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any applications for this product that have not yet received a decision, the Ministry will consider these applications withdrawn.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

Extension of medicinal cannabis scheme arrangements

It is very pleasing and good news that today, Health Minister Andrew Little stepped in to grant an extra six months for medicinal cannabis companies to meet a stiff quality standard imposed by the Government.

What this means to you?

By extending the deadline, to 01 October 2021, patients will be able to access various products, while suppliers have the additional time they need to apply to the Medicinal Cannabis Agency for verification

Why has this happened?

As of 5th of March 2021, just two products from one company had met the standard for medicinal cannabis, and were both approved.

Without the extension to the deadline, all products except two Tilray cannabidiol (CBD) products and Sativex (which has gone through Medsafe approval rather than the standard specific to medicinal cannabis) would have been taken off the market on March 31st.

Suppliers have indicated difficulties in providing evidence to establish that their existing products meet the quality standard, which is further complicated by COVID-19 affecting global supply chains. Cabinet had previously supported importers and suppliers to ensure that the supply of existing medicinal cannabis products was not disrupted, by initially setting the the transitional period to 31 March 2021.

For now, Pharmacies will still be able to source their patient’s currently prescribed medicinal cannabis products through their existing suppliers, with products not required to meet the quality standards until 1 October 2021. Prescribers can be assured there is no inadvertent disruption to the supply of medicinal cannabis products they prescribe to their patients.

GOOD ZONE !

You can now source various CBD products from multiple suppliers, which leads to “ price competitiveness” which is a very healthy situation ! 

CBD Oil Longevity and Storage

Here are answers to some common questions about CBD longevity, including how to extend the shelf life of CBD oil and put this “liquid gold” to best use.

How long does CBD oil last?

If you’re only using a few drops a day, it could be many months or even a year before you use up the entire bottle. Which might leave you asking yourself questions?

Does CBD oil expire?

The general rule of thumb is that CBD oil has a shelf life ranging from 14 months to two years, depending on how the product is stored. Direct sunlight and intense heat are two factors that can cause a bottle of CBD oil to go bad before its expiration date. Higher-quality products tend to last longer, especially those that have been minimally processed like full-spectrum CBD oil. Pure CBD oil may last longer than flavored oils since any added ingredients have a shelf life of their own that could be shorter than the shelf life of the CBD.

It’s also a good idea to be aware of what extraction process was used to make the product. Many cannabis experts agree that the CO2 method is best for producing premium oil that stays potent longer because the hemp or cannabis compounds remain stable during this type of extraction. Other methods may destabilize the compounds, potentially creating a lower-quality bottle of CBD oil with a shorter shelf life.

Any CBD product — whether it’s top-shelf or bargain-priced — should have an expiration date clearly printed on the label. The Medafe regulations, requires such labeling for consumer protection, so steer clear of any CBD products (or any products for that matter) that are not in compliance.

Does CBD oil go bad?

CBD oil can lose its potency if stored improperly or kept for longer than two years. Weak CBD oil means that the cannabinoids have broken down and don’t function at peak levels in the body. So, an older bottle is less likely to deliver any of the potential therapeutic effects of CBD oil, such as pain relief.

How do I know if CBD oil has gone bad?

The aroma and flavor of CBD oil may become unpleasant over time, transforming from earthy to skunky. You can also observe visual changes in the oil, which may turn cloudy over time. Likewise, the texture of CBD oil will change and the oil may appear thicker and lose its smooth consistency. Lastly, a change in color indicates that the CBD oil is no longer fresh.

Can old CBD oil make you sick?

CBD oil does not spoil or turn rancid like milk or other oils, so you are unlikely to become ill if you consume a small amount of the product past its prime. This is especially true if you are microdosing. But to be on the safe side, toss any bottles that have been improperly stored or sitting in your medicine cabinet for longer than two years.

What is the best way to store CBD oil?

Manufacturers know that cool, dark places are optimal for storing CBD oil, which is why many of the best products are packaged in glass bottles tinted green. Dark green bottles prevent damaging sunlight from penetrating and hastening the product’s expiration date. Refrigerating CBD oil is not necessary. In fact, the most favorable environment may just be room temperature, between 15 to 21 degrees Celsius

How can I make CBD oil last longer?

