The effects of marijuana, or more specifically its cannabinoids, are well documented. Both tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) have been shown to alter specific body processes, in addition to their main effects. The wide-ranging effects of cannabinoids mean that medical marijuana users can tailor the different marijuana products to suit their specific situations. Medical marijuana physicians in Arlington Ohio Green Team, for example, recommend being mindful of the effects of medical marijuana in some extreme weather conditions.
Summertime encourages people to participate in outdoor activities, including smoking medical marijuana at public places like parks. As mentioned, smoking marijuana in certain weather conditions can enhance its effects. To understand the interaction between weather conditions like hot summers and marijuana ingestion, a basic knowledge of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is needed.
The Endocannabinoid System
The ECS is a signaling pathway in the body that helps to regulate complicated body processes and responses. Having been identified during research on THC, the interactions between the ECS and marijuana products became the subject of intense interest.
This system consists of enzymes, endocannabinoids, and receptors. Its receptors are found virtually throughout the body, though the ones of most interest are the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Both of these receptors are within the body’s nervous system. Endocannabinoids bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors just like neurotransmitters. This binding action between an endocannabinoid molecule and a receptor contributes to the regulation of body metabolism, including the mild cooling effect.
Standard processes regulated by this system include:
- metabolism
- sleep
- motor control
- muscle formation
- liver function
- homeostasis
Cannabinoids bind to endocannabinoid receptors of the body, much like the naturally occurring neurotransmitter anandamide. THC can bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors, producing the different effects associated with marijuana use. In addition to producing “highs” in individuals, its effects on the homeostatic regulation of the body mean that it can control body temperatures to a certain extent.
This fact is significant, especially for medical marijuana users that wish to use it in extreme summer conditions.
Because cannabinoids facilitate a mild cooling effect on the body, they can be ideal for hot summer days.
These are the ways to use medical marijuana in the summer:
- Smoking
Smoking comes to mind when many patients think of using medical marijuana. Rolled joints are very popular for the inhalation of cannabinoids. Many marijuana users, especially the younger crowds, prefer it because of its acceptance in pop culture.
Much like regular smoking, inhalation of marijuana smoke brings in a quick onset of its effects. The mouth and respiratory system have a network of many tiny blood vessels, enabling the rapid absorption of cannabinoids into the body. This cannabinoid action takes about 20 minutes to take effect.
Smoking medical marijuana through a pipe is also a cheap way of enjoying its benefits. Though popular, smoking medical marijuana can be hazardous for the lungs in the long run.
- Marijuana Edibles
These are equally popular among many cannabis users. Those less inclined to smoke medical marijuana prefer foods infused with some marijuana products, especially CBD. CBD has been shown to have no psychoactive effects while conferring benefits like helping with seizures and nausea.
Marijuana edibles are digested much like regular foods. The advantage of cannabis edibles is that no special equipment is required, unlike with other marijuana products like vapes.
Start slow when consuming marijuana edibles as they sometimes have unpredictable effects, especially for first-time consumers.
- Tinctures and Oils
Marijuana dispensaries now have numerous options for medical marijuana users to choose from. Tinctures and CBD oils are some of the marijuana products that you can benefit from during the summer. Their ease of use makes them very popular among most marijuana users.
Tinctures and oils are, however, not suitable for those with medical conditions that require specific dosages of cannabinoids. This is because they are mostly consumed in minimal amounts. To get around this problem, talk to a professional about gradually increasing your CBD oil dose, thereby enabling its optimal effects.
- Vaping
Probably the “coolest” way of consuming marijuana products, vaping is trendy among many medical marijuana users. Unlike smoking, its detrimental effects on the lungs are minimal. Enjoy vaping this summer by having finely-ground cannabis leaves put into a vape pen. The vape pen will vaporize the cannabinoids for you to inhale, giving an almost instant hit of the CBD or THC.
Vaping is expensive; therefore, you must spend time looking for cheaper types, or you can enjoy your medical cannabis using the other methods.
- Dabbing
Dabbing involves inhaling highly potent marijuana content that has been heated, usually a marijuana extract very rich in cannabinoids. This method can enhance your enjoyment of medical marijuana this summer. However, due to the strong cannabinoid content, first-time users are advised to go slow while trying it.