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With 500+ chemical compounds and over 100 cannabinoids you could say the cannabis plant is complex. Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are just two of these compounds that you’ve probably heard of. In case you haven’t, the main thing to note is that CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t make you feel “high”. THC is psychoactive, so can be behind that “high” feeling when used recreationally.
Both, when used responsibly and prescribed by a licensed clinic like Alternaleaf, can have a number of health benefits. We’ll be exploring how to consume, what to know before consuming and the effects of THC oil specifically below.
What you should know before consuming THC oil
There are few things you need to keep in mind before consuming, and even purchasing, medical cannabis. This especially applies to THC oil for beginners.
Firstly, anything that exceeds 1mg of THC per ‘container’ (bottle or packet), is illegal to sell over the counter in the UK. Products with higher levels of THC can only be prescribed by clinics like Alternaleaf, as they have the proper licensing and regulatory oversight.
Clinics like Alternaleaf have clinicians who are specialists in their field. You’ll start your treatment journey with an initial assessment and Doctor consultation with our experts. And this medical consultation will ensure you’re getting the most out of your treatment. Why? Because we’ll create a personalised treatment plan customised to your needs, and you’ll be prescribed medication that is suited to and dependent on your condition and symptoms. And we’ll make sure you’re happy and completely comfortable with it.
Our clinicians will also recommend an appropriate dosage. Anyone who is brand new to medical cannabis should always start low and slow. But guidance from a clinician should lower the risk of unwanted side effects and maximise therapeutic benefits. Understanding how to dose THC oil can be confusing, as there are no set rules, and the correct dose can vary from person to person. For now, here’s a brief THC oil dosage guide, covering some of the factors that could influence your ideal dosage:
- Weight and body size - larger people can typically tolerate higher doses than smaller people.
- Metabolism - those with a fast metabolism may need higher or more frequent doses.
- Your medical condition or symptoms - for example, you might require higher doses for pain relief than you would for anxiety.
- The strength or ‘potency’ of the THC oil.
- Whether you are new to medical cannabis or have built up some tolerance over time.
- The THC oil absorption technique - some ways of consuming work more quickly than others. We’ll touch more on this later.
Different Types of THC Oil
Full-spectrum, broad-spectrum and isolate are three types of cannabis. The difference between them, put simply, is the compounds they contain.If any product features a range of things extracted from a cannabis plant – like terpenes and essential oils – it’s classed as full-spectrum.Broad spectrum is similar, in that it can contain a wide range of cannabis plant compounds, yet it has no more than a trace amount of THC. Lastly, isolate is pretty much as it sounds: pure CBD or THC with no other compounds. CBD isolate is typically derived from hemp plants, which have very low THC content, while THC isolate is extracted from cannabis plants with higher THC levels, ensuring that only the THC remains.We go into much more detail on the above here. Each of these will suit different people depending on what they’re looking to get a prescription for, what their symptoms are, and their own individual needs. And sometimes it’s better when THC and CBD work together. Both may play a lead role on certain health conditions due to a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.
Methods of Consuming THC Oil
It’s hard to answer the question: What are the best ways to use THC oil? This is because everyone is different. So we’ll go over some THC oil consumption methods below to give you a rough idea of what they are and how long they take to cause any effects. Remember that experiences can vary with each method, and can depend on you as an individual. Your clinician will run through these in more detail, and work with you to decide what is best for you. You may not find the right way the first time you consume.
Vaporisation
All concentrate vaporisers work in pretty much the same way: load the cartridge onto the battery, and then press the button or draw on the device to heat it until the therapeutic cannabinoids start evaporating. You then inhale the vapour that’s produced. We’ve got lots more information on vaporisers here.
Sublingual Application
Placing cannabis oil or tincture under the tongue allows for quick absorption into the bloodstream. This results in a fast onset, usually within 15 to 30 minutes, and tends to provide longer-lasting relief when compared to inhalation. It’s also discreet and you can easily control dosage.
Adding to Food or Drinks
Orally, THC oil is typically consumed in the form of a capsule or tincture that can be added to food or drink. Tinctures are made from cannabis plant extract, so they’re not as concentrated and can therefore have a slower onset time. If you ingest the oil by swallowing it or adding it to food and drinks, it needs to pass through your digestive system before being absorbed into your bloodstream, so the effects usually occur between 30 minutes to an hour. They can last anywhere from 4-8 hours depending on dosage and metabolism. You should only use the above methods when instructed to do so by your clinician. And to ensure safe use, it’s really important you follow their dosage guide.
Effects of Consuming THC Oil
THC oil is often considered by some as more precise and consistent in terms of effects, compared to other forms of cannabis, like dried flower or edibles. Although dosage, patient tolerance and method of administration can change THC oil effects on the body, studies have shown that some of the benefits of THC oil can include:
- Relieve pain
- Reduce nausea
- Ease migraines
- Reduce anxiety
- Increase appetite
- Help with insomnia
- Is anti-inflammatory
Summary
We’ve got two key takeaways for you. Always start low and slow if you’re new to medical cannabis, and always follow the advice of your clinician. It’s also important to remember that, like with all medicine, your body might react to cannabis differently than someone else you know. For more information, or to discuss your own health needs, contact Alternaleaf today. Medical Cannabis can be prescribed for chronic pain, anxiety, depression, ADHD and more. There’s lots of help and information on our website, and we’re always here to answer any questions you may have.