HCI Alternatives - Springfield

HCI Alternatives began with an ambitious idea to evolve the cannabis dispensary model. Today, we’ve created a place that is comfortable and healthcare driven, where patients are treated with warmth and respect. We are committed to physician/patient stewardship, and make every effort to make a safe and legal environment for educated decisions on cannabis therapy.

Cannabis affects everyone differently. Different strains and methods of consumption give users different effects. And new users generally feel different effects than more experienced users.

Effects can vary — some people don’t feel anything at all the first time they try cannabis. For the most part, the experience tends to be kind of relaxing and a little euphoric. Some people can become more outgoing and social. However, others find cannabis makes them tired, anxious or even paranoid.

It is very important to proceed with consuming medical cannabis cautiously and with respect for its efficacy – start slow with a low dosage and see how it affects you. Keep track of your dosing, type of product and the feelings that it provided – this will help you better understand how cannabis can best work for you.

SHORT-TERM EFFECTS

The short-term effects of cannabis begin only minutes after the flowers of the plant (called “bud”) are smoked or vaporized (“vaped”). If eaten, the effects are perceived about an hour after ingestion. The effect of smoked or vaped cannabis remains for one to four hours (depending on the potency of the particular cannabis), while those who consume edibles experience efficacy for longer periods of time.

Effects may include coughing, euphoria, dry mouth, red eyes, increased appetite (the “munchies”), blurred vision, delayed motor reactions, sedation, and even anxiety. As mentioned, psychoactive effects decrease with continued use (tolerance building). However, in the vast majority of cases, side effects are minimal and can be controlled with dose management (titration).

Although rare, some patients who consume too much cannabis, especially in edible form, sometimes experience temporary anxiety attacks, convulsions, and other negative psychological reactions.