Why are people all of a sudden looking at medical cannabis?
Cannabis became legal for medical use in Canada in 2001 and for recreational use in 2018.
According to Harvard Medical School, the most common use* for medical cannabis is pain control. Cannabis is quite effective for chronic pain and aches, including those age-related.
Safer than opiates (it is impossible to overdose and far less addictive) cannabis can replace NSAIDs, (especially if patients can’t take them due to problems with their kidneys, ulcers or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)).
Medical cannabis is often used by patients to aid with:
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anxiety
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inflammation and pain
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nausea and vomiting
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seizures
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sleeping
* based on US data, source: Harvard Health Blog, Jan 15, 2018, Dr. Peter Grinspoon, MD
How does medical cannabis work?
Each of us has an endocannabinoid system within our bodies that control various functions such as sleep, pain, mood, metabolism, appetite, and memory. This system produces endocannabinoids that regulate these systems. Cannabis contains these same endocannabinoids that have the same effects as our body's own production.
There are over 100 cannabinoids in cannabis but the two most important ones are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC):
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Cannabidiol - CBD cannabinoid has no intoxicating, or euphoric properties and even help in counteracting the psychoactive effects of THC. It was the first discovered cannabinoid in the 1940s. High CBD products are often used for reducing pain, inflammation, seizures and relieving anxiety
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Tetrahydrocannabinol - THC is one of the main psychoactive (affects the mind) ingredients in cannabis-producing an intoxicating or euphoric effect. High THC products are often used for reducing pain, managing nausea, relieving muscle spasms and increasing appetite
Is using cannabis safe? Is it addictive?
According to Health Canada, continued, frequent and heavy cannabis use can cause physical dependence and addiction. The risk of cannabis addiction is lower than the risk of addiction to alcohol, tobacco or opioids. Unlike substances such as alcohol or opioids where overdoses may be fatal, a cannabis overdose is not fatal. Cannabis use should not be combined with alcohol. Use with other substances should only be in consultation with a healthcare practitioner.
As with the use of any substance or treatment, we recommend starting slow, understanding how the treatment is impacting you, and seeking ongoing guidance from a healthcare practitioner.
What does all this cannabis jargon mean -- cultivars, cannabinoids, and terpenes?
Through unique genetics, a scientific breeding program and stringent cultivation and processing practices, Atlas focuses on the quality and consistency of the cannabinoid composition of our cultivars. For vaporizing, we understand that the terpene profile is also important for our patients' experience. We explain cultivars, cannabinoids, and terpenes below.
There are a lot of misnomers, misinformation, and myths relating to how cannabis interacts with the human body. Much of the information is unscientific and anecdotal. For example, the word strain is taken from microbiology and is used to describe a genetic variant or subtype of a bacteria, fungus or virus. The more accurate term to use for plants is cultivar, which refers to cultivated plants.
Historically cannabis was viewed as Sativa or Indica cultivars. Sativa was generally believed to be energizing and uplifting and Indica more relaxing. With the legalization of cannabis, much more is being understood about the plant and its chemical composition and more emphasis is being placed on the cannabinoid profile of cultivars. Cannabinoids are the active chemicals in medical cannabis and are similar to chemicals that the body makes involved in functions such as sleep, pain, mood, metabolism, appetite, and memory. There are over 100 cannabinoids in cannabis with the two most important being CBD and THC.
Terpenes are responsible for the flavours and smells we experience in many foods and plants. They give oranges, lemons, and grapefruits their citrus flavour; or lavender that special smell. We have all experienced some of the over 20,000 terpenes in existence and the cannabis plant has more than 100 of them, many of which are found elsewhere in nature. Here are some notable terpenes:
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Myrcene - The most prevalent terpene found in cannabis cultivars. Also present in thyme, hops, lemongrass, and citrus
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Terpinolene - Fresh, piney, floral and herbal. Found in a variety of plants including nutmeg, tea tree, conifers, and apples
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Limonene - Citrus aroma and also found in lemon, lime, and oranges
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Valencene - Smell and flavour of Valencia oranges.
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Terpineol - Lilac aroma also found in lilac, pine trees, and cajuput oil
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Eucalyptol - Minty and earthy profiles that can also be found in eucalyptus plants and trees
Should I use oil, dried flower or edibles?
Patients should consider the best delivery systems based on their condition and experience, specifically oils or vaporization (edibles will start to become available in Canada late 2019).
Cannabis oil is an extract derived from the cannabis plant. With oils, it is easier to control the levels of cannabinoids and terpenes in the manufacturing process. This allows us to provide a more precise and consistent patient experience.
Droppers or syringes are usually provided for exact dosing, producers also provide capsules and suppositories. Taking oil capsules is one of the best ways to control the dosage of medical cannabis. Oil typically take 30 minutes to 2 hours to come into effect and may take up to 6 hours for peak effect. Its effects can last 4+ hours.
Vaporizing (or "vaping") cannabis is a relatively new, but popular method of consumption. Vaporization, like smoking, releases cannabinoids and terpenes through heat. It has gained popularity in use because unlike smoking, which involves combusting the plant through fire -vaporizing relies on heating cannabis just below its vapour point - avoiding releasing carcinogens through burning - and provides smoother inhalation, better flavour, and less product waste. Patients who prefer this method will have to purchase a vaporizer, which typically ranges in price from $100 - $300. Vaporizing also has the benefit of taking effect within moments of inhalation. Effects will generally peak before thirty minutes and diminish in a couple of hours.
Is medical cannabis covered by insurance? Can I claim it on my taxes?
Some insurance companies and policies cover medical cannabis. To be sure, you should contact your insurance company to discuss your policy and medical condition.
Medical cannabis expenses that are not covered by some form of insurance can be claimed as medical expenses on line 330 of your income tax return. Please keep your medical cannabis receipts when claiming it on your income tax.
Posted by Atlas Growers Development Admin on