I am fortunate. As a disabled Canadian veteran, the Government of Canada supports the expense of my medical cannabis prescription which I obtained through the help of the doctors, pain specialists, and support staff at Apollo Cannabis Clinics. Medical cannabis costs, due in part to the government’s intransigence in rendering it an affordable medication, can be truly cost prohibitive.
But what are the alternatives?
A life doomed to the inevitable adverse consequences of prolonged use of opiates or highly addictive antipsychotic drugs in respect to the inevitable mental duress most disabled Canadians experience at one point of time in their journey?
Veterans lead the way! I hope that through veterans’ sacrifice we can come to understand how medical cannabis alleviates the mental and physical trauma of war and that we can share the wondrous benefit of this medicine to all Canadians.
My Licensed Producer includes a cannabis consumption brochure (provided by the Government of Canada) with every delivery. As a natural product, medical Cannabis is a unique medication. A multitude of strains are cultivated to attain various levels of THC, CBD and other medicinal cannabinoids. Medicinal cannabis often imparts superior effects than recreational “weed”, legal or otherwise, so it is important that even those with past cannabis experiences proceed with cautious due diligence and with respect to their physical/mental needs.
Medical grade cannabis can only be attained through a doctor’s prescription. If this is problematic, do as I did; reach out to Apollo Cannabis Clinics. They are national, they care for your needs via a variety of mediums (in-clinic, online, or over the phone), and they have General Practitioners, Pain Specialists, and Psychiatrists that are experienced in the nuances of medical cannabis.
Blazing a joint with Blazer may be satisfyingly tasty but… hardly healthy for your mouth, throat and lungs. The same applies to bong/pipes and the extreme heat applied. Be aware and concerned about healthy ingestion of your medicine! Purchase a vaporizer, research cannabinoid combustion temperatures and how to use the unit effectively. Starting low and slow is prudent advice, especially if your unfamiliarity extends to use of a vaporizer. Take moderate inhalations, allow sufficient time for the vapors to be fully exhaled. Medical cannabis strains are mission specific. It is important to identify the correct dosage of THC and/or CBD that you addressed your symptoms. Using a high percentage THC product when a lower dosage would have sufficed can be counterproductive.
CBD will not get you “high”.
THC, particularly medical strains with high doses of THC, can get you very “high”.
Approaching medical cannabis usage in a constructive and conscious way is essential to alleviating your trauma without adverse effects. I use either Hybrid or Indica strains, as well as THC oils that are 20-25%; anything below this dosage does not blunt the incessant neuropathic pain I endure consequent to an unsuccessful spinal surgery. Of course, my objective is to identify my tolerance level and ingest a micro-dosed amount of THC and/or CBD to blunt the pain without rendering me too “high” to enjoy the quality of my life!
Consumption and methods of ingestion. Usage of medical cannabis oils must be approached cautiously and in carefully measured increments. One must honestly assess the impact of the preceding dose before ingesting another dose. Oils ingested orally are processed as full spectrum; every cannabinoid within the processed materials is present and the decarboxylated THC content. The risk of experiencing an adverse effect through ingestion of edibles increases for those reluctant to wait a prudent period of time to ensure the ingested dose has been fully processed. Identify your thresholds and oil strengths appropriate to your trauma. I use 2mL of 25% CBD oil every 2-3 hours (or as pain dictates) during the day. Concurrently I also use varying strengths of THC (via controlled temperature vaporization) to alleviate overpowering levels of neuropathic pain. I use THC oils sparingly through the day to negate brain fog/fatigue, 2mL of oil after supper, and another 2mL dose an hour prior to going to sleep. Those unaccustomed to THC based edibles, tinctures or ingestible oils must beware of the “Full Onslaught” intensity a dose of oil can impart.
Full Onslaught? For example, A gram of edible THC is fully consumed, unlike vaping or smoking where large quantities of the medicative cannabinoids are expelled through exhalation. The effects may be substantially more intense, overindulgence can create levels of moderate to extreme impairment.
Proceeding cautiously in respect to ingestion by vapor/smoke is equally paramount. Admittedly, there can be serious consequences to your health/wellbeing when the science of medical cannabis is ignored. To respect your health, you must be aware of the temperatures utilized to release the medicinal cannabinoids. Acknowledge the adverse health effects “smoking” has on your mouth, throat, esophagus and lungs.
Blazing a joint, using a small pipe, a bong or a pair of red hot knives should never be used medicinally! The inherent searing temperatures are unnecessary and by eliminating combustion, we can eliminate the inhalation of harmful and carcinogenic toxins. Investigative research has clearly defined the combustion temperatures of THC/CBD and by utilizing a vaporizer, preferably one with direct control over the chamber’s temperature, you can ensure the cannabinoids are extracted in a safe manner. Take measured, incremental inhalations and pause until your lungs have been clear of vapors before taking the next inhalation. Be aware of your pain, vaporizing the right strain of medical-grade cannabis can accord levels of relief within just seconds. Judiciously microdose as the pain “honestly” dictates to ensure relief throughout the day bereft objectionable, couch potato consequences.
Or worse. Experienced with cannabis or not, smoking too much cannabis can be suddenly quite unpleasant and while perhaps not as enduring as the “full onslaught” effects of edibles, consequentially extreme. You may suddenly feel disorientated, forgetful as to what you were doing, even talking about. You may experience dizziness or debilitating vertigo. You may feel nauseous or be violently ill! You may suffer from an anxiety or panic episode.
The third segment of the Health Canada brochure is very important as it pertains to the RULES!
When it comes to driving the legal obligation is upon YOU as a patient, as it is with any impairment inducing medication, to be aware of the effects and the consequences. You should never drive or operate machinery if you feel impaired from your medication.
If you have any questions in respect to government policy, visit canada.ca/cannabis.
Blazer.
The content of this article contains the thoughts and beliefs held by Michael Blais and in no way reflect the beliefs, thoughts or opinions held by Apollo. Make sure to consult with a licensed healthcare practitioner before consuming any medical cannabis product.
