Medical cannabis is legal in Florida as a treatment option for conditions like PTSD, epilepsy, and cancer. Patients who may benefit from medical cannabis but haven’t before tried it often have many questions about how it works and what to expect. One common question among patients is how long medical marijuana typically takes to work.
In this article, we’ll answer this question about the most common forms of medical cannabis.
Different Forms of Medical Marijuana
Medical marijuana comes in many different forms. The time it takes for the effects of cannabis to kick in can vary depending on the form.
The most common ways to take medical marijuana include:
- Smoking flower
- Ingesting an edible product
- Inhaling a vaporized mist
- Applying a topical cream, lotion, or spray
- Applying a few drops of a cannabis tincture under your tongue
How Long Does Medical Marijuana Take To Work?
People who smoke or vape to reap the benefits of medical marijuana are likely to feel its effects after just a few minutes. This is a fast delivery system that makes it easier to find the right dosage.
Edible cannabis products take a bit longer to kick in. Since this form of medical cannabis must pass through your digestive system, it typically takes an hour to feel its effects. Make sure to start with a low dose if you opt for edibles, as they tend to provide stronger effects than other forms of marijuana.
Topical creams, lotions, and sprays typically take around 30 minutes to kick in. You’ll feel the effects of this cannabis product in the area that you apply it, making it a good option for patients with localized pain.
Medical cannabis tinctures placed under the tongue generally provide results within 15 minutes. If you apply a cannabis tincture topically, it can take an hour to experience the effects.
The experienced physicians at Tetra Holistic Care can help determine the best form of medical cannabis for your needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!