Maryland Cannabis Consultants

What is the difference between Sativa and Indica?

 

 

Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica are two main species of the cannabis plant, the other species being Cannabis Ruderalis which refers to the Hemp plant. Ruderalis is generally low in THC with content usually below .3% THC.

 

The two main botanical species of Sativa and Indica are categorized based on the location where they originate from, growth habits, appearance, and medicinal qualities.

 

Indica  strains are cultivated in Japan, Korea, Asia, and Afghanistan and China.  These plants are shorter, bushier, dense and not as fragile as Sativa plants.  They generally grow faster and higher yield than Sativa plants. Typically Indica plants have a higher amount of CBD, but this can vary widely depending upon the strain.

 

The medicinal properties of Indica strains include mental relaxation, sedation, tranquilizing effect, and a decrease in nausea, pain, and muscle tension.  Indica strains are best used at night and can cause sleepiness, sedation, and inactivity.

Sativa strains are generally cultivated in Europe, and the plants are taller, thinner, and have narrower leaves. They have a longer grow cycle and lower yield, and require more light and the leaves are greener in color and not as dark.

 

The prominent medicinal qualities of the Sativa plants include an uplifting, energetic effect useful to combat anxiety, depression, pain, and perhaps have a more pronounced psychoactive effect. Sativa strains can also increase focus and creativity, and are best used during the day. They generally have a lower CBD content and not as sedating as an Indica strain.

 

These distinctions form a general guideline between Sativa and Indica, and Hybrid strains can include characteristics of both.

 

It is also important to note that there are a wide variety of plants in both categories, and an important medical distinction can also depend on the THC:CBD ratio, the terpene content, and ratio of other cannabinoids in the plant. So, the category of Sativa vs Indica becomes blurred based on other components and special qualities of each strain. Different growing conditions can cause differences in potency and effect, and the Sativa vs Indica categories become less important when determining the medicinal qualities. In fact, to determine the actual targeted medicinal effects,  a strain fingerprint is more useful, as this identifies all the cannabinoids and terpenes present in each strain (also called cultivar). There can be overlap of Sativa and Indica characteristics depending upon many variables �€“ growth style, harvesting time, nutrients given, processing techniques, terepene expression, and thc:cbd ratios.

 

The distinction of Sativa vs. Indica is no longer an exclusive determination of the cultivars effect as a medicine, and there are certainly other factors that play a more important role. Sativa vs. Indica can be used as a rough starting point, but due to the plants variability, this distinction is only a rough guideline and many other factors determine the plants medicinal and physiologic effect. These factors can be examined using the exact cannabinoid percentage of each cannabinoid present in the strain, and the exact terpenes present and their ratios in the sample being investigated. This information can be found on the labeled bottles, on the internet, as well as in a strain fingerprint. Steep Hill Labs makes available a variety of strain fingerprints on their website for the major cultivars of cannabis and this information is perhaps more important in determining medicinal effects than the classification of Sativa or Indica.

                        

 

 

 

 

What is the difference between Sativa and Indica?

 

 

Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica are two main species of the cannabis plant, the other species being Cannabis Ruderalis which refers to the Hemp plant. Ruderalis is generally low in THC with content usually below .3% THC.

 

The two main botanical species of Sativa and Indica are categorized based on the location where they originate from, growth habits, appearance, and medicinal qualities.

 

Indica  strains are cultivated in Japan, Korea, Asia, and Afghanistan and China.  These plants are shorter, bushier, dense and not as fragile as Sativa plants.  They generally grow faster and higher yield than Sativa plants. Typically Indica plants have a higher amount of CBD, but this can vary widely depending upon the strain.

 

The medicinal properties of Indica strains include mental relaxation, sedation, tranquilizing effect, and a decrease in nausea, pain, and muscle tension.  Indica strains are best used at night and can cause sleepiness, sedation, and inactivity.

Sativa strains are generally cultivated in Europe, and the plants are taller, thinner, and have narrower leaves. They have a longer grow cycle and lower yield, and require more light and the leaves are greener in color and not as dark.

