FAQS

The more you know

Please visit our Patient Resources page for more information on how to obtain your patient registry identification card.

For those who are new to medical cannabis ask your doctor about finding a product that is a little lower in THC. Sometimes it is best to start off with products that have a good balance of CBD to THC to be sure that it’s not an overwhelming experience.

PATIENT RESOURCES

I am new to medical cannabis and want to try something that my physician recommended for the symptoms of my qualifying condition but will have limited other cerebral effects.

For those who are new to medical cannabis look for products with higher CBD levels low THC levels, or a topical as a starting point.

Products that are high in CBD and low in THC are a good starting point, with a less intense psychoactive effect than high THC products. Topicals like lotions and salves can also be a great option, even when they include THC, users do not typically report psychoactive effects. Topicals are often chosen by patients seeking relief from symptoms of their qualifying condition without cerebral effects.

How Do I Know If My Condition is Qualified For Medical Cannabis?

Your doctor can recommend medical cannabis for the treatment of conditions registered with the state of Ohio. See our Patient Resources to learn more.

PATIENT RESOURCES

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CBD AND THC?

THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is the psychoactive component of medical cannabis that is responsible for its uplifting aspects. CBD or cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive component of cannabis. Both come from the same part of the cannabis plant, but they attach to different receptors in our bodies accounting for the different effects. Talk to your recommending physician about how CBD, THC or both can be used to treat symptoms of your qualifying condition.

PRODUCTS

We have compiled this guide to help, but you should always consult your recommending physician with questions related to medical cannabis products.

Edibles

WHY AREN’T EDIBLES WORKING FOR ME?

There are a lot of factors that may explain why edibles don’t work for any one person. Their metabolism, digestive system, and other factors all play a role in absorbing cannabinoids. It is not uncommon for someone to find that edibles do not have much effect with their particular system.

HOW DO EDIBLES COMPARE TO FLOWER?

Everyone responds to medical cannabis very differently. That is doubly true for edibles. For some people who are experienced medical cannabis patients, edibles will still affect them very strongly, others have reported taking a larger dosage and feeling nothing. It is very dependent on your digestive system and other factors. Consuming flower is more consistent in how it affects people. You typically feel the effects within 1 to 15 minutes. With edibles, the effects can be delayed up to two hours. We always recommend that you take it very slow. You can always take another puff or eat another serving, but you cannot undo one..

NEW TO EDIBLES. WHAT IS A GOOD DOSE TO START WITH?

If you are new to medical cannabis, it is always a good idea to start off with a single serving. You can always have another serving but you cannot undo one. Consult with your recommending physician to determine the appropriate dosage for you.

WHAT DOES A HYBRID EDIBLE MEAN?

There are many different types of edibles. Some are formulated to be uplifting, or sativa-like, others are formulated to be more sedative. A hybrid edible is made to be in the middle, according to patients, it tends to be a more body-focused experience for people.

WHICH EDIBLE IS REPORTED TO BE BEST FOR SLEEP?

Using an edible that has a good balance of CBD to THC is typically used for nighttime medicating.

WHAT EDIBLES ARE REPORTED TO BE BEST FOR CHRONIC PAIN?

A lot of patients report that they use an edible that has a good balance of CBD to THC for pain. Start with a low dose taken with fatty food to test the effects.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SUGAR AND FAT-BASED EDIBLE?

Sometimes people are known to respond differently to sugar-based and fat-based edibles. Sugar-based edibles, like fruit chews, can sometimes take effect faster, than fat based such as chocolate. However, if you are concerned about the THC, try a 1:1 CBD to THC chew, as they tend to be less strong. In either case, consult your recommending physician to determine what products are right for you.

Flower

WHAT IS A GOOD DOSE FOR ME THE FIRST TIME?

When trying flower for the first time, make sure to take it slow. Select a medical cannabis that is lower in THC, the 12-16% range is a good place to start according to other customers. After one inhalation, wait a good 20 to 30 minutes before having more to make sure it is not an overwhelming experience. Remember, you can always administer another dose, but you cannot undo one!

