile, hash uses water to remove the potent components found in the plant and usually comes out as a darker concentrate with a consistency that can be sticky like taffy or dry with a dirt-like appearance. \n\nRosin, a third method that doesn’t involve the use of chemicals, is a more recent innovation that involves using pressure and heat to squeeze the essential oils from the cannabis plant. Rosin, like extracts processed chemically, can come in many colors and textures—from hard and brittle to a liquidy oil. \n\n### Ways You Can Use Cannabis Concentrates\n\nYou can use concentrates in almost every way that you can consume the cannabis flower. They can be smoked, vaped or turned into infused products like edibles and topicals. Patients often use different tools to smoke or vape concentrates than they would when smoking or vaping flower. \n\nThe easiest way to enjoy a concentrate these days is with a prefilled cartridge. These ready-to-go cartridges fit onto most e-pens or vaping batteries, and are already filled with concentrates. All you have to do is push a button and inhale the vaporized medicine.\n\n[You can find our demo on using e-pens here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3vM64Ga7sc).\n\nOther electronic vaping devices are designed so that you can refill them with any concentrate you have on hand. If you want to smoke your concentrate, you may find the easiest way to do so is by adding it in with flower. You can also roll extracts into a joint or add concentrate to the bowl of a pipe or bong to boost the cannabis’s potency. \n\nMore advanced patients who want a higher dosage of cannabis may find dab rigs a good way to either vape or smoke your concentrate (depending on the temperature you’ve set the dab rig at).\n\n### Why Patients Go With Concentrates vs. Other Forms of Marijuana\n\nPatients choose concentrates for a number of reasons. Some folks favor e-pens for their ease of use and convenience. Using a pre-filled vape cartridge is one of the simplest ways to medicate. It makes medicating a quick and discreet process, fitting neatly in a pocket or purse. \n\nPatients needing a large and quick-acting dose of cannabis—to get relief from their symptoms or conditions—may lean towards using dab rigs. Concentrates allow patients to take in more cannabinoids, with less of the plant material that comes along with flower. This translates into getting a more potent dose of medicine without having to inhale as much smoke or vapor. \n\nOther patients simply prefer the effects they get with certain types of concentrates. For example, hash can often have more sedative effects than flower, so some might use it before bed to get sleepy. I put hash or an indica rosin on my joints every night before bed. Meanwhile, kief and shatter tend to have more energizing and cerebral properties, so those who prefer that effect gravitate towards those options. \n\nIn our next installment of the Cannabis for Newbies series, we’ll continue our exploration of extracts by explaining the ins and outs of dabbing.\n\nPhoto credit: [Fortune420](https://www.flickr.com/photos/fortune420/)\n\nNeed a medical marijuana recommendation? [Consult with one of HelloMD’s knowledgeable doctors](https://www.hellomd.com/); it's 100% online, private and easy.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/8e8107849aca036891a1e971425ac6cb/14b42/44967af63e2af0f7bb0854d21886c1a6.jpg","srcSet":"/static/8e8107849aca036891a1e971425ac6cb/f836f/44967af63e2af0f7bb0854d21886c1a6.jpg 200w,\n/static/8e8107849aca036891a1e971425ac6cb/2244e/44967af63e2af0f7bb0854d21886c1a6.jpg 400w,\n/static/8e8107849aca036891a1e971425ac6cb/14b42/44967af63e2af0f7bb0854d21886c1a6.jpg 800w,\n/static/8e8107849aca036891a1e971425ac6cb/47498/44967af63e2af0f7bb0854d21886c1a6.jpg 1200w,\n/static/8e8107849aca036891a1e971425ac6cb/0e329/44967af63e2af0f7bb0854d21886c1a6.jpg 1600w,\n/static/8e8107849aca036891a1e971425ac6cb/98e94/44967af63e2af0f7bb0854d21886c1a6.jpg 1665w","srcWebp":"/static/8e8107849aca036891a1e971425ac6cb/58556/44967af63e2af0f7bb0854d21886c1a6.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/8e8107849aca036891a1e971425ac6cb/61e93/44967af63e2af0f7bb0854d21886c1a6.webp 200w,\n/static/8e8107849aca036891a1e971425ac6cb/1f5c5/44967af63e2af0f7bb0854d21886c1a6.webp 400w,\n/static/8e8107849aca036891a1e971425ac6cb/58556/44967af63e2af0f7bb0854d21886c1a6.webp 800w,\n/static/8e8107849aca036891a1e971425ac6cb/99238/44967af63e2af0f7bb0854d21886c1a6.webp 1200w,\n/static/8e8107849aca036891a1e971425ac6cb/7c22d/44967af63e2af0f7bb0854d21886c1a6.webp 1600w,\n/static/8e8107849aca036891a1e971425ac6cb/48883/44967af63e2af0f7bb0854d21886c1a6.webp 1665w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2475-markdown","title":"Using Pipes & Bongs to Smoke Medical Marijuana","slug":"using-pipes-and-bongs-to-smoke-medical-marijuana","content":"At this point, we’ve covered the [reasons why patients smoke joints](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a2acaa2100a820006562ebc/why-some-patients-prefer-smoking-joints), along with why some folks avoid smoking entirely. In this article, part of a series for folks new to cannabis, we’ll focus on the other methods used to smoke cannabis, specifically pipes and bongs. While these methods also involve the inhalation of cannabis smoke, they can differ quite a bit in terms of their effects and how patients respond when using them.