Cannabis as Medicine
Marijuana is one of the most therapeutically active substances known to humankind and has been used safely for over 5000 years. This information has only been “rediscovered” after almost a century of hysteria, propaganda and prohibition.
Members of our center use cannabis to relieve a variety of symptoms, including debilitating nausea, lack of appetite, wasting, pain, muscle spasms and tension that limit mobility, and to improve their overall sense of well-being.
Symptoms and conditions
Used as an anti-inflammatory and to help reduce pain.
Relief from chronic pain and headaches. Increases focus, concentration, and mobility. Decreases neuralgia.
Pain relief, increased appetite, decreased nausea, sleep aid.
Alleviates pain, spasms and diarrhea.
Helps to reduce or relieve nausea and vomiting.
Alleviates pain, spasm and diarrhea.
Reduces seizure frequency.
Pain relief.
Reduces intra-ocular pressure.
Decreases fatigue, nausea, and chronic pain in muscles and joints. Increases appetite.
Increases appetite, aids in digestion, relieves diarrhea, and decreases bowel spasms.
Relieves migraines.
Reduces spasticity, pain, fatigue, bladder problems and depression.
Relieves muscle spasms and pain. Improves mobility and appetite. Aids in sleep.
Highly effective in relieving nausea.
Reduces pain.
Relieves muscle spasms and neuralgia.
Reduces tremors, spasms, and pain. Increases mobility and appetite.
Relieves nausea and vomiting. Increases appetite and energizes.
Reduces seizure frequency.
Sleep aid.
Decreases cravings, reduces withdrawal symptoms and relapse potential.
More Cannabis Information
Indica and Sativa
There are two main types of cannabis: Indica and Sativa. It is from these two families that the hundreds of different cannabis strains originate. Some strains are pure Indicas, some are pure Sativas, and others are hybrids of the two. Each strain of cannabis contains a different ratio of cannabinoids (called a cannabinoid profile), giving each unique therapeutic effects.
Crosses and Hybrids
Hybridized strains are created through selective cross-pollination of different cannabis varieties. In crossed varieties, the characteristics and effects of one strain will usually be dominant. An Indica-dominant cross will be effective for pain relief, with the Sativa component helping with energy and activity levels. A Sativa-dominant cross will be helpful in stimulating the appetite, with the Indica component increasing muscle relaxation. All strains of cannabis will increase appetite and reduce nausea, though it is reported that crosses are most effective.
Active ingredients
Cannabis contains a group of chemical compounds called cannabinoids, which are not found in other plants. Over 60 different cannabinoids have been identified, but their exact role and importance has yet to be completely understood. Each strain of cannabis has it’s own ratio of cannabinoids, which together work synergistically to provide it’s therapeutic effects.
THC
Is the most abundant cannabinoid and it is the principal psychoactive agent in cannabis. THC has analgesic, anti-spasmodic, anti-epileptic, anti-tremor, anti-inflammatory, appetite stimulant, euphoric, hypotensive, anti-depressant, bronchiodilating and anti-emetic properties. However, THC may cause anxiety. A cannabis with a strong therapeutic effect will have a THC content anywhere between 8% and 19%.
Cannabidiol (CBD)
Is another main cannabinoid. CBD mitigates the psychoactive effects of THC, it also has anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsant, anti-psychotic, anti-oxidant, neuroprotective and immunomodulatory effects. CBD does not cause a “high” and its presence may reduce some of the potentially unwanted side effects of THC.
Cannabinol (CBN)
Is a mildly psychoactive degradation of THC. Its primary effects are as an anti-epileptic, and to lower intra-ocular pressure.
Cannabichromene (CBC)
Promotes the analgesic effects of THC and acts as a sedative.
Cannabigerol (CBG)
Has sedative effects and anti-microbial properties as well as lowering intra-ocular pressure. CBG is the biogenetic precursor of all other cannabinoids.
