BUYERS GUIDE
INGESTION
Inhalation
Smoking
Pack a small amount of dried (cured) cannabis flower into a pipe, water pipe (bong) or rolling paper (to create a “joint”). Then, hold a flame to the cannabis flower until it combusts as you inhale the smoke from the mouthpiece or other end of joint. Dosage: Start small—inhale lightly. There is no need to hold smoke in your lungs, exhale immediately. Wait a few minutes; if you don’t feel the desired effect, or you want to feel a greater effect, take another inhale.
Pros
• Delivers instant relief
• Fairly easy to regulate dosage
• Inexpensive
• Minimally processed
Cons
• Smoke may be harmful to lungs. Studies have reached contradictory conclusions about whether and to what extent cannabis may cause lung damage, but combustion of any substance makes it harder to breathe
• In many cases, not a good option for anyone with pulmonary damage (lung cancer, emphysema) or asthma
-Will make you smell like cannabis smoke
Vaporizing (Vaping)
Preheat the vaporizer to the recommended temperature. Insert a small amount of dired (cured) cannabis flower or extract into a vaporizer. Press the button and inhale. The cannabis will be heated to a temperature below its combustion point, but still hot enough to release the medicinal compounds. Vaporizers are available in many sizes and shapes, from large desktop units to pocket-sized pens. Dosage: As with smoking, start with one small inhalation, and see how you feel. Wait a few minutes; if you don’t feel the desired effect, or you want to feel a greater effect, take another inhale.
Pros
• Delivers instant relief
• Less harsh on lungs than smoking
• Fairly easy to regulate dosage
Cons
• Wall-plug powered vaporizers can be very expensive
• Battery powered units must recharge regularly
Dabbing
A “dab” is a cannabis concentrate (hash, oil, budder, shatter, wax, etc.) that you heat to a high temperature and inhale. The delivery devices vary, some vaporizers can be used, but most set-ups tend to be complicated and involve a torch. Dosage: Consult with your doctor prior to trying dabbing. Start with just one small “hit,” but know that it will have extremely strong psychoactive effects.
Pros
• Useful for urgent medication of acute illnesses, such as chemotherapy-induced nausea in cancer patients, or acute pain in palliative patients
• May be more cost efficient for patients who need high THC levels
• Provides instant relief
Cons
• In addition to the pulmonary concerns with smoking, concentrates are a higher risk of containing harmful chemicals
• Solvents are used to extract the medicinal chemicals, and they may not be properly removed
• May cause overdose that, while never fatal, can be unpleasant and uncomfortable
• Devices are difficult to use
Oral and Anal Ingestion
Edible
In many cultures, people prefer to ingest marijuana by eating or drinking it. This method completely removes all lung irritations associated with inhaling smoke. Edibles-in the form of cookies, candies, power bars, popcorn. Edibles take longer to reach their full effect. Dosage: Only use edibles under the supervision of a doctor. Dosages vary widely depending on your weight, metabolism, experience, and other factors. We suggest starting with a small amount, 10mg or less (one dose in Colorado), and waiting at least one hour before assessing effects and possibly eating more.
Pros
• Provides long-lasting relief
• Good alternative for people averse to inhaling their medicine
• You get extra calories
• Dosage can be precise if you get it from a reliable source and know how much you need
Drink
The active ingredients in medical marijuana can be infused into various liquids and then made into drinks. Because cannabinoids are not water soluble, making drinkable medical marijuana is not a simple matter of brewing up a tea. Med. Marijuana drinks are most often either alcohol or milk (fat) based. Cannabinoids are extracted into alcohol by steeping the plant material in a high proof alcohol for several days. Consult your physician before consuming alcoholic beverages. Dosage: Either measure out exact amount you need for your particular dose (if your doctor has been specific with you), or estimate around 10mg for starting dose. Wait at least an hour, before deciding whether to drink more.