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### How to Smoke Cannabis With a Pipe\n\nSmoking from a pipe is one of the most common ways to consume cannabis, and it’s a method that’s used by many. For those who aren’t familiar with this method of consumption, pipes are a smoking device usually made from glass, wood or metal. Most pipes consist of a bowl, where ground marijuana is burned, that’s connected to a neck through which patients inhale the cannabis. Many pipes also have a small hole called a carb that sits on the side of the bowl and helps control airflow through the pipe. To use the carb properly, hold your thumb over the carb while inhaling and then let it go when your inhalation is over.\n\n### Reasons Patients Use Pipes to Smoke Marijuana\n\nFor some cannabis users, pipes are the preferred way to take their medicine. But why choose a pipe over other methods? For some, it comes down to time and convenience—rather than having to go through the sometimes lengthy process of rolling a joint, all you have to do with a pipe is:\n\n* take a pinch of flower.\n* grind it either by breaking it up with your hands or using a grinder.\n* pack it in your pipe—not too densely at the bottom to allow easy inhalation\n* light up the flower and smoke it.\n\nFor patients who need to get in a quick dose here or there, a pipe can be a much easier solution.  \n\nAnother common reason for using a pipe is having heightened control over the amount being smoked and the size of the inhalation. Some find a single joint makes for an overly hefty dose to have in one sitting—and they don’t like smoking their joint a little bit at a time. With pipes, you can take as small or large a dose as you need, and can even choose your pipe based on your preferences.\n\nIf you like to take very small doses, look for a little pipe with a small bowl and thin neck. This will reduce the amount of smoke you inhale at any given time. On the other hand, those who prefer larger doses can find larger pipes with big bowls and wide necks. These will allow for much larger inhalations. \n\nA final consideration is around preferences for the type of effect that pipes offer. As with other methods, even slight differences in how cannabis is consumed can alter the way it affects the user. The only way to know how this method will affect you is to try smoking cannabis with a pipe. \n\nRELATED: [MARIJUANA & YOUR LUNGS: SHOULD YOU BE WORRIED?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56cba036cecb1b0008000088/marijuana-and-your-lungs-should-you-be-worried)\n\n### How to Smoke Cannabis With a Bong\n\nBongs are another popular device used to smoke cannabis, and while they share some similarities with pipes, they also have some big differences. For instance, a bong is often larger than a pipe (although there are tiny bongs and large pipes that might not fit this general rule); it’s usually placed on a table during use, rather than held in your hand.\n\nA bong, which is often shaped like a vase—larger at the bottom with a long neck to inhale through, gets filled with water. That water acts to cool and filter the smoke. The bowl where the cannabis is burned sticks out of the bong’s base. Patients using bongs can light the medicine in the bowl while inhaling through the top of the bong. This action pulls smoke into the bong, where it collects until the patient is ready to inhale the full dose. When they’re ready to inhale, all they have to do is pull the bowl out of the bong and inhale through the neck. This clears the rest of the smoke at once, giving the patient a large dose of cannabis. \n\n### Reasons Patients Use Bongs to Smoke Marijuana\n\nBongs make it possible to consume large doses of cannabis in one go. While many patients don’t need such large doses to treat their symptoms or conditions, some folks can only find relief in this way. I’ve worked with PTSD patients, for example, who report that bongs are the only way they’re able to manage overwhelming thoughts about their traumatic experiences. Without cannabis, they might sit for hours staring into space, trapped in a traumatic memory. But if they take a large dose of cannabis through a bong, they say they’re able to snap themselves out of the flashback and carry on with their day.\n\nPatients with chronic pain also tend to need larger doses of cannabis, sometimes due to the severity of their symptoms and other times due to the slow increase in tolerance that can come from using cannabis over time. For many, a bong can be the simplest and most efficient way to take a large dose quickly. \n\nAnother reason patients use bongs is because they allow you to cool and filter the smoke with the water that’s added to the device. Hot smoke is no friend to the lungs, so cooling it down can be helpful in reducing the irritation that might arise.\n\nPatients looking to use the water in bongs as a filter for harmful elements should know that the research isn’t all favorable. While water can filter certain noxious elements from the smoke, it can also reduce the THC content being ingested. Some studies have shown that [water can produce 30% more carcinogenic tar per cannabinoids than an unfiltered joint](http://www.canorml.org/healthfacts/smokestudy.html).