Frequently Asked Questions

Medical cannabis refers to using the cannabis plant or its compounds (cannabinoids) to treat medical conditions or alleviate symptoms. The plant contains over 100 different cannabinoids, with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) being the most studied.

How it works: Cannabis interacts with your body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex cell-signaling system that helps regulate various functions including:

• Pain perception and inflammation
• Mood and stress response
• Sleep and appetite
• Memory and learning
• Immune system function

Cannabinoids from cannabis bind to receptors in this system (CB1 and CB2 receptors), producing therapeutic effects that can help manage symptoms of various medical conditions.

Requirements vary by location, but in most medical cannabis states, you need a recommendation (not a prescription) from a licensed healthcare provider. Here's why:

Recommendation vs. Prescription: Doctors provide "recommendations" rather than prescriptions because cannabis remains federally illegal in the U.S. (Schedule I). A prescription would put doctors at risk of federal prosecution.

The process typically involves:

• Consultation with a cannabis-certified physician
• Review of your medical history and qualifying condition
• Written recommendation if approved
• Registration with your state's medical cannabis program
• Receiving a medical cannabis card

Some states allow CBD products without a recommendation, while others have adult-use (recreational) programs that don't require medical certification.

CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are the two most abundant and well-studied cannabinoids, but they have very different effects:

THC:

• Psychoactive - produces the "high" sensation
• Effective for pain, nausea, appetite stimulation
• Can cause anxiety in some users at high doses
• Controlled substance in most jurisdictions

CBD:

• Non-psychoactive - doesn't produce a high
• Effective for anxiety, inflammation, seizures
• Generally well-tolerated with few side effects
• Legal in many places (when derived from hemp)
• FDA-approved for certain epilepsy types (Epidiolex)

Working together: Many patients benefit from products containing both CBD and THC in specific ratios. CBD can modulate THC's psychoactive effects while both compounds work synergistically for enhanced therapeutic benefits.

Having an open, informed conversation with your healthcare provider is crucial. Here's how to prepare:

Before the appointment:

• Research your condition and cannabis evidence
• Document your current symptoms and treatments
• List all medications you're currently taking
• Prepare specific questions about cannabis therapy

During the conversation:

• Be honest about why you're interested in cannabis
• Share research or studies relevant to your condition
• Ask about potential interactions with current medications
• Discuss dosing, monitoring, and follow-up plans
• Ask for a recommendation if appropriate

If your doctor isn't supportive: Some physicians may not be knowledgeable about cannabis medicine. You can seek a second opinion from a cannabis-certified physician or find doctors through your state's medical cannabis program.

Download our free "Talking to Your Doctor" guide from the Resources page for a complete checklist and conversation templates.

There's no universal dose for cannabis - it's highly individual and depends on multiple factors. The golden rule is: "Start low and go slow."

Factors affecting dosage:

• Your condition and symptom severity
• Body weight and metabolism
• Previous cannabis experience
• Consumption method (smoking, edibles, tinctures)
• Cannabinoid profile (THC:CBD ratio)
• Individual endocannabinoid system sensitivity

General starting guidelines:

• CBD: 5-10mg, 1-2 times daily
• THC: 2.5-5mg for beginners
• Balanced (1:1): 2.5mg THC / 2.5mg CBD

Increase gradually every 2-3 days until you find your optimal dose. Keep a journal to track doses, timing, and effects. Use our Dosing Calculator tool for personalized recommendations.

The "best" method depends on your needs, condition, and preferences. Each has pros and cons:

Inhalation (Smoking/Vaping):

• Fastest onset (2-5 minutes)
• Easy to control dosage
• Effects last 2-4 hours
• Not ideal for respiratory issues

Oral (Edibles, Capsules):

• Long-lasting effects (6-8 hours)
• Discreet and convenient
• Delayed onset (30-90 minutes)
• Harder to control initial dose

Sublingual (Tinctures, Oils):

• Faster onset than edibles (15-45 minutes)
• Precise dosing with droppers
• Effects last 4-6 hours
• Good for beginners

Topical (Creams, Balms):

• Localized relief without psychoactive effects
• Good for joint/muscle pain
• No systemic absorption

Many patients use different methods for different situations - inhalation for breakthrough symptoms and edibles for sustained relief.

