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CANNABIS 101

IS MEDICAL CANNABIS RIGHT FOR ME?

Cannabis has shown promise for a number of ailments, it is important to understand how cannabis interacts with your body to understand if medical cannabis is right for you.

SELF ASSESSMENT

Cannabis Applied to Ailments

While cannabis research is still in the early stages, it has shown potential internationally in treating and managing the symptoms of a wide variety of ailments. Below, is a list of ailments that cannabis can potentially help alleviate:

RELAX

Epilepsy
Migraines
Multiple Sclerosis
Parkinson’s Disease
Tourette’s Syndrome

EAT

Cancer (Chemotherapy)
Eating Disorders
Nausea and Vomiting

SLEEP

Insomnia

FORGET

Depression
Anxiety
Alzheimer’s
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

PROTECT

Arthritis
Chronic Pain
Eczema and Psoriasis
Fibromyalgia
Glaucoma

Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

The ECS is found in all mammals and is responsible for eat, sleep, relax, forget, and protect responses. The ECS is comprised of two receptors, cannabinoid 1 (CB1) and Cannabinoid 2 (CB2) distributed throughout our bodies

Endocannabinoids produced in our bodies interact with these receptors, regulating our bodily functions. If the activation of the ECS is weak or dysfunctional, then the introduction of cannabinoids from medical grade cannabis may reactivate the ECS with the consequent benefits.

 

THC and CBD - Cannabinoids

There are over 113 known cannabinoids with more being discovered. The most commonly discussed in the medical cannabis industry are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These cannabinoids bind with the CB1 and CB2 receptors throughout the body, by “taking the place” of the endocannabinoids found within the body.

Cannabidiol (CBD)

Binds with the CB2 receptors in our endocannabinoid system and can result in huge anti-inflammatory effects and potential benefits. CBD is the non-psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis, which means that it does not get you high. CBD is used internationally to help with: – 

  • Anti-Nausea
  • Pain Relief
  • Appetite Stimulation
  • Aiding Sleep

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

Binds with the CB1 receptors in our endocannabinoid system, and can potentially provide great pain management and reduction. THC is psychoactive, and is the cannabinoid responsible for the intoxicating effects of cannabis: – It can generate euphoria (the “high”)

It is used: –

  • for Anti-Nausea
  • for Pain Relief
  • as an Appetite Stimulant
  • as a Sleep Aid

The differences between cannabis derived CBD and hemp derived CBD

CANNABIS DERIVED CBD vs HEMP DERIVED CBD

Terpenes

These are the chemicals responsible for the smell and taste of all plants. Terpenes lend certain traits and characteristics to different strains of cannabis, creating unique and specific medical benefits, as well as flavours and smells. Below we’ve listed six common terpenes that are found in cannabis.

Pinene

Pinene is a potent bronchodilator and could be helpful in the treatment of respiratory issues such as asthma.

Properties

  • Anti-inflammatory

  • Bronchodilator

  • Energizing

Myrcene

Myrcene is able to augment THC effectiveness, and is also a helpful sleep aid.

Properties

  • Sedative

  • Muscle Relaxant

  • Sleep Aid

Limonene

Limonene is a potent mood-boosting, antifungal, antibacterial and anticarcinogenic terpene.

Properties

  • Anti-anxiety

  • Anti-depressant

  • Anti-bacterial

Linalool

Linalool has clinical potential as an anti-convulsant and anti-bacterial agent with pain and anxiety reduction qualities.

Properties

  • Anesthetic

  • Anti-convulsant

  • Anti-anxiety

Caryophyllene

Caryophyllene has beneficial properties against diabetes, depression, anxiety, osteoarthritis, and colitis.

Properties

  • Anti-inflammatory

  • Cell protection

  • Analgesic

Humulene

Humulene is considered to be anti-tumor, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anorectic (suppresses appetite).

Properties

  • Anti-inflammatory

  • Appetite Suppressant

  • Analgesic

Entourage Effect

This is the term given to the enhancing effect that terpenes have on the action of CBD and THC. In other words, taking “whole plant medicine” or “full spectrum” cannabis may work better for the individual than CBD and THC made in the laboratory.

 

There are a number of ways of taking cannabis:

Inhalation

Onset
Instantly
Duration
3-5 Hours
Vaporizing (vaping) cannabis allows for instant absorption through your lungs.
 

Best for ailments that require fast acting relief, like anxiety attacks, or breakthrough pain

Edibles

Onset
45 Minutes
Duration
5-7 Hours

Ingesting cannabis through edibles has a gradual, stronger and longer lasting effect.

Edibles provide long lasting relief for ailments that are constant like chronic pain, or insomnia.
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Oils

Onset
15-30 Minutes
Duration
4-6 Hours

Ingesting cannabinoids through cannabis oil is quite similar to edibles but can absorb into your body much faster.

Cannabis oils provide long lasting relief, best for ailments that are constant like chronic pain, or insomnia.