Dosing and Side Effects
Dosing and Side Effects
Side Effects
Currently no significant interactions between cannabis and other drugs are known at this time, though research indicates when used with opiate painkillers the effects are enhanced. Little is known about the interaction with other pharmaceutical medications, but it is something to consider when using cannabis. It is important to talk to your Doctor if you are using cannabis for medical purposes as some studies have shown interactions with barbiturates, theophyline, fluxetine, disulfiram, sedatives, antihistamines.
CBD (Cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) share a special interdependent relationship and work together to increase one another’s therapeutic benefits. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound. THC is psychoactive and, therefore, may produce euphoric or dysphoric effects. A patient’s sensitivity to THC is a key factor in determining appropriate dosages and ratios for a CBD-rich treatment regimen. CBD can lessen or neutralize the psycho activity of THC. So an increased ratio of CBD-to-THC means fewer mental effects.
Don’t consume THC and drive; it can impair motor skills. To date there is no law in place that defines a specific time a person should wait before driving or operating heavy machinery. Because people and potency of strains and products vary so greatly, it is always wise to wait until you feel the effect has completely worn off.
Dosage Guidelines
Cannabinoid therapeutics is personalized medicine. The appropriate dosage depends upon the person and condition being treated.
Dosed cannabinoid medicine infused with CBD-rich oil extracts is available in sublingual sprays, capsules, edibles, topicals, tinctures and other products.
Find your ratio. Products have varying amounts of CBD and THC. A high CBD strain or product (with little THC) is not necessarily superior to a strain or product with a more balanced CBD:THC ratio. Find the proper combination for you.
Don’t overdo it. Often with cannabinoid therapeutics, “less is more.” Cannabinoid compounds have biphasic properties. This means that higher doses of CBD may not be as effective as low or moderate doses. Also, too much THC—while not lethal—can increase anxiety and mood disorders.
Consider the condition you’re treating. For anxiety, depression, spasms, and pediatric seizure disorders, you may do better with a moderate dose of a CBD-dominant remedy—look for a CBD:THC ratio of more than 14:1. For cancer or pain, you may need more THC, for instance, a 1:1 ratio.
Keep A Log
To establish an optimal treatment regime, you will need to balance the effects of different strains, doses, and methods of ingestion. It may be helpful to record your therapeutic intake on an ongoing basis. One method is through keeping a log that captures your experience, including thoughts, feeling and behaviors. Periodically reviewing the log can help both you and your doctor make decisions about what works best.
To start, keep a detailed log, as described below, for at least one week. Once you’ve got a week’s worth of information, complete the self-assessment worksheet that follows. This worksheet will help you better understand many things about yourself, including: your ailments and symptom patterns, your treatment behaviors, and the efficacy and side effects of the medicines you use.
In keeping a medication log, try to keep things standardized, and be as consistent as possible. Here are some logging tips on useful information to collect:
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