Pros
• Provides long-lasting relief
• Good alternative for people averse to inhaling their medicine
• Many beverages are medicated to give a specific feeling, such as stress relief or energy
Cons
• Can take anywhere from half an hour to several hours to kick in
• Dosage can be difficult unless you pre-measure your sips
• Causes a different feeling than smoking, which some patients prefer and others do not like
Suppositories
Medical marijuana can be easily converted into suppository form. Medical marijuana suppositories are well suited for patients who are unable to eat or smoke medical marijuana. Keep them labeled and in the refrigerator. Anal suppositories are common, but caution must be used, as when medicinal compounds from cannabis are absorbed through the rectum, the effects are far more concentrated than if absorbed orally. Dosage: Most suppositories are dosed for extreme cases; most come in two sizes: 2g for adults, 1g for children. But, always consult a doctor about dosage before beginning suppository treatment.
Pros
• Can help patients who are to nauseated to hold down edible and too sick to smoke
• Can help kill tumors or cancer cells more effectively because the concentration is higher
• Kicks in quickly and lasts a long time
• More efficient—up to 70 percent of cannabinoids are bioavailable
Cons
• Difficult and sometimes embarrassing to administer
• Must be kept refrigerated so suppositories don’t melt
• Risk of slippage
Topical Absorption
Medical cannabis tinctures, salves, transdermal patches, ointments and sprays are a great way to medicate without any psychoactive effects. They are great for arthritis, chapped skin, eczema, minor burns, muscles soreness, sunburns, swellings, joint pain, tendonitis, and many other conditions. Dosage: You’re unlikely to have any trouble with dosing topical, but do try to find ones that are aimed at your specific ailment. Use salves and ointments as much as you see fit, keeping in mind that they can get greasy. If you experience skin irritation, discontinue use.
Medical cannabis tinctures, salves, transdermal patches, ointments and sprays are a great way to medicate without any psychoactive effects. They are great for arthritis, chapped skin, eczema, minor burns, muscles soreness, sunburns, swellings, joint pain, tendonitis, and many other conditions. Dosage: You’re unlikely to have any trouble with dosing topical, but do try to find ones that are aimed at your specific ailment. Use salves and ointments as much as you see fit, keeping in mind that they can get greasy. If you experience skin irritation, discontinue use.
Pros
• Topicals don’t get you “high”
• The only forms of cannabis medicine that truly address skin issues
• Localized pain relief
Cons
• Not particularly helpful with more serious ailments such as cancer, PTSD, epilepsy or glaucoma
• Does not provide a euphoric feeling
• Patients report some products simply don’t work
Meet the Endocannabinoid System
The endogenous cannabinoid system, named after the plant that led to its discovery, is perhaps the most important physiologic system involved in establishing and maintaining human health. Endocannabinoids and their receptors are found throughout the body: in the brain, organs, connective tissues, glands, and immune cells. In each tissue, the cannabinoid system performs different tasks, but the goal is always the same: homeostasis, the maintenance of a stable internal environment despite fluctuations in the external environment.
Cannabinoids promote homeostasis at every level of biological life, from the sub-cellular, to the organism, and perhaps to the community and beyond. Here’s one example: autophagy, a process in which a cell sequesters part of its contents to be self-digested and recycled, is mediated by the cannabinoid system. While this process keeps normal cells alive, allowing them to maintain a balance between the synthesis, degradation, and subsequent recycling of cellular products, it has a deadly effect on malignant tumor cells, causing them to consume themselves in a programmed cellular suicide. The death of cancer cells, of course, promotes homeostasis and survival at the level of the entire organism.
Endocannabinoids and cannabinoids are also found at the intersection of the body’s various systems, allowing communication and coordination between different cell types. At the site of an injury, for example, cannabinoids can be found decreasing the release of activators and sensitizers from the injured tissue, stabilizing the nerve cell to prevent excessive firing, and calming nearby immune cells to prevent release of pro-inflammatory substances. Three different mechanisms of action on three different cell types for a single purpose: minimize the pain and damage caused by the injury.
Unlike synthetic derivatives, herbal cannabis may contain over one hundred different cannabinoids, including THC, which all work synergistically to produce better medical effects and less side effects than THC alone. While cannabis is safe and works well when smoked, many patients prefer to avoid respiratory irritation and instead use a vaporizer, cannabis tincture, or topical salve. Scientific inquiry and patient testimonials both indicate that herbal cannabis has superior medical qualities to synthetic cannabinoids.