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SATIVA, HYBRID, AND INDICA?

Sativas, Hybrids, and Indicas are different categories of cannabis plants. Indica strains typically produce a full-body sensation. Sativa strains typically produce a cerebral (head) sensation. Hybrids strains are in between with some leaning more to Sativa dominance and others leaning to Indica dominance. Although this is generally true individual experience may vary, consult your recommending physician.

WHICH FLOWERS ARE typically used for daytime medicating?

Though everyone is different, medical cannabis classified as Sativa, are typically used for daytime medicating.

WHICH FLOWERS ARE typically used for nighttime medicating?

Indica dominant strains tend to produce a full body effect and are typically used for nighttime medicating. Cultivars with high CBD content can produce similar effects

Which flower is said to be best for treating chronic pain?

Talk to your recommending physician if flowers with high levels of CBD, THC, and or myrcene, caryophyllene, and pinene can be used to treat symptoms of your qualifying condition including the reduction of chronic pain.

WHY IS SOME FLOWER LOWER THAN 20% TAC?

Medical cannabis is a natural product with its own growth cycle which contributes to the fluctuation of THC levels. If you find you need high THC content, you may want to consider trying a concentrated product such as a distillate vaporizer, which can have up to 4-5 times the amount of THC as flower products.

Topicals

DO TOPICALS Produce any cerebral effects?

Lotions or salves have a low chance of producing cerebral effects. A topical product can have a lot of THC in it, and you most likely not experience cerebral effects due to how your body absorbs it. Everyone responds to medical cannabis differently.

TOPICALS DON’T TYPICALLY HAVE PSYCHOACTIVE EFFECTS –
WILL THEY SHOW UP ON A DRUG TEST?

Possibly. Depending on the sensitivity of the test and the frequency and location of application, THC from topically applied medical cannabis may show up on a drug test.

TINCTURE

HOW DO YOU USE A TINCTURE?

Tinctures typically provide effects that are comparable to a combination of the effects of a vaporizer and an edible. You drop it under your tongue and wait for it to absorb there as much as possible, so that is bypasses the digestive system and enters the bloodstream directly. This can cut down on how long it takes for you to feel the effects; tinctures typically take 25-45 minutes to work. If you add the drops to food, they are reported to work like a traditional edible.

VAPORIZERS

NEW TO VAPORIZING. WHICH VAPORIZER SHOULD I START WITH?

For those who are new to medical cannabis we suggest finding a product that is a little lower in THC. Sometimes it is best to start off with products that have a good balance of CBD to THC to be sure that it’s not an overwhelming experience. Make sure to take it slow and start off with one dose and wait at least 20 minutes before having another if you want more of an effect.

WILL BELOW FREEZING TEMPS AFFECT VAPORIZER PRODUCTS?

Temperature can affect the vaporizers. When they are very cold, the oil becomes thicker and hard to vaporize. Try to keep your vaporizers at room temperature at all times for the best performance.

WHICH VAPORIZERS ARE Typically used FOR DAYTIME MEdication?

Sativa or sativa dominant hybrid vaporizers are typically known for daytime medication.

WHICH VAPORIZER ARE Typically used FOR nighttime MEdication?

Indica or indica dominant hybrid vaporizers are typically used for nighttime medication as they tend to produce full-body effects. Talk to your recommending physician about vaporizers with a ratio of 1:1 THC to CBD and how it may affect your qualifying condition.

WHICH VAPORIZER IS KNOWN TO BE BEST FOR CHRONIC PAIN?

Everyone responds to cannabis differently, Talk to your recommending physician about recommended vaporizers for chronic pain relief.

HOW DO YOU USE A CARTRIDGE?

In order to use a cartridge, first take the protective plugs off of the mouthpiece and bottom. Make sure you have a 510-thread battery, and simply screw on the cartridge. To activate the vaporizer, inhale on the mouthpiece; the atomizer will automatically fire.

Some vaporizers have a button which must be held or pressed while or before inhaling. Please read the directions for proper use or consult with dispensary staff before beginning using any vaporizer product.