33 states in the US have now legalized some form of medicinal cannabis. While there are many different ways to consume medicinal cannabis, the use of cannabis extracts has become very popular in recent years.
Many users prefer cannabis extracts over other forms of cannabis. This is because cannabis extracts are more concentrated and they can also be consumed without smoking, which makes them an alternative for users with asthma or other respiratory issues.
If you’re wondering how to use cannabis extracts, this guide will help you learn all the basics you need to know.
What Are Cannabis Extracts?
Also known as concentrates, dabs, waxes, and oils, cannabis extracts are a type of refined product where the cannabis essential oils and active compounds are separated from the raw plant material. Extracts are highly concentrated, which means that even a small quantity can induce a strong, long-lasting effect. Cannabis extracts can also be vaporized, consumed in capsules, taken as an oral tincture, or cooked into an edible.
As with flowers, cannabis extracts are available in a wide variety of strains. Cannabis extracts can be sativa, indica, or hybrids. For medicinal use, there are also many cannabis extracts that are CBD-dominant and contain little or no THC.
Using Cannabis Extracts for Various Conditions
Cannabis extracts can help support many conditions. As always, do not start any new treatment or make changes to your existing treatment plan without consulting your healthcare provider first. When possible, consider seeing a specialist who is familiar with medicinal cannabis. Your local medicinal dispensary or MarijuanaDoctors.com can help you find a provider near you.
Here are some common medical uses for cannabis extracts:
1. Migraines
Migraine headaches can be debilitating. In one study, cannabis reduced migraine severity by half. Users often report that sativa-dominant extracts have a stronger effect on their heads. Sativas are also considered “daytime” strains because they don’t produce the same feelings of heaviness or lethargy as indicas. Using a few drops of a sativa tincture or vaporizing a sativa dab may provide relief from migraines while allowing you to continue your daily activities.
2. Mental Health Relief
Cannabis extracts can treat physical pain, but they also have tremendous benefits for many mental health conditions. Currently, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is listed as a qualifying condition by the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC). MAPS, a non-profit that focuses on studying the impact cannabis has on various mental disorders, is currently studying cannabis use among U.S. veterans with PTSD. Learn more about the study here.
3. Loss of Appetite
If you’re experiencing loss of appetite due to chemotherapy treatment or other medical conditions, cannabis extracts can help. Cannabis stimulates appetite and can induce food-based cravings. Additionally, it can also provide relief from nausea, allowing patients to eat normally.
For advice regarding specific strains, talk to your doctor or local budtender. If your loss of appetite is caused by a specific condition and accompanied by other physical pain or discomfort, you may be able to find a strain that will treat all your symptoms.
We Can Help
Our budtenders can help you find the right cannabis extract for your unique needs. Learn more about CULTA and our focus on consciously cultivated cannabis here.
