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[Dr. Bob]

DO WE EVEN KNOW WHAT THIS PLANT IS THAT MAKES US FEEL SO GOOD?

 

26 June 2013

Dell J.

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People have cultivated cannabis throughout the world’s history as a source of industrial fiber, seed oil, food, recreation, religious, spiritual enlightenment, and medicine. Each part of the plant is harvested differently, depending on the purpose of its use.

Cannabis, Cannabis, Cannabis…..

Cannabis is a flowering plant that includes three known varieties, Cannabis Indica, Cannabis Sativa, and Cannabis Ruderalis. These three grow naturally in Central Asia and South Asia with no human intervention. The flowers (and to a lesser extent the leaves, stems, and seeds) contain psychoactive and normal active chemical compounds known as cannabinoids.

Cannabinoids are a class of diverse chemical compounds that activate receptors on cells that block neurotransmitter release in the brain. These receptors include the cannabinoids found in cannabis and some other plants. Cannabis can be used to treat pain by altering transmitter release on nerve cells that carry signals from sensory organs toward the body’s control system to remove the pain.

The most notable cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound of cannabis. Cannabidiol (CBD) is another major constituent of the plant, representing up to 40% of its substance. Cannabinol (CBN) is the primary product of THC degradation and there is usually little of it in a fresh plant and is only mildly psychoactive. Currently, there are at least 85 cannabinoids in cannabis, with THC, CBD, and CBN consisting of the top three.

As I mentioned, THC is the primary psychoactive compound of the cannabis plant. This is what causes you to have the high feeling or the feeling of euphoria. CBD (Cannabidiol) shares a precursor with THC and is also psychoactive, but considered to have a wider scope of medical applications than THC, including treating epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, spasms, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, nausea, convulsion and inflammation, as well as inhibiting cancer cell growth. Cannabinoids can also be put into cakes, cookies, brownies, or other foods, and can be consumed for recreation or medicinal purposes.

 

Is Marijuana the same as Cannabis?

Marijuana consists of the dried flowers of Cannabis plants selectively bred to produce high levels of THC and other psychoactive cannabinoids, such as CBD. These cannabinoids are concentrated in a viscous resin produced in structures known as trichomes. Trichomes are the fine outgrowths or the hairs on cannabis flowers. The resin produced is a viscous liquid, composed mainly of volatile fluid terpenes, which make resin thick and sticky.

Terpenes are the primary constituents of the essential oils of cannabis flowers. An oil is "essential" in the sense that it carries a distinctive scent, or essence, of the plant. Essential oils are widely used as natural flavor additives for food, as fragrances in perfumery, and in traditional and alternative medicines such as aromatherapy.

Marijuana plants can exhibit many variations in the quantity and type of cannabinoids they produce. Selective breeding has been used to control the genetics of plants and modify the cannabinoids. This is the reason why you have such a variety of marijuana strains with distinct taste, smell, and potency. And this is also why certain strains are better for certain illnesses.

Due to the crossbreeding, some strains may have higher THC OR CBD, and the terpenes dictate the smell and flavor.

In general, strains can be bred for certain purposes. For example, strains that are used as fiber (commonly called hemp) are bred such that they are low in THC. Strains used in medicine are often bred for high CBD content, and strains used for recreational purposes are usually bred for high THC content or for a specific chemical balance.

Hmmm..this is an interesting plant..

In summary, what we have in cannabis is a wonderful plant that can be used for a variety of things. This one plant can build cities or countries and at the same time feed and heal the people. There is no other plant in the world naturally grown with the capabilities of the cannabis plant. To be considered a drug and illegal, is the greatest folly the world has ever known. Hopefully as time goes on, more studies will show how this plant can help make the world a better place.

Everyone should take some time to read and learn about the cannabis plant and how it has played a major part in our world’s history!

 

Dell J.

Contact me @ Dell3040@hotmail.com

 

Cannabis Links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis

http://www.naturalnews.com/cannabis.html

http://www.cannabisnews.com/

[Dr. Bob]

CANNABIS INDICA VS. CANNABIS SATIVA

 

02 July 2013

Dell J.

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The two main Cannabis plants are Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica. Cannabis Sativa are long lanky plants that can take up to ten weeks to harvest during flowering. They tend to have a more grassy type odor to the buds providing an uplifting, energetic and “cerebral” high that is best suited for daytime smoking.

A sativa high is one filled with energy and can easily entice creativity for new ideas. Sativa plants are dominated by high THC levels and low or no CBD levels. These cannabinoid levels are why cannabis sativa plants are known to be good for alleviating pain.  

Sativa seeds are chiefly used to make hempseed oil which can be used for cooking, lamps, lacquers, or paints. They are also used as caged-bird feed, for it is a moderate source of nutrients for most birds.