 

The prominent medicinal qualities of the Sativa plants include an uplifting, energetic effect useful to combat anxiety, depression, pain, and perhaps have a more pronounced psychoactive effect. Sativa strains can also increase focus and creativity, and are best used during the day. They generally have a lower CBD content and not as sedating as an Indica strain.

 

These distinctions form a general guideline between Sativa and Indica, and Hybrid strains can include characteristics of both.

 

It is also important to note that there are a wide variety of plants in both categories, and an important medical distinction can also depend on the THC:CBD ratio, the terpene content, and ratio of other cannabinoids in the plant. So, the category of Sativa vs Indica becomes blurred based on other components and special qualities of each strain. Different growing conditions can cause differences in potency and effect, and the Sativa vs Indica categories become less important when determining the medicinal qualities. In fact, to determine the actual targeted medicinal effects,  a strain fingerprint is more useful, as this identifies all the cannabinoids and terpenes present in each strain (also called cultivar). There can be overlap of Sativa and Indica characterisitics depending upon many variables �€“ growth style, harvesting time, nutrients given, processing techniques, terepene expression, and thc:cbd ratios.

 

The distinction of Sativa vs. Indica is no longer an exclusive determination of the cultivars effect as a medicine, and there are certainly other factors that play a more important role. Sativa vs. Indica can be used as a rough starting point, but due to the plants variability, this distinction is only a rough guideline and many other factors determine the plants medicinal and physiologic effect. These factors can be examined using the exact cannabinoid percentage of each cannabinoid present in the strain, and the exact terpenes present and their ratios in the sample being investigated. This information can be found on the labeled bottles, on the internet, as well as in a strain fingerprint. Steep Hill Labs makes available a variety of strain fingerprints on their web site for the major cultivars of cannabis and this information is perhaps more important in determining medicinal effects than the classification of Sativa or Indica.

                        

 

 

 

 

What is the difference between Sativa and Indica?

 

 

Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica are two main species of the cannabis plant, the other species being Cannabis Ruderalis which refers to the Hemp plant. Ruderalis is generally low in THC with content usually below .3% THC.

 

The two main botanical species of Sativa and Indica are categorized based on the location where they originate from, growth habits, appearance, and medicinal qualities.

 

Indica  strains are cultivated in Japan, Korea, Asia, and Afghanistan and China.  These plants are shorter, bushier, dense and not as fragile as Sativa plants.  They generally grow faster and higher yield than Sativa plants. Typically Indica plants have a higher amount of CBD, but this can vary widely depending upon the strain.

 

The medicinal properties of Indica strains include mental relaxation, sedation, tranquilizing effect, and a decrease in nausea, pain, and muscle tension.  Indica strains are best used at night and can cause sleepiness, sedation, and inactivity.

Sativa strains are generally cultivated in Europe, and the plants are taller, thinner, and have narrower leaves. They have a longer grow cycle and lower yield, and require more light and the leaves are greener in color and not as dark.

 

The prominent medicinal qualities of the Sativa plants include an uplifting, energetic effect useful to combat anxiety, depression, pain, and perhaps have a more pronounced psychoactive effect. Sativa strains can also increase focus and creativity, and are best used during the day. They generally have a lower CBD content and not as sedating as an Indica strain.

 

These distinctions form a general guideline between Sativa and Indica, and Hybrid strains can include characteristics of both.

 

It is also important to note that there are a wide variety of plants in both categories, and an important medical distinction can also depend on the THC:CBD ratio, the terpene content, and ratio of other cannabinoids in the plant. So, the category of Sativa vs Indica becomes blurred based on other components and special qualities of each strain. Different growing conditions can cause differences in potency and effect, and the Sativa vs Indica categories become less important when determining the medicinal qualities. In fact, to determine the actual targeted medicinal effects,  a strain fingerprint is more useful, as this identifies all the cannabinoids and terpenes present in each strain (also called cultivar). There can be overlap of Sativa and Indica characterisitics depending upon many variables �€“ growth style, harvesting time, nutrients given, processing techniques, terepene expression, and thc:cbd ratios.

