I need some guidance. My dad recently got a medicinal marijuana card to treat his chronic joint pain as a result of arthritis. He’s always lived an active lifestyle and loves the great outdoors. Unfortunately, for a while, he had to give up a lot of his favorite activities like jogging, hiking, and skiing, because the pain made them unbearable.

The prescription painkillers were mostly useless because the side-effects hindered his athletic and cognitive performance.

He seems optimistic about what medicinal marijuana might do for his condition, but he’s pretty apprehensive about the negative connotations. He’s nervous about smoking, even privately, and also about how he can dose while outside enjoying his favorite activities.

What should I suggest to him, having no real knowledge about this?

This is becoming an increasingly common question as the marijuana legalization movement continues to build momentum. While the social connotations that surround cannabis consumption are changing, that doesn’t mean it’s become accepted wholesale. For one thing, it is illegal to publicly consume the drug anywhere in the US. You can understand the logic driving that decision, but it’s also important to acknowledge the challenges it poses, especially to patients who rely on cannabis for the treatment of various medical conditions.

Your dad is a perfect example of one of the countless people trying to figure out how to enjoy the benefits of the drug without compromising the law of the land. Discretion is obviously key for anyone in that situation. It’s for that reason that a number of people invariably turn to edibles for medical marijuana dosing. One thing to bear in mind, however, is just how potent edible cannabis products can be, especially for newer users. Ricardo Baca at The Cannabist explains 8 tips for getting the right dose consuming edibles. You should recommend that your dad review them before committing to anything.

Another alternative to traditional smoking is vaporizing marijuana. Similar to their e-cig counterparts, the vaporizers used for cannabis have become increasingly popular. Discretion is certainly one selling point, but it’s also considered much healthier than combusting the substance. Caution your dad about devices manufactured in places like China. A writer at Thrillist highlighted the fact that vaping devices made abroad are not appropriately regulated yet. Some investigators have claimed that culprit manufacturers are selling vaping devices that release toxic glues and metalloids instead of the more recognizable carcinogens released by e-cigs.

Those basic risks aside, your dad has a wide variety of options when it comes to vaporizing. Writers at Bustle published an informative article covering 9 types of vaporizers your dad could consider. If he prefers specific plant strains, then he might explore a Dry Herb Vaporizer, which lets him do so without having to worry about the implicating aromas. Perhaps he instead prefers the high-potency natural to oils and waxes. In that case, perhaps an oil- or wax-based vape would make more sense.

Either option is likely to be a plausible solution. The real determining factors are personal preference. Simply impress that upon him and encourage further research before making any final decisions.

“The most difficult thing is the decision to act; the rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do. You  can act to change and control your life; and the procedure, the process is its own reward.” — Amelia Earhart