The endocannabinoid system, with its complex actions in our immune system, nervous system, and all of the body’s organs, is literally a bridge between body and mind. By understanding this system we begin to see a mechanism that explains how states of consciousness can promote health or disease.
CB Receptors Guide
CBD
Cannabidiol
C21H30O2
Summary
• Naturally occurs in almost all strains
• Interacts with THC to alter its effects, not a psychoactive component
• Increases drowsiness and relaxation
• A higher content of CBD is found in Indica strains
Health Benefits:
• Analgesic
• Anti-anxiety
• Antibacterial
• Anti-diabetic
• Antiemetic
• Anti-epileptic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-insomnia
• Anti-ischemic
• Antiproliferative
• Anti-psoriatic
• Anti-psychotic
• Bone stimulant
• Intestinal antiprokinetic
• Neuroprotective
• Vasodilation
Known to Treat the Symptoms of:
• AIDS
• Antibiotic resistant infections
• Asthma
• Autism
• Cancerous tumors
• Crohn’s Disease / IBS
• Depression and mental illness
• Diabetes
• Eating disorders
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• Harm reduction as a substitute for alcohol and opioids
• Improved dystonia disorders
• Improved movement in patients with Huntington’s Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Neurological disorders
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Schizophrenia
• Tourette’s Syndrome
THC-V
Tetrahydro-
cannabivarin
C19H26O2
Summary
• Psychoactive cannabinoid
• May help treat Type II Diabetes
• Predominantly found in indica strains
• In varied doses, THC-V has the same medicinal effects, but different mental effects
• In low doses: blocks CB1 receptors, giving THC less of an effect
• In high doses: activates CB1 receptors, giving THC more of an effect
Health Benefits:
• Bone stimulant
• Reduces appetite – helps fight obesity
• Anti-epileptic
CBC
Cannabichromene
C21H30O2
Summary
• Naturally occurs in almost all strains
• Interacts with THC to alter its effects, but is a non-psychoactive component
• Contributes to the overall analgesic effect of cannabis
• Second most abundant cannabinoid
Health Benefits:
• Analgesic
• Antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-proliferative
• Bone stimulant
CBG
Cannabigerol
C21H32O2
Summary
• Non-psychoactive
• Found in a higher concentration in hemp rather than in varieties of cannabis with a high THC content
Health Benefits:
• Antibacterial
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-proliferative
• Bone stimulant
• Relieves ocular hypertension
• Anti-insomnia
CBG-A
Cannabigerolic Acid
C22H31O4
Summary
• Precursor to all other cannabinoids
• The principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis
• “Mother/grandmother” of all cannabinoids
• Gets converted mostly along 3 major divisions
– THC-A & derivatives
– CBD-A & derivatives
– CBC-A & derivatives
Health Benefits:
• Anti-inflammatory
• Analgesic
CBG-A
Cannabigerolic Acid
C22H31O4
Summary
• Precursor to all other cannabinoids
• The principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis
• “Mother/grandmother” of all cannabinoids
• Gets converted mostly along 3 major divisions
– THC-A & derivatives
– CBD-A & derivatives
– CBC-A & derivatives
Health Benefits:
• Anti-inflammatory
• Analgesic
THC
Tetrahydrocannabinol
C21H30O2
Summary
• THC is the principal psychoactive element of the cannabis plant
• Marinol: synthetically prepared THC (Dronabinol)
Health Benefits:
• Analgesic
• Antiemetic
• Appetite stimulant
• Anti-epileptic
• Antispasmodic
• Anti-insomnia
Known to Treat the Symptoms of:
• ADD/ADHD
• Alcohol and Opiate dependency
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• Anorexia Nervosa / Bulimia
• Bladder dysfunction
• Cancer chemotherapy
• Chronic and neuropathic Multiple Sclerosis
• Crohn’s Disease
• Dystonia
• Epilepsy
• Fibromyalgia
• GERD
• Glaucoma
• Headaches and migraines
• Hepatitis C therapy
• HIV/AIDS
• Huntington’s Disease
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Nausea
• OCD
• Parkinson’s Disease
• PTSD
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Spinal cord injuries
• Tardive dyskinesia
• Tourette’s Syndrome
• Tremors
• Ulcerative colitis
CBN
Cannabinol
C21H26O2
Summary
• Little or no psychoactive effect
• Metabolite of THC
• CBN is the breakdown product that is produced when THC is
exposed to light or heat
• CBN is responsible for THC’s disorienting qualities
• Pure forms of CBN have 10% of the psychoactivity of THC
Health Benefits:
• Analgesic
• Antioxidant properties – fights free radicals in the blood stream
• Antispasmodic
• Anti-insomnia
Terpenes in detail
Terpenes are the organic chemicals found in cannabis that enhance or inhibit the effectiveness of cannabinoids on the human brain and body, proving that the sum of the plant is greater than its individual parts. They are also responsible for the smell and taste of cannabis as well as other plants. Terpene profiles are unique to each strain of cannabis, acting as a fingerprint that can be used to identify individual strains.
