Types & Effects
Sanctuary Medicinals grows and offers many different strains of high-quality medical marijuana to meet the individual needs of patients. A mature cannabis plant can contain different cannabinoids that produce physical and/or psychotropic effects in the body. However, each strain or variety has a different cannabinoid profile and the strength can also vary.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
Cannabinoids, a class of chemicals known to act on cannabinoid receptors in the brain. THC, or Tetrahydrocannabinol, was the first cannabinoid identified and is the reason cannabis produces the "high" effect.
Cannabidiol (CBD)
CBD provides little to no "high". Because of the recent passing of the Farm Bill in 2018, CBD has gained major media attention and is now well known worldwide for its medicinal benefits.
Factors to Consider
The effects of medical marijuana can differ between people. Consider these factors which can affect how it makes you feel:
- Dosage (amount used)
- Strain or type of cannabis
- Environment/setting
- Method of use
- Mood or mindset
- Experience/history of marijuana use
Cannabinoid Benefits
Strain Types
Sativa, indica, hybrid, and High CBD are the four categories of cannabis strains. Each strain is bred to maximize or minimize certain effects. Hybrids are crossbred strains with genetics from both indica and sativa plants.
Did you know that sativa and indica cannabis strains originate from different geographical regions? Because of this, they have distinct appearance with the same characteristics depending on the location grown. They differ in growth cycle and the effects achieved on the human body as well.
Sativa Strain
Sativa strains relieve pain, encourage physical activity, produce an uplifting feeling, and provide an energizing effect. They can help relieve anxiety and depression, promoting a sense of well-being for the patient.
Indica Strain
Chronic pain and sleeping disorders are relieved best with an indica strain as they are reported to relax the body and mind, help to manage pain, reduce stress and anxiety, stimulate the appetite, relieve intraocular pressure, and reduce nausea.
Hybrid Strain
Hybrid strains of cannabis contain both sativa and indica strains which are crossbred. The traits of the strain achieved depends on the parent strains. Hybrid strains are classified as balanced (50/50) hybrid, sativa-dominant, and indica-dominant.
CBD-rich Strains
A CBD-rich strain may be a sativa, hybrid, or indica. They're specifically bred to produce high CBD content and are reported as effective in treating anxiety, inflammation, and pain. We highly recommend setting up an appointment for a consultation with our experts to learn more and find the right strain for your needs.
Choosing the Right Strain for You
Speak with your Sanctuary Medicinals Patient Care Advisor to learn about our strains, understand their different effects, and find the medicine that may be best for your needs.
Delivery & Dosage
Inhalation
Inhalation is the most common method of using cannabis because the medicine passes directly into the bloodstream and delivers a quick onset of the effects. This makes proper dosing easier and more accurate than other methods.
1. Vaporizing
Vaping cannabis offers quick delivery to the body and produces zero combustion, making it a safer alternative to smoking. The vaporizers come in a variety of colors and sizes. The device will heat up the medicine to a specific temperature which is usually between 338 to 390 degrees Fahrenheit but no higher. It is not reported to cause throat or lung irritation.
Vaporizers are devices that come in a variety of sizes and colors. They work by heating up the cannabis material to a specified temperature, below its ignition or combustion point. The temperature range that is typically used is between 338 to 390 degrees Fahrenheit.
Dosage
Vaporizing could take up to two times more dry cannabis flower to deliver the same effect as other delivery methods. Much less will be needed if using a concentrate. A 0.1g dose of wax can provide around 65mg of cannabinoids.
2. Smoking
Smoking medicinal marijuana offers patients a more controllable way to relieve their symptoms and is quick to deliver the effects. It's easy to try a certain amount and then increase a dose to get relief at the patient's own pace.
Dosage
The average joint contains 0.5g - 1 gram of cannabis and the average daily amount used will vary between about 0.5g to 7g or more. The duration of the effects is about 2-4 hours, so smoking is done frequently throughout the day.
Onset: 5 - 10 minutes
Duration: 2 - 4 hours
Ingestion
Controlling the effects is more difficult with cannabis ingestion because it takes longer for the release of the drug in the body. This may mean that it's a better choice for chronic conditions which require a maximum dose. Remember, when ingested, the strength, effect, and duration are increased because the medicine is directly metabolized by the liver.
Dosage
Start low and go slow. Wait a minimum of 1 to 2 hours to assess the effects before you increase the ingested amount. Remember, and Empty Stomach can significantly increase the amount of time until you notice the medicine taking effect. If you over consumed the medicine, find a safe and comfortable place to rest and drink plenty of water.
Onset: 1 - 2 hours
Duration: 6 - 8 hours
Sublingual Delivery
Sublingual delivery of cannabis tinctures, or under the tongue dosing, is a very effective delivery method.
Dosage Amount
The amount you need depends on the tincture. Start with just a few drops and slowly increase if needed. One dropper full equal to 1mL is usually considered a dose.
