It is very difficult to define an adequate dosing regimen as the substance varies greatly in content. The indicated dosage depends on the quality and characteristics of the plant. The best approach is to increase the dose little by little until the desired effects are obtained. It is always advisable to obtain the substance from the same source, since the chances will then be greater that the amounts of active ingredient will remain constant.

Medicinal cannabis can be consumed in different ways: infusion, inhalation or ingestion.

Inhalation is the fastest route, since the active substances reach the lungs directly and absorption into the bloodstream is faster. In this route use is made of "vaporizers," i.e., devices which heat the cannabis and render the active drug substances volatile to facilitate penetration into the lungs. The difference with respect to smoking the plant (combustion) is that the latter option is more toxic, since it produces certain carcinogens and agents that irritate the respiratory tract.

The maximum effect via the inhalation route is reached after 15 minutes, with a duration of 2-3 hours.

In the case of infusions, a little oil, butter or whole milk should be added to the infusion or tea, since cannabinoids are liposoluble (soluble in oil) and do not dissolve in water. In this case the effects are noticed after 30-90 minutes, with a maximum or peak effect after 2-3 hours, and a duration of up to 8 hours after administration.

Warning:

• Cannabis inhalation is more likely to produce psychological side effects, particularly if the drug contains much dronabinol -which cannot be ascertained as this component is not controlled in the marketing process. It is therefore advisable to start with a low dose, or inhale the product fewer times. Another possibility is to start with an infusion instead of inhaling the drug. In any case, the infusion dose should also be increased gradually.
  
  
• It is more difficult to establish an adequate dose with infusion preparations than via the inhalation route as it takes longer for the drug to exert an effect. It is always advisable to start with one cup a day. If this is not enough, the dose can be increased to two cups per day.
  
  
• It is necessary to wait one or two weeks to assess the effects. The effects will be less pronounced after repeated use.
  
  
• Since the cannabis consumed in our society is not controlled as regards the active substances involved, great care is required in the dosing process.