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Discover the Most Convenient Medical Cannabis Formats

Topic: Patient Information

When it comes to managing your health with medical cannabis, convenience can make all the difference. Whether you’re looking for ease of use, portability, or discreet options, there’s a solution to fit your lifestyle. Let’s dive into some of the top medical cannabis products designed with convenience in mind.

1. Cannabis Oil

Why It’s Convenient: Cannabis oil offers precise dosing and flexibility. You can easily measure your dose using a dropper or pumping a few sprays of oil, ensuring consistent results each time. Plus, it’s discreet and can be mixed into food or drinks for added convenience.

How to Use – with a dropper:

• Measure the desired amount using the provided dropper.
• Place the oil into your mouth and swallow or mix it into your beverage of choice.

How to Use – with a spray bottle:

• Remove the plastic tab in front of the bottle and press the child-resistant button on the back.
• While holding the button down, twist to “ON” position and spray product to the inner cheek or into your beverage of choice.

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2. Softgels

Why It’s Convenient: Softgels are pre-measured, portable, and easy to take. They’re perfect for on-the-go use, with no mess or measuring required.

How to Use:

• Swallow the softgel with water, like a regular capsule.
• Each softgel contains a precise amount of cannabis extract, making it simple to precisely dose and track your intake.

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3. Inhalers

Why It’s Convenient: Inhalers provide fast-acting relief in a portable and discreet format. They’re an excellent choice for those who need quick symptom management without smoking or vaping.

How to Use:

• Shake the inhaler before use.
• Exhale fully, place the mouthpiece in your mouth, and inhale as you press down on the canister.
• Hold your breath for 5-10 seconds before exhaling.

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4. Soft Chews

Why It’s Convenient: Soft chews combine great taste with easy dosing. They’re discreet, portable, and ideal for those who prefer an edible option without the need for preparation.

How to Use:

• Chew thoroughly before swallowing. Soft chews can be divided in half for smaller doses.
• Start with one chew and wait to see how it affects you before taking more.

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5. Transdermal Patches

Why It’s Convenient: Transdermal patches deliver steady, slow-release effects throughout the day. They’re discreet and eliminate the need for multiple doses.

How to Use:

• Apply the sticky side of the patch to a clean, dry area of skin, such as inside of the wrist, behind the knee or top of the foot.
• Leave it in place for up to 12 hours for extended therapeutic benefit.

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Follow your healthcare provider’s guidance for dosing. The safest dosing strategy is to “start low, go slow”, and to stay at the lowest effective dose that allows you to reach your treatment goals with minimal/no side effects.

As always, consult with your healthcare provider or your treatment plan to determine which products may work best for your needs.

