Medical Marijuana FAQ

Marijuana is a type of plant that contains high levels of cannabinoids and terpenes. These compounds work together to provide an amazing aroma and taste as well as a plethora of sensational effects for your mind and body when consumed. Some people use marijuana simply for an enjoyable recreational experience, but medical marijuana use is also incredibly popular for a variety of reasons.

Many people now use marijuana as an alternative treatment for all kinds of issues, stemming from physical symptoms like chronic pain and inflammation to mental ailments such as anxiety and depression. There are many studies on the therapeutic perks of marijuana as well as plenty of anecdotal reports of its benefits, and as time goes on, medical marijuana is becoming increasingly accepted.

If you want to use marijuana for therapeutic purposes, it’s now easier than ever. Not only are there now legal marijuana stores all over Canada, but you can also buy marijuana online. You also have various options- if you don’t enjoy smoking weed, you can try vaping, edibles, tinctures, or a range of other great marijuana-infused products.

With that said, if you’ve never used marijuana before or you’re not family with its medical uses, it helps to know a little more about it before you try using it. Here’s an in-depth Medical Marijuana FAQ to answer any questions you might have.

How Does Medical Marijuana Work?

Marijuana refers to the flowers and buds harvested from cannabis plants. There are many types and strains of cannabis plants, but female cannabis indica and cannabis sativa plants often grow flowers and buds that are rich in cannabinoids such as THC, CBD, CBN, and more. These are the components that give you the therapeutic effects often associated with medical marijuana.

When you smoke marijuana, vape it, or consume other marijuana-infused products, the cannabinoids in these products interact with your body in various ways. For instance, THC binds to cannabinoid receptors and causes a range of physical and mental changes. As well as offering physical relaxation and relief for pain, it also activates receptors in the brain to induce a happy and euphoric mental state.

Other cannabinoids such as CBD and CBN don’t bind to cannabinoid receptors and don’t induce any psychoactive effects. However, they still impact the body’s endocannabinoid system- the biological system linked to memory, mood, pain sensation, appetite, and other important functions. As such, these cannabinoids work in unison with THC to provide extra benefits.

Marijuana also contains high levels of terpenes. These are fragrant oils that are found in all plants which contribute to the unique smell and taste of each marijuana strain. However, on top of enhancing the flavor, they also work in synergy with cannabinoids to provide entourage effects. As such, you’ll get a unique range of effects and benefits from each marijuana strain.

Is Marijuana Legal In Canada?

Although marijuana laws are complex in many parts of the world, it’s easier than ever for adults in Canada to buy and use marijuana. Medicinal use of marijuana became legal in Canada in 2001, albeit only for certain patients. As of 17 October 2018, Canada made marijuana legal across the country with the Cannabis Act.

Adults across Canada can now buy marijuana for both recreational and medical purposes, albeit with some restrictions. Provinces have different laws on who can use marijuana and who can grow marijuana. In most provinces, you must be 19 years of age to buy and use marijuana. The two exceptions are Alberta, where the legal age is 18, and Quebec, where the legal age is 21.

You can buy marijuana in physical stores across the country or simply buy marijuana online for extra convenience. As well as Marijuana Flower, you can also buy a range of other products such as Concentrates, Edibles, Vape Products, Tinctures, and many more. You can use these products in private properties and residences and certain public places depending on the laws of your province.

The laws also state that legal adults can grow up to four active marijuana plants at a time, provided that they’re kept out of public view and out of the reach of children. However, growing is forbidden in Quebec and Manitoba, and growing in Nunavut is subject to territorial laws.

Does Canada Have A Medical Marijuana Program?

Medical marijuana has been legal in Canada since 2001 and in the past, getting approved as a medical marijuana patient was the only legal way to access marijuana. Now that marijuana is legal for all purposes, many users simply self-medicate by buying marijuana from recreational stores. However, you can still get a medical marijuana prescription.

You can get a prescription for medical marijuana by consulting with a doctor if they deem that marijuana can help with your symptoms. Although you don’t need to, becoming a qualified medical marijuana patient has certain perks. For instance, while there’s a public possession limit of 30 grams of cannabis for most users, medical marijuana patients can have a much higher limit of up to 150 grams or a 30-day supply, depending on their prescription.

Getting a medical marijuana prescription is also useful for adults below the legal age. For instance, users who are 18 years old outside of Alberta can get a medical marijuana prescription to help with their symptoms. Under 18s can also be prescribed medical marijuana, although they’ll need a parent or guardian to administer it.

Medical marijuana patients in Canada can register with a Licensed Producer to obtain marijuana. This often gives them access to higher quality products at cheaper prices. What’s more, medical marijuana is often covered by workplace health insurance and is also tax-deductible.

Does Marijuana Help With Pain?

One of the most common medical uses of marijuana is to manage pain. Many patients who suffer from chronic pain and inflammation often seek alternatives to traditional pain medications as these often come with harmful side effects and the risk of addiction. As such, marijuana has become a popular alternative treatment.

When you use marijuana, you’ll experience intensely relaxing physical effects that grow throughout your entire body. It can relieve you of pain, aches, and strains almost instantly and leave you in a tranquil and physically blissful state. 