\n\nSo, if you’re looking for an extremely potent level of cannabinoids or a lower concentration of tar, you may be better off hitting your bong without the water. On the other hand, if you want to reduce the irritation caused by the heat, by all means add water.\n\nIf you think a bong may be a good option for you, but haven’t used one before, **check out our how-to video**:\n\n`embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fcp-4b7qE2Q`\n\nIn the next installment of the Cannabis for Newbies guide, we’ll talk about cannabis concentrates and the many ways to use them. Need a medical marijuana recommendation? [Consult with one of HelloMD’s knowledgeable doctors](https://www.hellomd.com/); it's 100% online, private and easy.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/69746a2bbfab7afcb0c9b0a1cb664e83/14b42/9e5282a229869b6087435ddcff895a53.jpg","srcSet":"/static/69746a2bbfab7afcb0c9b0a1cb664e83/f836f/9e5282a229869b6087435ddcff895a53.jpg 200w,\n/static/69746a2bbfab7afcb0c9b0a1cb664e83/2244e/9e5282a229869b6087435ddcff895a53.jpg 400w,\n/static/69746a2bbfab7afcb0c9b0a1cb664e83/14b42/9e5282a229869b6087435ddcff895a53.jpg 800w,\n/static/69746a2bbfab7afcb0c9b0a1cb664e83/47498/9e5282a229869b6087435ddcff895a53.jpg 1200w,\n/static/69746a2bbfab7afcb0c9b0a1cb664e83/f3b94/9e5282a229869b6087435ddcff895a53.jpg 1471w","srcWebp":"/static/69746a2bbfab7afcb0c9b0a1cb664e83/58556/9e5282a229869b6087435ddcff895a53.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/69746a2bbfab7afcb0c9b0a1cb664e83/61e93/9e5282a229869b6087435ddcff895a53.webp 200w,\n/static/69746a2bbfab7afcb0c9b0a1cb664e83/1f5c5/9e5282a229869b6087435ddcff895a53.webp 400w,\n/static/69746a2bbfab7afcb0c9b0a1cb664e83/58556/9e5282a229869b6087435ddcff895a53.webp 800w,\n/static/69746a2bbfab7afcb0c9b0a1cb664e83/99238/9e5282a229869b6087435ddcff895a53.webp 1200w,\n/static/69746a2bbfab7afcb0c9b0a1cb664e83/d3a04/9e5282a229869b6087435ddcff895a53.webp 1471w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2451-markdown","title":"Why Some Patients Prefer Smoking Joints","slug":"why-some-patients-prefer-smoking-joints","content":"Smoking a joint is one of the most classic ways to consume cannabis, but it’s sometimes met with controversy when it comes to using cannabis medicinally. After all, inhaling hot, ashy cannabis smoke can cause irritation, coughing and inflammation of the tissues in your throat and lungs. Meanwhile, methods like vaping or using edibles tend to have fewer negative side effects. Still, some patients prefer joints to all other methods of consumption. In this article, part of a series for folks new to cannabis, we’ll look at why patients use joints and how to know if they’re the right option for you. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### What’s in a Marijuana Joint? \n\nA joint is essentially a marijuana cigarette. It’s made by grinding up cannabis flower and then rolling the ground flower up in a piece of paper. The joint is then lit on one end, with the patient inhaling the cannabis smoke through the other end. Some joints are made with a crutch, which is a small piece of thick paper that’s folded and curled into a circle, and then rolled into the joint to hold open the end from which it would be inhaled. This keeps the passage of air flowing through the joint more effectively.\n\nIn lieu of a crutch, you can use filters like those intended for cigarettes, which both hold the tip of the joint open and filter out some of the particulates in the smoke. Joints are often similar in size to a tobacco cigarette, but of course can vary dramatically depending on the preferences of the person rolling them. \n\n### Why Do Patients Smoke Joints?\n\nJoints are popular for a bunch of reasons. For one, they can offer quick relief because they begin to take effect within minutes of inhalation. They’re also one of the simplest and cheapest ways to use cannabis because they don’t require any expensive equipment or glassware like most methods of smoking or vaping.\n\nStill, the most common reason I hear patients give for smoking joints is that it simply affects them differently than other methods do. In some cases, this can make all the difference with the cannabis effectively treating a condition.\n\nI use cannabis for chronic nausea, for example, and while I’ve tried other methods of using cannabis—smoking from a pipe, vaping and using edibles, nothing seems to help with my nausea other than smoking joints. I’ve worked with others patients who report the same thing when it comes to nausea; they also tell me that they’re only able to ease their chronic pain, anxiety and depression by smoking joints.\n\nThis doesn’t mean that other methods of cannabis consumption may not work well in treating these types of symptoms and conditions. But if you’ve tried these other methods and found them lacking, you may want to consider smoking a joint.   \n\n### Why Do Some Folks Avoid Smoking Joints? \n\nWhile joints can be an easy and effective way to medicate, they do have their downsides. Joints produce smoke that can irritate the lungs, induce allergies and cause the symptoms of bronchitis, like chronic coughing and phlegm. If you have sensitive or compromised lungs, joints are probably not a good option for you. Even if you have a healthy respiratory system, if you’re able to use other methods effectively, you’re probably better off skipping joints, thereby avoiding its accompanying side effects.