 

Benefits of Sativa:

• Feelings of well-being and at-ease
  
• Up-lifting and cerebral thoughts
  
• Stimulates and energizes
  
• Increases focus and creativity
  
• Fights depression
  
• Relieves headaches and migraines
  
• Relaxes muscles, relieves pain
  

Common Sativa Strains:

• Silver Haze
  
• Jack Herer
  
• Maui Waui
  
• Sour Diesel
  
• Skunk #1
  
• Trainwreck
  

Cannabis Indica are short and stocky and can take up to eight weeks to harvest during flowering. . They have a heavy, stony high that is relaxing and can help different medical problems such as treating insomnia. Indica plants have moderate THC levels and higher levels of CBD than Sativa plants.

Indica buds are most commonly smoked by medical marijuana patients in the late evening or even right before bed due to how sleepy and tired you become when high from an indica strain.

Cannabis Indica originally come from the hash producing countries of the world like Afghanistan, Morocco, and Pakistan.

Benefits of Indica:

• Relieves body pain
  
• Relaxes muscles
  
• Relieves spasms, reduces seizures
  
• Relieves headaches and migraines
  
• Relieves anxiety or stress
  
• reduces inflammation
  
• stimulates appetite
  

Common Indica Strains:

• Kush
  
• Chemdog
  
• God Bud
  
• Northern Lights
  
• Blueberry
  

A cancer patient hoping to relieve the pain from chemotherapy would benefit greatly from the effects of an Indica plant, whereas an individual dealing with depression would better benefit from a Sativa plant. Combining different Indica strains, different Sativa strains or a combination thereof creates hybrids. The resulting hybrid strains will grow, mature and smoke in relationship to the Indica/Sativa percentages they end up containing."

Common Hybrid Strains:

• AK 47
  
• Black Jack
  
• Blueberry
  
• Super Skunk
  
• White Widow
  

So when choosing your medicine, be sure to consider your ailments and the type of activities you plan to engage in after medicating. If its late night, and you are not feeling good, you would probably want an Indica strain. However, if it is during the middle of the day, and you don’t feel motivated, then you may prefer a Sativa. Ultimately if you prefer both strains and would like the benefits of both, then you would prefer a hybrid strain.

All authentic marijuana strains are wonderful, and there is not one better than the other. Your chose of strain should solely be based on preference and the desired outcome you seek from medicating.

I hope you all enjoy every strain and may we all medicate together some day.

Dell J.

http://www.leafly.com/hybrid

http://patientsmarijuana.org/patient_caregiver.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis_indica

http://www.thcdigest.com/indica-vs-sativa/

[Dr. Bob]

TERPENE POWER

 

05 July 2013

Dell J.

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In the past, we all took the smell of our medicine for granted; we just knew that the good smell would probably lead to some good flavor medicine.  But now, new studies and more analysis on Cannabis tell us that the good smell in the meds we so desire, it is what's called Terpenes.

Terpenes are the primary constituents of the essential oils of cannabis flowers.  An oil is "essential" in the sense that it carries a distinctive scent, or essence, of the plant. Essential oils are widely used as natural flavor additives for food, as fragrances in perfumery, and in traditional and alternative medicines such as aromatherapy. Terpenes are what gives our medicine smell and flavor and functions as a precursor to THC and cannabinoids by increasing the potency and the overall make-up of the marijuana.

THC and the other cannabinoids have no odor, so marijuana’s compelling fragrance depends on which terpenes predominate. It’s the combination of terpenoids and THC that endows each strain with a specific psychoactive flavor. The resinous trichromes of the cannabis plant contain both the cannabinoids as well as the terpenes, which are constantly being replaced as they evaporate from the resin.

There have been over 200 terpenes found in cannabis.  However, only a few of these oily substances have large enough amounts to impact the medicine. The amount and type of Terpenes can vary with each strain, which is the reason for all the different smells and flavors from all the strains.  Studies have shown that the full range of psychoactive and medical effects of Cannabis resin cannot be re-created simply with the use of pure cannabinoid type drugs like THC.

These observations indicate that in addition to the psychoactive properties present in Cannabis resin, secondary components including terpenes are either psychoactive themselves, or are able to modulate or potentiate the effect of the cannabinoids when ingested in combination.  We are now starting to realize the true value of Terpenes and how they are essential to having some top grade medicine.

Some of the main Terpenes found in marijuana also contain health benefits such as Borneol, Corryphyllene, Limonene,Delta-3-Carene,Myrcene, and Terpineol.  These Terpenes have traditionally been used as a treatment for skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, as a topical antibiotic agent, and to increase circulation.

