How to Find the Right Cannabis Option for Your Symptoms
You have heard from many others that cannabis has helped them. And now, you want to try cannabis for yourself!
So… what’s next? How do you go about finding the cannabis that will help you navigate your current health challenge? Keep reading for some insights about how to choose the right cannabis products and approaches for you.
Because, when you are seeking a cannabis remedy for your particular symptoms, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind.
Cannabis Considerations
First: Choose Your Cannabis Administration Method
The first step is to consider the administration method of cannabis that will work best for you. There are many ways to consume cannabis, including smoking, vaping, edibles, dabs, tinctures and oils, and more.
Depending on your symptoms and needs, some of these administration methods may be more fitting than others. Do you need something fast-acting? If so, consider vaping or smoking. If you need a cannabis product that you can use consistently to get in front of pain or depression, then tinctures or oils may be the best option for you. Finally, if long-lasting relief is desired, you could look into cannabis edibles.
Over time, you may want to try a few of these different administration methods to test what you like the best. You may even find a customized routine where you are leveraging several administration methods at once. Then, once you identify a way of consuming that feels comfortable and effective for you, stay the course.
Next, Think About Cannabinoid Ratio
Beyond the administration method, you will also want to consider the cannabinoid ratio that is right for you. CBD is theorized to provide around 80% of the therapeutic value of cannabis; however, there are some symptoms and conditions where the addition of THC, with slow titration, should be considered. Keep in mind that THC is the intoxicating component of cannabis, and so you will need to consider the effects of intoxication when you do opt for products containing THC. For pain, in particular, it is recommended to incorporate THC into your cannabis action plan. That said, your unique symptoms and endocannabinoid system may dictate something different.
For more on the topic of selecting the right cannabinoid ratio for you, check out my CBD for Self-Healing Guide. On page 7, I go into this discussion in greater detail.
And Finally… Terpenes!
Finally, you may want to source cannabis based on the specific terpene profile contained within. Terpenes are the natural components in cannabis that dictate the smell, taste, and much of the felt experience that comes from consuming a particular product or cultivar. There are terpenes that are helpful for managing pain and inflammation, including B-Caryophyllene and Linalool. There are also other terpenes that have been known to be uplifting and help with mood stabilization, including Limonene.
To uncover the right terpene profile for you, you can read information online (check out Leafly!), talk to the budtenders in your local dispensary, or work with a cannabis coach.
Also, check out my blog post on terpenes: “Your Terpene Questions, Answered”
Through professional support, a bit of self-experimentation with different products, and a healthy dose of introspection, you should be able to devise a cannabis action plan that is well-suited to managing your particular symptoms.
Looking for more guidance on managing specific symptoms? I have a little something else for you…
Visit my blog post, “New to Cannabis? Start Here”. In this blog post, I highlight my suggested cannabis options for managing specific symptoms, including pain, anxiety/depression, and sleeplessness.
Tip: Engage the Community Around You!
As you see, there are many considerations when selecting the right cannabis for your symptoms. And, with so many cannabis options and considerations, it can sometimes seem overwhelming when you're first starting out. But, not to worry - there are many people who can help support you along this journey. You don’t have to make all these decisions in a vacuum!
For instance, you can seek professional guidance as you make your cannabis purchasing decisions by working with budtenders and/or a cannabis coach.
Speaking of cannabis coaches… you can work directly with me! As a cannabis coach, I can help you step through your cannabis journey by providing cannabinoid education and coaching that is customized to your needs. To sign up, visit my cannabis coaching page here.
Finally, you can crowdsource information online and even connect with other patients like yourself to see what cannabis remedies have worked for them. There are many Facebook Groups and forums online for cannabis patients seeking information about what has worked for others. I encourage anyone seeking additional guidance to connect with a cannabis-minded community, either within their local community or online, that is a good fit for their style and their particular symptoms.
One of my favorite Facebook Groups is the Medical Cannabis DIY group. Join the group and check out the conversation! This is a space where many cannabis patients come together to talk about the cannabis remedies that have worked for them. And, on occasion, people even share their personal cannabis medicine recipes. As you step further into the cannabis lifestyle, you can consider making your own canna goodies in your very own kitchen.
When it comes to cannabis, it really is all about community… and community healing :)