\n\nSome folks worry that inhaling cannabis smoke could lead to increased risk of lung cancer, since cannabis smoke—like the smoke from tobacco—contains carcinogens. However, research suggests that [cannabis smoke doesn’t actually lead to higher incidents of lung cancer](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/large-study-finds-no-link/). Other research suggests that cannabis smoke may actually decrease the likelihood of lung cancer developing.\n\nThat said, individuals who smoke more than a joint a day for over 20 years have a higher chance of developing certain lung problems, like difficulty with exhalation and inflammation of the lungs. While these side effects are relatively mild when compared to the effects of tobacco smoke, if you have effective, smoke-free options, they’re less likely to pose risks to your system in the long term. \n\n### How to Roll a Joint\n\nIf you find joints are the only effective way to medicate, you may want to learn how to roll a joint. A poorly rolled joint often doesn’t burn correctly—you may find the smoke won’t pull through, or that the joint burns unevenly. There are many styles of joint rolling, and if you want to learn to roll a joint by hand, one option is to find an experienced friend or budtender who will walk you through the process in person.\n\nIf you want to get started on your own, an easy method of joint rolling is to use a cigarette roller. This takes much less practice and coordination than hand-rolling and will deliver a perfectly formed, easy-to-smoke joint every time.\n\n**Check out our how-to video**:\n\n`embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srsJ5-RdkuU`\n\nIn the next installment of the Cannabis for Newbies guide, we’ll go over other popular methods used to smoke cannabis, specifically pipes and bongs.\n\nPhoto credit: [Uriah West](https://www.flickr.com/photos/uriahwest/)\n\nNeed a medical marijuana recommendation? [Consult with one of HelloMD’s knowledgeable doctors](https://www.hellomd.com/); it's easy, private and 100% online.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/952b12196584d483fb9a32384252e292/14b42/361d51863f81af76ae2ce34b2fcfd8d0.jpg","srcSet":"/static/952b12196584d483fb9a32384252e292/f836f/361d51863f81af76ae2ce34b2fcfd8d0.jpg 200w,\n/static/952b12196584d483fb9a32384252e292/2244e/361d51863f81af76ae2ce34b2fcfd8d0.jpg 400w,\n/static/952b12196584d483fb9a32384252e292/14b42/361d51863f81af76ae2ce34b2fcfd8d0.jpg 800w,\n/static/952b12196584d483fb9a32384252e292/6bc0a/361d51863f81af76ae2ce34b2fcfd8d0.jpg 931w","srcWebp":"/static/952b12196584d483fb9a32384252e292/58556/361d51863f81af76ae2ce34b2fcfd8d0.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/952b12196584d483fb9a32384252e292/61e93/361d51863f81af76ae2ce34b2fcfd8d0.webp 200w,\n/static/952b12196584d483fb9a32384252e292/1f5c5/361d51863f81af76ae2ce34b2fcfd8d0.webp 400w,\n/static/952b12196584d483fb9a32384252e292/58556/361d51863f81af76ae2ce34b2fcfd8d0.webp 800w,\n/static/952b12196584d483fb9a32384252e292/23a11/361d51863f81af76ae2ce34b2fcfd8d0.webp 931w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2480-markdown","title":"The Ins & Outs of Vaping Medical Marijuana","slug":"the-ins-and-outs-of-vaping-medical-marijuana","content":"One of the most important steps on your journey towards healing is figuring out which methods of taking cannabis work best for you. In this article, part of a series for folks new to cannabis, we’ll go over the ins and outs of vaping medical marijuana. While vaping is relatively new to the cannabis community, it has quickly become one of the leading methods of consuming medical marijuana and seems to be growing in popularity by leaps and bounds.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Vaping Marijuana Flower vs. Concentrate \n\nVaping is a method of cannabis consumption in which the patient uses low heat to turn the active compounds in marijuana into an inhalable vapor. No combustion or burning takes place—as it does with smoking—at these lower temperatures. This light cannabis vapor is quite different from cannabis smoke both in taste and effect, and for some it’s the ideal way to medicate. \n\nThat said, not all vaping is the same. There are a variety of ways patients can vape, and these choices can make a big difference when it comes to the resulting medicinal experience. For one, you can vape either cannabis flower or cannabis concentrates. While there are some vaporizers that allow patients to vape either of these interchangeably, most vaporizers specialize in one or the other. If you have a preference, make sure you’re purchasing the right type of vaporizing device to consume your cannabis. \n\nVaporizers designed for flower are usually either portable handheld devices—which usually involve a slot to put your flower in, a button and something to inhale through—or large table-top vapes—which often involve a base that heats the flower and an airtight bag that fills with vapor. Once filled with vapor, the bags are then taken off the base and patients inhale the contents. \n\nWhile some of these flower vaporizers come with attachments that allow users to vape concentrates as well, there are many vaporizers designed particularly for concentrates. E-pens for example are small personal vaporizers about the size of a pen. These primarily consist of a battery, which works with a variety of attachments.