Onset time varies significantly by consumption method:

Inhalation (Smoking/Vaping):

• Onset: 2-5 minutes
• Peak effects: 15-30 minutes
• Duration: 2-4 hours

Sublingual (Under tongue):

• Onset: 15-45 minutes
• Peak effects: 1-2 hours
• Duration: 4-6 hours

Oral (Edibles, Capsules):

• Onset: 30-90 minutes (sometimes up to 2 hours)
• Peak effects: 2-4 hours
• Duration: 6-8 hours (sometimes longer)

Topical:

• Onset: 15-30 minutes
• Duration: 2-4 hours
• No psychoactive effects

Important: With edibles, never take more because you "don't feel anything yet." Wait at least 2 hours before considering an additional dose. The delayed onset catches many beginners off guard.

Cannabis is generally considered safe when used appropriately under medical guidance, but like any medication, it can cause side effects.

Common side effects (usually mild and temporary):

• Dry mouth and increased thirst
• Red eyes
• Increased appetite
• Drowsiness or fatigue
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Short-term memory impairment

Less common but possible:

• Anxiety or paranoia (especially with high THC doses)
• Rapid heart rate
• Impaired coordination

Safety considerations:

• Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Can impair driving - never drive under the influence
• May interact with certain medications
• Higher risks for those with certain mental health conditions
• Adolescent use may affect brain development

Most side effects can be minimized by starting with low doses, choosing appropriate cannabinoid ratios, and working with a healthcare provider.

Short answer: You cannot fatally overdose on cannabis. There are no documented cases of death from cannabis overdose alone.

However, you can consume too much, leading to an uncomfortable experience called "greening out" or cannabis overconsumption:

Symptoms of overconsumption:

• Severe anxiety or panic
• Paranoia
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rapid heart rate
• Confusion or disorientation
• Extreme drowsiness

What to do if you've taken too much:

• Stay calm - the effects will pass
• Find a quiet, comfortable place
• Hydrate with water
• Try black pepper (smelling or chewing) - terpenes can help
• CBD can counteract THC effects
• Symptoms typically resolve within a few hours

Prevention: Start with low doses, wait adequate time between doses (especially with edibles), and avoid mixing with alcohol or other substances.

Yes, cannabis can interact with various medications. This is why it's crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you're taking.

How interactions occur: Cannabis, particularly CBD, affects liver enzymes (CYP450 system) that metabolize many medications. This can increase or decrease blood levels of other drugs.

Medications with known interactions:

• Blood thinners (warfarin) - Cannabis may increase bleeding risk
• Sedatives (benzodiazepines) - Enhanced drowsiness
• Antidepressants (SSRIs) - Potential increased side effects
• Heart medications - May affect blood pressure and heart rate
• Seizure medications - Can alter drug levels
• Immunosuppressants - May affect drug metabolism

Important: Never stop or change prescription medications without consulting your doctor. Your healthcare provider can adjust doses or timing to safely incorporate cannabis therapy.

Always disclose your cannabis use to all healthcare providers, including before surgery or medical procedures.

As of 2026, 38 U.S. states plus Washington D.C. have legalized medical cannabis programs. Additionally, 24 states have legalized adult-use (recreational) cannabis.

Medical cannabis states include: Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Washington D.C.

Each state has different:

• Qualifying medical conditions
• Application processes and fees
• Possession limits
• Dispensary regulations
• Home cultivation rules

Federal status: Cannabis remains illegal federally (Schedule I), but federal enforcement against state-legal medical programs is rare. However, this creates complications for banking, insurance, and interstate travel.

Check your state's health department website for current regulations and qualifying conditions.

Traveling with medical cannabis is complex and depends on your mode of travel and destination:

Within your state: Generally legal if you have a medical cannabis card and follow possession limits. Keep products in original packaging with labels.

Interstate travel (car): Risky even between legal states. Federal law applies on interstate highways. Some states have reciprocity agreements recognizing out-of-state cards.

Air travel: The TSA is federal, making cannabis illegal at airports and on planes, even for medical patients. TSA's primary focus is security, not drugs, but they must report cannabis to law enforcement if found.

International travel: Never travel internationally with cannabis - even to countries where it's legal. This can result in serious legal consequences including arrest and imprisonment.

Safer alternatives for travel:

• Research destination laws and obtain local recommendations if available
• Consider CBD products (hemp-derived, <0.3% THC) which are federally legal
• Bring documentation of your medical condition
• Plan medication schedules around travel