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CANNABIS 101

Sativa vs. Indica

SATIVA

Plant Structure

Sativa strains are characterized by a long, tall, thin structure, with long thin blades on the fan leaves. Sativa dominant genetics generally mature in an 8 to 10 week flowering cycle. In most cases, Sativa strains will be higher in THC percentage than an Indica counterpart.

Experience

Sativa strains are stimulating in many ways. Many patients have reported significant relief from depression, migraines, pain, and nausea. Sativas are highly psychoactive and produce a creative, energetic high. Many patients use Sativa strains to avoid drowsiness and stimulate creative energy. Definitely a favorite amongst artists, musicians, and other creative types.

Uses

CREATIVITY - A very useful tool for elevating the mind and generating ideas beyond normal thinking, creative minds find Sativa particularly useful. Many experience a state of elevated mood and awareness which seems to lend itself to the creative process.

FOCUS - Sativa is, by many accounts, a stimulant. It has been known to increase positive emotions and also productivity by instigating higher levels of attention to detail and focus. This same experience can lead to feelings of nervousness if consumed in too high quantities.

DEPRESSION - Most sativa users report immediate relief from general (and seasonal) sadness and depression.

INDICA

Plant Structure

Indica plants generally grow wider and shorter to the ground, with fat, thick bladed fan leaves. They generally will mature in 6 to 8 weeks after starting the flowering cycle. If you are looking to relax, Indica strains are the right choice.

Experience

Indica strains work great to alleviate pain and relax stiff or sore muscles. Patients suffering from sleep disorders, insomnia, anxiety, and restlessness will benefit greatly. Indica strain help also to relieve stress, muscle spasms, anxiety, and are a great choice for patients with epilepsy and other neurodegenerative conditions like multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, lupus, and sleep apnea. Indicas are generally associated with feelings of relaxation, calm, and sedation.

Uses

RELAXATION - The most common use for Indica is relieving stress and inducing relaxation in the muscles, mind, and spirit.

SLEEP - Sleep disorders are becoming more and more common throughout the world. Individuals who use indica strains experience significant relief from insomnia, sleep disorders, and restlessness.

APPETITE - Indica has been known to reduce nausea and vomiting which makes it a great choice for patients dealing with side effects of radiation or chemo-therapy. Similarly, patients undergoing chemo and other radiation therapies experience a loss of appetite. Indica has been known to significantly increase appetite and overall enjoyability of food.

PRESSURE - Eye pressure, sinus issues, and issues within the brain have been known to be reduced with Indica strains. Those suffering from cataracts, frequent seizures, and convulsions could benefit

TERPENES 101

ALL ABOUT TERPENES

What are Terpenes?

Terpenes are naturally-occurring compounds found in the trichomes of cannabis plants. trichomes contain resin glands that produce terpenes. Most notably, they produce distinctive aromas and contribute to the flavor of cannabis.

Terpenes are often lost during the extraction process, however, growing awareness of the therapeutic value of terpenes is leading to more sensitive extraction methods. Terpenes are considered the new frontier of cannabis.

Terpenes don't make you feel high in the traditional sense, but they often have medical benefits such as antiviral, anticancer, antidepressant, antimicrobial, and pain relief

MYCRENE

SPICY. SWEET. MUSKY. EARTHY.

anti-inflammatory

analgesic

sedative

reduce anxiety

reduce inflammation

reduce insomnia

CARYOPHYLLENE

WOODY. PEPPERY. SWEET.

anti-septic

anti-fungal

anticancer

reduce brain trauma

reduce insomnia

pain management

HUMULENE

HOPPY. SPICY. WOODY.

anti-inflammatory

anti-biotic

reduce inflammation

reduce allergies

LIMONENE

CITRUS. LEMON. ZESTY.

analgesic

antidepressant

anticancer

reduce inflammation

reduce anxiety

EUCALYPTOL

MINTY. COOL. SPICY. SOOTHING.

lower blood pressure

reduce pain

improve cognition

improve memory

PINENE

PUNGENT. PINEY. FLORAL.

anti-depressant

anti-microbial

lower blood pressure

lower heart rate

improve depression

LINALOOL

FRESH. MINTY. FLORAL.

anti-septic

anti-fungal

anticancer

reduce brain trauma

reduce insomnia

pain management

BISABOLOL

LIGHT. FLORAL. SWEET.

analgesic

antidepressant

anticancer

reduce inflammation

reduce anxiety

GERANIOL

SWEET. FLORAL. ROSY.

anti-depressant

anti-microbial

lower blood pressure

lower heart rate

improve depression

NEROLIDOL

FLORAL. WOODY.

anti-fungal

antioxidant

sedative

sleep aid

TERPINOLENE

WOODY. CITRAL. FLORAL.

anti-fungal

anti-cancer

relieve migraines

reduce anxiety

CAMPHENE

DAMP. PUNGENT. PINEY. HERBAL.

antioxidant

anti-fungal

reduce anxiety

reduce stress

reduce blood pressure

Terpenes

Concentrates

CONCENTRATE TEXTURES

Wax/Shatter

Brittle, glass-like texture. It can also have a snap-and-pull consistency. Shatters usually have a golden yellow to bright amber color throughout.

