Medical Marijuana FAQs
If you have questions or concerns related to your medical condition and your use of medical marijuana, please speak with a Cannabis Advisor at your local dispensary and your recommending physician.
The primary active ingredients in medical marijuana are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Patients are advised to begin a cannabis regimen with a very small dose, increasing gradually over the first few days until noticing a positive or negative effect.
Zen Leaf Medical Marijuana Product Return Policy
If you have an issue with a product purchased at Zen Leaf Dispensary, please send an email to Customer Care in your state with the following details:
- Your patient ID and QP number
- A photo of the barcode from the packaging
- A photo or video of the product issue
- A brief description of issue
Communication must be sent within 30 days of the purchase date. Dispensary credits are not guaranteed and will be issued on a case-by-case basis.
Safely Storing Your Medical Marijuana
Medical marijuana must be stored securely in the original packaging and container in which it was dispensed. It should only be removed from the original packaging and container when ready for use by the patient.
After using the medication, make sure the container is closed and returned to its original packaging for storage. It is important to store your medication in a location out of reach of children and out of sight. It is illegal for a patient or a patient’s caregiver to distribute medical marijuana to anyone other than the patient.
Disposing of Marijuana Medication
Any unwanted, excess, expired or contaminated medical marijuana product should be made non-recoverable before disposal by:
- Removing the medical marijuana from its container and mixing with a material to make the product undesirable – common options are dirt, cat litter, or coffee grounds.
- Remove all patient information from your product packaging.
- Place both the packaging and unused, undesirable product into the garbage.
Medical Marijuana Warning for Pets
If you think your pet has ingested medical marijuana, call your veterinarian or Animal Poison Control.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435
Medical Marijuana Dosing Methods by Product Type
Vaporization, Nebulization, or Smokable Flower*
(concentrates, dry leaf): absorbed by lungs
Inhalation has the fastest onset time, but may have a shorter overall duration than other forms. Medical marijuana is activated by the application of heat with this method. In Pennsylvania and Ohio, it is illegal for medical marijuana to be smoked. If caught, your participation in the medical marijuana program can be revoked.
*Available in states where smokable flower is permitted
Typical Onset Time: 5-10 minutes
Duration of Effects: ~2-4 hours
Capsules or Pills:
absorbed in digestive tract
Capsules house activated medical marijuana and can be taken with or without food.
Medical Marijuana Oral Products:
(syringes, droppers, tinctures): absorbed in digestive tract
Activated oil or liquid can be placed in the mouth and swallowed or added to food to consume.
DO NOT VAPORIZE RSO.
Typical Onset Time: 30-60 minutes
Duration of Effects: ~4-8 hours
Topicals
(gel, cream, salve, patch): absorbed by skin
Topical medications are infused with activated medical marijuana that provide no “high” effects (exception, transdermal topicals). Topicals should be applied liberally over the affected area. Topicals are for external use only. Avoid contact with eyes and mouth.
DO NOT INGEST OR VAPORIZE.
Potential Medical Marijuana Side Effects
Many “side effects” of this medication overlap with intended effects. Experiencing drowsiness, sedation/relaxation and appetite stimulation are common. Other common side effects include: red eyes, dry mouth, dizziness, or headache.
Less common and more serious side effects may include: high or low blood pressure and heart rate, and psychiatric effects such as anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, depression, or worsening of existing psychiatric conditions.
Medical Marijuana and Adverse Events
If you experience a life-threatening or medical emergency call your physician, call 911, and/or go to the nearest emergency room. Please let your Cannabis Advisor and your physician know about any physical or mental harm or loss of function you experience if you believe it is related to your medication.
Medical Marijuana and Children Warning
KEEP THIS PRODUCT OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. CAREGIVERS SHOULD MONITOR THE USE OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA FOR PATIENTS UNDER THE AGE OF 18.
If you think a child has accidentally ingested medical marijuana, call 911 for immediate assistance.
Women should not consume this medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding except on the advice of the practitioner who issued the certification and, in the case of breastfeeding, the infant’s pediatrician.
Medical Marijuana and Medication Precautions
Use caution if you already take other medications or substances (including alcoholic beverages) that cause sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness because adding this medication may intensify those effects. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery when under the influence of this product. Use caution if you have a history of substance or alcohol abuse. As with any medication, symptoms of tolerance, dependence, withdrawal, and substance abuse should be monitored closely. Some preparations may contain small amounts of alcohol (ex. tinctures). If you feel that your medical marijuana usage is negatively affecting your daily life, relationships, or job, please contact your physician.
Additional Medical Marijuana Resources by State
Looking for more specific information on cannabis in one of the 50 states? Check out our state resource guide and visit the state you are interested in learning more about. And remember, the laws around cannabis are changing quickly, so be sure to bookmark the page and visit frequently for the most up to date legal status in each state.