Easier access to THC:CBD combination

Yet again there has been a positive move from the Ministry of Health 

Good news

Tilray FS Oral Solution THC 10: CBD 10 product has been verified as meeting the minimum quality standards. 

What this means to you ?

Ministerial approval is no longer required for this product. Any NZ registered doctor may prescribe this product to their patients without additional oversight. If you have any applications for this product that have not yet received a decision, the Ministry will consider these applications withdrawn.

Why CBD works better with a little THC (even if you don’t want to get high ! )

Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are both natural compounds found in the Cannabis plant. Although both compounds interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, the effects of these two compounds are very different. THC binds to CB1 receptors in the brain and causes feelings of euphoria or ‘a high’. CBD binds weakly to the CB1 receptor and only when THC is present. CBD does not produce euphoria or ‘a high’.

CBD and THC can be combined in medicinal products in different ratios to produce different therapeutic effects.

The interactive synergy between various cannabis compounds is called Entourage effect.

Ratio’s 

The ratio of CBD to THC indicates the amount of CBD compared to the amount of THC in a dose. 

Medicinal use of CBD and THC with different ratios THC:CBD, is done with the intention of providing the best possible clinical benefit. Most medicinal cannabis products have higher CBD content than THC. Pure CBD products are considered to have less than 0.3% THC. 

Adjusting the ratio of CBD to THC results in a product that utilizes the unique effects of either CBD, THC, or both for a particular patient or clinical effect.

Various conditions that do better with THC:CBD ratio:

Pain: 

While THC and CBD have different pharmacological properties, they can both have similar physiological effects, probably acting through different mechanisms. For instance, both compounds can have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, so having THC and CBD could potentially enhance an outcome surrounding pain relief.

By changing the ratio of THC to CBD it is possible to target and manage different types of pain.

Mild to moderate pain due to inflammation are better managed with CBD-dominant products and these ratios are unlikely to induce any intoxicating effects.

Neuropathic pain might respond better if treated by increasing the ratio of THC The exact ratio will depend on the severity of the condition and how well THC can be tolerated by the patient.

Very severe pain, such as cancer pain, may require THC-dominant medications. 

Anxiety: 

THC has a dose-dependent effect on anxiety. At low doses THC may reduce anxiety, but at higher doses can cause anxiety.

CBD has demonstrated efficacy in treating various types of anxiety and is commonly used for this purpose. 

CBD-dominant products are likely to provide the most beneficial treatment, and in some cases, pure CBD with no THC present may be the best product to treat anxiety.

Insomnia:

THC is well-known to have sedating properties. However using it alone can cause increased anxiety and lead to other undesirable effects. By adjusting the ratio of CBD:THC, it is possible to block these undesirable effects while still retaining sedating properties. 

At the direction of the treating Doctor, adjustments to dosing using a higher ratio of THC at night-time tends to maximise the sedating effects and staying on a lower THC ratio for daytime use, may be appropriate. 

Finding the sweet spot

There is a definite advantage in adjusting the ratio of THC:CBD in the medicinal cannabis preparation, which allows to maximize the particular benefits desired, while minimizing any unwanted negative side effects.

THC is psychoactive and may impair your ability to undertake certain tasks, such as driving or operating machinery. CBD is non-psychoactive and non-sedating and can be safely used at much higher doses than THC.

The successful use of cannabis as a medicine depends to a great extent on managing its psychoactive properties. The goal is to administer consistent, measurable doses of a CBD-rich cannabis remedy with as much THC as a person is comfortable with. There is evidence that a small amount of THC results in significant benefits. “This effective dose is lower than the dose usually associated with psychotropic effects of THC.”

Finding the optimal dose and the right ratio, may involve some trial and error.

                                                  Your Cannabis specialist will guide you to achieve the best possible outcome.

Cannabis Glossary

Ever wondered about “ Cannabis glossary”

Here is a list of some from a vast array, which is constantly growing !

Bud

Bud is a synonym for the flower of the mature marijuana plant. They are the actual nuggets that you grind up and smoke. Buds are the part of the marijuana plant that contain the cannabinoids including THC, CBD, CBG, and THCV.

Budtender

This is a term meant to refer to a person working for a cannabis clinic and gives advice on what are the uses and effects of prescribed cannabis, which is very similar to that of a dispensing pharmacist. This term has come into existence as a mix of two words, namely, buds and bartenders, therefore signifying the “tending of cannabis buds.” it has become a recognized word in the English language, per Merriam – Webster dictionary from the year 2018. One of the main skills of budtenders is their ability to stay up-to-date in this field, and offer a friendly and supportive role, to customers.

Cannabinoids

The chemical compounds found in the Cannabis plant offer a variety of health benefits. Cannabinoids are a large class of compounds that act on the brain’s cannabinoid receptors in cells that repress neurotransmitter release. Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the most well-known cannabinoid due to its euphoric and psychoactive effects on your body (i.e.; the “high”). THC can alter behavior, consciousness, mood and perception. Most health benefits of marijuana are associated with the cannabidiol cannabinoid, known as CBD. Marijuana products are often enhanced with CBD to provide more potent effects. 