α–pinene
Essential pine oil
• The most common terpene in plants
• A bronchodilator – could be useful for asthmatics
• Promotes alertness, concentration and memory retention
• Allows THC to enter the bloodstream quicker
• Inhibits acetyl Co-A, allowing more con version of short-term memory to long-term memory
• Topical antiseptic
β- Caryophyllene
Black pepper, oregano, other herbs
• Protects the gastrointestinal tract
• Treats ulcers
• Anti-inflammatory
• Binds directly to CB2 receptors in the immune system to treat autoimmune disorders
Terpineol
Lilac, citrus, apple blossoms
• Sedative effects, muscle relaxant
Myrcene
Musky odor; hops, mango, lemon grass, verbena
• Affects the permeability of cell walls and the Blood-Brain Barrier, allowing THC to enter the brain
• Sedative and muscle relaxant – attributes to
“couch-lock”
• Hypnotic
• Analgesic
• pain reliever
• Anti-inflammatory
Pulegone
Mint, camphor, rosemary
• Inhibits acetyl Co-A, allowing more conversion of short-term memory to long-term memory
Borneol
Menthol, pine, cinnamon
• Sedative effects
Limonene
Citrus fruit
• Can make cells more permeable to other terpenes, raising the absorption rates
• Clinically dissolved gallstones anti-stress properties – Improves mood
• Relieve heartburn and GERD
• Destroy breast cancer cells
• Can build up in tumor cells and slow down cancer cell growth
• Antimicrobial properties
• Kills pathogenic strains of bacteria
• Fat soluble
• gets stored in adipose (fat) tissue
Cineole/Eucalyptol
Rosemary and eucalyptus; minty and refreshing
• Increases circulation
• Analgesic effects
• pain relief
• Can easily cross the Blood-Brain Barrier
• “Thought-provoking” component in cannabi
Linalool
Lavender
• Anxiolytic
• Anti-anxiety and stress blocker
• Strong anticonvulsant
• Antidepressant
• If applied topically, can heal scars from acne and severe burns
Δ-3-Carene
Sweet, pine, cedar, woodsy
• Used to dry excess fluids in aroma therapy
• Can attribute to the dry mouth and dry eyes experienced when using cannabis
• Can be a Central Nervous System (brain and spinal cord) depressant in very high doses
Nerolidol
Ginger, lavender, jasmine, lemon grass
• Sedative properties
• Used topically for the transdermal delivery of therapeutic drugs
Common Sense Explanation
The chemical compounds that give cannabis its distinctive taste and smell do so much more
By Rev. Dr. Kymron de Cesare
Terpenes, the same chemical compounds that give flavor and odor to fruits, flowers, candy and incense, are also essential elements in cannabis. They provide the tastes and aromas of the different strains and most importantly, a wide variety of medical benefits too. Because terpenes have a wide variety of medicinal benefits, and each terpene has many different properties, there are overlapping synergies between them. This fact is well known to herbalists, who take advantage of these synergies to greatly increase the effectiveness of their treatments.
An example of overlapping synergies can be found in the combination of ß-Myrcene with D9-THC for pain, with THCA for inflammation, with CBD and Linalool as an antipsychotic and with THC, THCA and CBD in the treatment of muscle spasms.
