cannabisnews.com: How To Use Cannabis Medically!





How To Use Cannabis Medically!
Posted by FoM on June 13, 1999 at 09:58:55 PT
Source: C.H.A.M.P.S.F.
In keeping with our harm reduction perspective, we are providing this information to minimize potential harm and support the most effective use of marijuana for your particular medical condition.
Like other medications that you may already be taking, responsibility and attention to the effective use of marijuana with other medications that you may be taking are very important. Working with your health care team you can work on an approach to marijuana use that can maximize the quality of your health. We at C.H.A.M.P. would appreciate your experience with marijuana; how you take it; at what dose; does it interfere with other medications; and what strains you find most affective for your particular condition(s).This will help us to assemble a booklet for all patients to help them gauge their use based on the experiences of others with the same conditions. C.H.A.M.P. would appreciate your experience with marijuana; how you take it; at what dose; does it interfere with other medications; and what strains you find most affective for your particular condition(s).This will help us to assemble a booklet for all patients to help them gauge their use based on the experiences of others with the same conditions. Smoking:Smoking marijuana produces the most immediate effects and permits the most refined control of your dosage. Smoking any material is not good for the lungs, but the amount of marijuana you need to smoke is small. It is better to smoke the flowers (buds) than the leaves, as this also reduces the amount you will need to smoke. Marijuana is available in a variety of grades, some more potent than others. the highest grad of "green bud," for instance., can be extremely potent for and may be too strong for some people with HIV ! AIDS. In discovering the most appropriate medicinal dose of the smoked (or ingested) cannabis, individuals should exercise some degree of caution and be willing experiment and adjust their own dosage for continued effectiveness. Because of potential lung damage and other complications, lower grade marijuana should not be smoked for medicinal purposes, especially with immune disorders or other serious conditions. Clean, lower quality herb, such as leaves or "shake,"can be used as the active ingredient in medicinal pastries (see below). Good, medium grade marijuana in small to moderate quantities may be appropriate for some individuals seeking appetite stimulation, or reduction of nausea or pain. Others may require small quantities of the strongest or highest grade. Using a water pipe will cool the smoke and reduce some of the potential damage to the lungs. marijuana can contain fungal spores that may act as "opportunists" appearing (after antibacterial or steroid therapy) in lungs damaged by bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, etc. Smoking marijuana has been associated with aspergillus infections (a fungal infection of the lungs) even in individuals with no history of antibiotic or corticosteroid use. If you have a history of pneumocystis, bronchitis, or other lung infections, you should consult with your physician and consider using a form of marijuana that is not smoked (see below). Eating:Marijuana can be eaten. When consumed this way, it is usually baked in brownies or cookies and sometimes made into candy. It takes longer to feel the effects when eaten and may take longer for you to control your dosage. Also, the effect often lasts longer and may be stronger after eating marijuana when compared with smoking it. You may also feel a certain heaviness in your body or even drowsiness. Keep sensitive to your dosage adjustments and try to schedule your time so that you can relax when you take marijuana. Tea:Like other herbs, marijuana can be made into a tea. Boil the water first and pour it over the marijuana. Let it steep longer than you would common black or green tea- approximately an hour and a half. Add one (1) teaspoon of butter. The effects are similar to eating it. Tincture:To prepare a tincture, use five parts fresh marijuana to one part brandy or vodka. If you are using dried marijuana, as is usually the case, use ten parts marijuana to one part brandy or vodka. An easy way to do this if you do not have measuring equipment, is to fill a container (glass or ceramic is preferable if you don't want to leech any residues from metal containers) two thirds full with herb, then fill the container with brandy or vodka and let it stand for a week or more. Afterward, strain the solution. If you use a larger portion of herb, the tincture will be stronger. Marijuana is the oldest natural herb known to humans. If you are unfamiliar with it, there are some effects that you should be aware of so that you can use it more effectively. It is unnecessary to stay constantly "high" to receive medical effect for marijuana- whether for appetite stimulation, pain reduction,. relief from nausea, etc. Staying "high" most of the time is often counter productive to realizing some of the most beneficial affects associated with marijuana use. Extended daily or frequent use of cannabis may be habit forming for some individuals, especially those who suffer from depression or those who constantly seek to "escape" or "zone out." (See under "depression").  