Patient Information
At Ieso we understand there can be a lot of confusing information out there on medical cannabis and we would like to cut through the noise. One of the most important parts of treatment is to ensure comfort in choosing what is right for the patient. Please view our FAQs found below and speak with a Patient Care Representative at any dispensary. Feel free to contact us with any additional questions.
How do I use medical cannabis?
While the smoking of cannabis has been around for thousands of years it is not the only way a person can medicate with it. Medical cannabis is available in a variety of forms including inhalants (vaporizing), edibles (infused foods), topicals (lotions), and sublinguals (under the tongue). It is up to the patient or caregiver to decide what method is best for them. Be sure to take into consideration each method's bioavailability (the rate and degree the body absorbs the medicine) when trying a new method as well, an example of this would be inhalant vs edible: inhalants offer a quicker onset but the duration is not as long while edibles take some time to feel effects but have a long lasting duration.
How do i get registered as a patient?
If you or a loved one is an Illinois resident and suffers from one or more of the qualifying conditions consult with your physician on medical cannabis as a treatment option. A list of the qualifying conditions can be found here.
After a physician certifies that a person has a qualifying condition they must then fill out a medical cannabis patient application and if needed an additional one for a caregiver as well. A caregiver is a person who is registered to make a purchase from a dispensary on behalf of the patient if they need assistance or are unable make it in themselves.
Medical Cannabis Patient Application Caregiver Application Terminal Illness Application
Will it make me goofy?
The only way to truthfully answer that question is to say maybe but not definitely. Different strains of cannabis contain different amounts of the psychoactive compound THC along with other compounds called terpenes. These compounds which are found in many other plants and fruits are responsible for the aroma and flavor of cannabis strains and also play a part in the effects one feels when using cannabis. Each terpene has its own profile and expected effects, when combined the effects can differ depending upon the combination. When it comes to finding what strain works for you a general rule of thumb is to think of them as pheromones, the more pleasant you find the scent of a strain the more likely it will have a beneficial effect for you.
Can it help with opiate Dependency?
While the amount of research on this subject has been growing there has been enough success in other states to show that when a state has a medical cannabis program the amount of opiate overdose mortality declines. Commonly used to treat nausea, stimulate appetite, and relieve pain, cannabis has not only helped people with their qualifying conditions but also increased their quality of life in regards to opiate use. While many people may look to replace their medications with a healthier alternative it is important to note that you should not stop taking your prescriptions completely, and if looking to cut down opiate use discuss a safe plan with your physician.
how does medical cannabis work?
The body contains an endocannabinoid system which has CB1 and CB2 receptors which allow for THC, CBD and other cannabinoids to bind to the body and have a physiological and psychological affect. There are over 80 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant and each have their own properties. One thing to consider when choosing medical cannabis is the 'entourage effect'. The entourage effect refers to a synergy that happens when different combinations of cannabinoids are paired along with different combinations of terpenes. This is why each strain has their own attributes and why some may be more beneficial towards specific conditions or symptoms. While Indica and Sativa are two species of cannabis they both contain similar if not the same building blocks of cannabinoids. To the right is an infograph on commonly treated symptoms and conditions along with which cannabinoids are shown to aid in treatment.
