What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring compound found in the resinous flower of cannabis, a plant with a rich history going back thousands of years. Today the therapeutic properties of CBD are being tested and confirmed by scientists and doctors around the world. A non-addictive and non-psychoactive substance, CBD is one of more than a hundred phytocannabinoids. which are unique to cannabis.
Many people are seeking alternatives to pharmaceuticals with harsh side effects – medicine more in synch with natural processes. CBD has been studied for it’s relief of chronic pain, inflammation, anxiety, depression, and many others.
If you are interested in CBD as a potential medical treatment option, speak with your medical health practitioner.
CBD is closely related to another important active phytocannabinoid: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound that causes the high that cannabis is famous for.
What is THC?
Tetrahydrocannabinol - or THC - is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis.
Cannabis may affect perception, judgement, balance, motor coordination and reaction times. It may also affect memory, attention span and learning.
A person’s experience when using cannabis depends on a variety of factors:
How the cannabis is consumed -- for example smoked, vaped or eaten.
The amount consumed.
The amount of THC and CBD it contains.
The mood, expectations and health of the person.
The person’s previous history of cannabis or drug use.
Whether the person has consumed alcohol or other drugs.
Whether they have existing medical conditions or mental health problems, or a family history of these conditions.
The most common effect of cannabis use is the “high." Some users feel calm, relaxed and talkative. Appetite often increases. Users may misjudge the passage of time so that minutes seem like hours.
The effects of smoking, vaping or dabbing cannabis can be felt within a few minutes and dissipate slowly over a few hours.
It takes longer for the bloodstream to absorb cannabis when ingested. The effects usually appear within 30 minutes to 2 hours and can last up to 12-24 hours. This slower onset can make it difficult for users to judge the amount they need to consume, and they may eat or drink too much before they feel the effects.
What are TerpenES?
Terpenes (pronounced tur-peens) are aromatic metabolites found in the oils of all plants, including cannabis.
There are more than 20,000 terpenes in existence and at least 100 produced by the cannabis plant. Not unlike other strong-smelling plants and flowers, the development of terpenes in cannabis began for adaptive purposes: to repel predators and lure pollinators. There are many factors that influence a plant’s development of terpenes, including climate, weather, age and maturation, fertilizers, soil type, and even the time of day.
Some of the common terpenes in cannabis include pinene, myrcene, linalool, limonene, caryophyllene, humulene, terpinolene, and ocimene.
HOW DO CBD AND THC INTERACT WITH THE BODY?
CBD and THC interact with our bodies in a variety of ways. One of the main ways they impact us is by mimicking and augmenting the effects of the compounds in our bodies called “endogenous cannabinoids.” These endocannabinoids are part of a regulatory system called the endocannabinoid system.
The discovery of the endocannabinoid system has significantly advanced our understanding of health and disease. It has major implications for nearly every area of medical science and helps to explain how and why CBD and THC are such versatile compounds.
The endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in regulating a broad range of physiological processes that affect our everyday experience – our mood, our energy level, our intestinal fortitude, immune activity, blood pressure, bone density, glucose metabolism, how we experience pain, stress, hunger, and more.
Safe Cannabis Consumption
Cannabis may potentially cause a temporary decrease in coordination, cognitive abilities, and short-term memory loss while impaired. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if impaired by cannabis products. Be especially careful of impairment when eating cannabis products or using extracts. Do not eat cannabis products before swimming or driving. It is illegal to be impaired at work under Occupational Health & Safety legislation. You are required to report to your employer the use of any substance that may cause impairment in the workplace including: cannabis, prescription medications, and over-the-counter medications.
It is illegal to consume cannabis in public places under the Canada Cannabis Act and the Yukon Cannabis Control and Regulation Act. The only place an individual is allowed to consume cannabis is in a private dwelling as defined under the acts. It is illegal to transport open containers containing cannabis unless out of the reach of drivers and passengers. Keep it in the trunk.
Cannabis mixed with alcohol may cause vomiting and nausea. We recommend limiting or stopping your intake of alcohol when using cannabis products. Heavy smoking with no harm reduction techniques may lead to respiratory irritation.
Initial increase in heart rate and/or blood pressure may be problematic for those with heart conditions or severe anxiety. Those receiving digitalis or other cardiac medications should use cannabis under careful supervision by a medical doctor.
There are no significant withdrawal effects when cannabis use is ceased or decreased, however minor restlessness, nausea, and fatigue may be experienced.
According to Health Canada: “Using cannabis or any cannabis product can impair your concentration, your ability to think and make decisions, and your reaction time and coordination. This can affect your motor skills, including your ability to drive. It can also increase anxiety and cause panic attacks, and in some cases cause paranoia and hallucinations.”
Cannabis grading books
Developed for our valued patrons, this softcover booklet features educational information on terpenes, positive and negative characteristics of cannabis flowers, tips on how to grade your cannabis, complete with grading sheets to log your cannabis journey and consumption. Perfect for the novice or connoisseur cannabis enthusiast, use this guide to track preferred favourite cultivars and consumption methods. Stay tuned as we continue to develop additional versions of this grading book, including specific grading and consumption logs for oils, capsules, phase 2.0 products including edibles and concentrates, and even a cultivation specific book!