 

The distinction of Sativa vs. Indica is no longer an exclusive determination of the cultivars effect as a medicine, and there are certainly other factors that play a more important role. Sativa vs. Indica can be used as a rough starting point, but due to the plants variability, this distinction is only a rough guideline and many other factors determine the plants medicinal and physiologic effect. These factors can be examined using the exact cannabinoid percentage of each cannabinoid present in the strain, and the exact terpenes present and their ratios in the sample being investigated. This information can be found on the labeled bottles, on the internet, as well as in a strain fingerprint. Steep Hill Labs makes available a variety of strain fingerprints on their web site for the major cultivars of cannabis and this information is perhaps more important in determining medicinal effects than the classification of Sativa or Indica.

                        

 

 

 

 

What is the difference between Sativa and Indica?

 

 

Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica are two main species of the cannabis plant, the other species being Cannabis Ruderalis which refers to the Hemp plant. Ruderalis is generally low in THC with content usually below .3% THC.

 

The two main botanical species of Sativa and Indica are categorized based on the location where they originate from, growth habits, appearance, and medicinal qualities.

 

Indica  strains are cultivated in Japan, Korea, Asia, and Afghanistan and China.  These plants are shorter, bushier, dense and not as fragile as Sativa plants.  They generally grow faster and higher yield than Sativa plants. Typically Indica plants have a higher amount of CBD, but this can vary widely depending upon the strain.

 

The medicinal properties of Indica strains include mental relaxation, sedation, tranquilizing effect, and a decrease in nausea, pain, and muscle tension.  Indica strains are best used at night and can cause sleepiness, sedation, and inactivity.

Sativa strains are generally cultivated in Europe, and the plants are taller, thinner, and have narrower leaves. They have a longer grow cycle and lower yield, and require more light and the leaves are greener in color and not as dark.

 

The prominent medicinal qualities of the Sativa plants include an uplifting, energetic effect useful to combat anxiety, depression, pain, and perhaps have a more pronounced psychoactive effect. Sativa strains can also increase focus and creativity, and are best used during the day. They generally have a lower CBD content and not as sedating as an Indica strain.

 

These distinctions form a general guideline between Sativa and Indica, and Hybrid strains can include characteristics of both.

 

It is also important to note that there are a wide variety of plants in both categories, and an important medical distinction can also depend on the THC:CBD ratio, the terpene content, and ratio of other cannabinoids in the plant. So, the category of Sativa vs Indica becomes blurred based on other components and special qualities of each strain. Different growing conditions can cause differences in potency and effect, and the Sativa vs Indica categories become less important when determining the medicinal qualities. In fact, to determine the actual targeted medicinal effects,  a strain fingerprint is more useful, as this identifies all the cannabinoids and terpenes present in each strain (also called cultivar). There can be overlap of Sativa and Indica characterisitics depending upon many variables �€“ growth style, harvesting time, nutrients given, processing techniques, terepene expression, and thc:cbd ratios.

 

The distinction of Sativa vs. Indica is no longer an exclusive determination of the cultivars effect as a medicine, and there are certainly other factors that play a more important role. Sativa vs. Indica can be used as a rough starting point, but due to the plants variability, this distinction is only a rough guideline and many other factors determine the plants medicinal and physiologic effect. These factors can be examined using the exact cannabinoid percentage of each cannabinoid present in the strain, and the exact terpenes present and their ratios in the sample being investigated. This information can be found on the labeled bottles, on the internet, as well as in a strain fingerprint. Steep Hill Labs makes available a variety of strain fingerprints on their web site for the major cultivars of cannabis and this information is perhaps more important in determining medicinal effects than the classification of Sativa or Indica.

                        

 

 

 

 

What is the difference between Sativa and Indica?

 

 

Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica are two main species of the cannabis plant, the other species being Cannabis Ruderalis which refers to the Hemp plant. Ruderalis is generally low in THC with content usually below .3% THC.

 

The two main botanical species of Sativa and Indica are categorized based on the location where they originate from, growth habits, appearance, and medicinal qualities.

