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Forms of intake

Cannabis can be administered medically in various ways. In Switzerland, inhalation via the lungs and oral ingestion are particularly common. However, other promising forms of medical application exist, which will hopefully soon be available to Swiss patients as well.

How can cannabis be ingested?

There are various ways to take cannabis for medical purposes. Cannabis can be taken orally as an extract or in food, or it can be inhaled via vaporization, a virtually risk-free method for achieving a rapid effect. Smoking is not recommended for medical reasons. The different methods of administration significantly influence how the effects are felt and how long they last. Please inform yourself thoroughly before taking any cannabis.

MEDCAN strongly recommends that you always consult your doctor if you are considering using cannabis for medical purposes.

Vaporize

The vaporizer heats and vaporizes cannabis flowers and extracts without burning the active ingredients. It has a fast and gentle effect.

Advantages:

  • Ability to set different temperatures: By adjusting the temperature, the active ingredients in cannabis can be increased or decreased, thus enabling various therapeutic effects to be achieved efficiently.
  • Good dosing control: The vaporizer allows for precise dosing of the ingested amount, which is particularly important to achieve the desired therapeutic effects.
  • Fast effect: The vaporizer offers a rapid effect, which is particularly advantageous, for example in combating acute pain or spastic cramps.
  • Very well suited for medical applications: Since no combustion takes place during vaporization, virtually no toxins are released, making the vaporizer a safe and effective option for medical use.

The use of a vaporizer thus offers a precise, efficient and health-friendly method to utilize the therapeutic benefits of cannabis.

Smoke

Smoking is not a recommended form of medical administration. Besides vaporizing, it's a quick method for ingesting cannabinoids. However, smoking joints and bongs comes with some disadvantages that should be considered:

Disadvantages:

  • Formation of carcinogenic combustion products: Smoking produces carcinogenic substances through combustion, which can be potentially harmful to health.
  • Tobacco mixtureCannabis is often mixed with tobacco when smoked. The nicotine it contains, a neurotoxin, can impair the medicinal benefits of cannabis.
  • Health risksRegular smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, occlusive diseases and can lead to other health problems.
  • Loss of cannabinoids: When joints or bongs are burned in an uncontrolled manner, some of the cannabinoids are lost, which can impair the effectiveness of cannabis absorption.

It is medically advisable to consider alternative methods such as vaporization to experience the rapid effects of cannabis. Choosing the right method of administration can maximize the medical benefits of cannabis while minimizing potential harm.

Groceries

The oral ingestion of cannabis via food allows the use of "raw" cannabis or cannabis oil, drops or butter in various preparations such as cake or cookie dough, yogurts, soups or dips.

Advantages:

  • Long-lasting, deeper effect: The effect sets in slowly, but is often deeper and longer lasting.
  • Recommended for chronic conditions: This form of administration is recommended for chronic pain, sleep disorders or spasticity where continuous therapy is required.

Disadvantages:

  • Delayed onset of effect: The effect may not occur for up to 3 hours after ingestion.
  • Risk of an unpleasant effect: There is a possibility that unpleasant effects may occur if the dose is too high, especially if it is mistakenly assumed that the desired effect will not occur and more is taken than necessary.

It is recommended to start with a small amount of cannabis and slowly increase the dose until the correct dosage is found and the desired result is achieved. This helps to maintain adequate control over the effects.

drinks

Oral ingestion of cannabis via beverages allows the stems, flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant to be steeped as tea or mixed into milk, smoothies or juices.

Advantages:

  • Long-lasting effect: The effect sets in slowly, but lasts longer.
  • Tea production allows for experimentation: Different cannabis strains can be mixed when making tea in order to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.

Disadvantages:

  • Delayed onset of effect: The effect may not occur for up to 3 hours after ingestion.
  • Risk of an unpleasant effect: There is a possibility that unpleasant effects may occur if the dose is too high, especially if it is mistakenly assumed that the desired effect will not occur and more is taken than necessary.

It's important to note that the cannabinoid THC is not water-soluble. Therefore, you should add some fat, such as milk, butter, coconut oil, or cooking oil, to water-based cannabis drinks. This allows for better absorption and optimizes the effectiveness of oral ingestion via beverages.