Since different combinations of terpenes and cannabinoids produce such different results, it’s important for patients to know which are found in which strain, and in what amounts.
Rev. Dr. Kymron de Cesare manages and operates the general chemistry laboratory courses at UC Davis and is the lab manager at Halent Laboratories in Sacramento.
Here are some examples of terpenes that most patients will often run into:
LIMONENE:
The three forms oflimonene are abundant in cannabis too, second only to ß-Myrcene. They have a sweet, fresh, citrus aroma and provide numerous medical benefits, such as relieving depression and anxiety, fighting tumors and bacterial infections, stimulating the immune system and treating gastric reflux and esophageal ulcers. Limonenes are used in antiseptic ointments and insect repellents.
PHYTOL:
Phytol is another interesting terpene found in cannabis. The aroma is floral and balsamic in nature. Its health benefits include suppressing the immune system and impeding the activity of aflatoxins, toxins produced by mold and fungus. It’s used in preparations to reduce itching and treat slow healing wounds. Phytol is a non-toxic yellow pigment used in food dyes.
B-MYRCENE:
ß-Myrcene, the most common terpene in cannabis is also found in hops, aged mango, bay leaves, and lemongrass. It is often described as having an herbal, balsamic, rooty, or spicy aroma. ß-Myrcene is well known for its medicinal properties, such as treating pain and inflammation.
How Cannabis is An Alternative Medicine
Cannabis vs. Other Medications
Cannabis: By comparison, the side effects associated with cannabis are typically mild and are classified as “low risk.” Euphoric mood changes are among the most frequent side effects. Cannabinoids can exacerbate schizophrenic psychosis in predisposed persons. Cannabinoids impede cognitive and psychomotor performance, resulting in temporary impairment. Chronic use can lead to the development of tolerance. Tachycardia and hypotension are frequently documented as adverse events in the cardiovascular system. A few cases of myocardial ischemia have been reported in young and previously healthy patients. Inhaling the smoke of cannabis cigarettes induces side effects on the respiratory system. Cannabinoids are contraindicated for patients with a history of cardiac ischemias. In summary, a low risk profile is evident from the literature available. Serious complications are very rare and are not usually reported during the use of cannabinoids for medical indications.
Chronic Pain
As many as one in five Americans lives with chronic pain, and the majority of those suffering from chronic pain are due to injuries or neuropathic pain (nerve-related pain). Even if an injury heals, pain, inflammation and trauma can remain. The components of cannabis that have been proven to help those with chronic pain are neuropathic (burning, lancinating), mechanical (dull, aching) and inflammatory (acute, sharp). Cannabis is a good analgesia without any toxicity, risk for addiction or negative interactions with other drugs or treatments.
Chronic pain that cannabis can help tremendously for:
• Myofascial Pain
Syndrome (MPS)
• Diabetic Neuropathy (DN)
• Neuropathic Pain
Syndrome (NPS)
• Central Pain Syndrome (CPS)
• Phantom Pain (PP)
• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
• Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS)
• Osteoarthritis (OA)
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
• Discogenic Back Pain (DP)
• HIV Neuropathy (HIV)
• Malignant Pain (MP)
Arthritis
There are two cannabinoids found in marijuana that have especially profound efficacy for those with arthritis: CBD and THC. CBD is responsible for immune system modulation, meaning it is helpful for an autoimmune condition like rheumatoid arthritis. THC and byproducts of its metabolism — has been found to be anti-inflammatory and analgesic. THC is also known to reduce the anxiety and depression that commonly accompany severe diseases, especially those that affect one’s mobility. Although sativa strains are usually credited for being better pain relievers, some indica strains can also provide relief from arthritis symptoms.
Psoriasis
(head and body)
When treating Psoriasis, the goal of treatment is to control your symptoms and prevent infections. Most cases use either topical medications, body-wide (systemic) medications, or phototherapy. Cannabinoids inhibit keratinocyte proliferation, and therefore support a potential role for cannabinoids in the treatment of psoriasis. Cannabinoids are readily absorbed through the skin, and because of cannabis’ anti-inflammatory properties and the regulatory effects of THC on the immune system, cannabis is the ideal method of treating psoriasis, as it avoids some of the toxicity associated with systemic therapies.
