The Medical Marijuana Guide

Bed is for sleep or sex. No watching television or reading

Reduce stress with daily yoga or mediation

Diet

The standard American diet (SAD) is pro-inflammatory. High in sugar and omega-6 fatty acids, it contributes to the release of pro-inflammatory mediators and endocannabinoid hyperactivity. While some omega-6 is necessary for the production of anandamide and 2-AG, excessive levels can lead to an overactive ECS, which stimulates appetite and increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia, also known as metabolic syndrome.3

Scientists have determined that the ideal ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids is no more than 4:1. In the SAD, the ratio is closer to 16:1. The 4:1 ratio has been shown to decrease mortality from cardiovascular disease by 70 percent! A 2:1 to 3:1 ratio reduction decreased inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.4

While it has been found to have antidepressant activity in animal studies, care must be given when using CBD-rich varieties without THC in depressed patients who are not being treated with antidepressants

CBD derived from hemp is the same molecule as CBD from the marijuana plant. CBD has antiseizure, antianxiety, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antinausea, gastrocytoprotective, neuroprotective, antitumor, mood-stabilizing, antipsychotic, and antioxidant benefits. It has been shown in several studies to alleviate neuropathic as well as inflammatory pain.1 It modulates the autoimmune system and regulates glucose and fat metabolism.2 It is especially effective in alleviating visceral pain, decreasing gastrointestinal inflammation, and regulating gastrointestinal motility. It is an appetite suppressant and can be energizing at low doses. CBD is known to protect the heart muscle from ischemic damage and oxidative stress.3

Cannabis/Turmeric Latte

This is a recipe for a creamy, savory, yet sweet latte made with inflammation-fighting cannabis, turmeric, coconut milk, almond milk, and MCT oil. This is very simplified version of a traditional Bhang Lassi drink served in India and Nepal during Hindu festivals like Holi, Janmashtami, and Shivratri. The original recipe calls for yogurt, nuts, spices, and rosewater. The fat in the recipe increases the absorption of the cannabinoids, and fat and black pepper (piperine) enhance the bioavailability of curcumin, the active anti-inflammatory compound in turmeric. It’s best to sip these concoctions slowly so that you are relaxed and not overwhelmed by too much of an intoxicating effect.

The absorption of edibles is unpredictable and varies depending on what is in the gut. It takes the longest to take effect, but the effects last 10 to 14 hours. Consuming cannabis with THC increases its pain-relieving properties but also its intoxicating effects

Some patients report that this topical application actually aborts the migraine. This is especially helpful when a migraine occurs at school or at work

Perhaps there are patients who are rapid metabolizers or who have developed tolerance from prolonged cannabis use at high doses, but generally speaking, I don’t see dabbing as a good method for medicinal use. Remember, in Ayurveda, cannabis heals, and it poisons. And while the poison will not kill you, high levels of THC can cause paranoia, nausea, vomiting, confusion, hallucinations, delirium, and long-term problems with memory and cognition and can lead to dependence and tolerance.

Nebulizing

Another way of using cannabis is with a nebulizer, which is a small machine or inhaler device commonly used to treat asthma or wheezing attacks. This method delivers medicine to the lungs without the patient having to actively draw a breath as with smoking or vaporizing. The medicine is mixed in saline (saltwater) and reaches the airways by simply breathing through the nose or mouth with a mask or mouthpiece. This delivery system works well for children and patients with asthma or pain who are unable to draw from a vaporizer or whose airways are irritated by the heated vapor. This is also useful if there is a need to inhale cannabinoid acids, like CBDA or THCA.