There are many ways to consume medical marijuana, but smoking is by far one of the most common. Some people have concerns about smoking their medicine, and they are right to feel that way. For others, smoking makes the most sense. It really just depends on who you are and your preferences.
There are pros and cons to all methods of consumption for marijuana. Smoking offers a quick onset of effects and an easy way to keep track of how much medicine you are ingesting. However, it has its downsides too.
Although smoking medical marijuana is not legal in North Carolina at the moment, it is inevitable that it will be at some point. In this blog, we will go over some pros and cons of smoking your medicine.
Cons of Smoking Marijuana
One of the most concerning and obvious risks of smoking marijuana are related to respiratory illness. Lung inflammation and damage can occur from smoking anything. Any time you are putting smoke into your lungs, you are risking damage.
Cannabis smoke does contain some of the chemicals that are found in cigarettes, like carcinogens and tar. Marijuana smokers also inhale more deeply and for longer periods of time to get the smoke deeper into their lungs which can cause more damage.
Another downside to smoking marijuana is the fact that its highs do not last as long as other ingestion methods. Edibles, for example, can last 6-8+ hours depending on dosage, whereas the high when marijuana is smoked typically only lasts 1-2 hours.
Pros of Smoking Marijuana
One of the best pros about smoking cannabis is that its effects occur rapidly, almost instantaneously. Most people feel its effects within minutes when they smoke.
Some people also believe that cannabis is easier to dose when smoked. Edibles are not always easy to dose, and dry flower can be much easier if you keep a diary and track how much medicine you ingest. We highly recommend doing so when you first start your medical marijuana journey.
Also, cannabis flower typically does not contain other added chemicals like edibles, tinctures, and other delivery methods may.
The Bottom Line
There are both pros and cons to every delivery method for medical marijuana, but it really all comes down to personal preference. Talking to a licensed physician will help you figure out if smoking your medicine is right for you.
If you think medical marijuana may help you, you should be as prepared as possible when North Carolina launches its program. If you aren’t sure if you would qualify, we can help with that too!
Reserve an evaluation online today, and we’ll book an appointment for you with one of our compassionate doctors just as soon as North Carolina’s medical marijuana market is official.
You and your new doctor will meet virtually, using your smartphone, tablet, or computer for a telemedicine appointment. You’ll learn all about how medical marijuana may be able to help your conditions, without even leaving the comfort and safety of your own home. And you’ll even save $25 off the cost of the evaluation!
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
Helping everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
If you have any questions, call us at (833) 781-7320, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!