Article Topics
Weed, pot, dope, grass, or simply marijuana are familiar names associated with the cannabis plant. However, these titles also popularized their use as a means of relief or healing. Since their utilization as medicine, the dried flowers, seeds, leaves, and stems gathered from the cannabis sativa plant have made waves in the business industry.
The cannabis plant is well-known for its psychoactive nature, given that it contains at least 100 + compounds or Cannabinoids with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) being one of them. This cannabinoid is linked to its impairing and mind-altering capabilities.
Due to mainstream media the common reason for cannabis use is for recreation and pleasure. However, the growing popularity of cannabis use, especially in modern-day medicine, has helped doctors utilize this plant to treat various medical conditions. So, now that it is a relevant aspect of healthcare, what exactly do patients look for in these products?
Once Was An Illegal Drug
Marijuana was once the most commonly used federally illegal drug in the United States. In 2019, an estimated 48.2 million people were using the drug. Meanwhile, alongside these stats, doctors and scientists utilized the same substance in medicine to cater to patients for their beneficial impact on one’s health. So both the illegal drug and legal treatment provided physical and psychedelic relief.
Legal And Official Formalities
Advances in modern medicine have revealed that the cannabis plant can be administered to treat a wide range of illnesses. But the product had to overcome legal hurdles to be easily accessible. Therefore, motions to create legislation’s to legalize the use of cannabis on a federal level have been well underway and have given rise to the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act, or CAOA. The legislation aims to remove cannabis from the national list of controlled substances to protect public health and safety and expunge the criminal records of individuals with low-level cannabis offenses.
Currently, 38 states have legalized cannabis for medical use. However, a state’s jurisdiction regarding indications for cannabis use can be recommended and is dependent upon what amount is legal while determining the processes in issuing medical marijuana cards to qualified patients. In conclusion, most patients feel more comfortable being recommended cannabis for treatment if the area legalizes and only has qualified officials to administer their use.
Medical Value & Active Components
The medical application of marijuana has long been a controversial topic, considering marijuana belongs to the U.S. Drug Enforcement classification Schedule I drug, alongside heroin, LSD, and ecstasy. In addition, they fear the psychogenic effects of marijuana predispose it to be abused and lose their lack of medical value.
Consequently, the (FDA) has approved medical marijuana to treat two rare and severe forms of epilepsy, such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. Marijuana in itself has more than 100 active components. Also, an extract from the hemp plant known as CBD or cannabidiol has been found to have less intoxicating properties as compared to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which gives off that relative “high” feeling with marijuana consumption.
Specific Action
Patients who are obliged and submit themselves to medical cannabis use are always on the lookout for specific drug actions relative to their illness. In addition, these patients expect treatment and relief from the cannabis products administered to them. Examples of conditions that can benefit from cannabis are insomnia, spasticity, anxiety, and pain relief.
Marijuana For Pain Control
Notably, the most common medical use of marijuana is for pain control and management. In the U.S., patients suffer from long standing pain for hours on end. Although medical marijuana is not strong enough for severe pain (for pain associated with post-surgery and broken bones), it is still effective for chronic pain control.
Aging Americans are open to medical cannabis use for chronic pain since it is safer than opiate use and can even take the place of certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Advil. It is vital since older individuals are at an increased risk of developing kidney problems, gastric ulcers, and GERD.
Marijuana consumption for pain associated with multiple sclerosis and nerve pain has been seen to replace the use of medications such as Lyrica, Neurontin, and opiates which are highly sedating to patients. In many cases, marijuana use allows the ill to resume their daily activities without feeling disengaged.
How To Promote Cannabis Products Among Patients?
The controversy surrounding marijuana use as a medicinal drug and treatment coupled with its legalization issue may detract potential patients from availing of such services and products. To address this problem, business and brand owners can employ various strategies to promote their items. These include:
Collaborate with Marijuana-Friendly Ad Networks
Collaboration with effective and marijuana-friendly ad networks ensures that cannabis-based products are perceived in a new light. With measures pushing for the legalization of marijuana, it is a must for advertising campaigns to improve local visibility using a geo-targeted approach to increase consumerism.
Create A Website And Online Store
Modern-day shopping has employed the internet via online searches to procure items and services. eCommerce has made it possible for brand owners to promote and sell cannabis products through web searches and online purchases. As a bonus, the extent to which business owners can reach existing and potential buyers have come at an unprecedented scale. All it takes is a well-structured website with product offerings that captures the interest of would-be customers.
Improve Packaging
Apart from the allure, a well thought-out copy and cannabis packaging could lead to skyrocketing brand recognition and sales. This creative magic encourages top-performing CBD companies to allot more attention to their cannabis products and packaging.
Fortunately, getting interesting copy and head-turning cannabis packaging is no longer rocket science. A quick question in a group of suppliers should give you tons of options, quotes, and case studies, that show which approach garners more attention and sales from a specific target market.
Make Use of Product Influencers
Product influencers are vital in improving the product’s marketability in a relatively short period. These strong online presences can persuade their target audience to opt for the promoted brand, thereby increasing sales. However, the trick with this approach is finding the perfect personality to help the company reach its marketing goal. Practical collaboration efforts between esteemed influencers ensure product appeal, a substantial target audience, and increased profitability.
Key Takeaways
Medical marijuana use has changed how treatment and control of illnesses have been handled. The efforts to legalize the drug enabled medical practitioners to use treatment modalities that resulted in fewer serious side effects. In addition, it has allowed the control and relief of pain, refraining from the extensive use of opiates and NSAIDs.
Brand owners must implement effective advertising with their cannabis products to make sure quality items reach the right people. They should also consider the overall sentiments of patients and why they use medical cannabis in the first place. Finally, a positive approach towards product advertising through multiple marketing channels will provide positive patronage to cannabis products, thereby increasing consumerism and company profit.