 

Indica  strains are cultivated in Japan, Korea, Asia, and Afghanistan and China.  These plants are shorter, bushier, dense and not as fragile as Sativa plants.  They generally grow faster and higher yield than Sativa plants. Typically Indica plants have a higher amount of CBD, but this can vary widely depending upon the strain.

 

The medicinal properties of Indica strains include mental relaxation, sedation, tranquilizing effect, and a decrease in nausea, pain, and muscle tension.  Indica strains are best used at night and can cause sleepiness, sedation, and inactivity.

Sativa strains are generally cultivated in Europe, and the plants are taller, thinner, and have narrower leaves. They have a longer grow cycle and lower yield, and require more light and the leaves are greener in color and not as dark.

 

The prominent medicinal qualities of the Sativa plants include an uplifting, energetic effect useful to combat anxiety, depression, pain, and perhaps have a more pronounced psychoactive effect. Sativa strains can also increase focus and creativity, and are best used during the day. They generally have a lower CBD content and not as sedating as an Indica strain.

 

These distinctions form a general guideline between Sativa and Indica, and Hybrid strains can include characteristics of both.

 

It is also important to note that there are a wide variety of plants in both categories, and an important medical distinction can also depend on the THC:CBD ratio, the terpene content, and ratio of other cannabinoids in the plant. So, the category of Sativa vs Indica becomes blurred based on other components and special qualities of each strain. Different growing conditions can cause differences in potency and effect, and the Sativa vs Indica categories become less important when determining the medicinal qualities. In fact, to determine the actual targeted medicinal effects,  a strain fingerprint is more useful, as this identifies all the cannabinoids and terpenes present in each strain (also called cultivar). There can be overlap of Sativa and Indica characterisitics depending upon many variables �€“ growth style, harvesting time, nutrients given, processing techniques, terepene expression, and thc:cbd ratios.

 

The distinction of Sativa vs. Indica is no longer an exclusive determination of the cultivars effect as a medicine, and there are certainly other factors that play a more important role. Sativa vs. Indica can be used as a rough starting point, but due to the plants variability, this distinction is only a rough guideline and many other factors determine the plants medicinal and physiologic effect. These factors can be examined using the exact cannabinoid percentage of each cannabinoid present in the strain, and the exact terpenes present and their ratios in the sample being investigated. This information can be found on the labeled bottles, on the internet, as well as in a strain fingerprint. Steep Hill Labs makes available a variety of strain fingerprints on their web site for the major cultivars of cannabis and this information is perhaps more important in determining medicinal effects than the classification of Sativa or Indica.

                        

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica are two main species of the cannabis plant, the other species being Cannabis Ruderalis which refers to the Hemp plant. Ruderalis is generally low in THC with content usually below .3% THC.

 

The two main botanical species of Sativa and Indica are categorized based on the location where they originate from, growth habits, appearance, and medicinal qualities.

 

Indica  strains are cultivated in Japan, Korea, Asia, and Afghanistan and China.  These plants are shorter, bushier, dense and not as fragile as Sativa plants.  They generally grow faster and higher yield than Sativa plants. Typically Indica plants have a higher amount of CBD, but this can vary widely depending upon the strain.

 

The medicinal properties of Indica strains include mental relaxation, sedation, tranquilizing effect, and a decrease in nausea, pain, and muscle tension.  Indica strains are best used at night and can cause sleepiness, sedation, and inactivity. 

Sativa strains are generally cultivated in Europe, and the plants are taller, thinner, and have narrower leaves. They have a longer grow cycle and lower yield, and require more light and the leaves are greener in color and not as dark. 

 

The prominent medicinal qualities of the Sativa plants include an uplifting, energetic effect useful to combat anxiety, depression, pain, and perhaps have a more pronounced psychoactive effect. Sativa strains can also increase focus and creativity, and are best used during the day. They generally have a lower CBD content and not as sedating as an Indica strain.

 

These distinctions form a general guideline between Sativa and Indica, and Hybrid strains can include characteristics of both.

