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Medical Cannabis 101
How Does Cannabis Work?
The answer lies in the fact that scientists have discovered over 100 unique molecules in the cannabis plant known as cannabinoids. Examples of cannabinoids include psychoactive THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, as well as non-psychoactive cannabinoids such as CBD, or cannabidiol.
These plant cannabinoids bind to natural receptors located throughout our bodies known as “endocannabinoid receptors.” When plant cannabinoids bind to the body’s natural endocannabinoid receptors, they exert a variety of positive medical benefits, including the relief of pain, inflammation, muscle spasms, insomnia, and anxiety/depression.
Why is Cannabis an Alternative to Some Prescription Medication?
Cannabis is composed of more than 80 unique compounds that have been shown to provide effective therapeutic applications for a wide range of diseases and physical ailments.
Each year more than 20,000 people die from prescription drug misuse. Many of these people could effectively have treated their physical problems with cannabis - a safe, natural medicine that has never resulted in a death in recorded history.
In thousands of clinical tests, along with well-documented anecdotal evidence, cannabis has been shown effective treating back pain, cancer and the side-effects of chemotherapy, multiple sclerosis, neuropathy, migraine headaches, joint pain, and more. It has often been said that if cannabis did not also have the effect of making people euphoric (or “high”) it would be considered a “wonder drug” much like aspirin or penicillin.
What is the Difference Between THC and CBD?
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two types of cannabinoids found naturally in the resin of the marijuana plant, Cannabis sativa. THC, or THC dominant strains of cannabis, are associated with psychoactive experiences and side effects, while CBD is not. We explain more about the differences in THC and CBD below.
How do I Choose the "Right" Medical Cannabis?
The first place to start is with a doctor trained in doing medical cannabis evaluations. During your evaluation be sure to ask what kinds of cannabis might be most useful to treating your medical condition.
Start Low and Slow.
Be mindful that, like all medications, cannabis impacts everyone differently. While there are no formal dosing studies currently available in the USA to advise on the specific amounts of cannabis to use, physicians in our network of affiliates suggest that patients start with a lower dose or a smaller amount of cannabis to see what, if any, side effects are encountered. Remember, cannabis is not toxic, so even if you have an unwanted side effect, it won't cause harm.
The answer lies in the fact that scientists have discovered over 100 unique molecules in the cannabis plant known as cannabinoids. Examples of cannabinoids include psychoactive THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, as well as non-psychoactive cannabinoids such as CBD, or cannabidiol.
These plant cannabinoids bind to natural receptors located throughout our bodies known as “endocannabinoid receptors.” When plant cannabinoids bind to the body’s natural endocannabinoid receptors, they exert a variety of positive medical benefits, including the relief of pain, inflammation, muscle spasms, insomnia, and anxiety/depression.
Why is Cannabis an Alternative to Some Prescription Medication?
Cannabis is composed of more than 80 unique compounds that have been shown to provide effective therapeutic applications for a wide range of diseases and physical ailments.
Each year more than 20,000 people die from prescription drug misuse. Many of these people could effectively have treated their physical problems with cannabis - a safe, natural medicine that has never resulted in a death in recorded history.
In thousands of clinical tests, along with well-documented anecdotal evidence, cannabis has been shown effective treating back pain, cancer and the side-effects of chemotherapy, multiple sclerosis, neuropathy, migraine headaches, joint pain, and more. It has often been said that if cannabis did not also have the effect of making people euphoric (or “high”) it would be considered a “wonder drug” much like aspirin or penicillin.
What is the Difference Between THC and CBD?
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two types of cannabinoids found naturally in the resin of the marijuana plant, Cannabis sativa. THC, or THC dominant strains of cannabis, are associated with psychoactive experiences and side effects, while CBD is not. We explain more about the differences in THC and CBD below.
How do I Choose the "Right" Medical Cannabis?
The first place to start is with a doctor trained in doing medical cannabis evaluations. During your evaluation be sure to ask what kinds of cannabis might be most useful to treating your medical condition.
Start Low and Slow.
Be mindful that, like all medications, cannabis impacts everyone differently. While there are no formal dosing studies currently available in the USA to advise on the specific amounts of cannabis to use, physicians in our network of affiliates suggest that patients start with a lower dose or a smaller amount of cannabis to see what, if any, side effects are encountered. Remember, cannabis is not toxic, so even if you have an unwanted side effect, it won't cause harm.
More About THCTHC is the main psychoactive component of the marijuana plant. In other words, THC is the primary agent responsible for creating the “high” feeling associated with marijuana use.
This compound works by imitating the effects of anandamide, a neurotransmitter produced naturally by the human body to help modulate sleeping and eating habits, as well as the perception of pain. The effects of THC include : * Relaxation * Altered senses of sight, smell, and hearing * Fatigue * Hunger |
More About CBDCBD has the same chemical formula as THC, but the atoms are arranged differently. This slight variance causes THC to create a psychoactive effect while CBD lacks such an influence.
There is no "high" or psychoactive feeling associated with CBD. The effects of CBD include: * Reduction of psychotic symptoms * Relief from convulsions and nausea * Decreased anxiety * Decreased inflammation |
Modes of AdministrationIt is important to remember that there are many ways to use cannabis as alternatives to smoking.
These include: vaporization, tinctures, edible products, topical applications, teas, and raw plant extracts. Inhaled cannabis – preferably smoke-free vapor – generally provides an immediate effect and lasts for about 3–4 hours. Edible, or ingested cannabis, on the other hand, takes up to an hour to work, but lasts for up to 6–8 hours. Therefore, an edible cannabis product, taken about an hour before bedtime, can work very well to help get a full night’s sleep.
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Important Disclaimer!
The information contained in this site does not intend to replace any medical advice or care by a trained physician.
Any use of this information is solely the the responsibility of the user.
Important Disclaimer!
The information contained in this site does not intend to replace any medical advice or care by a trained physician.
Any use of this information is solely the the responsibility of the user.
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