Medical Cannabis

Common Medical Uses

Multiple Sclerosis, seizures, chronic pain, arthritis, migraines, cancer/chemotherapy symptoms, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, fibromyalgia, anxiety and depression, sleep disorders, PTSD, alcohol and opioid withdraw symptoms, inflammation, and digestive disorders.

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-nausea, 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 chemical that contribute to the odour and taste of the plant. It 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 quantity. Terpenes are considered pharmacologically active and work synergistically with cannabinoids and can interact with a wide range of receptions and enzymes in the body and brain. Common terpenes are Caryophyllene (potent anti-inflammatory and promsing to treat arthritis), Pinene (protect short term memory, antibiotic properties & may also aid in bronchodilation), Limonene (anti-depressant effects, provide 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 too sedating or too stimulating), and Myrcene (relaxes muscles and consider an antioxidant).

Cannabis Strains

Sativa Plant: mind dominant, anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, uplifting, increase alertness, increase energy, and enhance creativity.

Indica Plant: body dominant, sedating, relaxing, muscle relaxant, treats acute pain, reduce nausea, increase appetite, and increase dopamine.

Hybrid plants have a mixture of both Sativa and Indica stains. 

Potential Side Effects

THC: dry mouth and dry eyes, dizziness/feeling faint, impairment of motor skills, rapid heart beat, paranoia/anxeity, 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 into your regimen. Research evidence and clinical experience suggest that CBD has the ptential to lessen the psychoactive effects resulting from THC*

Main Differences Between Medical Cannabis and Recreational Dispensaries

Medical cannabis is authorized by a Physician or Nurse Practitioner obtained through Health Canada approved Licensed Producers. 

Legal recreational cannabis is often used for enjoyment or self medicating and is obtain through legal dispensaries overseen by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)

Illegal recreational cannabis is obtained from ilicit dispensaries or growers not authorized through Health Canada.

Medical cannabis allows for guidance and support form a medical professional, 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 offers no medical guidence or support, no insurance coverage, production selction 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 usually felt within seconds to minutes, peak effets are felt after 30 mins, and may last up to 8+ hours.

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

 Topical (creams)-provides quick 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 in a safe and honest manner and never get behind the wheel is 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 medication with psychoactive side-effects such as antidepressants, hypnotics, benzodiazepines and narcotics. It is considered illegal to drive impaired, anyone driving under the influence of THC could potentially face consequences.