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Forms of intake

Cannabis can be taken medicinally in various ways. In Switzerland, inhalation via the lungs and oral ingestion are particularly common. However, there are also other promising forms of medical use that will hopefully soon also be available to Swiss patients.

How can cannabis be taken?

There are various forms of ingestion for the medical use of cannabis. Cannabis can be taken orally as an extract or food or can be inhaled in a practically harmless way by vaporizing if you want a quick effect. Smoking is not medically recommended. The different forms of intake have a significant influence on how the effect on the body occurs and how long it lasts. Please inform yourself carefully before taking.

In any case, MEDCAN recommends that you always consult your doctor if you are considering taking cannabis medically.

Vaporize

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

Advantages:

  • Possibility to set different temperatures: The variable temperature setting allows the active ingredients in cannabis to be increased or decreased, allowing various therapeutic effects to be achieved efficiently.
  • Good dosage: The vaporizer allows precise dosage of the amount taken, which is particularly important to achieve the desired therapeutic effects.
  • Fast effect: The vaporizer offers a quick effect, which is particularly beneficial when combating acute pain or spastic cramps, for example.
  • Very suitable for medical use: Because there is no combustion during vaping, virtually no toxins are released, making the vaporizer a safe and effective option for medical use.

Using a vaporizer therefore offers a precise, efficient and health-friendly way to benefit from the therapeutic benefits of cannabis.

Smoke

Smoking is not a recommended form of medical intake. In addition to vaporizing, it is a quick method to absorb cannabinoids. However, there are some disadvantages associated with smoking joints and bongs that should be taken into account:

Disadvantages:

  • Formation of carcinogenic combustion products: Smoking produces cancer-causing substances through combustion, which can be potentially harmful to health.
  • Tobacco blend: Cannabis is often mixed with tobacco when smoking. The nicotine it contains, a neurotoxin, can interfere with the medical benefits of cannabis.
  • Health risks: Regular smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, occlusive disease and can lead to other health problems.
  • Loss of cannabinoids: When you burn joints or bongs uncontrolled, some of the cannabinoids are lost, which can reduce 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 mode of consumption can maximize the medical benefits of cannabis while minimizing potential harm.

Groceries

The oral intake of cannabis through food allows the use of “raw” cannabis or cannabis oil, drops or butter in various preparations such as cake or cookie dough, yoghurts, soups or dips.

Advantages:

  • Long-lasting, deeper effect: The effects come on slowly, but are often more profound and long-lasting.
  • Recommended for chronic complaints: This form of intake is recommended for chronic pain, sleep disorders or spasticity that require continuous therapy.

Disadvantages:

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

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

beverages

Oral consumption of cannabis through beverages allows the stems, flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant to be infused into tea or mixed into milk, smoothies or juices.

Advantages:

  • Long-lasting effect: The effects come on slowly but last longer.
  • Making tea allows for experimentation: When making tea, different types of cannabis can be mixed to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.

Disadvantages:

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

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

Tinctures/oils

Tinctures and oils for example FECO (Full Extract Cannabis Oil) can be made 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 obtained as an extemporaneous prescription from pharmacies. 

Advantages:

  • Easy dosage: Taking these products in the form of drops or capsules allows for precise and easy-to-follow dosage. 
  • Long-lasting, profound effect: By taking tinctures and oils orally, long-lasting and profound effects can be achieved. This is beneficial for patients seeking ongoing relief from symptoms such as chronic pain or sleep disorders.
  • Helps against nausea and vomiting: Cannabis tinctures and oils are particularly effective for treating nausea and vomiting. This application is suitable not only for patients who suffer from the side effects of other therapies, but also for those who suffer from chronic nausea or loss of appetite.

Taking tinctures and oils orally offers a practical and clear way to benefit from the therapeutic benefits of cannabis.

spray

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

Advantages:

  • Simple application: Using the spray is uncomplicated and convenient.
  • Good dosage possible: The precise dosage of the spray ensures precise intake of THC and CBD.
  • Relatively quick effect: The effect occurs comparatively quickly, in around 15 minutes.
  • Against spasticity and muscle cramps: Sativex is used to treat painful muscle spasms and spasticity such as those that occur 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.

Because of the cost and possible side effects, some patients prefer to make their medication from the flowers of the cannabis plant.

skin

Cannabis can also be used in the form of ointments. They have an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect, reduce the healing time for injuries and accelerate wound healing. They can help with, among other things, arthritis, eczema, shingles, muscle pain, neurodermatitis, cracked skin, tendonitis, sunburn and other external diseases.

Advantages:

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

The topical application of cannabis in the form of ointments therefore offers an effective and targeted way to treat various skin problems and pain, while at the same time taking advantage of anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Intestine/vagina

Rectal or vaginal absorption of cannabinoids in the form of suppositories bypasses the gastrointestinal tract. This prevents the cannabinoids from being first metabolized 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 the cannabinoids to take effect quickly, often within 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Administration via the intestine increases the concentration in the blood: Direct absorption via the intestine increases the concentration of cannabinoids in the blood, which can lead to an effective and potent effect.
  • Help with severe menstrual cramps: Vaginal suppositories can be particularly helpful for severe menstrual cramps.

Disadvantages:

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

Rectal or vaginal use of suppositories thus offers an efficient and rapid method of reaping the therapeutic benefits of cannabis, especially when rapid action and increased bioavailability are desired.

Inhalation vs. oral intake

When vaporizing cannabis, the active ingredients enter the bloodstream directly via the lungs, resulting in a quick and intense effect. However, this effect wears off relatively quickly. When inhaled, the THC is absorbed particularly quickly into the blood and reaches the brain directly, which explains the rapid onset of effects. In contrast, when cannabis is taken orally, the active ingredients are absorbed much more slowly. As they pass through the digestive tract, many of the cannabinoids are broken down and metabolized by the liver before entering the blood. This means that the onset of effects is delayed, but can last longer, in some cases up to 8 hours.

The choice of dosage form depends on various factors, including the desired effect, the type of disease and individual preferences. Vaporizing is good for acute symptoms, while oral ingestion through food or tinctures is suitable for long-lasting, consistent effects for chronic symptoms. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages and the decision should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional who can take into account the individual's specific needs and diagnosis.