In addition to these topical uses, it is now known that Terpenes present in Cannabis acts as a pain reducer as it possess neurological effects, altering the production of the neurotransmitters seratonin and dopamine, as well as acting as type 2 cannabinoid receptor agonists. Another significant action when Terpenes are used in combination with cannabinoids is their ability to alter the permeability of both cell membranes and the blood/brain barrier, causing THC and other active cannabinoids to have a faster onset and more thorough absorption.

So now that we know the definition and the benefits of Terpenes.  We can use this knowledge when choosing our medicine or growing it.  When choosing your meds, you want the strain that has the strong or unique smell, and look for strains that are very oily and sticky.  Also when consuming our medicine, we should be able to taste the flavor and the flavor should reflect the smell. 

Conversely, not all marijuana that smells good is high quality medicine, nor does all marijuana that doesn’t have strong smells are not high quality. However, we doknow that when marijuana has a very strong smell and is oily, these are Terpenes, and most likely, the marijuana will be potent and tasteful. 

Our initial thoughts have been confirmed and there is a direct link between strong smelling marijuana and potency.  And we should continue to analyze our medicine by smelling it, feeling it, and tasting it.  If your marijuana passes these three criteria with flying colors, then you know that you have some top quality medicine. 

Now go share this knowledge with your friends and family and enjoy the new phenomenon called Terpene Power!

 

Dell J.

dell3040@hotmail.com

 

http://www.hightimes.com/read/talking-terpenes

http://terpenes.weebly.com/

[Dr. Bob]

How Should I Medicate?

 

11 July 2013

Dell J.

• 
  

 

There are a variety of ways to consume Cannabis; however the most prominent way is by some form of smoking or oral consumption. Each way of consumption has benefits and some may have drawbacks to consider. The intensity of your high or the level of the psychoactive effects can differ depending on your method of cannabis consumption. For this discussion, we will focus on smoking with a paper or cigar wrap, pipe or bong, vaporizer, and medibles.

Smoking (paper or cigar wrap):

Smoking is the most expedient method of consumption, with almost immediate effect and dosage controlled by the patient. A rolled paper filled with marijuana is called a joint, while a cigar wrap filled with marijuana is called a blunt. Both methods are definitely reliable for you to get a full blast of THC. A blunt seems to hit harder and get you higher than a conventional joint, but both are very highly effective.

The controversial downside to smoking marijuana is that it can damage the lungs and cause respiratory problems. Although results from clinical trials have been contradictory, many researchers believe smoking marijuana contains toxins and carcinogens that lead to increased risk of respiratory diseases and cancer and therefore recommend other methods of consumption besides smoking.

However, real studies of the population of cannabis users have failed to show the lung damage everyone expected to see as stated in the NHS report (http://www.nhs.uk) accepted in 2011 there is "no conclusive evidence that cannabis causes cancer". THC - one of the main chemicals in cannabis seems to have anti-cancer properties which may account for this unexpected finding.

According to reports, if you do choose to smoke, here are some helpful tips to minimize the risk due to toxins and tars contained in the marijuana:

• Use more potent, higher THC cannabis so less inhalation is necessary to acquire an effective dose.
  
• Use a filter, non-chemical, or organic rolling papers if smoking a marijuana cigarette (joint) or cigar wrap (blunt).
  
• Exhale immediately after inhaling deeply to avoid the tars in the marijuana from coating your lungs. It is a myth that holding your breath will create a stronger dosage or enable more THC to be absorbed.
  

Pipe or Bong:

Essentially, a pipe is a bowl to hold the marijuana or hash with a tube to suck on. The smoke goes right from the stem of the bowl into your lungs. The longer the stem the better, as this allows the smoke to cool and the heavy tars to condense out before you breathe them in. The pipe may have a little hole on the side of it, which you cover while you are inhaling the marijuana smoke while holding the entire pipe and smoking. A pipe which has been in use for a few weeks will soon become full of thick sticky tar and will need cleaning out.

A bong can be many different styles but it’s all basically the same thing. The smoke is pulled through some water which gets rid of some carcinogens and makes for a much smoother hit. The chamber is a lot bigger than a bowl so you can clear it which may increase your high. Some studies have reported that bongs are a very safe way to consume marijuana because the water filters out the smoke, thus making them healthier to use.

Bongs get you stoned much quicker than joints particularly if there aren't many people sharing the hits. Bongs also deliver much more smoke in one hit than a pipe so inexperienced smokers might find they get stoned very quickly.

In regards to over-consuming, patients must consume their medicine in moderation and always pay attention to how you and your body react to your medicine. If something doesn’t feel quite right with you after medicating, don’t hesitate to seek some help by telling your doctor, family, friends, or be sure to go visit the nearest ER!