There have been many studies on marijuana for pain and research suggests the cannabinoids in cannabis help manage difficult-to-treat pain. It’s often used for issues such as joint pain from Arthritis, fibromyalgia, endometriosis, cancer pain, injuries, and various other painful conditions. It can also help with neuropathic pain such as severe headaches and migraines, as well as treating nausea.

Can I Use Marijuana For Anxiety And Depression?

Medical marijuana isn’t just helpful for physical ailments. It’s also commonly used to treat mental ailments. The THC in marijuana impacts receptors in the brain to induce a happy and positive mindset. This can be extremely helpful for those suffering from mental health symptoms- especially in cases of anxiety, depression, and stress.

A study on using marijuana for stress, anxiety, and depression found that just two puffs of marijuana could help reduce symptoms rapidly. Its mood-boosting effects can make users feel positive, motivated, and mentally relieved almost instantly. It’s now commonly used as an alternative treatment for various anxiety disorders as well as depression and chronic stress.

Sativa strains are generally considered the best strains for dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. These strains are known for enhancing your mood and stimulating a positive mindset, making you feel happy, motivated, and mentally focused.

However, it’s important to note that marijuana should not be used as a sole treatment for anxiety and depression. Although it can help relieve symptoms of these issues, relying on it to cure your anxiety or depression can result in negative effects in the long run. It’s best to use it in moderation in conjunction with other forms of treatment such as therapy.

Will Marijuana Help With My Insomnia?

If you’re suffering from insomnia or simply have a hard time getting a good night of sleep, then marijuana can help you. Another one of the most common uses of medical marijuana is to improve your sleep and counteract sleep disorders such as insomnia.

Studies suggest that THC has hypnotic effects and can significantly decrease the time it takes to get to sleep. It can also help you sleep for longer without interruption, although you might feel slightly mentally hazy in the morning.

fIt also helps that marijuana relieves many of the symptoms that can lead to insomnia. By relieving you of pain and physical tension as well as relaxing your mind and reducing stress and anxiety, marijuana makes it much easier to fall into a deep and restful night of sleep.

Indica strains are particularly useful for counteracting sleep problems. These strains are known for their physically and mentally relaxing effects. They’re best used in the evening or at nighttime when you want to kick back, relax, and fall asleep peacefully.

What Else Can You Use Medical Marijuana For?

While relieving pain, inflammation, anxiety, stress, depression, and insomnia are some of the most common reasons for using medical marijuana, it also has various other uses. Research shows that cannabinoids have various beneficial properties, making marijuana useful for helping with a wide range of symptoms.

Research shows that cannabinoids have neurological benefits and may help with the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, MS, neuropathic pain, and various other neurological issues. A 2017 study even found that cannabis may help reverse aging processes in the brain and improve cognitive performance.

Marijuana enhances your senses to make food look and taste better and is often used as an appetite stimulant. This is especially helpful for users who suffer from appetite loss or cachexia due to issues such as HIV/AIDs, cancer, and eating disorders. While some users may worry about the munchies making them gain weight, various studies show that marijuana use is associated with lower rates of obesity.

Research also suggests that marijuana helps with various skin conditions due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. For instance, a study found that cannabinoids help reduce oily skin and can help prevent the growth of acne vulgaris. They can also help with various forms of skin inflammation and improve your overall skin health.

Some studies even suggest that cannabinoids help fight cancer by exhibiting antitumor effects and reducing the growth and spread of cancer cells. Along with its ability to help with nausea, appetite loss, pain, and stress, this makes medical marijuana especially useful for cancer patients.

Where Can I Buy Marijuana?

While you can get a prescription for medical marijuana, some users find it quicker and easier to simply buy marijuana online, and all kinds of products are available. While smoking weed is a popular option, there are also various other methods of consumption that are particularly helpful for medical users.

Marijuana Flower can be smoked in a joint or with a Bong or Pipe. It can also be vaporized using a Dry Herb Vaporizer. Indica strains generally deliver relaxing effects that are ideal for relieving pain, inflammation, stress, and insomnia. Sativa strains are more mentally stimulating, making them ideal for warding off anxiety, depression, and fatigue.

Marijuana Edibles are cannabinoid-infused food products with powerful effects. These come in many forms from gummies to baked goods, and even a 10mg dose is enough to give you an intense high. Some medical users split these into microdoses of 5mg or less for long-lasting therapeutic effects.

Marijuana Capsules offer one of the most convenient ways to get the effects of marijuana. Simply swallow a capsule, wash it down with some water, and wait for the effects to kick in. They’re split into small doses, making it easy to get the amount of THC you need.

Marijuana Tinctures are another popular choice for medical users. These allow you to measure your desired dosage using a dropper and apply it under your tongue. Simply hold the tincture there for a minute or two and the cannabinoids will be absorbed into your system. Tinctures are convenient, effective, and discreet, making them a great option for medical purposes.

You can also try out a range of CBD products. These are products infused with CBD, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. CBD is said to give you many of the same benefits as marijuana without getting you high, making them popular for medical users who want to avoid psychoactive effects.