Forms of administration of cannabis and their efficacy

The legalization of marijuana for medical use is increasingly common in the United States. The marijuana plant contains a number of cannabinoids along with chemical delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is known to be psychoactive. In states where medical marijuana is legal, physicians may be trained to certify patients for medical marijuana use. Patients then take their certification and obtain medical marijuana from a dispensary. The dispensary provides advice on which marijuana species or strain to purchase as well as dosing and administration. Forms of medical marijuana are the same as recreational marijuana. Forms include dried leaves or buds for smoking or ingestion and hashish which may also be smoked or ingested. Marijuana concentrates are becoming more popular as they are easier to conceal and require a smaller amount to produce the desired effect. Types of concentrates include butane honey oil, CO₂ honey oil, wax or budder, and shatter. Dabbing is a technique used for consuming concentrates that involves placing a "dab" of the concentrate on a heated surface and inhaling the vapors. As products are not regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration, there is concern that potency and product-labeling of THC content varies widely among dispensaries and patients are at risk for under- and overdosing. Overall, more research is needed about the effects of specific cannabinoids on individual body systems and health conditions in order to standardize forms of administration and their efficacy as well as dosing.