Onset: 5 - 30 minutes
Duration: 1 - 6 hours
Topicals
Patients suffering from skin disorders or peripheral pain disorders benefit from topical cannabis because it's applied directly to and absorbed through the skin. It's effective but is mostly non-psychoactive. It's used to treat muscle soreness, localized pain, and inflammation.
Dosage
Topicals can be used as needed and the dose is a function of an area to be covered.
Onset: Varies
Duration: Varies
Limited Psychoactive Effects
Speak with your Sanctuary Medicinals Patient Care Advisor to learn about our strains, understand their different effects, and find the medicine that may be best for your needs.
We offer flower, vaporizers, capsules, tinctures, and other products with no psychoactive effects.
THC-A
Raw cannabis contains a non-psychoactive component called THC-A. It's reported to help control muscle spasms, seizures, and inflammation. When heated, smoke, or vaporized, it converts to THC.
CBD Dominant
CBD Dominant strains have little to no psychoactive effects and is known to be helpful in treating many medical conditions such as anxiety, inflammation, pain, and seizures
CBD:THC 1:1
Many patients find a one to one ratio of CBD and THC cannabis strains helpful. It is a balanced blend of CBD and THC which produces an even level of psychoactive and non-psychoactive effects.
Speak with your Sanctuary Medicinals Patient Care Advisor to learn about our strains, understand their different effects, and find the medicine that may be best for your needs.
Finding the Right Dose
Start low and go slow. When trying a new product, always start with a low dose to gauge how well the product works for you.
| Method | Start With |
|---|---|
| Smoking | One inhalation |
| Vaporizing | One inhalation |
| Tincture | 5 - 10 mg |
| Edibles | 5 - 10 mg |
| Topicals | Thin layer of product |
Tracking the products you use is beneficial to many patients. Use the Strain and Product Log on page 23 in the handbook to learn from your experiences.
Cannabis Infused Products First Time Rule of Thumb
Start low and go slow! Start with 10mg or less. Wait at least two hours before having more.
Safety & Responsibility
Patient Acknowledgements
A New Patient Form and Qualifying Patient & Caregiver Waiver Form are required of all patients and caregivers before they can purchase products from Sanctuary Medicinals. The information on the forms include a patient acknowledgement regarding the safe and compliant use of medical marijuana. The forms will remain in your patient file and copies will be available at your request.
Good Neighbor Policy
Sanctuary Medicinals strives to be a good neighbor. We seek to be a model dispensary and will do our part to ensure we are responsible and compliant with all state laws. As a patient of the dispensary and this community, we ask that you be especially mindful of our neighbors. We have worked hard to establish a positive relationship with our neighbors, the city, and the police department. Please be respectful of our neighbors' rights, privacy, and property. We expect our patients to help us keep our commitments to our neighbors by not creating a nuisance or lingering in the parking lot or sidewalk areas. Always be careful and courteous when entering or exiting the parking lot.
Use of marijuana or marijuana products on or around Sanctuary Medicinals facilities is strictly prohibited.
We want you to feel safe when you visit Sanctuary Medicinals. Please let our staff know if you need extra assistance when visiting us. Please report any suspicious or illegal activity.
Responsible Use
Medical Marijuana may cause drowsiness and impaired motor skills. It is illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana. If you are inexperienced with marijuana, ask someone you trust to stay with you the first time you use it. Stop use if you feel stressed, confused, anxious, or uncomfortable. Remember that edibles and infused products have a delayed impact and are long lasting.
AVOID ACCIDENTAL INGESTION AND KEEP CHILDREN SAFE!
KEEP ALL MEDICAL MARIJUANA AWAY FROM CHILDREN. STORE ALL PRODUCTS IN THEIR ORIGINAL CHILDPROOF PACKAGING, OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN, AND IN A LOCKED CONTAINER. TO AVOID THE RISK OF ACCIDENTAL INGESTION, DO NOT STORE EDIBLE MARIJUANA PRODUCTS WITH OTHER FOODS. BE RESPONSIBLE ABOUT SAFE STORAGE.
Tolerance & Dependence
Physical dependence on marijuana is not substantiated by research. However, physiological dependence is possible with the over use of any substance.
Cannabis Withdrawal
Cannabis withdrawal is unpleasant but never deadly or severe as with other medical and illicit drugs.
Signs and Symptoms of Drug Abuse
The symptoms and signs of drug addiction are similar even though different drugs affect a person differently. Consider getting professional help if you notice the following signs or symptoms of drug addiction.
- You tried unsuccessfully to cut down or quit
- You use the drug to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms
- Life seems to revolve around using
- You spend too much time in getting, using, and recovering from the use
- You're starting to neglect responsibilities at work, school, or home because of the drug
- You're getting into legal trouble
- The amount or periods of time you partake continues to increase
Tolerance
The frequency, amount, and type of cannabis used affects Tolerance. Tolerance can develop faster when using high-potency strains. When used chronically, cannabinoid receptors in the brain get desensitized which results is the need for more of the drug to achieve the desired effect.
Help with Substance Abuse
If you think you need help with substance abuse call SAMHSA's National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357).