Budder/Badder

Slightly oily and soft in texture. (Think of a stick of butter or thick cake batter.) Malleable, easy to handle, and have a sun yellow to bright orange coloring.

Sugar

Similar consistency to wet, sappy sugar. Typically has colors ranging from bright yellow to deep amber.

Crumble

Brittle version of budder or badder. Crumbly, honeycomb consistency. Sun yellow to bright orange coloring, with a matte or dull finish.

Sauce

Thick and viscous; it looks sticky. The color of sauce can range from deep amber to bright mustard. More uniform and prominent crystalline structure.

Crystalline

A single, crystallized cannabinoid. White crystals that can vary in density and size from small rocks to powder.

Cannabinoids

UNDERSTANDING

Cannabinoids & Your Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

Welcome to the fascinating world of cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system (ECS)! This intricate system plays a crucial role in maintaining balance and wellness within your body. Let's explore how it all works:

What is the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)?

Think of your ECS as your body's internal balancing act, always working to keep things in harmony. It's a complex network of receptors, enzymes, and neurotransmitters found throughout your body, including your brain, organs, and immune system.

The ECS has three main components:

Endocannabinoids: These are molecules naturally produced by your body that interact with cannabinoid receptors.
Cannabinoid Receptors: Located on the surface of cells, these receptors bind with cannabinoids to trigger various effects in the body. The two main types are CB1 (primarily in the brain and nervous system) and CB2 (mainly in the immune system).
Enzymes: These break down endocannabinoids after they've carried out their functions.

What are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant. These compounds interact with your ECS, influencing various physiological functions like mood, sleep, appetite, and pain sensation.

Types of Cannabinoids:

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): This is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, responsible for the "high" sensation. It can also have therapeutic benefits like pain relief, appetite stimulation, and nausea reduction.
CBD (Cannabidiol): This non-psychoactive compound has gained popularity for its potential therapeutic properties, including reducing anxiety, inflammation, and seizures.
Minor Cannabinoids: Beyond THC and CBD, there are many other cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, and CBC, each with unique effects and potential benefits.

How Cannabinoids Interact with the ECS:

When you consume cannabis, cannabinoids like THC and CBD interact with your ECS receptors. This interaction can trigger a cascade of effects, influencing various bodily functions. For example:

Pain Relief: Cannabinoids can interact with receptors to reduce pain signals.
Mood Regulation: By influencing neurotransmitter activity, cannabinoids may help manage anxiety and depression.
Sleep Improvement: Certain cannabinoids can promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.

The Entourage Effect:

The "entourage effect" suggests that different cannabinoids work synergistically, enhancing each other's effects when consumed together. This is why full-spectrum cannabis products, containing a variety of cannabinoids, may offer a wider range of benefits.

Edibles

CANNABIS EDIBLES

START LOW AND GO SLOW!

Edibles offer a discreet and convenient way to experience the effects of cannabis, but they differ significantly from smoking or vaping. It's crucial to understand how edibles work and why starting with a small dose is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience.

WHY START SLOW?

Delayed Onset

When you eat an edible, the THC is processed by your liver, converting it into a more potent form. This process takes time, meaning the effects can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in.

Increased Intensity

The effects of edibles tend to be more intense and longer-lasting compared to smoking or vaping. This is due to the way THC is metabolized.

Individual Variation

Everyone reacts to cannabis differently. Factors like metabolism, body weight, tolerance, and even what you've eaten recently can influence how an edible affects you.

Tips for Edible Beginners

Microdose: Start with a very low dose, around 2.5mg of THC, especially if you're new to cannabis or edibles.
Be Patient: Wait at least 2 hours before consuming more. It's easy to overconsume if you don't feel the effects immediately.
Choose Reliable Products: Purchase edibles from a reputable dispensary like ours, where products are clearly labeled with THC content and ingredients.
Set the Scene: Consume your edible in a comfortable and safe environment where you can relax and wait for the effects.
Stay Hydrated: Have water and snacks on hand.
Don't Mix with Alcohol: Combining cannabis edibles with alcohol can intensify the effects and lead to unpleasant experiences.

Find Your Ideal Dose