What is irradiated medical cannabis?

    
                                What is irradiated medical cannabis?
                            
   At Mamedica, our specialist doctors prescribe a range of irradiated and non-irradiated medical cannabis flower as an effective treatment option for a variety of medical conditions. We support patients with conditions ranging from chronic pain and inflammation to anxiety and depression. As with any medication, it’s important to ensure that medical cannabis is safe and free from harmful contaminants that could pose a risk to patients. One-way producers of medical cannabis ensure safety is by using irradiation to reduce or eliminate microbial contaminants. In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between irradiated and non-irradiated medical cannabis flower.

How is medical cannabis flower treated?Irradiated medical cannabis refers to cannabis that has been treated with ionising radiation to reduce the presence of harmful microbes such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This process involves exposing the cannabis to a controlled dose of gamma rays or electron beams, which can kill or inactivate the microorganisms. Irradiation is used in a variety of industries, including food production, medical device sterilization and medical cannabis flower. It is considered safe when performed by licensed facilities using proper equipment and protocols.
Why does medical cannabis need to be irradiated?Medical cannabis flower is a natural, organic product therefore meaning it is not naturally sterile. Like any plant- bugs, microbes or spores maybe present. When the cannabis is consumed via a vaporiser these extra elements are often removed during the heating process. Or, for many patients their immune systems are strong enough that consuming small doses of microbes poses no impact.
What are the benefits of irradiated medical cannabis?For patients who are chronically ill or suffering from a comprised immune system, consuming medical cannabis which has spores or microbes however can be potentially harmful. Therefore, irradiated medical cannabis which has been through the radiation process ensures the medical cannabis is sterile and does not pose any risk. This can be particularly important for patients who use medical cannabis as part of their treatment for conditions such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, or other immunodeficiency disorders. Irradiation can also extend the shelf life of medical cannabis by reducing the growth of mould and other harmful contaminants that can cause the product to degrade over time.

                    We always encourage patients to have an open and honest discussion with their doctor about their previous cannabis experience and preference of medication during their online consultation.

What other medical cannabis flower is available?Non-irradiated medical cannabis has not been treated with ionizing radiation to reduce microbial contaminants. It is still however grown and harvested under strict conditions to ensure the highest quality. After being grown, it is dried and cured which helps to develop the desired potency and profiles of the individual cannabis strain. For patients looking to learn more about accessing medical cannabis treatment, explore our blog article here.
Do I get to choose my prescription?At Mamedica, we always encourage patients to have an open and honest discussion with their doctor about their previous cannabis experience and preference of medication during their online consultation. Our dispensary offers a vast range of flower, oil, cartridges or capsules to support their chronic health condition. If a patient and doctor decide medical cannabis flower would be most beneficial, a choice between irradiated and non-irradiated medical cannabis can also be explored. Ultimately, our specialist doctor will take into consideration patients’ medical history, current condition and personal preference. Once the medication type and quantity is chosen, patients scripts are passed onto our dispensary to be ordered in and then discreetly delivered to patients doors.
To explore if you could be eligible for medical cannabis, complete our eligibility form here.