\nYou can find pre-filled vape cartridges or get a refillable heating component to use with any concentrate you choose. You can also find fancier options that go beyond the average e-pen with larger batteries that hold more power or ones that let you adjust the temperature to your exact preferences. \n\nDabbing is another way that people vaporize concentrates, but not all dabbing is actually vaping. (We’ll cover dabbing in more depth later on in the series.) Dabbing—which involves additional equipment and some finesse—isn’t ideal for folks who are new to vaping medical marijuana. We recommend sticking with simpler options such as an e-pen, other handheld device or a table-top vaporizer if you’re just starting out.\n\nRELATED: [VAPORIZING OR VAPING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5b0e2bf5bf4c4d000a0e73e9/what-you-need-to-know-about-vaping-cannabis)\n\n### Why Should You Vape Medical Marijuana?\n\nVaping is a great option for folks who want a convenient and fast-acting method of administration. For those who need the effects of their medicine to kick in quickly, inhaled methods are hard to beat. And it’s easy and convenient to carry a small vaporizing device when you’re on the go.\n\nWhen it comes to inhaling cannabis, [many people prefer vaping over smoking because it involves fewer side effects and risks to the respiratory system](http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/add.13075/full). While hot, ashy smoke can irritate the lungs, cause allergies and lead to symptoms of chronic bronchitis—specifically chronic coughing and phlegm, [vaping is much easier on the respiratory system](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4456813/). Although the risks to your cardiovascular system are relatively small when smoking cannabis, vaporizing might suit you more if you’re sensitive to smoke. \n\nSome folks also prefer vaping because they love its light taste and reduced odor. You can taste all of the complex flavors of the flower when vaping, while the aroma is usually sweeter when compared to smoking. As well, the scent produced when vaping is often lighter and tends to diffuse more quickly, making it a more discreet option. \n\nYou may also find that you prefer the effects from vaping. Because heat alters many of the compounds in cannabis, the effects of vapor can be quite different from that of smoke. [With lower heat, cannabis vapor often produces more cerebral effects](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5883f872854cdb00081e665f/5-tips-on-how-to-use-your-dry-flower-vaporizer-properly), affecting the mind more than the body. It can also create more energetic effects. If you’re looking for a more energetic and cerebral effect, then vaping may be right up your alley. \n\nRELATED: [THE BENEFITS OF VAPING MEDICAL MARIJUANA](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/59938f68b07666002d1dc2ea/the-benefits-of-vaping-medical-marijuana)\n\n### How Do You Vape Cannabis? \n\nThe basics of vaping are simple. You put your flower or concentrate into a vaporizing device, heat it to the desired temperature and then inhale the vapor. Of course, the specific details will vary based on the vaporizer you use. To get started, [find a vaporizer that suits your needs](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/57fbcaf1644283000784a652/beginners-guide-finding-the-right-marijuana-vaporizer) and make sure to carefully read all of the instructions. \n\nIf you’re interested in vaping cannabis concentrate, we’ve created a **how-to video on using e-pens and pre-filled cartridges**:\n\n`embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3vM64Ga7sc`\n\nIn the next installment of the Cannabis for Newbies guide, we’ll get into another popular method of cannabis administration: smoking joints. And we’ll talk about why smoking may work for certain medical marijuana patients.\n\nPhoto credit: [Lindsay Fox](https://ecigarettereviewed.com/)\n\nNeed a medical marijuana recommendation? [Consult with one of HelloMD’s knowledgeable doctors](https://www.hellomd.com/); it's easy, private and 100% online.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/0e667e8309b28f6cfffe1cb1a50b10a8/14b42/501a45313e2a1b6276b8a7440d3a4900.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0e667e8309b28f6cfffe1cb1a50b10a8/f836f/501a45313e2a1b6276b8a7440d3a4900.jpg 200w,\n/static/0e667e8309b28f6cfffe1cb1a50b10a8/2244e/501a45313e2a1b6276b8a7440d3a4900.jpg 400w,\n/static/0e667e8309b28f6cfffe1cb1a50b10a8/14b42/501a45313e2a1b6276b8a7440d3a4900.jpg 800w,\n/static/0e667e8309b28f6cfffe1cb1a50b10a8/47498/501a45313e2a1b6276b8a7440d3a4900.jpg 1200w,\n/static/0e667e8309b28f6cfffe1cb1a50b10a8/0e329/501a45313e2a1b6276b8a7440d3a4900.jpg 1600w,\n/static/0e667e8309b28f6cfffe1cb1a50b10a8/0fb1f/501a45313e2a1b6276b8a7440d3a4900.jpg 1862w","srcWebp":"/static/0e667e8309b28f6cfffe1cb1a50b10a8/58556/501a45313e2a1b6276b8a7440d3a4900.