 

It is also important to note that there are a wide variety of plants in both categories, and an important medical distinction can also depend on the THC:CBD ratio, the terpene content, and ratio of other cannabinoids in the plant. So, the category of Sativa vs Indica becomes blurred based on other components and special qualities of each strain. Different growing conditions can cause differences in potency and effect, and the Sativa vs Indica categories become less important when determining the medicinal qualities. In fact, to determine the actual targeted medicinal effects,  a strain fingerprint is more useful, as this identifies all the cannabinoids and terpenes present in each strain (also called cultivar). There can be overlap of Sativa and Indica characterisitics depending upon many variables �€“ growth style, harvesting time, nutrients given, processing techniques, terepene expression, and thc:cbd ratios.

 

The distinction of Sativa vs. Indica is no longer an exclusive determination of the cultivars effect as a medicine, and there are certainly other factors that play a more important role. Sativa vs. Indica can be used as a rough starting point, but due to the plants variability, this distinction is only a rough guideline and many other factors determine the plants medicinal and physiologic effect. These factors can be examined using the exact cannabinoid percentage of each cannabinoid present in the strain, and the exact terpenes present and their ratios in the sample being investigated. This information can be found on the labeled bottles, on the internet, as well as in a strain fingerprint. Steep Hill Labs makes available a variety of strain fingerprints on their web site for the major cultivars of cannabis and this information is perhaps more important in determining medicinal effects than the classification of Sativa or Indica.

                         

 

 

 

 

 

Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica are two main species of the cannabis plant, the other species being Cannabis Ruderalis which refers to the Hemp plant. Ruderalis is generally low in THC with content usually below .3% THC.

 

The two main botanical species of Sativa and Indica are categorized based on the location where they originate from, growth habits, appearance, and medicinal qualities.

 

Indica  strains are cultivated in Japan, Korea, Asia, and Afghanistan and China.  These plants are shorter, bushier, dense and not as fragile as Sativa plants.  They generally grow faster and higher yield than Sativa plants. Typically Indica plants have a higher amount of CBD, but this can vary widely depending upon the strain.

 

The medicinal properties of Indica strains include mental relaxation, sedation, tranquilizing effect, and a decrease in nausea, pain, and muscle tension.  Indica strains are best used at night and can cause sleepiness, sedation, and inactivity. 

Sativa strains are generally cultivated in Europe, and the plants are taller, thinner, and have narrower leaves. They have a longer grow cycle and lower yield, and require more light and the leaves are greener in color and not as dark. 

 

The prominent medicinal qualities of the Sativa plants include an uplifting, energetic effect useful to combat anxiety, depression, pain, and perhaps have a more pronounced psychoactive effect. Sativa strains can also increase focus and creativity, and are best used during the day. They generally have a lower CBD content and not as sedating as an Indica strain.

 

These distinctions form a general guideline between Sativa and Indica, and Hybrid strains can include characteristics of both.

 

It is also important to note that there are a wide variety of plants in both categories, and an important medical distinction can also depend on the THC:CBD ratio, the terpene content, and ratio of other cannabinoids in the plant. So, the category of Sativa vs Indica becomes blurred based on other components and special qualities of each strain. Different growing conditions can cause differences in potency and effect, and the Sativa vs Indica categories become less important when determining the medicinal qualities. In fact, to determine the actual targeted medicinal effects,  a strain fingerprint is more useful, as this identifies all the cannabinoids and terpenes present in each strain (also called cultivar). There can be overlap of Sativa and Indica characterisitics depending upon many variables �€“ growth style, harvesting time, nutrients given, processing techniques, terepene expression, and thc:cbd ratios.

 

The distinction of Sativa vs. Indica is no longer an exclusive determination of the cultivars effect as a medicine, and there are certainly other factors that play a more important role. Sativa vs. Indica can be used as a rough starting point, but due to the plants variability, this distinction is only a rough guideline and many other factors determine the plants medicinal and physiologic effect. These factors can be examined using the exact cannabinoid percentage of each cannabinoid present in the strain, and the exact terpenes present and their ratios in the sample being investigated. This information can be found on the labeled bottles, on the internet, as well as in a strain fingerprint. Steep Hill Labs makes available a variety of strain fingerprints on their web site for the major cultivars of cannabis and this information is perhaps more important in determining medicinal effects than the classification of Sativa or Indica.

