Navigating the world of medical marijuana can feel overwhelming at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to make informed purchases and get the most out of your treatment plan. Medical marijuana offers a variety of options in terms of strains, products, and dosages, and learning how to maximize your purchases can help you save money, manage your condition more effectively, and avoid unnecessary waste. In this article, we’ll explore tips and tricks that can help you make the most out of your medical marijuana purchases, from choosing the right products to proper storage and dosing.
- Understand Your Prescription and Needs
Before making any purchase, it’s crucial to understand your medical marijuana prescription. Your medical marijuana healthcare provider or dispensary pharmacist may recommend certain strains, doses, and methods of consumption based on your condition. Whether you’re treating chronic pain, anxiety, or another condition, having a clear understanding of what works best for your needs is essential.
Know your condition: Different conditions respond better to different strains or types of cannabis. For example, patients using cannabis for anxiety may benefit from lower THC and higher CBD strains, while those with chronic pain may find relief from higher THC options.
Consult your doctor: Develop a plan with your dispensary pharmacist. If questions arise, stay in touch with your healthcare provider to discuss how the treatment is working and whether adjustments need to be made. Communication is the key to success.
- Choose the Right Products for Your Needs
Medical marijuana is available in a wide variety of forms, including flower, edibles, tinctures, oils, and topicals. The type of product you choose can have a significant impact on your experience and the effectiveness of the treatment.
Flower and pre-rolls: These are inhaled and offer fast-acting relief, making them ideal for conditions like pain or nausea where immediate results are important.
Edibles and tinctures: These are ingested and take longer to take effect, but their effects tend to last longer. These may be better for people looking for sustained relief throughout the day or night.
Oils and topicals: If you’re looking to avoid psychoactive effects, topicals can provide localized relief without the “high” associated with THC. Oils are versatile and can be used under the tongue, in food, or applied topically.
Choosing the right form of medical marijuana depends on your lifestyle and medical needs. If you need fast relief, inhaled products like flowers or vapes might be best. If you prefer a slower onset but longer-lasting relief, consider edibles or tinctures.
- Plan Your Purchases Based on Dosage and Usage
Knowing your dosage is critical to avoid over-purchasing and wasting money. Start by figuring out how much cannabis you need on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.
Start low, go slow: If you’re new to medical marijuana, begin with a lower dose and gradually increase it until you find the most effective dose for you.
Track your usage: Keep a log of how much cannabis you’re using daily. This can help you avoid over-consumption and ensure you have the right amount to last until your next purchase.
Buy in bulk (when appropriate): Depending on your dosage and your state’s legal limits, buying in bulk can be more cost-effective. However, only buy in larger quantities if you’re certain it won’t go to waste before it loses potency.
- Take Advantage of Discounts and Deals
Medical marijuana can be costly, especially if you need it regularly. Many dispensaries offer discounts and deals to help you save money on your purchases. It’s worth checking for these offers regularly and taking advantage when possible.
Look for patient discounts: Many dispensaries offer discounts for veterans, seniors, and low-income patients. If you qualify for any of these, be sure to ask your dispensary about available discounts.
Loyalty programs: Some dispensaries offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discounts based on your purchases. If you frequently visit the same dispensary, it can pay off to enroll in these programs.
Watch for sales: Dispensaries may run sales or promotions on certain products, especially around holidays. Keep an eye out for these to save on your next purchase.
- Learn to Read Labels
Cannabis products come with labels that provide crucial information about what’s inside. Learning how to read these labels can help you make smarter purchases.
THC and CBD content: Knowing the THC and CBD content is essential to picking the right product for your needs. Higher THC levels may provide stronger psychoactive effects, while higher CBD levels tend to have more calming or pain-relieving properties without the “high.”
Terpene profiles: Terpenes are compounds in cannabis that contribute to the plant’s smell and therapeutic effects. If a product lists its terpene profile, it can give you an idea of what kind of experience to expect. For example, strains high in myrcene may have relaxing effects, while those high in limonene might be more uplifting.
Testing information: Many products are tested for purity and potency. Look for products that have been tested for contaminants like mold, pesticides, and heavy metals.
- Proper Storage Extends Potency
Proper storage of your medical marijuana is key to maintaining its potency and freshness. Cannabis can degrade over time if exposed to air, light, or moisture, so it’s important to store it correctly.
Store in an airtight container: This helps preserve the cannabinoids and terpenes in your cannabis. Glass jars are great for storing flowers, and many dispensaries sell containers specifically designed for cannabis.
Keep it in a cool, dark place: Heat and light can degrade cannabis. A cupboard or drawer is ideal for storing most cannabis products.
Avoid the fridge or freezer: Storing cannabis in the fridge or freezer may seem like a good idea, but it can actually lead to moisture build-up, which can cause mold.
- Know When to Ask for Help
If you’re ever unsure about a product, dosage, or method of consumption, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Dispensary staff are trained to guide patients through their purchases and can provide valuable insights based on your needs.
Ask your dispensary: Budtenders are there to help you make informed decisions about your purchases. Let them know what you’re using cannabis for, and they can recommend strains or products that might work well for you.
Consult your doctor: If your treatment isn’t working as expected or if you’re experiencing side effects, consult your medical marijuana doctor. They may adjust your dosage or recommend a different strain or product.
- Rotate Strains to Avoid Tolerance Buildup
Over time, your body may build up a tolerance to THC, making your usual dosage less effective. One way to combat this is by rotating strains or taking a “tolerance break” for a few days or weeks.
Switch up strains: If you find that one strain isn’t as effective as it used to be, try a different strain with a different cannabinoid or terpene profile. This can help reset your tolerance and provide better results.
Take a break: If possible, taking a short break from cannabis can help reset your body’s tolerance. After a few days or weeks, you may find that your regular dose is once again effective.
- Be Mindful of Expiration Dates
Cannabis, like most products, has a shelf life. While it won’t spoil in the same way as food, it can lose potency and flavor over time. Pay attention to expiration dates, especially for products like edibles, oils, and tinctures, which may degrade faster than dried flower.
Check expiration dates: Always check the label for an expiration date before purchasing. This is particularly important for edibles or other consumables that can spoil.
Use older products first: If you have a variety of products at home, use the older ones first to ensure you’re getting the most out of them before they lose potency.
Conclusion
Making the most of your medical marijuana purchases requires a bit of planning, but with the right approach, you can optimize your treatment while saving money and avoiding waste. By understanding your prescription, choosing the right products, tracking your usage, and taking advantage of discounts, you can make informed decisions that support your health and well-being. Whether you’re a new patient or a seasoned medical marijuana user, these tips can help you get the most value from every purchase while managing your condition effectively.
Dr. Nicholas Marsh has been a respected board-certified anesthesiologist in Northern Virginia for over 35 years. Recognized as a top doctor by FindaTopDoc.com, his vision for providing top-quality medical services is driven by his passion for patient comfort and dignity.