Here are some pointers to keep CBD oil fresh until the upper end of the shelf-life range (24 months):

  • Open the bottle only when in use, then reseal the cap tightly. Oxidation is a foe of CBD and will shorten the shelf life.
  • Store bottles upright rather than horizontally.
  • Find the coolest, darkest place in your home to store CBD oils and tinctures. Drawers, cabinets, a pantry, and the cellar all make ideal CBD storage centers.
    Try not to store your CBD in a room where you use a humidifier, as excessive moisture can encourage mold to form.
  • Do not store CBD oil near a window. Direct sunlight will accelerate the expiration date of any CBD product.
  • Keep CBD oil away from all warm places in your home, such as radiators and ovens. Likewise, don’t store CBD oil in your purse or pocket for long periods. Any warm place can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
  • If you’re using a spoon or a dropper to dole out the CBD, make sure the utensil is clean. Don’t “double dip” a spoon, as you can introduce harmful bacteria and contaminate the oil.
  • When it comes to keeping your CBD oil potent, to sum it up best: “Shelf life for most products is about one year, although the storage conditions are important. Minimizing exposure to heat and light can help extend the shelf life.”

Cannabis dosing and allergy

WHAT IS THE RIGHT CBD DOSE

Cannabidiol (CBD) is widely used by those suffering from a range of maladies and conditions, which is understandable given that studies show CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, increases the duration of sleep, and reduces the symptoms of stress and anxiety.

Choosing an appropriate (and effective!) dosage for your body can be a challenge. Based on limited reach and patient feedback, it has been noted that some research participants have taken as low as10mg, while others have taken as high as 1000mg, respectively. 

This suggests that there is no exact dosage to be taken by everyone across the board. However it does not mean that you can’t find the right balance to achieve your desired results.

The safest and most effective method for finding the right dose of CBD is to follow two simple steps:

Start low and slow.

Going slow is the best way. Sure, it will take you some time to figure out the proper dosage that works for you, but you won’t have to second guess yourself about whether you’re taking too much CBD for your goals.

Start with a low dose and see how your body responds to it. If you start off with a large dose, you may start to feel mild, unpleasant side effects like drowsiness and fatigue.

If you aren’t seeing results after a week or two, increase your dose.

Naturally, not everything may go according to plan. So if you notice that your body isn’t responding the way you want it to when you take a lower dose, it might be time to increase your dosage a bit and monitor how your body responds.

Keep increasing the dosage slightevery 1-2 weeks until you begin experiencing the effects you’re going for.

The trial of dosing should be as per advise from your Cannabis Doctor team

What’s if you’ve found the right dose of CBD?

Remember, it’s not all about finding the right dosage for you and leaving it at that. How you consume CBD also makes a difference. It’s wise to go in with a general understanding of the different methods of taking CBD, including vaping CBD oil, eating CBD edibles, applying CBD topicals, and taking CBD oil sublingually. Now that you understand the process of finding the perfect CBD dose for you, it’s time to decide what method of taking CBD is preferable foryou and your lifestyle.

CAN ONE BE ALLERGIC TO CANNABIS

Marijuana is similar to any other plant which, can be generally beneficial, but may cause allergies in some consumers

According to studies, about 45% of patients who were allergic to cannabis also reported a reaction to plant-derived foods.

Symptoms, can range from skin irritation to respiratory issues to — in the most severe cases — anaphylactic shock.

“Skin symptoms are generally from touching it,”

One can sometimes see itchy skin and hives and sometimes there is swelling of the eye if you touch your eye after touching the marijuana plant. Respiratory symptoms can be nasal running and sneezing with associated itchy, watery eyes. Occasionally you’ll see wheezing, shortness of breath and asthmatic reactions. Anaphylactic symptoms generally occur with hempseed (or eating marijuana products)… Potentially, any anaphylactic event can be serious and life-threatening.”

Studies have shown that  some people just with passive exposure (to marijuana) did have sensitization or allergy symptoms. “At this point, it’s under-recognized and under-diagnosed.”

Avoiding marijuana is the only “truly effective way to deal with a marijuana allergy.” The good news is, if you test positive for cannabis allergies and experience common allergy symptoms, a doctor or allergy specialist may be able to prescribe common allergy treatment methods — i.e. nasal spray, antihistamines, or EpiPens if necessary — to reduce or eliminate symptoms.

Medicinal Cannabis Education

There is a lot of confusion, uncertainty and lack of reputable information about Medicinal Cannabis.

