For centuries, cannabis has been used as a herbal remedy for the treatment of many different illnesses, from life-threatening diseases to cuts, aches and pains. The amazing plant is still being used to this day and if you walk inside one of the many dispensaries in San Francisco, you can marvel at the diverse selection of products available on the market nowadays.
Two of the most-studied components of the cannabis plant are the psychoactive chemical delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, better known as THC, and Cannabidiol, which is known as CBD. Although other cannabinoids are being researched for their medical potential, these two have been tried-and-tested the most for treating illnesses and ailments.
One such ailment that can be treated using marijuana-infused products, such as cannabis capsules, is rheumatoid arthritis. Chinese Emperor Shen Nung discovered the benefits of using cannabis to treat rheumatism back in 2737 B.C. In fact, this was the first ever recorded use of medical marijuana!
What are the signs of rheumatoid arthritis?
Before you buy cannabis capsules to relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, make sure it is in fact this medical problem that you are suffering from. With such a wide range of cannabis strains to choose from, it is vital that you get a diagnosis from your Doctor. By doing so, he or she can recommend a strain with a desirable percentage of CBD and/or THC.
The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may persist over a long period of time and will usually develop over the course of a few weeks. They include joint pain, stiffness and swelling. You may experience difficulty bending your joints as normal. In this case, visit a Doctor for a diagnosis.
What are cannabis capsules?
New products are being introduced to the medical marijuana market on an ongoing basis. cannabis capsules are one of the freshest additions to SF dispensary menus. These capsules can be swallowed with a glass of water at morning or night, just like normal pharmaceutical-grade pills and capsules. The difference is that cannabis capsules are all-natural and non-addictive, unlike opioid medication, which has caused many deaths as a result of misuse and abuse.
Suitable for patients who are looking for a convenient and secret way to consume cannabis for the relief of rheumatoid arthritis, pain and swelling, cannabis capsules vary in potency. The level of pure cannabinoids contained inside each capsule will depend on the brand that manufactured it.
While some cannabis capsules will contain dry plant matter, others will be filled with cannabis oil. Since extracts tend to be more potent, oil-based capsules might provide faster, longer-lasting relief from joint stiffness and swelling. Examples of some trusted brands that produce this kind of capsule include MedReleaf and Cannimed. If you want, you can make your own capsules by purchasing decarboxylated cannabis from a San Francisco dispensary.
How do cannabis capsules work?
Let’s cut the scientific jargon as much as possible and make things simple. So, here goes. There is something inside cannabis oil (the CBD or THC compound) that will connect to different parts of the brain (CB1 and CB2 receptors.) These receptors act just like plug sockets in the way they work. When the cannabinoid (the plug) connects to the receptor (the socket,) it reacts. This reaction may affect your pain threshold, mood, emotions, bodily functions, thinking, memory and appetite, to name a few things.
To avoid overdosing (which may be unpleasurable if your cannabis capsules contain a lot of THC,) it is worth asking your Doctor about a recommended dosage. Start with a small dosage and gradually increase the dosage as time goes on. By doing this, you can assess how you feel and determine whether or not you require stronger/more cannabis capsules. Make sure you ask the budtender about the potency level of the capsules you buy, as this may differ greatly.
What are the alternatives to cannabis capsules?
You don’t have to swallow cannabis capsules if you don’t want to. For some people, the following alternative medical marijuana products can be bought at a dispensary to provide rheumatoid arthritis relief:
- Gummies – Chewy flavored treats infused with potent cannabinoids.
- Suppositories – Rectal cannabis suppositories can provide pain relief within 10 minutes.
- Sprays – THC or CBD sprays can be spritzed directly into the mouth for fast absorption into the bloodstream.
- Oils – You may consider buying oils and adding a few drops to a cup of tea, recipes or even vaporizing them with a vape device.
- Juice – Knock back a nutrient-rich juice that contains specific levels of cannabinoids.
- Edibles – There are plenty of cannabis-infused edibles to choose from, including chocolate bars, cakes, biscuits and savory options, such as pretzels and biscuits.
Where to Find Medical-Grade Cannabis Products
First you will need to get a Doctor’s recommendation. This is pretty straightforward and simply requires visiting your nearest healthcare clinic, explaining your symptoms and getting a written recommendation. Next, you can search for a San Francisco dispensary. Look for a dispensary that is licensed, offers a wide selection of products, and hires friendly and knowledgeable budtenders who can advise you on which strains/products are best-suited to your medical ailment.