In the medical cannabis space, the term ‘delivery’ does not normally refer to having product delivered to your home. Rather, it refers to how a particular product delivers THC or CBD to the body. Delivery options matter because they affect a medicine’s effectiveness and duration.
Different delivery methods are chosen for different reasons. According to the experts at Salt Lake City’s Beehive Farmacy, patients are smart to consult with their pharmacists about the most appropriate delivery options. In Utah, a medical cannabis pharmacy must have a state-licensed pharmacist on-site whenever the doors are open.
4 Types of Delivery
Medical cannabis patients are primarily after THC. CBD might be the preferred cannabinoid in some cases. Either way, Beehive Farmacy explains that there are four types of delivery options that currently dominate the market:
1. Inhalation
Inhalation is arguably the most popular delivery option. Although it can be practiced by both vaping and smoking, the states generally ban smoking medical cannabis because of health concerns. Vaping can be accomplished through liquid and dry systems.
Traditional vaping uses a THC-infused liquid that is heated in a special device. Heating vaporizes the liquid, which is then inhaled into the lungs. A dry system heats plant material to a temperature high enough to release cannabinoids without actually burning anything. The cannabinoids are inhaled.
2. Sublingual Application
Second on a list of options is the sublingual application. It involves placing a drop or two of a concentrated medical cannabis product under the tongue. The skin in this area of the mouth is very thin. In addition, it offers a plethora of blood vessels. THC is quickly absorbed directly into the bloodstream.
3. Oral Ingestion
The third option is oral ingestion. Utah rules allow for tablets, capsules, lozenges, and gummies. Other states allow THC-infused beverages and snacks. At any rate, THC is absorbed through the normal digestive process.
4. Topical Application
Last on the list is the topical application. Medications falling under this category are offered as lotions, creams, and transdermal patches. THC is absorbed through the skin as a result of direct contact. Topical applications are the least common because they apply only to a limited number of medical symptoms.
Symptom Relief Speed and Duration
Patients attempting to determine the best delivery methods are interested in two big things: symptom relief speed and duration. They tend to be inversely related with each delivery method.
For example, symptom relief is almost immediate with both inhalation and sublingual application. In the case of inhalation, THC is transferred to the bloodstream via the lungs. Symptom relief is nearly instant. A subequal application delivers THC into the bloodstream almost as quickly.
On the downside, symptom relief duration isn’t as long with inhaled and sublingual medications. The effects of medical cannabis wear off more quickly with both options.
By contrast, ingested medicines often do not begin relieving symptoms for an hour or two after consumption. This is because THC has to work its way through the digestive system before being absorbed. However, symptom relief tends to last longer.
The Bioavailability Question
To a lesser degree, patients also have to consider bioavailability. More THC is available for symptom relief through both sublingual and inhalation. Less THC is available when ingesting or using topical medications.
There are reasons for considering all four delivery methods. A patient unsure of which method is best should consider consulting with a pharmacist. Because they are trained in the science of pharmacology, pharmacists are the most qualified medical professionals to advise on both dosage and delivery method. They can help patients figure it out.