Hence it is very important that individuals (with health issues such as chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety, migraines, fibromyalgia, cancer related side effects amongst other medical conditions), access reputable health platforms to access Medicinal Marijuana.

In order for health professionals, to practice management of patients with Medicinal Cannabis “It is imperative that they achieve competence by study, courses and other education resources about Medicinal Cannabis”

Many Medicinal Cannabis portals are run by Health professionals with little or no training about Medicinal Cannabis.

An ideal Medicinal Cannabis portal, needs to have a Multidisciplinary team with appropriate knowledge and qualifications to be able to manage a patient in a holistic manner in their Medicinal Cannabis journey.

Thankfully with the advent of telemedicine, there are a number of reputable educational portals on Medicinal Cannabis, to assist the Health professional to acquire the required knowledge and it is up to the health professional to avail of these.

The Entourage Effect

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

When various compounds within cannabis are combined, they collectively interact in the human body leading to astronomical results in comparision to individual compounds.
There are over a hundred different “Trepenes” in the cannabis plant and their interaction produces the Entourage effect.

CBD is more effective when it is ingested with other cannabinoids at the same time, as opposed to standard CBD oil, used in an isolated form with no other cannabinoids attached. Using the whole hemp plant, full spectrum CBD contains all of the naturally occurring cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, along with trace amounts of THC.

While CBD interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors, it does not bind to them. This is rather unusual among cannabinoids. By using full spectrum or broad spectrum CBD oil, you will be consuming a range of cannabinoids that bind to receptors located in both the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. You can think of the entourage effect as the enhancement of your endocannabinoid system through the use of multiple cannabinoids.

Health benefits abound when high-quality medicinal cannabis is consumed by humans. The entourage effect may be one of the reasons why marijuana is such an effective medicine.

Is medicinal cannabis in New Zealand facing a looming crisis?

There are concerns about the availability of Medicinal Cannabis in NZ.

Beyond 31 March 2021, when a deadline to meet stiff new government rules is expected to keep the products of some the country’s main importers out of the market.

In April 2020, the government unveiled a new regulatory system to create more safe, widespread and affordable access to medicinal cannabis. It is yet to approve any product.

On March 31, special provisions, which have allowed companies to import under an old, stop-gap system will expire.

Even after receiving ministry verification, products will face a lag in reaching New Zealand. Companies require licences to both import to New Zealand and export from abroad, these cannot be obtained until after verification, and shipping times are uncertain.

Domestic production, still in its very early stages, is not likely to reach the market until late this year.

Ministry of Health spokesperson have indicated that as of now even though
no products have been approved under New Zealand’s new system, it does expect “a number of products to be verified as meeting quality standards by 1 April 2021.”

So looks like Medicinal Cannabis consumers, will have access to products after 1st April 2021, though it is not yet clear which products will be approved

Medicinal Cannabis in New Zealand

We are fortunate that Medicinal Cannabis is legal in New Zealand.

The Medicinal Cannabis Agency administers the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme and ensures medicinal cannabis products meet the minimum quality standard.

https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/regulation-health-and-disability-system/medicinal-cannabis-agency

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.
A New Zealand registered Doctor can prescribe Medicinal Cannabis for the suitable patient.

Interestingly many Doctors do not prescribe Medicinal Cannabis for deserving patients

There is a lot of confusion, uncertainity and lack of reputable information about Medicinal Cannabis.

Hence it is very important that individuals (with health issues such as chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety, migraines, fibromyalgia, cancer related side effects amongst other medical conditions), access reputable health platforms to access Medicinal Marijuana.

Cannabis Slang 420

Four-twenty, 420, 4:20, or 4/20 is slang for marijuana and in cannabis culture for the consumption of cannabis. This slang term has come to represent the “ideal” time for smoking marijuana, being 4:20 pm, and has become synonymous with the date 4/20 being designated as “national pot day.

It’s a commonly known term in cannabis culture, but most people don’t know where it originated from. The prevailing theory is that, in 1971, the terms was invented by five high school students – Mark Gravich, Jeffrey Noel, Larry Schwartz, Dave Reddix, and Steve Capper, who lived in San Rafael, California at the time.

They called themselves the Waldos, a play on words stemming from them sitting on a wall outside their school to survey the nearby area for a hidden cannabis crop based on a treasure map made by the grower.  Having agreed to meet every day at 4:20, the plan became code-named “4:20,” apparently giving rise to the term as slang for consuming cannabis.