"After years of therapy and taking various prescription medications, I’ve recently turned to MMJ to supplement the treatment of my anxiety and depression. Since I am new to this, I was wondering if you have any recommendations as to the frequency or dosage when medicating myself. For example, would it be more beneficial to medicate when I feel a panic attack beginning or when I have a particularly down day, or to medicate regularly (i.e. daily, like taking my daily antidepressant)? Thank you! "
This is a question that we see frequently. It really depends an the type of method that you are suing to consume cannabis.
Smoking or vaping may be more appropriate when feeling a panic attack coming on since the effect takes place almost immediately. The effect last 2-4 hours which may be enough time for a panic attack to subside.
A tincture will take about 20-30 to take effect and can last about the same time
A capsule can take about the same time to take effect or maybe slightly longer and can last shout the same amount of time.
Edibles can take 1-2 hours to start and can last 3-6 hours depending on your metabolism.
With any of these methods, and for any medical condition, we suggest starting with a low dose and going slow to increase the dose. Every one reacts differently to cannabis and what works for one person might not fwork for another. When you visit your dispensary, describe to the bud tender there what your medical condition is and what they carry to help treat it. They will also help you decide on the best way to use he cannabis in terms of time to take effect and how long it will last.
Perry Solomon, MD
