More Than a Card. A Partner in Your Wellness Journey.
Ways to Take Medical Cannabis
Your physician recommends starting "low and slow" to safely find the optimal dosage for your needs. Here's a breakdown of the primary options available to Georgia patients.
What's new in Georgia
Georgia's medical cannabis program has expanded. The official addition of whole-flower and vaporization products gives patients additional fast-acting treatment options, and licensed independent pharmacies across Georgia now dispense products from state-approved producers, closer to your local community. Vaporizing is limited to patients 21 and older and isn't allowed in public places. Smoking cannabis is not permitted under Georgia law.
At a glance
Method | How it's taken | Starts working | Known for |
|---|---|---|---|
Vaporizing | Inhaled as vapor (flower or vape pen) | Within minutes | Rapid, discreet relief |
Tinctures | Drops under the tongue | About 5-15 minutes | Easy to adjust your dose |
Troches & Capsules | Taken by mouth, with food | 15-90 minutes | Long-lasting relief |
Topicals | Applied to joints or muscles | Localized | Targeted, non-psychoactive |
Transdermal Patches | Worn on the skin | Gradual | Steady, all-day release |
Onset depends on your diet, metabolism, and the product type.
Vaporizing
Dry herb vaporizers & vape pens
Dry herb vaporizers
A vaporizer — also called a dry herb or herbal vaporizer — heats dried plant material using convection, conduction, or a combination of both. The herb is heated to a set temperature without burning, releasing its active ingredients as a vapor you inhale, without the smoke of combustion.
Vape pens
A vape pen uses a rechargeable battery to heat medical cannabis oil into a vapor for inhalation. This delivery method may be helpful for patients who require rapid, discreet relief without the smoke or combustion associated with traditional smoking.
Choosing flower
Flower quality depends heavily on agricultural cultivation and curing. When selecting flower, consider the specific strain, cannabinoid profile, and terpene profile. Terpenes are the natural aromatic compounds found in the plant and can influence a product's effects.
STARTS WORKING
Within minutes
Advantages of a vaporizer
-
Pure taste
-
Fast-acting effect
-
Cost saving due to high efficiency
-
No smoke or combustion
Patients 21+ only. Not allowed in public places.
Patient Perks
Vaporizing dry herb in 7 steps
1
Dose your herb
2
Grind with an herb mill
3
Fill the chamber
4
Heat to your temperature
5
Inhale the smooth vapor
6
Notice how you feel
7
Empty & clean the device
Tinctures
Drops, taken under the tongue
For patients new to cannabis, we generally recommend starting with a lower-potency formula, such as a 100mg or 300mg bottle. Taken sublingually (under the tongue), these drops have an onset time of approximately 5–15 minutes. Begin with just a few drops, gradually adjusting the amount and frequency as you learn what works best for your symptoms and lifestyle.
Stronger options
High-dose tinctures (such as 1,200mg bottles) allow for smaller, more precise doses. For example, they can be dosed a quarter-dropper at a time with food to help achieve longer-lasting comfort.
RSO (Rick Simpson Oil) is a highly concentrated, full-spectrum whole-plant extract. It is one of the most potent options permitted under the program and may be helpful for patients managing severe symptoms.
STARTS WORKING
About 5-15 minutes
Good to know:
-
New patients: start with 100mg or 300mg
-
Begin with a few drops and adjust gradually
-
Easy to fine-tune, one drop at a time
Troches & Capsules
Lozenges, gummies & capsules, taken by mouth
Available across Georgia dispensaries, troches (lozenges or gummies) are long-lasting oral options. They typically range from 10mg to 20mg per piece.
Because oral products take longer to absorb, we suggest cutting them into halves or quarters when you're getting started and taking them with food. Depending on your diet, metabolism, and the product, it can take anywhere from 15–90 minutes to feel the full effects.
STARTS WORKING
15-90 miniutes
Good to know:
-
Usually 10–20mg per piece
-
Cut into halves or quarters to start
-
Always take with food
Topicals
Lotions & balms, applied to the skin
Formulated with a blend of THC and CBD, topicals can provide targeted relief for localized pain and inflammation. Apply them directly to the affected joints or muscles.
Because standard topicals do not cross the blood-brain barrier, they are non-psychoactive.
WORKS
Where it's applied
Good to know:
-
THC + CBD blend for localized relief
-
Non-psychoactive
-
Apply to clean, unbroken skin
Transdermal Patches
Worn on the skin
Unlike lotions, transdermal patches are designed to pass through the skin and into the bloodstream. They release a slow, steady amount of medicine over many hours, which some patients prefer for all-day or overnight support.
Patches are discreet and simple to use. Apply to a clean, dry area of skin and change locations each time to avoid irritation.
STARTS WORKING
Gradula, steady release
Good to know:
-
Long-lasting, even release
-
Very discreet; no smell or taste
-
Rotate where you place each patch
Understanding Cannabis Genetics
Many products are labeled by genetics. Here's a general guide to what each is commonly used for.
Sativa
DAYTIME
Generally best for daytime use, offering focus and physical energy.
Indica
EVENING
Best suited for evening use, promoting relaxation and restful sleep.
Hybrid
BALANCED
A balance of both, frequently utilized for daytime anxiety management.
Practical Tips for Success
1
Start low and slow. Begin with a small dose and increase gradually to find what works for you.
2
Always pair with food. Consuming your medicine with a meal or snack can improve absorption and consistency.
3
Stay hydrated. Keep plenty of water nearby, as cannais can occasionally cause dry mouth.
4
Track onset times. Depending on your diet, metabolism, and the product type, it can take anywhere from 15–90 minutes to feel the full effects of oral products.
5
Keep a medication diary. Use the Notes app on your phone to track when you take your medicine, your dosage, and how you feel. Consider setting a timer every 2–3 hours to check in. This helps us fine-tune your treatment plan at follow-ups.
6
Stay safe. Don't drive after use, and store products in their original packaging, away from children and pets.