Tinctures / Oils

Tinctures and oils, such as FECO (Full Extract Cannabis Oil), can be produced from cannabis. These products are either added to foods, liquids, or cosmetic products, or absorbed directly through the oral mucosa. In Switzerland, patients can have cannabis tinctures and oils prescribed by their doctor and obtain them as magistral preparations in pharmacies. 

Advantages:

  • Simple dosage: Taking these products in the form of drops or capsules allows for precise and easily traceable dosing. 
  • Long-lasting, profound effect: Oral administration of tinctures and oils can achieve a long-lasting and profound effect. This is beneficial for patients seeking continuous symptom relief, such as for chronic pain or sleep disorders.
  • Helps against nausea and vomiting: Cannabis tinctures and oils are particularly effective in treating nausea and vomiting. This application is suitable not only for patients suffering from the side effects of other therapies, but also for those suffering from chronic nausea or loss of appetite.

Taking tinctures and oils orally thus offers a practical and clear method to utilize the therapeutic benefits of cannabis.

spray

Cannabis can also be taken sublingually, that is, through the mucous membrane in the mouth, via a spray. A well-known medical cannabis spray, approved in 28 countries, is Sativex. This patented medication comes from the British company GW Pharmaceuticals and is derived from "real" cannabis. It contains THC and CBD in a 1:1 ratio.

Advantages:

  • Easy to useThe application of the spray is uncomplicated and convenient.
  • Good dosage possible: The precise dosage of the spray ensures accurate intake of THC and CBD.
  • Relatively fast effect: The effect occurs relatively quickly, in about 15 minutes.
  • For spasticity and muscle cramps: Sativex is used to treat painful muscle cramps and spasticity, such as that which occurs in multiple sclerosis.

Disadvantages:

  • High costs: The drug Sativex is comparatively expensive.
  • Possible inflammation of the oral mucosa: Using the spray can cause inflammation of the oral mucosa.

Due to the costs and possible side effects, some patients prefer to have their medication made from the flowers of the cannabis plant.

skin

Cannabis can also be used in the form of ointments. These have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, reduce healing time for injuries, and accelerate wound healing. They can help with conditions such as arthritis, eczema, shingles, muscle pain, neurodermatitis, chapped skin, tendonitis, sunburn, and other external ailments.

Advantages:

  • Targeted treatment of a painful area: Topical application allows for specific treatment of painful areas.

The topical application of cannabis in the form of ointments thus offers an effective and targeted way to treat various skin problems and pain, while simultaneously utilizing anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Intestine / Vagina

Rectal or vaginal administration of cannabinoids in suppository form bypasses the gastrointestinal tract. This prevents the initial metabolism of the cannabinoids in the stomach, where the molecules are normally broken down into their components and their effect is weakened.

Advantages:

  • Fast effect: Rectal or vaginal administration allows for a rapid effect of the cannabinoids, often within 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Administration via the intestines increases the concentration in the blood: Direct absorption via the intestines increases the concentration of cannabinoids in the blood, which can lead to an effective and potent effect.
  • Help with severe menstrual crampsVaginal suppositories can be particularly helpful in cases of severe menstrual cramps.

Disadvantages:

  • High sterility: While direct administration of cannabis via suppositories can increase the concentration in the blood and achieve an effective effect, this requires a high degree of sterility of the suppository, as it enters the bloodstream directly and is absorbed through the mucous membrane.

The rectal or vaginal application of suppositories thus offers an efficient and rapid method to utilize the therapeutic benefits of cannabis, especially when a rapid effect and increased bioavailability are desired.

Inhalation vs. Oral intake

When cannabis is vaporized, the active ingredients enter the bloodstream directly via the lungs, resulting in a rapid and intense effect. However, this effect also subsides relatively quickly. Inhalation allows the THC to be absorbed into the blood particularly quickly and reach the brain directly, which explains the rapid onset of effects. In contrast, oral ingestion of cannabis results in a significantly slower absorption of the active ingredients. As it passes through the digestive tract, many of the cannabinoids are broken down and metabolized by the liver before entering the bloodstream. This delays the onset of effects, but they can last longer, in some cases up to 8 hours.

The choice of administration method depends on various factors, including the desired effect, the type of illness, and individual preferences. Vaporizing is well-suited for acute symptoms, while oral administration via food or tinctures is suitable for a long-lasting, consistent effect in chronic conditions. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the decision should be made in consultation with a medical professional who can take into account the individual's specific needs and diagnoses.