Medical Cannabis Education
Explore medical cannabis with ease,
knowing we are by your side.
How does cannabis work?
Medical cannabis works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors and neurotransmitters that help regulate a wide range of functions including sleep, appetite, pain, and immune system response. The active compounds in medical cannabis, including THC and CBD, bind to cannabinoid receptors in the body, activating them and triggering a range of physiological and psychological effects.
The specific effects of medical cannabis can vary depending on the specific strain and the individual patient. Some strains may be more effective for certain conditions than others, and the right strain and dosage can vary from person to person. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before using medical cannabis to determine the best treatment plan for you.
CannaConnect Cannabis Education Series
Meet Tamara Lilien. Her decade of experience in the healthcare sector revealed significant gaps, particularly in the dissemination of accurate information about cannabis. Fueled by a desire to combat cannabis-related misinformation and promote informed decision-making, Tamara transitioned into a career in Cannabis Education and Consulting, founding CannaLily Consulting.
Cannabis Compounds
Cannabis medicine is derived from the flowers or buds of the cannabis plant. Cannabis refers to a group of three plants with known psychoactive and therapeutic benefits; Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica and Cannabis ruderalis. The cannabis plant is rich in chemical compounds that are believed to offer many different positive effects on the body.
Indica
Indica is a classification of cannabis that is known for its relaxing and therapeutic qualities. Scientifically, indica is referred to as Cannabis indica, and these strains can offer sedation (sleepiness) and relief to those suffering from chronic pain. Indica strains may help promote appetite and reduce nausea.
Sativa
Sativa is a classification of cannabis strains that is known to have a more stimulating effect. Many say that Sativa varieties of cannabis are best used during the day as they may provide boosts of energy and can help to alleviate symptoms of depression.
Terpenes
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in a wide variety of plants, including the cannabis plant. They are responsible for the distinct smells and flavours of different strains of cannabis. In addition to their role in the plant’s scent, terpenes may also have therapeutic effects. For example, some terpenes are believed to have anti-inflammatory and stress-reducing properties.
Entourage Effect
The Entourage Effect refers to the synergistic interaction between the various compounds in the cannabis plant, including THC, CBD, and terpenes. These compounds can enhance or modify the effects of each individual compound and potentially produce a greater therapeutic benefit.
Methods of Administration
There are many options when choosing a delivery method for your medical cannabis. The decision can be based on a number of things – onset time, duration of effect, or just your individual comfort level with one method over another.
Dried Product
Onset: 5-15 mins
Duration 2-4 Hours
Pros: Rapid Onset
Cons: Duration of effect is very short - peak is usually 15-45 mins Typically smoked or vaporized which has adverse effects on lungs. Less discrete than oils, capsules, or edibles
Duration 2-4 Hours
Pros: Rapid Onset
Cons: Duration of effect is very short - peak is usually 15-45 mins Typically smoked or vaporized which has adverse effects on lungs. Less discrete than oils, capsules, or edibles
Oils
Onset:
30-120 mins
Duration 4+ hours
Pros: Very discreet. Does not require combustion for desired effect. Long lasting – Best for scheduled regimens. Flexible dosing with use of dropper
Cons: Slightly longer than smoking or vaporizing to onset
Duration 4+ hours
Pros: Very discreet. Does not require combustion for desired effect. Long lasting – Best for scheduled regimens. Flexible dosing with use of dropper
Cons: Slightly longer than smoking or vaporizing to onset
Capsules
Onset:
30-120 mins
Duration 4+ hours
Pros: Very discreet. Does not require combustion for desired effect. Long lasting – Best for scheduled regimens. Precise dosing
Cons: Slightly longer than smoking or vaporizing to onset
Duration 4+ hours
Pros: Very discreet. Does not require combustion for desired effect. Long lasting – Best for scheduled regimens. Precise dosing
Cons: Slightly longer than smoking or vaporizing to onset
Edibles
Onset:
30-120 mins
Duration: 4+ hours
Pros: Very discreet. Does not require combustion for desired effect. Long lasting – Best for scheduled regimens Flexible dosing as edibles can be divided into halves and quarters if needed
Cons: Slightly longer than smoking or vaporizing to onset. Children may mistake for candy
Duration: 4+ hours
Pros: Very discreet. Does not require combustion for desired effect. Long lasting – Best for scheduled regimens Flexible dosing as edibles can be divided into halves and quarters if needed
Cons: Slightly longer than smoking or vaporizing to onset. Children may mistake for candy
Creams & Topicals
Onset:
Variable
Duration: Variable
Pros: Very discreet. Does not require combustion for desired effect. Can be long lasting. Good option for more localized treatment
Cons: Onset may take longer than smoking or vaporizing. Effect is not always very strong as absorption through skin can be erratic
Duration: Variable
Pros: Very discreet. Does not require combustion for desired effect. Can be long lasting. Good option for more localized treatment
Cons: Onset may take longer than smoking or vaporizing. Effect is not always very strong as absorption through skin can be erratic
Tips and Tricks From our Medical Director, Dr. Nick Withers
- THC is the component traditionally associated with feeling “high” or impaired. We use that property of THC to assist with sleep and anxiety/panic attacks.
- CBD tends to work better on pain and inflammation but also has some overall calming effects. Generally, it does not cause impairment, but some still find it can (particularly Indica strains) so care must be taken if you are performing safety-sensitive tasks or roles (e.g., driving a car, taking care of children).
- Many find Indica strains tend to be more relaxing and better to take before bed and less preferable for many during the day due to the heavier sedating effects.
- Medical Cannabis 13 Most believe that Sativa strains tend to increase energy and are often preferred during the day.
- Always start low and go slow. You should slowly increase your dosage with increases every 3 or 4 days until you get an effect or at the specified stop point. Over time some patients may start to develop a tolerance, so we recommend occasionally changing to another product with similar qualities (ie: similar THC/CBD amounts, similar strains (Indica or Sativa)).
- Every 4-6 months may be worth switching for a short period, but some may be able to stay on the same regimen for years without any issues.
- If you are still working, you should only change medicinal cannabis products, dosing, or frequency during periods when you are not required to drive or be mentally alert as sometimes people will get unexpected side effects or impairment.
Are you ready to take the next step?
Fill out the patient intake form to get started today.
