Is cannabis safe to recommend?

In 1988, Judge FRANCIS L. YOUNG, Administrative Law Judge for the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)
concluded the following: "In strict medical terms marijuana is far safer than many foods we commonly
consume. For example, eating ten raw potatoes can result in a toxic response. By comparison, it is
physically impossible to eat enough marijuana to induce death... Marijuana, in its natural form, is one of
the safest therapeutically active substances known to man. By any measure of rational analysis
marijuana can be safely used within a supervised routine of medical care."

You can read the ruling by clicking here: DrugLibrary.org
For More information, please visit: Americans for Safe Access (ASA)

How to Use Medical Cannabis (marijuana)
Smoking
Smoking marijuana produces the most immediate effects and permits the most refined control of your
dosage. Smoking any material is not good for the lungs, but the amount of marijuana you need to
smoke is so small that you need not be overly concerned. It is better to smoke the flowers rather than
the leaves as this also reduces the amount you will need to smoke.

Vaporizing
Cannabis vaporizers are designed to let users inhale active cannabinoids while avoiding harmful smoke
toxins. They do so by heating cannabis to a temperature that is just below the point of combustion
where smoke is produced. At this point, THC and other medically active cannabinoids are emitted with
little or none of the carcinogenic tars and noxious gases found in smoke. Many medical marijuana
patients who find smoked marijuana highly irritating report effective relief inhaling through vaporizers.
Also, vaporizers are very efficient so they can save money in the long term.

Eating
Marijuana can be eaten. When consumed this way, it is usually baked in brownies or cookies, and
sometimes made into a candy. It takes longer to feel the effects when eaten, and may take longer for
you to learn to control your dosage. However, when you do feel the effects, they may be stronger than
those felt by smoking. You may also feel a certain heaviness in your body. This will not hurt you.
Schedule your time so that you can relax when you take it.

Tea
Like other herbs, marijuana may be made into a tea. Boil the water first and pour it over the marijuana.
Let it steep for longer than you would for common black tea; approximately an hour and a half. Add 1
teaspoon of butter. The effects are similar to eating it.

Tincture
To prepare a tincture, use 5 parts fresh marijuana to 1 part vodka. If you are using dried marijuana, as
is usually the case, use 10 parts marijuana to 1 part vodka. An easy way to do this if you don’t have
measuring equipment, is to fill whatever container you are using (glass is preferable as you don’t want
to leech any residues from metal containers) to thirds full with marijuana, then fill the container with
vodka and let stand for a week or more. Afterward, strain the solution. If you use a larger portion of
marijuana, the resulting tincture will be more potent.

Compress
Follow the recipe as for tea. Make as much as you need to thoroughly soak the cloth you intend to use.
Apply to pain and leave on ½ hour.
Safe Access, Sensible Use
These guidelines help us to use cannabis in a positive way:
  • Cannabis users should be well informed about its effects including both legal and health risks
    and personal consequences.
  • Never use cannabis as an excuse or a cue for antisocial or irresponsible behavior.
  • Cannabis users should model and reward responsible use, particularly with new users.
  • Use cannabis as a part of positive social interactions, rather than primarily in isolation or as a
    remedy for negative feelings.
  • Develop sensible cannabis use limits for yourself based on personal, health, situational and
    cultural factors. Be objective about your cannabis use and listen to the constructive advice of
    others.
  • Avoid cannabis use that puts you or others at risk, such as when driving, at work, or in public
    places. Remember, personal use of cannabis is still illegal and penalties can be stiff.
  • Use of cannabis by minors is inappropriate and should be discouraged, unless legally
    recommended by a licensed physician.
Cannabis use should contribute to, rather than detract from, users' health, well-being, creativity, work,
relationships and social obligations
The Los Angeles Patients & Caregivers Group
Safe Access          Sensible Use