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0e667e8309b28f6cfffe1cb1a50b10a8/61e93/501a45313e2a1b6276b8a7440d3a4900.webp 200w,\n/static/0e667e8309b28f6cfffe1cb1a50b10a8/1f5c5/501a45313e2a1b6276b8a7440d3a4900.webp 400w,\n/static/0e667e8309b28f6cfffe1cb1a50b10a8/58556/501a45313e2a1b6276b8a7440d3a4900.webp 800w,\n/static/0e667e8309b28f6cfffe1cb1a50b10a8/99238/501a45313e2a1b6276b8a7440d3a4900.webp 1200w,\n/static/0e667e8309b28f6cfffe1cb1a50b10a8/7c22d/501a45313e2a1b6276b8a7440d3a4900.webp 1600w,\n/static/0e667e8309b28f6cfffe1cb1a50b10a8/dc633/501a45313e2a1b6276b8a7440d3a4900.webp 1862w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2477-markdown","title":"Understanding Medical Marijuana’s Many Shapes & Forms","slug":"understanding-medical-marijuanas-many-shapes-and-forms","content":"Once you have a recommendation for medical marijuana and are exploring your local dispensaries for products to try, you’ll start to notice the many different ways this medicinal plant can be used. Dispensaries typically stock a wide array of cannabis products that come in a variety of forms—from flower and concentrates to edibles and topicals. Cannabis is often associated with smoking, and though that’s one way patients can use it, marijuana can also be vaped, eaten, rubbed on your skin and even taken under the tongue. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nEach method for taking cannabis can result in different effects for the patients using them. For this reason, it’s important to get an idea of what the differences mean in order to figure out which form is best for you. In this article, part of a series for folks new to cannabis, we’ll go over some of the basic forms of cannabis typically found in your local dispensary. \n\n### Marijuana Flower\n\nIn a number of places where marijuana’s legal, you’ll find it in the form of dried flower. An extremely versatile form, dried marijuana flowers can be:\n\n>* smoked\n>* vaporized\n>* made into edibles\n>* used for capsules or tinctures \n>* infused into topicals\n\nMost patients smoke or vaporize the cannabis flower they buy, because these are the most direct ways to consume it—and products like edibles and topicals can be purchased already made. If you don’t know what you’re doing, it can be tricky to turn flower into other cannabis products like edibles or topicals. Still, for more adventurous patients, cannabis flower can be turned into almost any of the products you can find in the dispensary. From cannabis concentrates to edibles and topical rubs, it all starts with the cannabis flower. With the right recipe, the possibilities are endless. \n\n### Cannabis Concentrates\n\nLike cannabis flower, cannabis concentrates are extremely versatile and varied. \nThese extracts are essentially concentrated versions of the marijuana flower they were made from. Manufacturers use a variety of different methods to extract the most medicinal compounds from the flower; the result is a more potent version of the medicine. Concentrates can come in a variety of colors, from opaque black to clear and colorless with a large spectrum of colors in between. Meanwhile, contentrate textures can run the gamut from wet and runny or dry and crumbly to sticky and flexible like taffy or hard and brittle like sugar candy.\n\nAs with cannabis flower, marijuana extracts can be:\n \n>* smoked\n>* vaporized\n>* made into edibles\n>* used for capsules or tinctures \n>* infused into topicals\n\nOne thing to be aware of is that some methods of processing these extracts involve the use of chemical solvents. Some of the chemicals commonly used, such as butane, have known health risks to humans. While these chemicals can be removed when the processing is done right, some extract makers do leave traces of these chemicals behind.\n\nIt’s important to know how your concentrate was made and whether any trace chemicals remain. Always look for concentrates that have been tested for residual chemical solvents to ensure you’re getting the safest medicine possible. You can also look for concentrates that weren’t processed with chemicals. Water hash and rosin are two great options that don’t use chemical solvents in their process. \n\n### Cannabis Edibles\n\nCannabis is also available in a large variety of edible products. In many dispensaries, you can find infused treats like cookies, brownies, candies and ice cream, savory options like BBQ sauce or frozen pizza, or cooking basics like infused butters or oils that you can incorporate into your own recipes. Cannabis sodas, juices, coffee and infused waters are also hitting the market in a number of areas.\n\nYou can also find edible cannabis products that are more utilitarian in nature. Some patients don’t like to have their medicine tied to a particular food and prefer edible options like tinctures and capsules that can be taken with or without food. \n\nWhatever products you choose, make sure you pay careful attention to dosing. It’s easy to accidentally take too much when you’re consuming edibles. If you’re new to edibles, start with a very small dose and wait for two hours before assessing whether your dose was enough to produce the desired effect. Edibles can take a long time to start working, so take your time with finding your ideal dose. \n\n### Marijuana Topicals \n\nYou can also use cannabis in topical forms. Marijuana-infused oils, creams, masks and balms can be very effective at relieving pain and inflammation when applied directly to the skin. Most patients find that topicals have no psychoactive effects and only affect them locally, where the infused product was applied.