                         

 

 

 

When I was younger, all I wanted was to be skinny. My birthday wishes and prayers were always about my body. It was my number one goal in life--a goal that almost led me to my grave.

I spent over half of my life dedicated to my eating disorder. The behaviors became normalized, the thoughts became constant and the secret of it all became bigger. I didn't know that my anorexia would take over my l​ife the way it did. I thought it was just how things were. As I told one of my friends a few years ago, I thought everyone felt the same way about their bodies, so I really didn't think I was any different. My dream of being skinny developed into a full fledged eating disorder. The combination of anorexia, depression and anxiety became a braid of death that had looped itself around my neck.

As I continuously destroyed my body through starvation, forced vomiting, laxative abuse, over-exercising and self-harm, my life was slowly ending. At one point, I was in the cardiac unit of the hospital. My heart rate was dipping to 30 bpm and I was hooked up to an IV 24/7 to replenish all of my fluids. My parents would ask the doctors if I was going to die in my sleep and they could only respond with "not tonight." My kidneys were failing at one point and my digestive system wasn't working properly at all. I repeatedly gained and lost the same 55ish pounds, straining my heart more and more each time. There were times when I could barely make it up the stairs and other times when I could no longer drive because turning the wheel of my car was too difficult. My hair was falling out and my coccyx bone could be seen through my leggings. My hip bones stuck out further than my breasts and my chest bones were visible through my skin. I was constantly cold and my body began to grow fur all over to help keep me warm. I became a walking bag of bones, but I couldn't even see it. I still thought I was too big.

My body was not the only thing that was deteriorating--so was my mind. My brain had become extremely starved due to the lack of fat in my diet. Standing up would make me blackout. I couldn't focus on anything anymore. I rarely slept because I had developed insomnia, so all of my nights were spent listening to my starved brain explaining all the reasons why living wasn't worth it anymore. If I was having a conversation with someone, it was always cut short; I would begin to say something and then drop out mid-sentence because I had already forgotten what I was going to say. My brain was shutting down on me and wouldn't let me understand how much danger I was in. I truly didn't believe everyone when they said that I was going to die.

When I had been admitted to my final psychiatric hospital for treatment, I had already been using cannabis recreationally for a few years. I usually just smoked with my friends for fun. I never really thought about using it in a medical fashion. The first time I realized how beneficial was when I had gone home from treatment for a weekend. I had to eat a specific number of meals and snacks, which was really difficult for me and then it occured to me--why not eat an edible as a snack? It just made so much sense. When I introduced the use of cannabis into my recovery process, I really noticed a difference. I’ve been in treatment for my eating disorder multiple times, but typically kept my cannabis usage separate from my eating disorder treatment. For someone who is recovering, (or fully recovered) from anorexia, smoking weed can be an amazingly helpful tool. With my anorexia there were the constant cyclic destructive thoughts that seemed to have no end, a painfully knotted stomach whenever I was near food and a general inability to function properly. My final psychiatric hospital team managed to create an amazing medication cocktail that got me back up on my feet.
Though I still had one big issue; I had trouble sleeping and my physical anxiety symptoms would randomly pop up out of nowhere. The only thing I had to control those problems were the benzodiazepines I had been prescribed. Unfortunately, those types of medication (in my case: Ativan and Ambien) would build up in my system, causing another type of addiction to develop. Marijuana, however, doesn’t have that same addictive quality. When I moved to Los Angeles, my depression and anxiety began to ramp up due to being in a brand new environment. I was having trouble cooking for myself, getting out of bed and just being able to take care of myself in general. I very much recall one evening when my disorders hit me pretty hard--I hadn’t been able to eat all day, my thoughts wouldn’t stop racing and my body just wouldn’t stop shaking. After taking a few hits, that all changed: My stomach muscles relaxed themselves. I stopped shaking. My thought processes slowed down and I could better decipher which ones were rational and which were irrational. The change that marijuana made in just a few minutes was astounding. Had I been continuously taking the benzos I had been prescribed, my system wouldn’t have had such a strong and fast acting reaction. My tolerance would’ve been too high for my body to feel any of the medication’s effects. The same goes for my problems with insomnia. There are some nights when I just cannot get my body and mind to rest. I was taking Ambien every night for a while, until I realized that my body was going to develop a tolerance to that as well. After testing out different indica, sativa and hybrid marijuana strains, I was able to find one that works for me and helps me gently fall asleep.

