Learn, Grow, Spread Awareness
Understanding Medical Cannabis
The Cannabis plant is just another plant with medicinal properties.
There are two main types of cannabis plants: The Sativa strain and the Indica Strain. Each contains unique ratios of THC and CBD and affects the body in different ways.
Cannabis plants are dioecious, meaning different parts needed for plant reproduction are found on different plants and both the “male” and “female” plants are needed for reproduction and seed formation. Female plants are typically used in commercial cannabis production. The plants consist of thin stems and the iconic fanned leaves often seen being used as the symbol for marijuana. The buds are found at the top of the plant and are coated in a crystal resin called trichomes, these trichomes contain the cannabinoids and terpenes.
Hemp is the term given to the parts of the cannabis plants that do not produce levels of THC that are considered to be psychoactive. Hemp contains high levels of CBD and the fibers are used in textiles. Hemp seeds are high in protein and have gained popularity in culinary and health food products.
Understanding Medical Marijuana
From the earliest civilizations, plants were used for their medicinal value. Some plants have distinct effects on the human body and can be used to alleviate pain and anxiety, fight cancer, and even as treatments for patients in heart failure. Many modern pharmaceuticals harvest the power of plants. Digoxin (used for a long time in the treatment of heart failure) is derived from certain species of the Foxglove plant, Vincristin and Vinblastine, forms of chemotherapy, are derived from the Madagascar Periwinkle Plant, even Aspirin has its origins in the bark of the Weeping Willow tree and has been used as far back as Ancient Egypt.
The Cannabis plant, better known as the Marijuana Plant, is just another plant with medicinal properties.
There are two main types of cannabis plants: The Sativa strain and the Indica Strain. Each contains unique ratios of THC and CBD and affects the body in different ways.
Cannabis plants are dioecious, meaning different parts needed for plant reproduction are found on different plants and both the “male” and “female” plants are needed for reproduction and seed formation. Female plants are typically used in commercial cannabis production. The plants consist of thin stems and the iconic fanned leaves often seen being used as the symbol for marijuana. The buds are found at the top of the plant and are coated in a crystal resin called trichomes, these trichomes contain the cannabinoids and terpenes.
Hemp is the term given to the parts of the cannabis plants that do not produce levels of THC that are considered to be psychoactive. Hemp contains high levels of CBD and the fibers are used in textiles. Hemp seeds are also high in protein and have recently gained popularity in culinary and health food products.
What are THC and CBD anyway?
THC stands for Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, it is known to help with mood issues, sleep, appetite, nausea, and pain. THC causes a psychoactive effect by increasing the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain. This effect on dopamine is the cause of the good feelings and associated “high” described with Marijuana use. Different Cannabis plants carry different levels of THC and CBD. Different ratios of CBD and THC are found to be beneficial in different medical diagnoses as CBD is thought to play a role in how THC affects the human endocannabinoid system. There currently over 100 other known cannabinoids found in the Cannabis plant. Many are being researched individually for their promising health effects and potential use in other areas of modern medicine.
The cannabis plant also contains another component called Terpenes. Terpenes are found in all plants and are the substances used to make fragrances, aromatherapy, and essential oils. Different terpenes have also been found to have unique health properties. The presence of terpenes in Medical Cannabis are thought to enhance the medicinal properties of cannabinoids in what is termed the “entourage effect.” Research is showing that different cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes found in Cannabis interact to cause different beneficial effects.
What are THC and CBD anyway?
Both CBD and TCH fall under the umbrella term “cannabinoids” and are the two main cannabinoids currently found in Medical Cannabis prescriptions available in Texas. Both have effects on neurotransmitters and therefore can help with many medical and psychological disease processes. CBD stands for cannabidiol and is used for its anti-inflammatory properties. Current research continues to find support for the medicinal powers of CBD. Alleviating pain, decreasing anxiety, assisting in the control of seizures, and providing relief from nausea are just some of the noted benefits. CBD does not contain psychoactive agents.
THC stands for Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol. While research is ongoing, current data suggests that THC can support patients who struggle with mood issues, sleep problems, decreased appetite, nausea, and chronic pain. THC causes a psychoactive effect by increasing the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain. This effect on dopamine is the cause of the good feelings and associated “high” described with Marijuana use. Different Cannabis plants carry different levels of THC and CBD. Medical Cannabis dosing is be tailored to each patient and the ailment they suffer from. CBD is thought to play a role in how THC affects the human endocannabinoid system. Research continues to seek to refine the exact ratios of CBD and THC needed to provide patients with the best relief for an array of medical ailments. There currently over 100 other known cannabinoids found in the Cannabis plant. Many are being researched individually for their promising health effects and potential use in other areas of modern medicine.
The cannabis plant also contains another components called Terpenes. Terpenes are found in all plants and are the substances used to make fragrances, aromatherapy, and essential oils. Different terpenes have also been found to have unique health properties. The presence of terpenes in Medical Cannabis are thought to enhance the medicinal properties of cannabinoids in what is termed the “entourage effect.” Research is showing that different cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes found in Cannabis interact to cause different beneficial effects.
So What is the Difference Between Medical Cannabis and CBD?
Medical Cannabis differs from over-the-counter CBD products primarily in its higher allowable amount of THC. Texas law currently limits the amount of THC that can be added to Medical Cannabis prescriptions to 0.5% THC by total weight. Strong research-based legislative efforts in Texas are ongoing, in an effort to increase the level of THC legally allowed in Medical Cannabis to maximize patient benefit
Medical Cannabis products are strictly regulated and tested by state agencies in Texas. Medical Cannabis is gown at cultivation centers. In Texas, these cultivation centers must adhere to strict guidelines when growing and manufacturing Medical Cannabis products. Look for a cultivation center that will provide a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) to show results of lab testing of their products, they should be available upon request or directly on their website. The highest quality cultivation centers focus on high standards (which you will see in their CoA), as well as eliminating toxins and other contaminants to ensure purity of product for increased efficacy, and safety. It is important to note that the FDA does not regulate Medical Cannabis as they do other pharmaceuticals, so choosing a cultivation center that adheres to high standards and transparency in testing is important to make sure you are receiving the best form of your medication.
Even if you buy commercial CBD and hemp products that do not need a prescription, it is always good practice to know the practices of the cultivation center that is involved in growing and manufacturing the products you are purchasing. Because over the counter CBD products are not regulated Federally, consumer education on how to choose the best products is important.
Giving Consumers the Knowledge to Choose The Best Products:
Giving Consumers the Knowledge to Choose The Best Products:
As the Cannabis business continues to grow, it will be increasingly important to know the life cycle of the Cannabis products you purchase. Cannabis plants are grown in a variety of ways. Many farmers use pesticides and other chemicals as part of the growing process (as they do in most forms of agricultural cultivation). However, the Cannabis plant is known to easily picks up toxins and contaminants from its environment, especially its soil. Heavy metals and other toxins found naturally occurring in certain types of soil can easily accumulate in Cannabis plants, which is why testing for these contaminants is so important. Extraction processes are utilized to isolate and extract both CBD and THC. The process of extraction can take on various forms, and some can introduce harmful substances into the final product and/or affect purity. Utilizing a CO2 extraction process is considered to be the most desirable for maintaining purity. Other forms of extraction include utilizing hydrocarbons and ethanol, which both carry the potential for the addition of toxins in the final product. Reading the ingredients in products you purchase can also tell you what oils are used in the final formulation, as well as any other additives and sweeteners that may be present. It is always a good practice to look over a company’s website and product ingredients before purchase of OTC CBD and Hemp products or choosing a cultivation center for your prescription.