Cancer
Cannabis has been proven to treat and kill tumors and cancer cells in high doses. Scientists reported that THC and other cannabinoids such as CBD slow growth and/or cause death in certain types of cancer cells growing in laboratory dishes. Some animal studies also suggest certain cannabinoids may slow growth and reduce spread of some forms of cancer. There have been some clinical trials of cannabinoids in treating cancer in humans and more studies are planned. How it works? When THC connects to the CB1 or CB2 cannabinoid receptor site on a cancer cell, it causes an increase in ceramide synthesis which drives cell death. A normal healthy cell does not produce ceramide in the presence of THC, thus is not affected by the cannabinoid. Ceramide also causes genotoxic stress in the cancer cell nucleus generating a protein called p53, whose job it is to disrupt calcium metabolism in the mitochondria. The key to this process is the accumulation of ceramide in the system. This means taking therapeutic amounts of CBD and THC, steadily, over a period of time, keeping metabolic pressure on this cancer cell death pathway. Cannabinoids has many benefits in the treatment of cancer-related side effects as well.
Gastrointestinal
The most common gastrointestinal disorders—Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Inflammatory Bowel Disease—affect millions of people. The disorders are different, but they each cause a great deal of discomfort and distress and both can be disabling. Painful cramping, chronic diarrhea or constipation, nausea, and inflammation of the intestines are all symptoms of these GI disorders that can be alleviated by cannabis. Research demonstrates that cannabis and cannabinoids are effective in treating the symptoms of these GI disorders in part because it interacts with the endogenous cannabinoid receptors in the digestive tract, which can result in calming spasms, assuaging pain, and improving motility. Cannabis has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and recent research has demonstrated that cannabinoids are immune system modulators, either enhancing or suppressing immune response.
Movement Disorders
Movement disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, which are sometimes interlinked, are among the many conditions that cannabis and cannabinoids may be particularly well suited to treat. Extensive studies in both animals and humans have shown that cannabis can treat many movement disorders affecting older patients, such as tremors and spasticity, because cannabinoids have antispasticity, analgesic, antitremor, and antiataxia properties. Cannabis also has enormous potential for protecting the brain and central nervous system from the damage that leads to various movement disorders. Researchers have also found that cannabinoids can alleviate the damage caused by strokes, as well as brain trauma, spinal cord injury, and multiple sclerosis. More than 100 research articles have been published on how cannabinoids act as neuroprotective agents to slow the progression of such neurodegenerative diseases as Huntington’s, Alzheimer’s and particularly Parkinson’s, which affects more than 52% of people over the age of 85.
Eating Disorders and Cachexia
Many eating disorders have been studied as being due to an imbalance in brain chemistry. Some studies have provided insights into the role played by the brain’s endocannabinoid system. The normal function of the endocannabinoid system becomes impaired in people with either anorexia or bulimia. Marijuana can help balance an abnormal endocannabinoid system. More positive results have been seen with those suffering from anorexia nervosa than bulimia or other eating disorders. Cachexia or wasting syndrome is loss of weight, muscle atrophy, fatigue, weakness, and significant loss of appetite in someone who is not actively trying to lose weight. Medical cannabinoids are claimed to alleviate nausea and vomiting in chemo-/radiotherapy and in palliative care. They are also recommended for the treatment of anorexia and cachexia in patients with advanced cancer and for the control of chronic tumor pain.
Neuropathic Disorders
Several recent FDA-designed clinical trials report that inhaled inhaled marijuana can significantly alleviate neuropathic pain. In most cases, the use of standard analgesic medications such as opiates and NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) is ineffective at relieving neuropathic pain. Further, long-term use of most conventional pain relievers, including acetaminophen, opioids, and NSAIDs, is associated with a host of potential adverse side effects, including stroke, erectile dysfunction, heart-attack, hepatoxicity, and accidental overdose death.
