To some, cannabis is a plant. With distinctive leaves and potent effects, it’s a prominent symbol in modern culture. From songs, to flags, to political movements; this small plant’s rooted itself as a cultural phenomenon.
To some Florida patients, it’s also a vessel for relief.
Launching into the medical cannabis world can be disorienting. The industry is expanding so quickly, it can seem difficult to find the basics. That’s where we come in.
Whether you’re new to the community or buying your first VidaCann product, there’s a few things you should know:
1. Classifying Cannabis
It’s easy to group all cannabis under Marijuana. In reality, Marijuana is one of the two broad classifications of Cannabis. Cannabis is the parent to its leafy children, Marijuana and Hemp.
Marijuana is a THC-dominant plant. Its strains bear strong psychoactive effects. For that very same reason, it’s federally categorized as a “controlled substance.” This makes it federally illegal. Marijuana plants contain THC percentages greater than 0.3 percent.
Hemp is a CBD-dominant plant. It’s also federally legal, as it can’t contain THC percentages greater than 0.3 percent. While Hemp is cultivated for CBD products, it’s also versatile. Manufacturers use it in clothing, cooking products, building materials and other things.
2. What are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that constitute cannabis. They’re secreted by cannabis flowers and carry soothing effects. When cannabinoids enter our bodies, they bind with our endocannabinoids, which maintain internal human health.
There’s hundreds of cannabinoids. Each one works to treat different bodily ailments like anxiety, depression and pain. However, the most common compounds are CBD and THC.
3. THC vs. CBD.
Let’s get technical for a minute. While Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) are similar cannabinoids that aid with memory, appetite and pain; they’re not made equally.
The THC compound is best known for its “high.” When consumed, its strong psychoactive effects leave lasting impressions on patients. That same high is vital in combating pain, energy deficiencies, discomfort and appetite problems.
THC dominates Marijuana, which is one of the two classifications of Cannabis. Marijuana, even in a medical capacity, is scrutinized under Federal legislation for the very psychoactive effects it produces. Those same effects also provide relief to many patients. Nevertheless, it’s important in shaping the potency and overall effectiveness of medical cannabis products.
CBD, or Cannabidiol, puts the “medical” in medical marijuana. Its therapeutic elements – which include non-intoxicating, full-body effects – distinguish it as an emerging pharmaceutical alternative. CBD is effective in treating seizures and anxiety, among other ailments. When paired with THC, other cannabinoids, terpenes and other plant properties, it enhances the overall medicinal impact. This is known as the “entourage effect.” You can obtain Hemp-derived CBD products without a state medical card.
4. Terpenes
What gives cannabis its smell? From heavy diesel to fruity aromas, terpenes are responsible for giving cannabis its scent and flavor.
Terpenes live in the trichomes. Trichomes are the sticky, textured crystals that cling to the plant’s bud and leaves. In nature, their scents are used to chase off predators. For our purposes, they inspire different effects. These might include energy, euphoria or relaxation.
Terpenes are sorted into scent categories. They can smell “sweet, sour, spicy or bitter.” They are continuously broken down until they lapse into different distinctions like “citrus” and “pine.”
5. Medical Cannabis is widely researched, with global leaders in Israel.
There is an abundance of medical marijuana research available. Though studied globally for years, it’s finally gaining prominence in the United States. In April 2019, one of the largest private financial donations was given to Harvard and MIT to study the health benefits of marijuana. Multiple councils have been convened to discuss treating popular diseases, like Parkinson’s Disease and Autism, with cannabis.
By far, the world’s global leader in research is Israel. The nation began its research efforts in the 1960s, and steadily gained prominence. It’s currently home to global pioneers, like Tikun Olam. Our partners, Tikun Olam, have built one of the world’s largest cannabis research databases with over 20,000 patient records.
For whatever medical cannabis questions you have, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to educate, and provide you with premium, all-natural cannabis products.