\n\nTopicals are a great option for folks who tend to feel overwhelmed by the mental effects of cannabis, but still want relief from aches and pains. They typically provide fast-acting relief when applied to wherever you’re experiencing pain. \n\n ### Finding the Best Method for You\n\nWhat we’ve covered here is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the many ways you can use cannabis. In the next several installments of the Cannabis for Newbies series, we’ll go over the different ways you can use cannabis and the reasons why you might favor one method over another. \n\nPhoto credit: [Brian Shamblen](https://www.flickr.com/photos/23972840@N04/)\n\nNeed a medical marijuana recommendation? [Consult with one of HelloMD’s knowledgeable doctors](https://www.hellomd.com/); it's easy, private and 100% online.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/9516f375ca3c902c1b86345859c4dd15/14b42/eec5f2b3edf9629c7603674471efcfb0.jpg","srcSet":"/static/9516f375ca3c902c1b86345859c4dd15/f836f/eec5f2b3edf9629c7603674471efcfb0.jpg 200w,\n/static/9516f375ca3c902c1b86345859c4dd15/2244e/eec5f2b3edf9629c7603674471efcfb0.jpg 400w,\n/static/9516f375ca3c902c1b86345859c4dd15/14b42/eec5f2b3edf9629c7603674471efcfb0.jpg 800w,\n/static/9516f375ca3c902c1b86345859c4dd15/47498/eec5f2b3edf9629c7603674471efcfb0.jpg 1200w,\n/static/9516f375ca3c902c1b86345859c4dd15/0e329/eec5f2b3edf9629c7603674471efcfb0.jpg 1600w,\n/static/9516f375ca3c902c1b86345859c4dd15/c59b8/eec5f2b3edf9629c7603674471efcfb0.jpg 1850w","srcWebp":"/static/9516f375ca3c902c1b86345859c4dd15/58556/eec5f2b3edf9629c7603674471efcfb0.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/9516f375ca3c902c1b86345859c4dd15/61e93/eec5f2b3edf9629c7603674471efcfb0.webp 200w,\n/static/9516f375ca3c902c1b86345859c4dd15/1f5c5/eec5f2b3edf9629c7603674471efcfb0.webp 400w,\n/static/9516f375ca3c902c1b86345859c4dd15/58556/eec5f2b3edf9629c7603674471efcfb0.webp 800w,\n/static/9516f375ca3c902c1b86345859c4dd15/99238/eec5f2b3edf9629c7603674471efcfb0.webp 1200w,\n/static/9516f375ca3c902c1b86345859c4dd15/7c22d/eec5f2b3edf9629c7603674471efcfb0.webp 1600w,\n/static/9516f375ca3c902c1b86345859c4dd15/6b634/eec5f2b3edf9629c7603674471efcfb0.webp 1850w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2444-markdown","title":"How to Find Your Ideal Marijuana Dosage","slug":"how-to-find-your-ideal-marijuana-dosage","content":"If you’re new to using cannabis, you may be wondering how to find your ideal dose. Dosing with cannabis can be tricky. Many variables—from genetics to gender—can affect appropriate dosing. As well, each person possesses a unique biochemistry that determines how much cannabis they need to treat a particular condition or set of symptoms.\n\nWhile there’s no one-size-fits-all dose when it comes to consuming cannabis, you can follow some basic guidelines to hone in on what’s right for you. In this article, part of a series for folks new to cannabis, we provide tips and advice on how to avoid the overwhelming “high.” \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Titrate Your Cannabis Dosing \n\nThe effects of cannabis can swing from one extreme to another based on the person in question. I worked with one patient who was so sensitive that even topicals made her feel uncomfortably high. On the other hand, I’ve had patients who started with relatively large doses and didn’t feel a thing. That said, it’s hard to say what dose is good for patients who are just starting out with cannabis. \n\nTo find the best dose for you, the safest method is to start with a very small amount and then slowly increase your dosage until you find a level that helps relieve your symptoms. This process, called titration, will help you steer clear of the discomforts that come with getting “too high.” \n\nWhile titrating, it’s important to start with a very small dose:\n\n>* If you’re smoking or vaporizing, this might mean taking only one puff to start.\n>* If you’re using edibles or tinctures, this means taking a tiny fraction of the product. Be sure you know the cannabinoid content of your edible or tincture.\n\nThough 10 mg is a common recommended dose for new patients, I suggest starting even smaller with 1 to 2.5 mg on your first time out. \n\nOnce you’ve had your first dose, wait to see its effects. You should wait at least an hour with smoked or vaporized cannabis, and two hours with edibles before you take an additional dose. It can take a while for cannabis to reach its peak levels, and it’s common for patients to accidentally dose again before they’ve felt the effects of the first dose. Be patient, or you may take a dose that makes you feel uncomfortably high.\n\nOnce you start feeling the effects of your first dose, notice how you feel:\n\n>* Does it help with your medical needs?\n>* Do you feel overwhelmed by any negative effects?