Thankfully, I am no longer clouded by my anorexic, depressive and anxiety producing thoughts. I willingly gained nearly 60 pounds in order to get my life back. I take multiple medications twice a day to keep my sick thoughts at bay and to make sure my digestive tract is still working properly. On top of that, using marijuana has been extremely beneficial. It almost seems to act as a booster for what is already in my system. In my recovery, I am learning to love myself more and more each day. My eating disorder took nearly everything from me and I am so thankful that I have been able to come back to life. With constant support from my family and friends, my therapist and psychiatrist, my coworkers and everyone else around me, I have been able to overcome this disease that some people truly believed was never going recover from. Marijuana helped my recovery immensely and still does to this day.

                                                                             Alzheimers Disease and MMJ

Alzheimer’s disease is generally considered an age related neurological disease involving dementia, forgetfulness, and lack of proper brain function mostly in elderly patients. It can be progressive and severely debilitating both for the patients and their caregiver, and current treatment options and drugs are limited and not always effective.

 

Controversial topics surround the use of medical cannabinoids for the treatment of disease, and the use of cannabis compounds in order to treat or reduce the symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease is a perfect example.  Studies are limited, and have included such organizations as NIH, The Salk Institute, Psychology today, The Alzheimer’s Society, The Scripps Institute, among others. Israeli scientists at Tel Aviv University and other Israeli researchers are also using cannabis clinically in nursing homes and for the elderly, and these studies will soon be forthcoming with additional information. According to preliminary Israel clinical trials, “Adding medical cannabis oil to Alzheimer’s patients’ pharmacotherapy is a safe and promising treatment option.”

 

 

On one hand, it seems that the use of cannabis and particularly THC can work to dull memory or affect the area of the brain (the hippocampus) which are involved in the disease process. Specifically, THC has been shown in one study to decrease the blood flow to the hippocampus, possibly with the result of cannabis promoting or increasing the susceptibility to the disease. This is currently a hypothesis and not clinically proven, but part of a published study by the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. It is perhaps true that the use of cannabis may not prevent the occurrence of Alzheimer’s, but perhaps play a role in mitigating symptoms, particularly aggression and lack of calm sleep for these patients.

 

Some other studies show that the amyloid plaque buildup and neural inflammation associated with the disease is reduced using THC. Specifically, it was seen that marijuana reduced the Beta Amyloid Plaque buildup in the brain, and this result also verified in lab studies in test tubes and non- human models. The production of the Beta Amyloid plaque was reduced, and it was also noted that the neural inflammation seen in Alzheimer’s neural tissues was reduced as well. It is not known currently which of the different cannabinoids (i.e. THC, CBD, etc.) and their specific effect on human trials using cannabis, are beneficial in the treatment of the disease. Current thinking is that while it is possible cannabis can influence the disease process on a physiologic basis, it is likely that it can play a role in the symptomatology of these patients rather than offer a cure. By reducing the amyloid plaque and neural inflammation in the brains of these patients, clinical benefits may follow.

 

 

One author notes that “There is some interesting evidence at laboratory level that certain components of cannabis may be able to target the underlying processes behind dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease. However, at present there is a lack of good quality evidence and understanding as to how cannabis use affects a person's risk of dementia, or whether the drug can help to manage some of the symptoms of the condition. As cannabis use could negatively affect memory and thinking, particularly in heavy users, much more research needs to be done to tease apart any potential benefits and drawbacks.”

