Medical cannabis has been utilized throughout history in a wide variety of ways. In most cultures, the use of tinctures and inhalation methods were and are the primary ways to consume cannabis. In today’s market, both tinctures and dried flower for inhalation are still common. There are, however, many other products available today that have widened the variety of options that are available for medicating with cannabis. Some of them you may have heard of are edibles, oils, vapes, and topicals, as these are very common products used by medical cannabis patients.
However, there are a few innovative products that have been introduced over the years that offer even more versatility for medical marijuana patients. Let’s take a closer look at four medical cannabis products you may not know existed and how they may benefit medical marijuana patients.
Cannabis Infused Suppositories
Suppositories are a common way of administering medication in traditional medicine. Today you can also find suppository products containing cannabis. There are CBD suppositories, THC suppositories, and full-spectrum suppositories that offer a wide range of cannabinoids. These products are absorbed directly into the bloodstream and distributed throughout the body via the vascular system bypassing the liver. Because suppositories are not processed by the liver, any THC content that they may contain will not reach receptors in the brain. Therefore, THC suppositories do not induce psychoactive effects. Due to the way these products are distributed throughout the body, the effects are felt rapidly, typically within 1/2 hour.
These products are used in the same manner as other suppositories and are designed to be inserted into the anus, urethra, or vagina. Cannabis-infused suppositories are typically made with a combination of cocoa butter and cannabis distillate or infused coconut oil. This type of medical cannabis product also offers a much higher bioavailability than other methods of medicating. When inhaling cannabis, on average, you only receive about 20 to 25% of the cannabinoid content it contains. When utilizing a product such as a cannabis-infused suppository that bioavailability can increase up to 70%.
Cannabis suppositories are highly embraced by those suffering from gastrointestinal issues such as IBD, Crohn’s, and others. Vaginal suppositories have also shown to be effective for many women with these issues. However, these cannabis products are more widely embraced for period cramps and by those with endometriosis. Due to how these products are utilized, the cannabinoid content they contain is absorbed into the body near the main areas of concern helping to pinpoint the distribution of cannabinoids to where they are most needed.
Cannabis Infused Inhalers
Cannabis-infused inhalers look very similar to typical asthma inhalers and are utilized in the same manner. However, instead of receiving a metered dose of respiratory medication, consumers and patients instead receive and inhale a metered microdose of cannabinoids.
Cannabis inhalers, like other inhalers, are widely utilized by those suffering from respiratory issues because of the distribution of cannabinoids into the lungs via inhalation. Because cannabis has been proven to act as a bronchodilator and to help relax and open your throat and airways allowing for more airflow to reach the lungs, these types of inhalers are widely embraced by asthma patients. However, respiratory patients aren’t the only ones embracing these products. As we discussed in this article, cannabis inhalers may also be of great therapeutic value for those with chronic pain. Because cannabis inhalers are another way to inhale cannabinoids without physically smoking the plant or vaping, they can be utilized for anything and everything that people typically turn to cannabis flower or vape pens for, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, pain, nausea, and much more.
Cannabis Transdermal Patches
Cannabis-infused transdermal patches are very similar to pain patches you can find at your local pharmacy. They are applied to the body similar to that of a Band-Aid. These medical cannabis products are designed to slowly release the cannabinoid content which they contain into the body. Because cannabinoids bypass the liver when utilized in this manner, there is no risk of intoxication from even the highest-strength THC transdermal patches on the market. Transdermal products such as patches differ from topical products as they actually reach the bloodstream. Topical products that are applied only reach the first few layers of skin but not the bloodstream.
Transdermal cannabis patches are used by those suffering from a wide range of ailments, symptoms, and conditions. These products help to better pinpoint the area(s) of concern and are being used by pain patients, those with inflammatory issues, GI conditions, and much more. Many patients embrace them as they are a very easy and discreet way of medicating without risk of intoxication.
Cannabis Eye Drops
If you’ve ever had to get the red out, you are familiar with eye drops! These products have widely been utilized for many different ocular conditions ranging from dry eyes and red eyes to ocular pain and glaucoma. Cannabis-infused eye drops are one of the more innovative medical cannabis products on the market due to their complexity to produce. Because any ophthalmic formula has to penetrate the tear layer and make its way to the cornea in order to deliver medicinal compounds, cannabis-derived compounds have proven to be a challenge due to their lipophilic structure. This hasn’t however stopped this innovation from coming to fruition thanks to nanoparticle technology. Cannabis-based eye drops are typically embraced the most by those with eye conditions such as glaucoma and those that suffer from ocular pain due to their unique nature.
As you can see, there is a wide range of medical cannabis products available today, many of which are aligned with how modern medicine is administered. Thanks to decades of propaganda, when many people think of cannabis, they think about lazy college kids smoking bongs in dorm rooms, but that couldn’t be further from the case. However, any cannabis consumption nourishes the endocannabinoid system, but smoking, toking, dabbing, and eating infused brownies are not the only way to reap the benefits of this amazing plant and all it has to offer. If you are ready to start your journey with medical cannabis, schedule an appointment to obtain your medical cannabis recommendation.
Disclaimer: The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained in this article is for informational purposes only. No material from this article is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment before undertaking a new health care regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
