Finding the perfect cannabis dosage doesn’t need to be difficult with the right steps.
Cannabis is a very diverse plant with a wide variety of medicinal benefits to its name. The varying cannabinoids in the cannabis sativa play an important role in assisting and regulating the endocannabinoid system in your bodies.
In brief, the endocannabinoid system is a collection of cell receptors and their corresponding molecules. These receptors work like key locks on the surface of your cells. The keys to these locks are chemical molecules known as agonists. When an agonist binds to a cell it sends a message with specific directions to the cells.
This system correlates with a huge amount of vital functions in our bodies including:
- Sleep
- Appetite, digestion, hunger
- Mood
- Motor control
- Immune function
- Reproduction and fertility
- Pleasure and reward
- Pain
- Memory
- Temperature regulation
Research is starting to show that many issues or ailments our bodies experience may be from a unregulated endocannabinoid system. This alone isn’t the only ballpark cannabis plays in either.
Debilitating conditions often have very severe side effects, and these side effects can make living a fulfilling life hard or impossible. Cannabis assists in alleviating side effects from multiple sclerosis, chemotherapy and Crohns among many others. Unfortunately doctors are still learning about cannabis as a treatment, and therefore proper dosage and regimens need to be sourced from 3rd party research and studies.
Let’s take a look at how to use cannabis for specific conditions.
Picking Your Favourite Method
There’s plenty of variations to consume your medication, from vaporization to ingestion. Each method comes with its own pro’s and cons, and depending on what you are trying to achieve there might be an option that’s best.
Cannabis compounds have biphasic properties, which means that low and high doses of the same substance can produce opposite effects. Small doses of cannabis tend to stimulate; large doses sedate.
Too much THC, while not lethal, can amplify anxiety and mood disorders. CBD has no known adverse side effects at any dose, but drug interactions can be problematic. An excessive amount of CBD could be less effective therapeutically than a moderate dosage. “Less is more” is often the case with respect to cannabis therapy.
Smoking cannabis has been the most common method of consumption in modern times. Although it is popular, it’s not the most effective. This chart shows all the varying methods and how they work.
Finding that Sweet Spot
Not every product is made the same or has the same effects. Once you’ve found your preferred method of consumption, it’s time to choose what strains/combinations of cannabinoids you need to take.
THC is the most popular, well known, and active compound in cannabis. That means it must be the best right? Well not exactly. THC has many important functions, but alone only covers a sliver of the potential benefits you may achieve. We now know that there are many other beneficial properties in cannabis, from THC-A to CBD, CBD-A, and CBC. Each with their own unique set of “skills” as we like to say.
As you can see, CBD has the widest variety of benefits compared to the other cannabinoids. Each strain or plant will have each cannabinoid, but to which extent will vary.
Strains such as Harlequin and Pennywise are known as “High CBD Strains“.
Tinctures and Phoenix Tears have exact ratios of THC/CBD, making them extremely easy to find the correct dosage. The following chart shows the different conditions and what is recommended for treatment. Take note that everyone is different, and certain variables will effect the effectiveness. From your tolerance to symptoms and weight, these will all have an impact on how your treatment goes.
Related Article: Microdosing Weed – The Benefits and How to do it
Tinker Till it Works
Like we said before, every one is different and needs to find what works for them and doesn’t. Keeping an organized and detailed log on your regimen and how you feel will definitely push you forward on your path to a fulfilling lifestyle. Don’t forget to follow these steps and you’ll be on your way!
- Decide how you want to take cannabis. Cannabis oil is available in sprays, capsules, edibles and other products.
- Find your ratio. Cannabis products have varying amounts of CBD and THC. A high CBD or high THC product is not necessarily superior to a strain with a balanced ratio. Find the proper combination to optimize your therapeutic use of cannabis.
- Begin with a low dose especially if you have little or no experience with cannabis.
- Take a few small doses over the course of the day rather than one big dosage.
- Use the same dose and ratio for several days. Observe the effects and if necessary adjust the ratio or amount.
- Don’t overdo it. “Less is more” is often the case with cannabis therapeutics.
- Be aware of possible side effects. Cannabis is a safe and forgiving medicine. Depending upon delivery method and individual tolerance, it can amplify anxiety and mood disorders. Other possible side effects are dry mouth, dizziness and faintness.
- Consult your health counsellor. Proceed cautiously, especially if you have a history of alcohol or drug abuse, mental illness, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Stay safe and healthy!