Incorporating Medical Cannabis into Your Wellness Routine: Tips for New Jersey Patients

Incorporating medical cannabis into your wellness routine can be a game-changer for improving your overall quality of life. For our New Jersey patients, getting started with medical cannabis might seem a little overwhelming at first, but with the right guidance, you can confidently navigate your options and make cannabis a helpful part of your wellness journey. 

In this blog, we’ll explore how to choose the right cannabis products, work with healthcare professionals, and incorporate cannabis into your routine safely and effectively.

Understanding the Basics of Medical Cannabis

Medical cannabis refers to cannabis products specifically used to treat health conditions and improve well-being. Unlike recreational cannabis, which is often used for its psychoactive effects, medical cannabis is typically recommended by healthcare professionals to manage symptoms like pain, anxiety, insomnia, or inflammation. The key here is that medical cannabis is tailored to fit individual health needs, so it’s all about finding the right product and dose that works best for you.

In New Jersey, patients have access to a wide range of medical cannabis products, allowing for flexibility in how you incorporate cannabis into your wellness routine. 

Some of the most common options include:

• Flower: The traditional form, often smoked or vaporized, offering fast relief.
• Edibles: These come in the form of gummies, chocolates, or beverages — perfect if you prefer a more discreet and longer-lasting experience.
• Tinctures: Liquid cannabis extracts that can be taken under the tongue or mixed with food and drinks, offering precise dosage control.
• Topicals: Creams, balms, or oils that you apply directly to the skin for localized relief, often used for pain or inflammation.

How Does Medical Cannabis Work?

Our bodies have something called an endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a big role in regulating things like mood, pain, appetite, and sleep. Cannabis works by interacting with this system, specifically with receptors in the brain and immune system, to bring balance where it’s needed most. Think of it like helping your body get back to its natural rhythm, whether that’s calming an overactive mind, reducing inflammation, or helping you sleep more soundly. 

Because of this versatility, there are a ton of conditions and symptoms that medical cannabis can soothe. You can find the complete list of NJ’s qualifying conditions here.

How To Incorporate Medical Cannabis Into Your Daily Routine

When it comes to incorporating cannabis into your daily wellness routine, the key is finding the right balance. Everyone’s body responds differently, so taking the time to experiment and fine-tune your approach can make all the difference. Here are some helpful tips to get you started:

Choosing the Right Strain and Product

Choosing the right cannabis product starts with understanding what you want to achieve. Whether you want to wind down or brighten up, here are some factors to consider when choosing the right cannabis product:

• Desired effect: If you’re looking for daytime relief, a sativa-dominant strain might be your go-to for boosting energy and focus. On the other hand, if you’re dealing with stress or need help winding down in the evening, indica-dominant strains or calming edibles can be a great option. 
• Cannabinoid profile: It’s also important to consider cannabinoid profiles, like THC and CBD. These compounds can create different therapeutic experiences and can be helpful in deciding what products to get depending on what you are looking for. THC and CBD levels play a key role in determining the intensity and type of effects you’ll experience. 
• Terpenes: These compounds affect the aroma and can offer additional benefits, like promoting relaxation or enhancing focus. Learn more about terpenes through our blog or see our terpene guide here.

If you’re not sure what to get, our budtenders are more than happy to answer your questions and give you recommendations based on your needs.

Timing and Dosage

Timing is everything when incorporating cannabis into your routine. If you’re new to medical cannabis, our best advice is to start low and go slow. 

Here are some tips on how to get started with incorporating cannabis into your routine:

• Low n’ slow: Begin with a small dose and give yourself time to see how your body reacts before deciding whether you want to increase the dose. 
• Consider your dosage: As for dosage, it depends on your needs and tolerance. Microdosing (more on that next!) can be a smart way to introduce cannabis without overwhelming effects. 
• Wait for it…: For many, the effects of edibles can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in, while inhalation methods like vaping or smoking provide more immediate results.
• Timing matters: Lastly, be mindful of when you consume — consuming more energizing strains, like sativa, too late at night may interfere with your sleep patterns, or certain strains during the day might make you more relaxed than you’d like.

Microdosing

Microdosing is all about consuming small amounts of cannabis to experience the therapeutic benefits without feeling overly high. 

Benefits of microdosing can be:

• A great option for maintaining focus, energy, or productivity throughout the day while managing symptoms like pain or anxiety.
• Starting with a small amount allows you to gauge how your body reacts.
• Microdosing allows you to gradually increase your dosage if needed.

Many patients find that microdosing can help them incorporate cannabis into their routine in a way that’s subtle yet effective, keeping wellness goals on track without any overwhelming side effects.

Keep a Journal

To make the most of your medical cannabis experience, consider keeping a cannabis journal. Jotting down details like the strain or product consumed, dosage, time of day, and how you felt afterward can help you better understand what works best for you. Over time, this tracking can give you valuable insights into how cannabis fits into your wellness routine and how to adjust your consumption for maximum benefit. 

We are also here to help you along the way with personalized recommendations and expert advice. By combining your own observations with our support, you’ll be better equipped to tailor cannabis use to your unique needs and lifestyle. Our team can guide you through different products, dosing strategies, and consumption methods to ensure you get the most out of your medical cannabis experience.

Tips for Overconsumption

It’s easy to overdo it, especially when trying new products. To avoid overconsumption, try out these tips to see what best helps you on your cannabis journey:

• Always start with a low dose, especially with edibles, as their effects take longer to kick in.
• If you’re inhaling cannabis, take small inhales and wait a few minutes before consuming more. as their effects can take longer to manifest.
• Be aware of how you feel and give yourself time to adjust before increasing your dosage.

If you do happen to overconsume, don’t panic — it’s not uncommon! Stay hydrated, find a comfortable place to relax, and remember that the effects will pass.

Find Your Balance at Restore Dispensaries

Incorporating medical cannabis into your wellness routine can be a rewarding experience that enhances your overall well-being. By selecting the right products, consuming cannabis mindfully, and staying informed about your body’s response, you can confidently navigate your journey toward better health.

If you’re ready to explore how medical cannabis can support your wellness goals, stop by Restore Dispensaries in Glassboro. Our knowledgeable team is here to help you find the perfect products to fit your needs, no matter if you’re just starting out or looking to fine-tune your routine. Visit us today and discover how cannabis can be a natural part of your wellness journey!

The contents of this blog are intended for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.