\n\nIf you experience negative side effects—paranoia, anxiety or rapid heartbeat, for example—at these low doses, you may not do well with the particular type of cannabis you’ve tried and should think about moving on to something else. Otherwise, continue to increase your dosage until you find an amount that helps you with your medical needs, without any of the negative effects. \n\nRELATED: [ACCURATE DOSING WITH CBD & THC](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5820cd89cd3edf000b8d8fce/accurate-dosing-with-cbd-and-thc)\n\n### Microdosing Marijuana Works\n\nYou may be surprised at how well cannabis works at low doses. Researchers have found that [microdosing cannabis—using very small doses of marijuana—can be highly effective](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/578da024fdc17e000700019d/microdosing-cannabis-stopped-my-chronic-pain) at treating certain conditions and symptoms. For some folks, cannabis actually becomes less effective if too much is used.\n\nWhile titrating your dosing, notice how you feel with the very small doses. You may not need to increase your dose much at all if you’re able to microdose and achieve relief. It’s important to know, however, that not all conditions respond well to microdosing. For example, research shows that [patients often need more than 100 mg of cannabinoids to ease their migraine symptoms](https://www.ean.org/amsterdam2017/fileadmin/user_upload/00_EAN_Journal_2017_Book.pdf). Titrating is the best way to find out if microdosing works for you. \n\n### Tolerance Goes Up as You Use More Cannabis\n\nAs you increase your dose or the frequency of your cannabis use, you’ll likely notice your tolerance shifting. Patients tend to be less affected by cannabis the more they use and the longer they use it. What this means is that you may need to increase your dose to get the same effects. This may frustrate some folks, but the upside is that patients report fewer negative or overwhelming side effects from their medicine as their tolerance rises. This allows you to become more functional when using your medicine.\n\nIt’s important to note that tolerance can be tied to the particular product you’re using. If you use the same product or strain regularly, and feel like your tolerance has gotten too high, try switching to another product. You may find that your tolerance is much lower to a cannabis you aren’t used to. Remember to titrate with your new product, instead of going with the same dose you’re accustomed to taking with your other products, as your tolerance to it may be much lower. \n\n### Set & Setting of Marijuana Use Matters\n\nYour tolerance to cannabis may also shift depending on your set and setting. If you’re used to using cannabis at home alone, you may feel quite functional on a certain dose. But if you try that same dose in another context—say, at work around coworkers or out shopping at a store—you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed or simply too high. \n\nTitrate your cannabis use in new contexts the same way you would when switching to new products. The change in setting can be a much bigger factor than you might think.  While many folks are highly functional using cannabis in a wide variety of contexts, it can take some getting used to with each new setting. Take your time and ease into your new environment until you know how your products will affect you.  \n\n### Different Dosing for Different Methods\n\nDosing can also vary from method to method. If you’re smoking cannabis, your dosing considerations will be different than if you’re eating cannabis, vaping it or taking marijuana sublingually. In the next edition of our Cannabis for Newbies series, we’ll look at the many different ways to use cannabis and go over special dosing considerations for each. \n\nPhoto credit: [Brian Shamblen](https://www.flickr.com/photos/23972840@N04/)\n\nNeed a medical marijuana recommendation? [Consult with one of HelloMD’s knowledgeable doctors](https://www.hellomd.com/); it's easy, private and 100% online.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/3026c77cc1fd24d7b085d2de5cdd4466/14b42/d8f40625bf64d6f20565ba3900ca8cea.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3026c77cc1fd24d7b085d2de5cdd4466/f836f/d8f40625bf64d6f20565ba3900ca8cea.jpg 200w,\n/static/3026c77cc1fd24d7b085d2de5cdd4466/2244e/d8f40625bf64d6f20565ba3900ca8cea.jpg 400w,\n/static/3026c77cc1fd24d7b085d2de5cdd4466/14b42/d8f40625bf64d6f20565ba3900ca8cea.jpg 800w,\n/static/3026c77cc1fd24d7b085d2de5cdd4466/47498/d8f40625bf64d6f20565ba3900ca8cea.jpg 1200w,\n/static/3026c77cc1fd24d7b085d2de5cdd4466/0e329/d8f40625bf64d6f20565ba3900ca8cea.jpg 1600w,\n/static/3026c77cc1fd24d7b085d2de5cdd4466/663ff/d8f40625bf64d6f20565ba3900ca8cea.jpg 1849w","srcWebp":"/static/3026c77cc1fd24d7b085d2de5cdd4466/58556/d8f40625bf64d6f20565ba3900ca8cea.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3026c77cc1fd24d7b085d2de5cdd4466/61e93/d8f40625bf64d6f20565ba3900ca8cea.webp 200w,\n/static/3026c77cc1fd24d7b085d2de5cdd4466/1f5c5/d8f40625bf64d6f20565ba3900ca8cea.webp 400w,\n/static/3026c77cc1fd24d7b085d2de5cdd4466/58556/d8f40625bf64d6f20565ba3900ca8cea.webp 800w,\n/static/3026c77cc1fd24d7b085d2de5cdd4466/99238/d8f40625bf64d6f20565ba3900ca8cea.webp 1200w,\n/static/3026c77cc1fd24d7b085d2de5cdd4466/7c22d/d8f40625bf64d6f20565ba3900ca8cea.webp 1600w,\n/static/3026c77cc1fd24d7b085d2de5cdd4466/0a616/d8f40625bf64d6f20565ba3900ca8cea.webp 1849w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":108,"numPages":15,"currentPage":10,"id":5053,"name":"Cannabis 101","slug":"cannabis-101","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}