The EVOLUTION Magazine February 2021 | Page 36

cannabis Wellness
Asking questions makes for a smarter shopper ... by Dr . James McEntire ( Doc Mac ), contributing writer

cannabis Wellness

Patient Education

Dispensary Shopping

Asking questions makes for a smarter shopper ... by Dr . James McEntire ( Doc Mac ), contributing writer

Now into a new year , many

patients are anxiously awaiting more of the 2021 dispensary grand opening announcements . As of the end of 2020 , close to 80,000 Missourians became legal medical cannabis patients with nearly 20,000 of those patients being licensed cultivators . As a physician , numbers like this are amazing to see ; as is knowing that so many Missourians have been able to choose a holistic option for their chronic illnesses over many dangerous pharmaceuticals .
Many of the patients I see are overwhelmed and full of questions . Hopefully , I can help ease a patient ’ s mind and provide some information to prepare them for their first trip to a dispensary and the beginning of their medical cannabis journey . One of my biggest tips is encouraging all patients who have not done so to go ahead and get their state medical card , so they are ready when the dispensary near them opens .
One of the most common questions we receive is where to get medical cannabis products . Many more dispensaries are hoping to open within the coming months . The DHSS provides a fantastic interactive map with facility locations on its website that allows patients to view the facilities that are approved to operate and offer patients legal access to medicine from state authorized providers . This map can also be viewed at www . TheEvolutionMag . com .
What should you look for when deciding to visit a dispensary ? I encourage patients to seek out dispensaries that provide medical consultations from trained nurses and doctors with experience and knowledge in cannabis . It ’ s imperative that patients have access to reliable and knowledgeable staff when beginning their cannabis journeys because many patients do not understand the chance for relative contraindication ( reason for caution ) between their current pharmaceuticals and medical cannabis .
For example , patients taking blood pressure medications should closely monitor their blood pressure once beginning cannabis therapies because cannabis may naturally lower blood pressure . The patient may begin to see their blood pressure dropping too low , showing cause to speak with a physician about tapering down on their pharmaceutical blood pressure control .
Patients should absolutely be interested and asking about the available cannabinoids in their medical cannabis . Patients often focus on the amount of delta-9 THC ( psychoactive cannabinoid ) contained in medical cannabis products . While delta-9 THC is one contributing factor to the efficacy of cannabis therapies , other cannabinoids like THC-V , CBD , CBG , and CBN can bring about a myriad of additional benefits to patients . When patients seek options for therapies , it ’ s important to understand the cannabinoid profile of the medicine available , so it ’ s imperative to ask the patient care staff ( often called budtenders ) about these profiles in the products they offer their patients . While most cannabinoids are not in themselves intoxicating , their presence may influence how THC affects you .
Another often overlooked detail that patients should be asking their patient care staff ( budtender ) is about the terpene profiles of the medicine available to them . With continuous breeding of different genetics and the prevalence of Sativa / Indica hybrids , the terpenes of medicine have become a larger focus in recent years .
One of the greatest examples of a patient ’ s need to know terpene profiles is when it comes to the terpene called “ Pinene .” When inhaled cannabis or sublingual oils are used , the terpene “ pinene ” should be avoided for PTSD patients as it can be anxiety-provoking . This terpene has memory-enhancing effects that can make traumatic memories worse and should not be consumed by patients who have coped with or who are currently coping with PTSD or suicidal thoughts . Believe it or not , even the terpenes in foods you consume around the same time as consuming cannabis can impact your effects . Mango , which contains myrcene , can intensify the effects of your cannabis when consumed in conjunction with medicating with cannabis . I absolutely encourage patients to be aware of different consumption methods , even for dry cannabis flower .
The best option for patients will vary and may
36 February 2021