Migraines
Cannabis has been shown to possess analgesic properties that mask the pain caused by a migraine headache by mimicking the brain’s own chemicals that minimize the rate at which harmful signals are received. Cannabis is processed by the neurotransmitter system, which means that only painful signals are blocked, while other signals are administered normally. Cannabis modulates signals sent by the brain to the spinal cord, decreasing the overall amount of pain that is felt, without the severe side effects of prescription drugs. Recent studies also prove that cannabis can even reduce the frequency of migraines in chronic migraine sufferers. Other studies have revealed that cannabis has a positive effect in treating mental health issues as well as neurodegenerative diseases.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye condition in which the optic nerve becomes damaged over time, reducing side vision. It sometimes leads to blindness. One cause of optic nerve damage in glaucoma is higher-than-normal pressure within the eye (intraocular pressure or IOP). The idea that marijuana can be helpful in treating glaucoma dates to the 1970s. Studies conducted then showed that smoking marijuana lowered the IOP of people with glaucoma. As a result of this research, additional studies were conducted examining whether marijuana or its active ingredient, a compound known as THC, could be used to keep IOP lowered. This research was supported by the National Eye Institute, a division of the federal National Institutes of Health. The research found that when marijuana is smoked or when a form of its active ingredient is taken as a pill or by injection, it does lower IOP. However, it only lowers IOP for a short period of time—about three or four hours. Patients with glaucoma have found smoking can be problematic, as they have to keep ingesting it throughout the day for long term relief, but oral, sublingual and eye drop instillation have seen better long term relief.
Epilepsy
The medicinal use of cannabis for its anticonvulsant properties dates back to early civilizations including ancient China, India, Africa, Greece and Rome. People living with uncontrolled seizures who have previously attempted other forms of treatment have reported beneficial effects and reduced seizure activity, especially with CBD oil, including children. There are many different studies that prove that seizures can be decreased in patients with epilepsy, up to 60%.
Psychiatric Disorders
There are numerous studies that show some psychiatric disorders respond well to cannabis treatment, specifically THC and CBD. Anxiety, depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and can lessen other symptoms associated—like pain, discomfort, paranoia, loss of appetite, irregular sleep patterns, and more. medical cannabis is not a curative medicine for these disorders, but can help these disorders become manageable, and can eliminate dependence on other prescription medications.
Know The Rules
Your State’s Laws
Before beginning any medical cannabis treatment, you must consult your state’s legal laws regarding use, growth and access for this medicinal plant. There are currently 33 cannabis states (both medical and recreational), but that number will constantly be growing, and every state has independent cannabis laws. It’s important to follow the state guidelines for product use and treatment options. Organizations like National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) and the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) are great sources for the most up-to-date information regarding your state’s particular cannabis rules and regulations.
National Laws
At this time, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration lists marijuana and its cannabinoids as Schedule I controlled substances. This means that they cannot legally be prescribed, possessed, or sold under federal law. Whole or crude marijuana (including marijuana oil or hemp oil) is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for any medical use. But the use of marijuana to treat some medical conditions is legal in many states.
Glossary / Key Terms
Analgesic – relieves pain
Anorectic – suppresses appetite, helps with weight loss
Antibacterial – kills or slows bacterial growth
Anti-diabetic – reduces blood sugar
Antiemetic – reduces nausea
Anti-epileptic – reduces seizures and convulsions
Anti-inflammatory – reduces inflammation
Anti-insomnia – aids in sleep
Anti-ischemic – reduces the risk of artery blockage
Antioxidant properties – fights free radicals in the blood stream that cause premature aging
Anti-proliferative – inhibits cell growth in cancer cells and tumors
Anti-psoriatic – treats psoriasis
Antipsychotic – tranquilizing, to treat psychosis
Antispasmodic – reduces muscle spasms
Anxiolitic – relieves anxiety
Appetite stimulation – increases appetite
Bone stimulant – stimulates bone cell growth
Dyskinesia – distortion or impairment of voluntary movement
Intestinal antiprokinetic – reduces the contractions of the small intestine
Muscle relaxant – relaxes muscles, promotes relaxation
Neuroprotective – protects the nervous system from degeneration; seen in patients with Cerebral Palsy and Parkinson’s Disease
Psychoactive – affects the mind or mental process
Relieves ocular hypertension – relieves intraocular pressure due to glaucoma
Vasorelaxant / vasodilation – widening of the blood vessels and large veins, increases blood flow throughout the body