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Bailey Porras

Cannabis Bioavailability: What’s the Most Effective Method


Medical marijuana is legal in Missouri, and thousands of patients have already taken advantage of its benefits! Missouri’s medical cannabis market is booming, and people are finally able to access the relief they deserve.


There are many different ways to use cannabis. The 4 main delivery methods include:

  • Inhalation

  • Sublingual

  • Oral

  • Topical

Each one of these methods has pros and cons, and everyone has their own preferences when it comes to how they choose to use their medical cannabis. With all of these delivery methods, one may wonder which one is the most effective.


By “most effective”, we mean which of these delivery methods gives you the most bang for your buck? In other words, which method allows your body to utilize as much THC as possible? This is called bioavailability.


Inhalation

The inhalation method includes smoking and vaping. These are two of the most popular methods, but the bioavailability of inhalation methods can be rather low. It is said to be around 31%.


This percentage is relatively low, and it is believed that smoking out of bongs can decrease the amount of THC your body takes in.


Sublingual

Sublingual methods involve putting marijuana products, like tinctures, under the tongue for absorption. Sublingual methods are growing in popularity because of how quickly the medicine can kick in when absorbed.


The bioavailability of sublingual methods are very high and can be anywhere from 80-90%, according to numerous studies. This means that a high percentage of a product’s THC is utilized by the body.


Oral

The oral method includes edibles or cannabis drinks. Edibles can be homemade, as THC oil can be added to just about anything for a little extra relief. Edibles take longer to kick in but also last longer than any other method.


Oral bioavailability can range from 4-20%, which is on the lower side of the spectrum when compared to other delivery methods.


Topical

Topical delivery methods include oils, creams, and patches that users apply directly to the skin, typically where the pain is coming from. Topical delivery methods are great for those who don’t want to feel “high” from using their medicine.


Topicals have gone through animal testing only, and therefore there is no percentage of bioavailability that is set in stone at the moment. We will keep you updated and we hope we will have access to more information soon.


Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Today

Marijuana is now legal for recreational use in Missouri, but you should still get your medical card! There are countless perks to having your medical card in a recreational state including being responsible for less in taxes, saving at dispensaries, and higher possession laws.


If you don’t already have your medical marijuana card, we can help! Our doctors are standing by to take you through a quick and easy evaluation to see if you qualify. If you aren’t sure if you would qualify, give us a call!


During your evaluation, our doctors will be happy to answer all your questions about how cannabis may be able to help with your anxiety or any other medical conditions.


(877) 303-3117 to talk to a patient support representative.


 

Doctors Who Care.

Relief You Can Trust.


At Missouri Marijuana Card, our mission is to help everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.


Call us at (877) 303-3117, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting the relief you can trust today!


Check out Missouri Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information.

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