Previous Article
The Entourage Effect: How Cannabis Compounds Work Together
You may have heard the term “Entourage Effect” used in conversations about how cannabis works in the body. But what does it mean, and why is it important to your treatment plan? In this blog, we’ll break down the science of the Entourage Effect, explore the roles of terpenes and minor cannabinoids, and explain how this knowledge can support your medical cannabis journey. What Is the Entourage Effect? The Entourage Effect is the hypothesis that all the compounds in cannabis—like cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids—work together to create a stronger therapeutic effect than any single compound could on its own. For example, you might know THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) as the compound that produces cannabis’s psychoactive effects, or CBD (cannabidiol) for its calming properties. While these cannabinoids are powerful on their own, they may work even better when combined with other compounds naturally found in cannabis. The concept was first introduced in 1998 by scientists Shimon Ben-Shabat and Raphael Mechoulam, who studied how cannabinoids and other compounds interact in the body’s endocannabinoid system 1. Since then, research has shown that the potential effects of compounds found in cannabis and their unique combinations may produce a desirable synergistic effect 2. The Role of Terpenes and Minor Cannabinoids Terpenes are aromatic compounds that give cannabis its unique scents and flavors—like citrus, pine, or spice. Beyond their smell, terpenes have therapeutic properties. For example: • Myrcene: Known to have a pain relief effect. High levels of Myrcene can result in a “couch lock” effect. 3 • Limonene: May offer mood-boosting and stress-relieving benefits 3 • Pinene: May support focus and memory 3 • Linalool: May assist with anxiety 3 Minor cannabinoids, such as CBG (cannabigerol) and CBC (cannabichromene), also play an important role. While they’re present in smaller amounts than THC and CBD, these compounds can help enhance the therapeutic effects of cannabis. • CBG: Known for its potential anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties 2. • CBC: Studied for its role in pain relief and neuroprotection 2. When combined with THC and CBD, these terpenes and minor cannabinoids contribute to the Entourage Effect, offering a more comprehensive approach to symptom relief. How Understanding the Entourage Effect Can Help Your Treatment Choosing the right cannabis product for your medical needs often involves more than just looking at the THC or CBD content. By considering the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes, you may be able to find a product that better suits your symptoms. For example: • If you’re managing chronic pain, a cultivar high in myrcene and CBG might offer better relief than one with only THC present 4. • For anxiety, cultivars with CBD, limonene, and linalool may help create a calming effect 4 Additionally, research suggests that the Entourage Effect may reduce the undesirable side effects of THC, such as anxiety or dizziness, by balancing its impact with other cannabinoids like CBD 5. Recent Research on the Entourage Effect While more studies are needed, recent research is uncovering exciting insights about how cannabis compounds interact. • Recent research on cannabis interactions is exploring how cannabis compounds work together, both when cannabinoids interact with each other (called intra-entourage) and when cannabinoids interact with terpenes (called inter-entourage). Scientists believe that mixing specific cannabinoids and terpenes, or using whole cannabis extracts, could make the effects stronger. For example, terpenes like myrcene and limonene might help improve mood or reduce anxiety, boosting the benefits of cannabinoids like THC and CBD, though more studies are needed to confirm this. 6 These findings reinforce the idea that whole-plant cannabis formulations may be more beneficial for certain medical conditions than single-compound products. What This Means for Your Medical Cannabis Journey Understanding the Entourage Effect can empower you to make informed choices about your treatment. When discussing cannabis with your healthcare practitioner, consider asking questions like: • What terpenes or minor cannabinoids are in the product? • Would a full-spectrum extract be better for my condition? •  Are there specific cultivars/terpene profiles/cannabinoid profiles that might address my symptoms? By learning more about the compounds in cannabis and how they work together, you can take a more personalized approach to your care. The Entourage Effect shows us that cannabis is more than just THC or CBD—it’s a complex plant with a variety of compounds that work together to support your health. With continued research, we’re learning more about how terpenes and minor cannabinoids contribute to its healing potential. If you’re curious about how the Entourage Effect can play a role in your treatment plan, talk to your healthcare practitioner or reach out to the Starseed Client Care team. Together, you can find a product that meets your unique needs and helps you get the most out of your medical cannabis journey.   Sources 1. Ben-Shabat, S., & Mechoulam, R. (1998). An entourage effect: inactive endogenous fatty acid glycerol esters enhance 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol cannabinoid activity. European Journal of Pharmacology. 2. Russo, E. B. (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. British Journal of Pharmacology. 3. Sommano SR, Chittasupho C, Ruksiriwanich W, Jantrawut P. (2020) The Cannabis Terpenes. Molecules 4. Baron, E. P. (2018). Medicinal Properties of Cannabinoids, Terpenes, and Flavonoids in Cannabis, and Benefits in Migraine, Headache, and Pain: An Update on Current Evidence and Cannabis Science. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain. 5. Finlay. Frontiers in Pharmacology (2020). Terpenoids From Cannabis Do Not Mediate an Entourage Effect by Acting at Cannabinoid Receptors. 6. Ferber, Sari Goldstein et al. (2020) “The "Entourage Effect": Terpenes Coupled with Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Mood Disorders and Anxiety Disorders.” Current neuropharmacology vol. 18,2
Next Article
Seniors Switch to Cannabis for Better Sleep
As more people open up to the idea of using cannabis, seniors are discovering that it can help with sleep problems. Older adults are starting to consume cannabis to help with issues like pain, anxiety, and especially trouble sleeping. Why Are Seniors Using Cannabis? Seniors are one of the fastest-growing groups trying cannabis. According to a report from Harvard Health, many older adults are turning to medical cannabis to help them sleep better, deal with chronic pain, or to ease anxiety. Instead of strictly relying on prescription medications, which often have side effects, more and more seniors are exploring natural options like cannabis. A study from the National Institutes of Health found that older adults using cannabis had better sleep and used fewer prescription sleep aids. This is important because many sleep medications can have negative side effects or lead to dependency. The Sleepopolis report mentioned that more seniors are turning to products with CBN, like oils and soft chews, to improve their sleep naturally. How Does Cannabis Help with Sleep? Cannabis contains different compounds called cannabinoids, like THC, CBD, and CBN, which affect the body in various ways. According to the Sleep Foundation, THC (the part of cannabis that makes you feel "high") can help you fall asleep but may interfere with REM sleep, which is the type of sleep that is important for deep, restorative sleep. CBN, another compound in cannabis, is becoming popular because it acts as a mild sleep aid without the strong effects of THC. While research on CBN is still new, many believe it can help with sleep and relaxation. The Sleepopolis report mentioned that more seniors are turning to products with CBN, like oils and soft chews, to improve their sleep naturally. In addition to its sedative effects, studies have highlighted CBN's therapeutic benefits, including pain and inflammation relief, neuroprotection, and the potential in treating glaucoma. CBN also demonstrates anticonvulsant and antimicrobial properties. CBN Soft Chews For seniors interested in trying CBN for sleep, Starseed offers CBN Soft Chews. These chews are an easy way to try CBN because they provide a small, controlled dose. They are great for people who are new to cannabis or want a natural option for better sleep. The Growing Trend of Cannabis Use for Seniors As cannabis becomes more widely accepted, seniors are finding that cannabinoids like CBD and CBN can be helpful for sleep. Whether through oils, tinctures, or soft chews, these products offer a simple, effective way to improve sleep and overall well-being. Follow your healthcare provider’s guidance for dosing. The safest dosing strategy is to “start low, go slow”, and to stay at the lowest effective dose that allows you to reach your treatment goals with minimal/no side effects. As always, consult with your healthcare provider or your treatment plan to determine which products may work best for your needs.

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