Cannabidiol

Also known as CBD, cannabidiol is one of over 60 molecules called cannabinoids found in the marijuana plant. In recent years, CBD has become very popular for its many medical benefits and can help treat nausea, cancer, arthritis, seizures, pain and many other ailments and conditions. Unlike THC, CBD has no psychoactive properties and is therefore very useful for those who want the medical benefits of marijuana but not the “high”. Cannabidiol can be extracted from the marijuana plant and can be processed into a variety of different medications including topicals, oils, and tinctures. There are also a variety of high CBD marijuana strains that contain small levels of THC, which will greatly reduce the psychoactive effects when consumed. If interested in high CBD strains a few are Charlotte’s Web, R4, Harlequin, Sour Tsunami, and Pennywise. 

Cotton mouth

Cotton mouth is one of the annoying, but mainly harmless side effects of marijuana. When high, the mouth becomes abnormally dry, similar to someone shoving a fistful of cotton balls in your mouth then asking you to lick envelopes. A simple solution to cotton mouth is eating candy or chewing gum.

Dry sieve hash

Dry sieve hash (or dry sift) is made via an automated extraction method that splits trichomes (the parts of the plant that carry the majority of cannabinoids (THC, CBD, etc.) from the marijuana plant, most typically with a mesh screen. Many believe that this process creates extremely high-quality concentrates, but it usually falls short to hash oil or water hash, in regards to purity levels.

Edibles

Edibles are marijuana-infused products that are consumed orally, versus smoking flower or concentrate. Some of the more common forms of edibles include baked goods (like brownies and cookies) and candy (like chocolate, gummies and lollipops), but can also be found in coffee, beef jerky, soda and more. Eating an edible is different from smoking bud because it’s being digested versus inhaled, which often results in a more intense and elongated high. 

Flowers

The flowers of a cannabis plant refer to the hairy, often sticky bud or parts of the plant that are harvested and used to consume in a variety of marijuana products. Technically speaking, they’re the reproductive organs of the plant and when fertilized by a male plant, seeds will be produced.

Green out

A green out is like an alcohol-induced blackout, but in reference to consuming too much cannabis, usually through edibles or potent dabs. Although people new to cannabis are most often to experience this because they don’t know their limits, greening out can happen to anyone. It often will involve a range of uncomfortable feelings like blurry vision, nausea, paranoia, and loss of balance or hearing.

Hash/Hash Oil

Hash or hashish is the gathering of trichomes via a dry sieve or water extraction method, which end product can be pressed and ultimately consumed. This powder is potent, as trichomes contain high levels of cannabinoids (typically THC or CBD), the active part of the cannabis plant. Countries like Afghanistan are known for their hash processes that allow the product to burn more effectively. Hash oil or “honey oil” is a comparable product that’s created through a solvent-based chemical process.

Indica

Indica is one of the three classifications of cannabis, alongside sativa and ruderalis. Compared to a sativa plant, Indica plants are smaller, broader and produce more bud. The majority of indicas will offer the user a very relaxing body high, which can help some people with chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia and more. Having originated in Asia and the Middle East, this popular species includes some of the more famous kush strains like Bubba Kush and OG Kush.

Jelly hash

Jelly hash is a potent mixture of bubble hash/water hash and hash oil. Because a user is consuming two varying types of extracts, its effects are especially powerful and particularly helpful for patients undergoing chemotherapy or suffering from chronic pain, nausea and much more. It’s made by mixing hash oil with water hash under heat and is known for its jelly-like texture because the oil doesn’t mix well with the water.

                                                         Look out for another post with information about more Cannabis terms

Others

Other Conditions

In a society that has witnessed extensive positive experiences with medicinal marijuana, individuals with a variety of medical conditions, should have the right to access it.

Conditions which may benefit with Medicinal cannabis therapy

ECZEMA and ACNE 

Some studies have looked at CBD as treatment for skin conditions, such as acne, eczema  and psoriasis. Findings from these studies suggest CBD may be an effective treatment for these skin conditions.

 

Other Conditions –

  • DEPRESSION
  • POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)
  • GLAUCOMA 
  • TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA
  • APPETITE STIMULATION
  • POST EXERCISE MUSCLE RECOVERY
  • ESSENTIAL TREMOR
  • RAYNAUDS
  • OPIOID SPARING
  • ONGOING RESEARCH ABOUT MORE CONDITIONS …..

If you suffer from any of the above, please discuss with the Doctor during your consultation.

There is overwhelming evidence that marijuana is one of the safest available treatment options, when used at the direction of a physician

 

How will I benefit?

How does Cannabis help other conditions?

The evidence is strong and research continues to determine the efficacy of various other Medical conditions, which might improve on Medicinal Cannabis.