Cannabis Therapy

 

What is Cannabis Therapy

The endocannabinoid system is one of the body’s great rebalancing mechanisms. This system regulates and balances many of the other systems in the body such as brain function, nervous system, immune function, gastrointestinal activity, cardiovascular activity, metabolism, pain perception, hormone levels, bone formation, inflammatory reactions, and inhibition of tumor cells.

If the endocannabinoid system is out of balance due to genetics, chronic stress, or illness, medical conditions such as fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, epilepsy, migraines, autoimmune diseases, chronic pain, cardiovascular disease, anxiety, depression, menstrual problems, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, Huntington’s disease and Parkinson’s disease can occur.

Once the endocannabinoid system is balanced, the body can heal itself. Cannabis therapy supports the endocannabinoid system to rebalance. In the process it can alleviate many symptoms immediately such as sleep issues, pain and anxiety. This is important because if a person is continually in a reactive state due to lack of sleep, pain, anxiety, depression or other symptoms it is hard to make healthy decisions.

CBD rich cannabis is like clarity in a capsule; it calms the reactive mind so people can make healthier life style choices to prevent their endocannabinoid system from going out of balance again. Cannabis is adaptogenic in that it helps balance the body’s physiological systems depending on the current need within the body, particularly in modulating the stress response. Keep in mind though, if the endocannabinoid system has been out of balance for a long time, it may take a while to rebalance.

For more information on specific health conditions that can benefit from cannabis therapy, visit Project CBD.

What is in CBD Rich Cannabis

The cannabis plant contains phytocannabinoids, terpenoids and flavonoids that work synergistically together to provide therapeutic effects within the brain and body (see the Science Page for more detailed information). The two dominant phytocannabinoids are THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).

THC has a psychoactive (high) effect while CBD is non-psychoactive. THC is known for its relaxing and sedating effects, whereas CBD, while relaxing can be alerting in low doses. Both THC and CBD reduce pain, nausea, anxiety and depression. They are also both anti-oxidant, have anti-tumor effects and are ant-inflammatory, but CBD has a more potent effect here. CBD is also neuro-protectant, counters psychotic thoughts, is anti-convulsant, and relaxes muscle spasms.

What is the Best Ratio of CBD to THC

A person’s health issue along with their tolerance to THC will determine what ratio of CBD to THC is most appropriate. THC has a psychoactive component which creates a “high” effect and CBD has anxiolytic qualities which tend to neutralize this effect. A CBD rich variety of cannabis therapy contains at least 50% CBD. 

For people who are knew to using cannabis or are sensitive to THC, it’s recommended to use (or at least start with) higher CBD ratios, such as 25:1 or 10:1 which have no psychoactivity. If a person needs more THC they can titrate up to their desired dose as their body adapts to it by graduating to a 4:1 ratio, then a 1.5:1 more balanced ratio.

If a person is comfortable with THC, they might want to start with a balanced ratio if they need more THC than in the high CBD ratio. Some people find taking a balanced ratio of THC to CBD at night is helpful for sleep and taking a higher CBD ratio in the daytime prevents any high effect during the day.

Taking Cannabis

There are various ways of taking cannabis including inhalation (vaporizing is healthier than smoking), ingestion through baked goods, capsules, tinctures, sublingual oils and topical creams.

We have found that the easiest and most accurate way to determine specific ratios of CBD to THC is by dissolving cannabis extract into coconut oil and then placing this into capsules, 15 ml bottles, and 2 oz. topical creams.

Capsules

Many people prefer to take capsules in order to get a full dose of CBD rich cannabis medicine they can take before bed to last through the night. Here are the main benefits of taking 20 mg capsules:

• Provides a slow onset of 1 to 2 hrs as it is absorbed through the digestive system. This allows people to take higher THC amounts before bedtime without noticing the ‘high’ effect as they sleep.
• Lasts 6 – 8 hours so provides long lasting relief.
• Allows for taking a higher amount of cannabis therapy at one time.

Sublingual Oils

Some people prefer sublingual drops so they can titrate up to their ideal dose or take what’s needed anytime during the day for fast relief. Here are the main benefits of sublingual drops with 1 mg of medicine per drop:

• Quicker absorption of 30 minutes into the bloodstream when left under the tongue for up to 60 seconds. This provides more immediate relief.
• Allows for micro-dosing of small amounts at one time. This is useful for daytime use in small amounts, as well as for people who want to titrate up to their ideal dosage.
• Can be given to pets in small high CBD doses for anxiety, pain, seizures etc. (1-5 mg per 10 lbs in 25:1 high CBD cannabis).

Topicals

Topical use of cannabis has become popular not only because it is such an effective pain reliever, but because the endocannabinoid system regulates receptors in all three layers of the skin. Cannabinoid receptors in the body eliminate aging and damaged cells and support the regeneration of new cells. These receptors also slow abnormally high skin cell production, soothe the skin’s sensory nerves, reduce pain and inflammation. CBD rich cannabis has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a wonderful addition to skin creams to reduce swelling, heat, itch and pain.

We have created a body balm called the Peace Balm. Each 2 oz. jar contains 180 mg of CBD rich cannabis infused into coconut oil, grapeseed oil, beeswax, shea butter, calendula oil, vitamin E and essential oils of Lavender, Blue Gum Eucalyptus and Black Spruce.

The Peace Balm will:

• Relieve muscle and joint pain associated with sprains, strains, arthritic and rheumatic pain.
• Soothe itchy, irritated and flaky skin from conditions such as dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema.
• Create a sense of peace, calm and groundedness in the mind and body by massaging it on pulse points, along the spine, or bottoms of the feet.

To read testimonials from clients, visit the Experiences page. For more information on any of these products or to receive a copy of our Cannabis Therapy Handout, please inquire on the Contact Page.