When it comes to managing symptoms with medical marijuana, patients may initially think their only options are smokable flower or edibles. However, for individuals with respiratory issues or those who simply prefer not to smoke or vape, a lesser-known option is available: the cannabis inhaler.
Cannabis inhalers resemble asthma inhalers and function as bronchodilators, relaxing the throat and airways to increase airflow. While they are not a substitute for an asthma inhaler, cannabis inhalers can be used medicinally to suit a patient’s needs. By affecting the CB1 receptors of the nervous system, cannabis inhalers can also reduce pain.
Inhalers offer several benefits over other methods of cannabis use. They are easy to use and portable, offering precise dosing that allows patients to accurately track how much medical cannabis they need. Inhalers take effect quickly due to the concentration of vaporized solution being delivered directly to the lungs. Additionally, they are discreet and do not have a telltale scent like smoking.
Bioavailability is an important factor in choosing a route of medication administration. Bioavailability refers to the amount of a drug that enters systemic circulation in an unchanged form and the rate at which this occurs. Inhalers have been found to offer similar bioavailability to smoking or vaping, with pure products being delivered without additives.
While cannabis inhalers can be very effective for patients suffering from pain symptoms, nausea, or muscle spasms, individuals with advanced respiratory problems like COPD should avoid using them. Patients with seizure disorder may benefit from Cannatol nasal rescue inhalers, which interrupt the activity of overstimulated circuits in the brain, slowing or stopping symptoms.
CBD inhalers offer many of the same benefits as THC inhalers and have been clinically proven to reduce inflammation while helping with pain and anxiety. CBD can help decrease seizures on an ongoing basis, treat nausea even when oral medications are not tolerated, calm anxiety, lift mood, moderate the need for supplemental insulin, help regulate insulin levels and maintain a healthy weight, relieve chronic pain issues, and more.
In summary, cannabis inhalers are a lesser-known option that can provide relief to patients who are unable or prefer not to smoke or vape cannabis. They offer ease of use, precise dosing, quick effects, discretion, and similar bioavailability to smoking or vaping. Patients with respiratory issues should avoid inhalers, but CBD inhalers offer many of the same benefits as THC inhalers. Cannatol nasal rescue inhalers may benefit patients with seizure disorder or other conditions. Consulting with a primary care provider can help determine which method of cannabis use is most effective and safe for individual patients.