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Understanding Cannabis | Marijuana Infused Products (MIPs)

OVERVIEW

There are a number of products derived from cannabis that come in a processed form that does not require inhalation to be administered. These smokeless cannabis options, known as marijuana infused products or MIPs, are ingested orally, applied to the skin, or administered sublingually (under the tongue).

The effects experienced from consuming MIPs vary depending on the method of administration, but they will all be different from inhalation because they are processed differently by the body. In simplified terms, the active compounds in cannabis will bind with endocannabinoid receptors and cross the blood-brain barrier at different rates depending on whether they’re metabolized by the liver, processed in the lungs, or applied externally to the skin.

Through analytical testing, we can verify the potency of Marijuana Infused Products so that consumers can track effects and avoid problems related to consuming too much. Additionally, chemical analysis confirms that the same food-safety standards as for unmedicated foods or orally administered medicines are met.

EDIBLES
  • CONSUMPTION METHOD
  • Ingestion
  • ONSET
  • 30 – 120 minutes
  • DURATION
  • 3 – 4+ hours
  • BENEFIT
  • No inhalation, discreet, long-lasting
  • POTENCY
  • Varies (Typically 0 to 100mg)
Cannabis infused edibles are simple to administer because they are consumed like any other foodstuff. However, because each cannabis user is unique in terms of metabolism and endocannabinoid response and because edibles tend to have a longer, more intense effect, caution is recommended when consuming edibles.

The physiological effect of any edible product is dependent upon the amount and potency profile of flower or concentrate used to infuse the food as well as the process by which the edible is prepared. Edible makers must understand the potency of their raw material, and then perform the proper calculations to ensure the potency of the final product is in the desired milligrams per serving range.
TINCTURE
  • CONSUMPTION METHOD
  • Sublingual (under tongue) or Ingestion
  • ONSET
  • 15 – 60 minutes
  • DURATION
  • 1 – 3+ hours
  • BENEFIT
  • No inhalation, precise dose control, long-lasting
  • POTENCY
  • Varies (Typically 0 to 50mg)
Tinctures are one of the oldest known forms of medicinal cannabis. They are normally made by soaking activated/decarbed cannabis in ethanol or another food-safe solvent. Tinctures can be administered under the tongue, which will allow the active compounds into the bloodstream faster. They can also be used to infuse other foods or drinks and will have effects similar to other edible cannabis products.

The potency of a tincture is dependent upon the flower or concentrate used in the infusion process. Like with edibles, it’s important that a tincture provider understand how to determine the potency of their final product and then have the product tested to confirm amounts of active compounds per serving.
Topicals & Transdermals
  • CONSUMPTION METHOD
  • Applied to Skin
  • ONSET
  • Varies
  • DURATION
  • Varies
  • BENEFIT
  • No inhalation or ingestion, targeted relief, fewer side effects
  • POTENCY
  • Varies (Typically 0 to 50mg per application)
Topical lotions and transdermal patches are among the newest products being developed for administering cannabis. They are primarily meant for individuals who are attempting to leverage the medicinal power of cannabis for localized relief or for a longer, controlled release of cannabinoids.

Topical lotions are applied externally and have no way of entering the bloodstream. There is anecdotal evidence that these products are useful for targeted relief of joint inflammation and muscle pain. However, research focused on these types of products is extremely limited and hard evidence supporting their effectiveness is hard to find.

Transdermal patches similar to nicotine patches are being explored as an option for cannabis administration. More information is still needed to fully understand how effective these products are and what their potential side effects may include.

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