What medical marijuana products are available in Louisiana, anyway?
In Louisiana, medical marijuana is available in a variety of forms. Patients can choose from oils, tinctures, capsules, vaporizers, and topicals. Each form has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to talk to a doctor or pharmacist before deciding which one is right for you.
No matter which form you choose, medical marijuana can be a safe and effective way to treat a variety of conditions. If you have any questions, be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Wondering how to get a medical marijuana card in Louisiana? Contact CannabisRxHealth today to get your recommendation from one of our Board-certified physicians.
The process is straightforward, and you'll receive guidance every step of the way. Once you complete your consultation and get your recommendation, you'll have permission to visit the dispensaries immediately, too. Contact us now to schedule your consultation today.
Louisiana Dispensary Menu Options
What medical marijuana products are available in Louisiana? Taking a quick look at the Louisiana dispensary menu options, you will find a wide variety of products are available including: oils, tinctures, capsules, topicals, and more.
Each form has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to talk to a doctor or pharmacist before deciding which one is right for you. Here's a list of the options to consider for your qualifying illness:
Louisiana Cannabis Flower Strains
Cannabis flowers, also commonly called "buds," are the most popular type of cannabis product on the market. They can be smoked using a pipe, bong, joint, or vaporizer, and these medical cannabis products have been legal in Louisiana since January 1, 2022.
Smoking cannabis flower is one of the quickest ways to feel the effects of THC. The effects typically last for two to three hours.
Cannabis flowers are also one of the most versatile products on the market. They can be used to make edibles, oils, and tinctures.
If you're looking for a potent product that will give you fast results, cannabis flowers are a good option to consider.
Tinctures in Louisiana
Tinctures are another popular option. They’re made by soaking marijuana leaves in alcohol, which extracts the active ingredients. Tinctures can be taken orally or added to food or drinks.
These products come in a 30mL glass bottle with a dropper. They're fast-acting and easy to dose, but keep in mind, they can be very potent. Since they're absorbed by the liver without hesitation, the oncoming effects are typically felt faster than consuming pills or gelatin-based chewables.
If you’re considering trying a tincture, be sure to start with a low dose. Start with one drop, wait an hour, and increase the dosage as needed. Remember that it can take up to two hours to feel the full effects of a tincture.
Louisiana dispensaries carry a variety of tincture brands and potencies. Once you have access to these products, you can go into your local dispensary to make your tincture purchase.
Extracts in Louisiana
Extracts are concentrated cannabis products that use solvents (such as alcohol, carbon dioxide, and others) to remove the trichomes from the cannabis matter. Cannabis extracts can be used in a variety of products, including lotions, oils, sprays, and others.
Sprays
Cannabis infused sprays are another form of tincture. These products come in small bottles that let consumers use the oil with ease. The effects of the spray usually take around half an hour, although this may differ depending on how much is sprayed and where it is applied in the mouth.
Oils
Oils are the most popular form of medical marijuana in Louisiana. They can be taken orally or added to food or drinks.
These products are easy to dose and can be very potent, so they’re a good option for patients who need a high level of relief. However, they can take up to a twenty minutes to take effect.
Capsules
Capsules are an equally convenient way to take medical marijuana. They’re easy to dose and can be taken with or without food. However, it can take up to an hour for capsules to take effect.
Solutions
Medical cannabis solutions are concoctions containing dissolved cannabinoids. In some cases, lotions are marijuana solutions, too. Ultimately, the components of these products are thoroughly dissolved, ensuring equal distribution upon application or consumption.
Gelatin-Based Chewables
Another choice for patients who don't want to or are unable to swallow capsule forms of medical marijuana is gelatine-based chewables. The cannabis enters the circulation when taken in pill form, and it is broken down by the stomach and absorbed by the intestines. These chewables take approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour to work their way through your system.
Chewables are a good option for patients who want to avoid smoking or vaporizing their medical marijuana. They’re also a good option for those who want to take their medicine on the go, since they’re easy to transport and don’t require water to take.
Lotions
Topicals or lotions are a good option for patients who want to target relief to a specific area. These lotions are applied directly to the skin and can be used to treat pain, inflammation, and other conditions. They’re typically less potent than other forms of medical marijuana, so they’re a good option for patients who don’t need a high level of relief.
Transdermal Patches
MMJ patients in Louisiana also have access to transdermal patches. These patches are applied directly to the skin and allow for a slow and steady release of medication over an extended period of time. They’re a good option for patients who need around-the-clock relief from their symptoms.
Suppositories
Rather than taking pills or orally consuming medical cannabis, some patients prefer to use suppositories. These products are inserted into the rectum, where they dissolve and are absorbed into the body.
Suppositories offer a number of benefits. They’re fast-acting, so relief is felt quickly. They also bypass the liver, so the cannabinoids go straight into the bloodstream after it enters the rectal mucosa. This means that patients don’t have to go through the “head high” that some people associate with cannabis use.
Suppositories are easy to use at home and offer just as many benefits as any other product. However, they may not be suitable for everyone. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to talk to your doctor or a medical marijuana specialist.
Metered Dose Inhalation
Some people prefer to use an aerosol spray form of medical marijuana, which is inhaled. These products are usually oil-based, and they’re designed to be used with a metered dose inhaler (MDI).
Infused with natural cannabis extracts, the spray from an MDI is more coarse than smoke, which offers more cannabinoids for each dose. However, only ~5% of MDI dissipates or gets exhaled during consumption, meaning treatment is possible without intruding on others with second-hand spray.
Suspensions
In a suspension, the main ingredients cannot dissolve with each another. As such, small particles stay intact throughout these products. Most marijuana suspensions involve cannabis oil.
Closing on Medical Marijuana Products in Louisiana
If you're looking for a fast-acting form of medical cannabis, flower may be a good option for you. However, if you're looking for something that will last longer, a gelatin-based chewable might be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference.
Other options exist, of course, including transdermal patches, suppositories, and more. No matter which form of medical marijuana you choose, be sure to talk to one of our Board-certified physicians to ensure it's the right fit for you.
Contact us now to schedule your appointment to get your medical marijuana access now. Our professionals are eager to help!