Vaporizer

A vaporizer is a small to large size device that heats marijuana to a desired temperature which causes the active ingredients to evaporate into a gas without burning any plant material. You will heat marijuana's active ingredients in the plant to a point where it produces a vapor (a fine mist), then inhale the vapor into the lungs. The correct vaporization temperature is around 320^o Fahrenheit.

Hot air vaporization releases about five compounds, with THC being in the highest concentration, whereas smoking marijuana releases about 111 compounds. This is the non-smoked method most often recommended as an alternative to smoking. Patients can utilize it for most of the symptoms/conditions for which marijuana is recommended.

There are many vaporizers on the market, use due diligence when choosing the one for you. Prices can vary, and they are usually in the $200 - $500 range for a good reliable vaporizer. So although vaporizing may be the safest way to consume marijuana, it is also the most expensive. There are many new vaporizers on the market, and the open competition seems to be lowering prices. So you should take your time and do some research on the internet or visit your local smoking post or Head Shop.

Medibles (oral consumption):

Medibles are what we call marijuana that is infused in different foods for our consumption. Marijuana flowered tops and leaves are simmered in butter (or vegetable oil) for several hours, transferring the THC and other cannabinoids to the butter. The solid plant material is then discarded. The butter, now a dark shade of green, is then used in baking such items as brownies and cakes, or added to such foods as spaghetti sauce or soup. The oily base of the butter is needed for the cannabinoids to properly adhere.

This method is utilized by many patients suffering from pain and spasticity, and sometimes sleeps disorders. Although not the preferred method for patients suffering from nausea, vomiting or loss of appetite, it is sometimes used to supplement other delivery methods, or used by those unable or unwilling to smoke or use a vaporizer.

By consuming your medicine with medibles, patients have to realize that once the marijuana is consumed, it goes directly into your gastrointestinal tract, which can get you very stoned and takes effect slowly.

**Smoking cannabis results in a significant loss of THC and other cannabinoids through exhaled or non-inhaled smoke. In contrast, all of the active constituents enter the body when cannabis is consumed orally.

A warning for those choosing to medicate with edible marijuana – unlike with smoking and vaporizing, it is much easier to over-consume and therefore over-medicate with ingestion. Because it can take longer to feel the effect and/or because the edibles taste good, patients are warned to start with a small amount, wait an hour or two before ingesting more, and be extra careful in consumption so as not to exceed recommended dosage.

I LOVE MY MEDICINE…

In summary, we have discussed some of the ways to consume cannabis and some ways may be more effective than others. Everyone is different in regards to their tolerance and response to cannabis consumption. So everyone has to decide for themselves which way is better and healthier for them. There is plenty of information out there to help you in making your choice. But keep in mind how most reports and cannabis studies are misleading.

Many publishers have an ax to grind when it comes to cannabis, as they don’t believe its medicine or should it be legal. They look to publish false accusations against cannabis and they like to put out information that puts cannabis in a negative light.

Please consider the source when reading any reports or studies, and pay close attention to how marijuana makes you feel; and try out some of the different ways of consuming marijuana and decide which one works best for you. Also talk to your doctor and ask which way of consumption he/she recommend and why.

Lastly, I hope you all enjoy your medicine and get all the great benefits from it. Don’t believe everything you hear good or bad, but make your judgment of marijuana based on what it does for you.

Dell J.

If you have any questions or feedback, please contact me at: dell3040@hotmail.com

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis_consumption

http://www.nhs.uk/news/2012/06june/Pages/cannabis-lung-health-risks-underestimated.aspx

http://www.theweedblog.com/smoking-marijuana-vs-vaporizing-marijuana-infographic/

http://www.vapeworld.com/how-does-a-vaporizer-work

http://www.thestonerscookbook.com/how_to_cook_with_weed.php

http://www.medicaljane.com/2013/02/05/an-introduction-to-marijuana-edibles-why-ingesting-cannabis-just-makes-sense/

[GregS]

It is always good to revisit this. Should almost be a sticky. Thanks.

Edited July 12, 2013 by GregS

[Dr. Bob]

Curious about the quality of the articles, any comments Greg?

[GregS]

I find them to be factual and accurate. There is little criticism to offer. On balance they are well written. Perhaps a shave and a haircut with some editing, although they pretty clearly reveal the author's character that appears to be sincere. References to sources are refreshing. It may be better considered, however, to steer clear of resources with an apparent biased agenda, for instance weedblog and the stoner. The author might consider submitting it to the Judiciary Committee. Remember that Rep. Irwin remarked about an absence of authoritative study.

Edited July 12, 2013 by GregS

[Dr. Bob]

Good, I'm not an expert in the subject matter.  Thanks for the feedback.

 

Dr. Bob