Medical Cannabis

Common Medical Uses

Chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, arthritis, migraines, Chron’s Disease, cancer/chemotherapy symptoms, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, fibromyalgia, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, PTSD and alcohol and opioid withdrawal symptoms. 

Main Cannabinoids of Cannabis

THC: heightened sensation, sleepiness, muscle relaxation, anti-nausea, pain relief, anti-spasm, anti-inflammatory.

CBD: anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, pain relief, anti-spasm and anti-tremor, anti-convulsant.

Balance cannabis stain is characterized as having a combination of THC and CBD.

Terpenes

Terpenes are therapeutic plant chemicals that contribute to the odour and taste of the plant. They may be referred to as the “essential oil” or “volatile oil” of the plant. Over 200 terpenes are produced in the cannabis plant, but only 30 are present in significant quantities. Terpenes are considered pharmacologically active, work synergistically with cannabinoids, and can interact with many receptors and enzymes in the body and brain. Common terpenes are:

• Caryophyllene (potent anti-inflammatory and promising to treat arthritis).
• Pinene (protects short-term memory, antibiotic properties & may also aid in bronchodilation).
• Limonene (antidepressant effects, provides stress release, exhibits antitumor activity).
• Linalool (sedative as well as analgesic and anesthetic).
• Terpinolene (claimed to have sedative effects but also associated with cognitive clarity).
• Ocimene (shown to deliver effects that are neither sedating nor stimulating).
• Myrcene (sedating, muscle-relaxant, antioxidant).

Potential Side Effects

THC: dry mouth and dry eyes, dizziness/feeling faint, impaired motor skills, rapid heartbeat, paranoia/anxiety, intoxication. 

CBD: dry mouth, loose stools, and drowsy (in high doses).

*Psychoactive effects commonly occur when using THC-high strains. However, these effects can be mitigated by including CBD-high stains in your regimen. Research evidence and clinical experience suggest that CBD has the potential to lessen the psychoactive effects resulting from THC*

Main Differences Between Medical Cannabis and Recreational Dispensaries

A Physician or Nurse Practitioner authorizes medical cannabis obtained through Health Canada-approved Licensed Producers. 

Legal recreational cannabis is often used for enjoyment or self-medicating and is obtained through legal dispensaries overseen by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)Illegal recreational cannabis is obtained from illicit dispensaries or growers not authorized through Health Canada.

Medical cannabis allows for guidance and support from a medical professional, has strict quality and safety standards of products, prioritizes CBD-dominant products, and may be eligible for insurance coverage or compassionate pricing discount. You can claim all medical cannabis expenses on your taxes.

Dispensaries offer no medical guidance or support, no insurance coverage and production selection may differ from the medical market with lower CBD concentrations and more THC products available.

Consumption Methods

Inhalation (Vape or smoke)- fast onset time for immediate relief. Effects are felt within seconds to minutes; peak effects are felt after 15-30 minutes and may last up to 8+ hours.

Ingestion (oral)- delayed onset for longer effects. Effects are felt anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, peak effects felt after 4 hours, and may last up to 12 hours.

Topical (creams)-provides quick pain relief to the localized area. There is a quick onset, but duration would depend on many factors: pain level, cause of pain, etc. Because they are non-intoxicating, topicals are often chosen by patients who want therapeutic benefits without the cerebral euphoria associated with other consumption methods.

Staying within the Law

Always use it in a safe and honest manner, and never get behind the wheel if you feel impaired. After inhalation, THC blood concentrations peak within 30 minutes and may last up to 4 hours. After ingestion, THC blood concentrations peak within 2-4 hours and may last up to 8-12 years. Look at cannabis in the same way as other medications with psychoactive side effects, such as hypnotics, benzodiazepines, opioids and narcotics. It is considered illegal to drive impaired; anyone driving under the influence of THC could face legal consequences.