Lung Damage: As discussed above, smoking marijuana can be irritating and even damaging to the lungs.This is especially true of lower grades of the herb. Anyone who smokes marijuana, even those with healthy lungs, should consider using anti-oxidants (Vitamins A, Beta Carotene, C, E, Selenium, NAC, etc.) to help reduce or prevent some the "free radical" damage caused by smoking. Get regular check-ups and consult your doctor. Uneasiness:Marijuana usually has a settling and comforting effect on the mind. sometimes, however, people do experience feelings of anxiety and even paranoia. If this happens to you there are several things you can do.Try to stay in environments where you feel comfortable. You might want to avoid busy, noisy, or unattractive places. If your environment is safe and comfortable and you still have some anxiousness, sit or lay down, breathe deeply, and relax. Think loving thoughts. If you have loved ones with you, hold each other for a while.If you have a pet, hold or stroke it. Eating will often quickly reduce the feeling of anxiety. Then, the next time you use, try reducing your dosage. Because of our social training, you may have feeling of guilt. Know that you have a right to your medicine . Depression:Excessive daily use of marijuana can lead to depression, lethargy, and a feeling of the "blahs." Some people use the drug to constantly "escape" from the mundane world. People with a tendency toward depression should be careful when using marijuana as it can make some depression symptoms worse. If you are taking anti-depressants and the medications is controlling your symptoms, then moderate use of marijuana should pose no problem. If depression worsens, you should consult with your physician about changing dosage or type of ant-depressant and possibly reducing the amount of marijuana consumed. Hunger:Many people become hungry after using marijuana, and those who need their appetite stimulated use it for this very reason. Most people who use marijuana get the "munchies." If you are not using it for this purpose, drink water or juice. If you do wish to eat, eat good, nourishing food rather than sweets. Try to get yourself into the habit of surrounding yourself with and choosing some of the more nutritious snacks such as fruits, whole grain cereals, baked chips (instead of fried), soups, sandwiches, etc. Thirst:Marijuana often makes people thirsty and gives them a feeling of "dry mouth or "cotton mouth."Because of this it helps those who need it to rehydrate themselves. Drink all the water you wish. Fruit Juices are better than coffee, black tea, or soft drinks. Redness in the Eyes:this will not hurt you. You do not need to use any of the commercial preparations available to "get the red out" for cosmetic reasons. If you must go out in public and are concerned about the redness in the eyes, wear sunglasses. Drowsiness:Some people find that marijuana makes them sleepy. If you can and wish to, go ahead and take a nap. As with all medications that cause drowsiness, do not drive or operate heavy machinery. Insomnia:Some people find that cannot sleep after using marijuana. If this happens to you, try reducing your dosage and avoid using it for about two hours or so before you want to go to sleep. Short Term Memory Loss:sometimes people find it difficult to carry on a complicated conversation, keep track of details, or perform complex tasks. If this happens to you, schedule your time so that you do not have to do these things when using your medicine. Long-term memory loss is generally not affected, except in the case of chronic use. If you are unable to concentrate or focus, it is better to remain in a safe environment. Many of the effects of marijuana can be distracting, so driving and operating machinery should be avoided. (See Drowsiness above.) Short Term Memory Loss:sometimes people find it difficult to carry on a complicated conversation, keep track of details, or perform complex tasks. If this happens to you, schedule your time so that you do not have to do these things when using your medicine. Long-term memory loss is generally not affected, except in the case of chronic use. If you are unable to concentrate or focus, it is better to remain in a safe environment. Many of the effects of marijuana can be distracting, so driving and operating machinery should be avoided. (See Drowsiness above.) Giddiness:Many people find that many things that normally do not seem funny become quite amusing when they use marijuana. Most people enjoy this effect. A good laugh helps the healing power of your body and mind. If you must deal with situations where humor would be inappropriate in your judgment, schedule your time so you do not have to deal with them when taking your medicine. Don't worry, this will pass. If you feel there is information that should be contained in this "How To" sheet, please let us know. If you are seriously interested in further information regarding scientific and medical research as well as clinical experience, we have assembled an extensive literature search (abstracts) for your information. Sincerely, The C.H.A.M.P. Staff 
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