Introduction to Medical Cannabis, Dosing Strategy, and Obtaining Your Medical Marijuana Card
Initial Visit and Recommendation
Your initial visit includes a 210-day recommendation, as state law requires recertification every 7 months. This recertification can be completed either in-person or via telemedicine with our physician. PascoMJMD is available 24/7 to help you with every step of the process.
Applying for Your Medical Marijuana Card
1. Complete the online application and pay the $75 fee
2. The Medical Marijuana Use Registry is linked to the FLHSMV database for efficient processing
3. Once approved, you'll receive an email with your temporary card
4. Print two copies - one for records and one for dispensary use
5. Your permanent card will arrive by mail in 4-6 weeks
6. Renew your card annually, including a $75 renewal fee
Once your identification card application is approved, you can reach out to any licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs) to fulfill your order. A complete list of licensed MMTCs and their locations can be found on the state website: KnowTheFactsMMJ.com/MMTC.
Guidelines for Starting Medical Cannabis (Start Low, Go Slow)
Starting medical cannabis involves gradually finding your ideal dosage based on your specific medical condition and how your body responds to cannabis. It’s recommended to begin with a low-THC CBD-rich product and a THC-rich product, using either vaping cartridges or sublingual drops. Utilize the provided chart to monitor your progress.
The physician’s recommendation is not a prescription. Everyone’s experience with cannabis can vary, as different products provide different levels of symptom relief. When starting, adhere to the principle of "start low and go slow." This means you should gradually increase your dosage to minimize the risk of side effects.
General Dosage Guidelines
Start with a dose of 2.5 mg (or 3 draws) of a 1:1 or CBD-rich product, three times daily.
Increase the CBD dose by 2.5 mg every 2-3 days for 7-10 days.
Afterward, gradually increase your THC dosage by 2.5 mg every 3 days for 7-10 days.
Adjust one product at a time and track your body's response using the chart provided.
Dosage Guidelines to Manage Chronic Pain
Standard Protocol
Start with 5 mg of CBD twice a day, increasing it by 10 mg every 2–3 days until reaching a maximum dose of 40 mg/day or achieving the desired effect.
If this dose is ineffective, THC is added starting at 2.5 mg per day, increasing by 2.5 mg every 2–7 days until reaching a maximum dose of 40 mg/day or achieving the desired outcome. Afterward, gradually increase your THC dosage by 2.5 mg every 3 days for 7-10 days.
The Conservative Protocol
1. The conservative protocol is designed for patients with lower tolerance toward drug effects, and it follows the same CBD starting and ending points as the standard protocol but increases the dose more gradually at intervals of 5–10 mg every 2–3 days. If 40 mg of CBD fails to produce the desired outcome, the patient can start with a low dose of 1 mg of THC per day, increasing it by 1 mg every 7 days until reaching a maximum dose of 40 mg/day or achieving the desired outcome.
The Rapid protocol
1. The rapid protocol is intended for patients who require urgent care for severe pain and palliation or have had prior experience with cannabis. It suggests starting with a product containing a balanced THC:CBD ratio, at doses of 2.5–5 mg of each cannabinoid once or twice daily. The dose is then increased by 2.5–5 mg every 2–3 days until reaching a maximum dose of 40 mg/day or achieving the desired outcome. For breakthrough pain relief, vaporizing a balanced THC:CBD or THC-predominant product is recommended, and modifying the dose or frequency of the oral MC treatment (Jugl et al, 2023).
Monitoring Your Progress
If you encounter any unwanted side effects, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office. You may need to lower your dose or extend the time between doses. It is crucial to space your doses evenly throughout the day.
Important Safety Considerations
Driving and Machinery: Avoid driving or operating machinery until you understand how cannabis affects you.
Pregnancy and Nursing: Do not use medical cannabis if you are pregnant or nursing. If you become pregnant while using cannabis, stop immediately and consult your OB-GYN.
Child Safety: Store this medication out of reach of children and pets.
Severe Side Effects: If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop using the product and contact our office immediately, or call 911 if the situation is critical:
Signs of a severe allergic reaction (e.g., hives, itching, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat).
Paranoia, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts.
Medication Tracking Log
Keep track of your experiences with each cannabis product using the log attached:
Maintaining a comprehensive log will help you understand how different cannabis products affect you and enable you to optimize your treatment plan effectively. For further assistance, contact your physician if you experience undesirable side effects or need to adjust your dosage.
Citations:
Why PascoMJMD?
At PascoMJMD, we’re dedicated to providing affordable, high-quality care for medical marijuana patients. Located in Hudson, FL, our clinic offers personalized treatment plans to help you find relief quickly. We strive to make the process as smooth as possible, so you can visit a dispensary without delay after your approval.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us at 727-233-6084 or visit PascoMJMD.com.
We’re here to help you every step of the way in your journey to better health!
