Starting your journey with medical cannabis is a lot like learning to ride a bicycle. When you first start, you don't jump on and pedal as fast as possible—you start with training wheels and then take it step by step. The same “start low, go slow” principle applies when it comes to medical cannabis.
New medical cannabis patients are often worried about potential side effects they might experience with their medication. That’s why doctors recommend “start low, go slow”—it allows new patients to get used to their medicines with minimal side effects and disruption to their everyday lives.
In this article, we’ll cover why it’s important to start with low doses of medical cannabis, as well as the different types of medical cannabis, how they work in the body, and an overview of what to expect during a typical medical cannabis consultation in the UK.
What Does “Start Low And Go Slow” Mean?
Pharmacokinetics is about how medications move through your body—how they are absorbed, distributed, metabolised, and excreted. The key part of this process is absorption, which is how a medication gets into your bloodstream.
Different ways of taking medication (like swallowing a pill, using a patch, or getting an injection) can affect how well and how quickly it works. Once absorbed, the medication is metabolised (or processed) by your body, which can be influenced by factors like your age, weight, and overall health.
This knowledge helps doctors prescribe safe and effective treatments and is crucial for getting the best results. Starting low and going slow allows your body to adjust and helps doctors find the right dose for you with minimal side effects.
Why Does It Matter For Medical Cannabis?
The “start low, go slow” principle is critical when it comes to medical cannabis because medical cannabis comes in many forms, all of which have different effects and potencies.
But before we dive into the different types of medical cannabis products, it’s important to understand the differences between the main compounds in medical cannabis:
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the compound in cannabis that makes you feel "high." THC-dominant products are often used for their pain-relief properties, as well as to stimulate appetite and reduce nausea. However, high doses of THC can cause anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations, especially in new patients or those sensitive to it.
- Cannabidiol (CBD), on the other hand, does not produce a "high." CBD-dominant products are prized for their calming effects and are often used to reduce anxiety, inflammation, and seizures. CBD is often well-tolerated, but high doses can cause drowsiness, dry mouth, and changes in appetite.
- There are also balanced THC/CBD products that combine both compounds to provide a mix of therapeutic benefits.
The method of ingestion also affects how fast and for how long you can experience the effects of medical cannabis. For example, oils, edibles, and flower can be absorbed and metabolised in various ways depending on the method of ingestion:
- Inhalation (Smoking or Vaporising): When you smoke or vaporise cannabis, the effects can often be felt within minutes because the cannabinoids enter the bloodstream through the lungs. These effects typically last 1-3 hours.
- Oral Ingestion (Edibles, Capsules, Tinctures): Edibles and tinctures take longer to take effect, between 30 minutes to 2 hours, because the cannabinoids must pass through the digestive system and liver before entering the bloodstream. The effects can last much longer, often 4-8 hours. This review emphasises the importance of careful dose management with oral cannabis due to its delayed onset and prolonged effects.
Individual responses to cannabis can also vary due to factors like body weight, metabolism, and tolerance levels. For example, people with different body sizes or faster metabolisms might need different doses, while experienced patients may require different doses compared to new patients.
How to Safely Begin Your Medical Cannabis Journey
The first step to anyone’s medical cannabis journey begins with consulting a doctor who can prescribe medical cannabis and help determine the right starting dose and method of ingestion that’s best for you. Your doctor will provide guidance and a personalised plan based on your medical history and current health conditions.
- Low Initial Dosing: Depending on your needs and medical history, your doctor will most likely start you on a small dose to minimise side effects and allow your body to adjust, such as 2.5 mg of THC or CBD, depending on the product. This helps in assessing your body’s reaction to the medication.
- Monitor Effects: Carefully monitor how you feel after taking the dose, noting any side effects. Keeping a journal to track your experiences can be very helpful.
- Gradual Increase: A gradual increase is recommended to find the optimal dose that provides the desired effects without significant side effects. Your doctor should increase your dose by small amounts, i.e. 1-2 mg, every few days. This gradual increase helps identify the most effective dose with minimal side effects.
- Track Progress: Keep a journal to track your dosages, effects, and any side effects to help fine-tune your treatment plan.
- Listen to Your Body: Pay close attention to how your body responds and adjust your dosage accordingly.
- Recognise Signs: Be aware of signs that your dose may be too high, such as increased anxiety, dizziness, or confusion. If you experience adverse effects, reduce your dose and consult your healthcare provider for guidance.
By following these steps, you can safely find the right dose for your needs and ensure the best possible outcome.
Consulting with Doctors: What to Expect in the UK
In the UK, you can get a medical cannabis prescription from Alternaleaf clinic via telemedicine. Alternaleaf's experts will guide you through the process to ensure you receive the right treatment.
During your first consultation, your doctor will review your medical history and discuss your symptoms and goals to determine whether medical cannabis is suitable for you. Based on your needs, your doctor will recommend a medical cannabis product and a starting dose, explaining how to adjust it.
Regular follow-up appointments are essential to track your progress and make any necessary changes—your feedback helps the doctor refine your treatment for the best results.
The "start low, go slow" principle is crucial for safely using medical cannabis. By beginning with a low dose and slowly increasing it, you can minimise side effects and find the best dose for your needs on your journey to better health.