Skip to content
Leafjourneyhealth
Back to Education

Reference Guide

LeafJourney Reference Guide

A pocket reference for medical cannabis — cannabinoids, terpenes, how each route is absorbed, and how to dose safely. Written for both patients and providers. Print to PDF and fold along the gutters, or download the print-ready version.

Download PDF

Bioavailability by route

RouteOnsetBA
Inhaled (vape)1–10 min20–35%
Smoked (flower)1–10 min10–35%
Sublingual tincture15–45 min20–30%
Edible / capsule30–120 min4–20%
Topical5–60 min (local)Negligible systemic
Suppository10–20 min50–70% (rectal)

Notes

  • Inhaled (vape): Fastest onset. Good for breakthrough symptoms.
  • Smoked (flower): Variable; combustion adds toxins.
  • Sublingual tincture: Hold under tongue 60–90 sec for full effect.

LeafJourney

Reference guide

Your pocket-sized companion to medical cannabis: cannabinoids, terpenes, delivery routes, and dosing. Always discuss changes with your care team.

Quick rules

  • Start low. Go slow. Wait between doses.
  • Edibles take 30–120 min — don't redose.
  • 1:1 CBD softens THC side effects.
  • Never drive within 4–6 hours of THC.
  • Tell your provider about all products you use.

When to call us

  • Anxiety or panic that lasts >1 hour
  • Vomiting or persistent nausea
  • Chest pain or rapid heart rate
  • Any reaction with prescription meds

Cannabinoids

CompoundEffect
THCPain relief, appetite, sleep, euphoria
CBDCalming, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic
CBNSedating, mild pain relief
CBGAnxiolytic, anti-inflammatory
THCAAnti-nausea, anti-inflammatory
CBDAAntiemetic, anti-anxiety

Notes

  • THC: Psychoactive. Start at 2.5 mg.
  • CBD: Non-intoxicating. Modulates THC.
  • CBN: Best for sleep formulations.

Terpenes

TerpeneAromaEffect
MyrceneEarthy, muskySedating, muscle relaxant
LimoneneCitrusMood lift, anxiolytic
LinaloolFloralCalming, anticonvulsant
PinenePineAlertness, bronchodilator
CaryophyllenePepper, spiceAnti-inflammatory (CB2)
HumuleneHoppy, woodyAnti-inflammatory, appetite ↓

Also found in

  • Myrcene: Hops, mango
  • Limonene: Lemon, orange peel
  • Linalool: Lavender
  • Pinene: Pine, rosemary
  • Caryophyllene: Black pepper, cloves
  • Humulene: Hops, ginger

Dosing

PopulationStartCeiling
Cannabis-naive adult2.5 mg THC10–15 mg per dose
Older adult (65+)1–2 mg THC or 5 mg CBD5 mg THC per dose
Cannabis-experienced5 mg THCTolerance-dependent
CBD-only protocol10–25 mg CBD/day100–600 mg/day (clinical)

Titration tips

  • Cannabis-naive adult: Increase by 2.5 mg every 2–3 days. Pair with 1:1 CBD to reduce side effects.
  • Older adult (65+): Hold each step 4–7 days. Watch for orthostatic hypotension and falls.
  • Cannabis-experienced: Adjust by 5 mg every 2 days. Tolerance breaks every 4–6 weeks help reset.
  • CBD-only protocol: Increase by 10 mg/week. Check liver enzymes if >40 mg/kg/day long-term.

Bioavailability — full table

RouteOnsetDurationBA
Inhaled (vape)1–10 min1–3 hr20–35%
Smoked (flower)1–10 min1–3 hr10–35%
Sublingual tincture15–45 min4–6 hr20–30%
Edible / capsule30–120 min4–8 hr4–20%
Topical5–60 min (local)2–6 hrNegligible systemic
Suppository10–20 min4–8 hr50–70% (rectal)

Choosing a route

  • Fast relief: inhaled or sublingual.
  • Long lasting: edible or capsule.
  • Localized pain: topical balm.
  • Severe nausea: suppository.