There is a growing demand for medical cannabis. Health practitioners and authorized licensed producers (LPs) under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes (ACMPR) carry a huge responsibility in the medical marijuana industry to provide the cannabis and related products that patients need for medical purposes. These forms of medical cannabis and related products, particularly the levels of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (Cannabidiol) content, help them with their medical conditions.
The Endocannabinoid System and the Cannabis Plant
The cannabis plant has active pharmacological compounds that react in the same way as the human body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS) reacts by producing chemicals, known as endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids maintain the stability of the most vital biological functions and restore balance when necessary. Some of these biological functions are sleep, pain, appetite and the immune system. When the body is unstable and under stress endocannabinoids work to put the body back into stability.
If the body´s endocannabinoids are not able to restore balance on its own, then the active pharmacological components in the cannabis plant can help the body restore itself. It works with the ECS to control pain and inflammation.
Chemical Components of the Cannabis Plant
The cannabis plant has hundreds of active chemical components. The most active chemicals are cannabinoids, terpenoids and flavonoids. They work together to provide many healing benefits to the body.
Cannabinoids
There are over 100 different types of cannabinoids that are in the cannabis plant.
THC and CBD are the two most common cannabinoids that occur in the largest volume.
They both affect the body in distinct ways. A high-THC strain is a type of cannabis that causes psychoactive effects to the body, whereas a high-CBD strain is a type of cannabis that has an increased level of non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD). It results in a relaxing and clear state of mind.
What is THC?
THC content, or delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, is the active ingredient found in the cannabis plant. It is responsible for behavior changes as a result of chemical compounds (cannabinoids) interacting with receptors in the brain and body. Although THC content can cause mind-altering effects, it has its medical advantages.
What is CBD?
CBD content or cannabidiol is also a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. However, unlike THC content, CBD content does not produce any mind-altering behaviors. It is part of the cannabis plant that has been found to provide medical benefits with minimal side effects. For this reason, many health professionals prefer treatments with CBD content.
Medical Benefits
Both THC and CBD have the potential to help patients with a variety of medical conditions. Some of them are the following: Cancer, Arthritis, Crohn´s disease, Alzheimer´s disease, Glaucoma, ADHD and Fibromyalgia. It is also used to treat nausea and vomiting and helps to improve sleep and stimulate appetite. While THC serves as a strong pain killer and anti-inflammatory as well as a muscle relaxant and antioxidant, CBD provides therapeutic advantages without the THC ¨high¨ effect, protects healthy cells, regulates blood pressure and controls anxiety. Each cannabinoid has its own great medical benefits. However, they may be more effective when combined together.
Contact a PipeDreemz Inc. ACMPR consultant to answer your questions pertaining to medical cannabis production and regulations.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this article is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.