Cannabis 101

Cannabis has shown positive results with the following conditions.

Alzheimer -reduces agitation and stimulate weight gain
Cancer -reduces the side effects of chemotherapy
Chronic Pain -reduces inflammation and neuropathic pain
Diabetes -Slows progression, protects the eyes, reduces nerve pain
Dystonia -Reduces muscle tension and contractions
Fibromyalgia -reduces pain and muscle spasm, improves sleep
Gastrointestinal disorders -reduces cramping, abdominal pain, acid reflux
Glaucoma-reduce intraocular pressure
HIV/AIDS- reduces neuropathic pain, anxiety, nausea, and stimulates weight
Incontinence- Reduces bladder inflammation and improves control loss and increases appetite
MS-reduces pain, depression, fatigue
Parkinson’s-reduces tremors and rigidity

What is cannabis?

Cannabis (marijuana) is a flowering plant, originally found in Asia, Africa, and Central America. The two main varieties of you will hear more about are Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica.
Cannabis has been used by many cultures and dates back thousands of years.
What are the active compounds in cannabis and how does it affect the way I feel?
The active compounds in cannabis are called cannabinoids and terpenes.
Cannabinoids that you may have heard about, THC and CBD.
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the cannabinoid that makes you feel “high”, or a sense of euphoria. CBD for most is more sedative and can have positive results treating inflammation. Sativa strains of cannabis tend to be higher in THC and lower in CBD while Indica strains have higher CBD and lower THC levels. This is a reason for Sativa strains having uplifting euphoric effects and indica strains having a greater ability to treat pain and aid with relaxation and sleep. There are over 60 cannabinoids in cannabis and science is discovering the roles they play in healing the human body. Terpenes are the smell and taste of cannabis.there are close to 200 terpenes in cannabis. Cannabis Vapor contains a high percentage of terpenes.
We are not big fans of smoking cannabis as a method of ingestion due to the fact that a high percentage of available active compounds are lost during the smoking process. Vaporizing, on the other hand, is much more effective, vapor contains higher amounts of the desired active compounds. Vaporizing also eliminates many of the negative byproducts created with smoking or combusting like tar, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. Vapor is also at lower temperatures so there little to no irritation to lungs and throat, vapor also doesn’t linger and stick to fabrics like smoke allowing for more discrete use.

Endocannabinoid System

There are two primary receptors in the body that react to cannabinoids, these are CB1 and CB2.  These receptors are part of the Endocannabinoid System. Think of the Endocannabinoid System as the operating software,it regulates how all the other systems and physiological function in your body,t his includes appetite control,pain sensation, and mood! CB1 is found in the Brain, nervous system ,liver and kidneys while the CB2 receptors in the immune system and stem cells.  When you smoke or vaporize cannabis the CB1 receptor is signaled equating in a cerebral euphoric high while eating an infused product signals CB2 receptor and give the user a “body high”, less cerebral and more relaxing. Because of this response from the bod,y we can use cannabis in more specific and focused ways providing more relief and less”high” for the medical patient.

Flower Types
Indica, Sativa and Hybrids

There are three types of the cannabis plant that you will become very familiar with. They are Indica, Sativa and the combination of the two called a Hybrid. Indica strains of cannabis have more of a sedative effect on the user making indica strains great for pain, relaxation,and sleep disorders.
Sativa strains provide the user with a euphoric or cerebral high with a more uplifting or energizing feeling making a great choice for daytime use or for those looking for motivation or creative help. Hybrid strains tend to combine the best of both worlds making them a favorite for many. There are hundreds of strains to choose from and it can be overwhelming but knowing the general feel of the experience between the three varieties will give you an idea of what a “double dream” or “LA Confidential” will provide for you.

Vaporizing Vs. Edibles

Vaporizing for many is the fastest way to medicate. The vaporized cannabinoids can enter the the bloodstream within minutes and is easy for the consumer to determine if more is required to provide the necessary relief . The relief or “high” will subside rather quickly requiring those with severe conditions the need tp medicate more often.
Ingesting a marijuana infused product (MIP) can provide a much longer period of relief vs vaporizing but can also take anywhere from 45 min to 2 hours to enter the bloodstream. This occurs due to the fact that when THC is ingested it gets processed through the liver (THC changes to 11-hydroxy-THC) and then crosses the blood brain barrier. The 11-hydroxy-THC also packs a punch, so small amounts may be enough even for those regular to vaporizing or smoking cannabis in larger quantities. Use caution and start with small doses, waiting and then ingesting more if needed. Products such as tincture are delivered sublingually under the tongue and have a much faster reaction time than a digested edible making it easier to dose.

Concentrates

Cannabis Concentrate Reviews

Cannabis can be consumed in dry flower form or in a concentrated form (hash,wax,oil,shatter). When using concentrated products its very important to ingest small amounts, they are very potent and can be overwhelming for first time users.

HASH- Hash is the collection of the resinous glands (trichomes) off of the flower. The potent glands are removed from the fibrous material using a physical process to “beat or shake” the glands from the flower. at this point, the resulting product is called kief. There tends to be small amounts of plant material in the kief so a sifting through a fine screen will separate that material out leaving a refined kief called dry sift.. This sifted, refined kief can then be collected and pressed in to sticky bricks, this is what most refer to as hash or hashish.
Water or Bubble hash is produced by using cold water and ice in substitution of the physical process of beating the glands or trichomes from the plant. Ice and water work well due to the fact that trichomes are an oil and doesn’t mix with the water. You may hear this type of hash described as a melt or full melt, this refers to how the hash will react to heat. Full melt will vaporize nicely using the appropriate device!
Solvents are also used to extract the trichomes from the plant material, Alcohol, butane and CO2 are common solvents used to produce what is called Shatter, wax, oil and honey oil. The manufacturing of these types of “extracts” requires some science and lab equipment and can be dangerous. We recommend leaving the manufacturing of these products to
professionals. Extracts often have high concentrations of cannabinoids and pack a punch in extremely small doses. Not for beginners but very effective for those with conditions like chronic pain. The use of these products should be taken very seriously. Do not mix or consume alcohol while using concentrates and always be sure to keep hydrated.

Elev8 Glass Gallery can help you get any products to help your consumption of cannabis like a vaporizer or oil rig.

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