 

While a study performed by Psychology Today claims “The evidence available from studies of humans and animal models of Alzheimer’s disease do indicate that long-term, low-dose daily exposure, during mid-life, to the complex blend of compounds found in the marijuana plant can effectively slow the brain processes underlying Alzheimer’s disease”.

 

It is noteworthy that in considering the use of cannabis for Alzheimer’s, it is recommended that these patients are followed and monitored carefully by an experienced provider of medical cannabis to eliminate or reduce unwanted side effects that can occur with cannabinoids. As cannabis inevitably works its way into nursing homes and for elder care, more light will be shed on the use of cannabinoids in both the treatment of this disease and also its use to help with the symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                         Anorexia and Cachexia

 

     Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder based on the overwhelming fear of becoming fat or overweight. Cachexia is also known as the wasting syndrome, and can result in lack of appetite, emaciation, weakness and fatigue.  Both of these disorders involve lack of proper nutrition and the inability to intake, regulate, and control eating to maintain proper homeostatic balance and well-being. There are psychological, social, medical, and digestive issues to consider. This article will look at the effects of medical cannabis on anorexia and cachexia and the negative impact these disease’s can have.

 

     The result of anorexia is an aversion toward food which results in major weight loss, self-starvation, emaciation and undernourishment. In addition, other bodily systems are affected and it can cause hormonal imbalances, anemia, irregular heartbeat and the development of brittle bones, as well as mental imbalance. Patients can easily suffer from anxiety and depression, as well as other mental deficits and delusions.  Victims of anorexia also can have excessive dieting, extreme exercising, severe weight loss, and a distorted body image. In addition, food becomes an obsession, calorie counting is common, and these patients experience hair loss, suppression of menstrual cycle (90% afflicted are females), insomnia, and constipation or bulimia (vomiting to lose weight). About half of anorexics become bulimic and purge after eating to prevent weight gain.

 

     The onset of anorexia is generally in adolescence or young adulthood, and it affects about 1% of American women. A serious illness, this disease can require prompt and extensive medical intervention by a team of doctors and specialists. Approximately 15% of anorexics can die from this disease in severe cases. Anorexics can become angry or defensive if others try to intervene to treat this disease, and most deny or refuse to admit that they have a problem. Psychological factors play a key role in this disease, and anorexics have high levels of achievement, and are often compulsive and perfectionists. They have a negative body image and feel that they are fat- when in fact they are emaciated, skinny, and gaunt. The diagnosis of this disease is made upon observation of emaciation in your body due to fasting, and key psychological signs of food obsession and compulsiveness.

 

     Cachexia, or wasting syndrome, is characterized by weight loss as well, but body mass is lost mainly as a result of skeletal muscle loss with or without loss of fat tissue. More than just loss of appetite, cachexia is usually due to an underlying disease state such as AIDS or cancer. It can also be common in multiple sclerosis patients (MS), those with obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and tuberculosis. The key to treating cachexia and anorexia is to reverse the loss of muscle mass, increase food and caloric intake, and regain normal body mass and function. Patients with cancer can develop cachexia due to the cancer itself, or from the chemotherapy, radiation, or surgical treatments. Some may have the inability to eat properly, for example due to oral cancer involving pain and difficulty in eating or swallowing. Others have diminished or no appetite and simply become adverse toward food and nutrition, and the smell or taste of food can become repulsive. These cachexia patients slowly decline due to the underlying disease, and they continually lose weight and need motivation and discipline to force eating properly. Patients receiving chemotherapy for cancer can also experience chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), which can make eating difficult. In some cases of cachexia, it can become difficult to even ingest liquids and a feeding tube, or PEG (gastric feeding tube) may be necessary.

 

     It is recognized by cannabis practitioners and researchers that the endocannabinoid system regulates appetite, and it can control digestive functions as well as regulate appetite and food intake. Cannabinoids stimulate receptors in the hypothalamus and structures in the hindbrain to regulate appetite and stimulate eating. It is also postulated that phytocannabinoids modulate cytokine activity and inflammation in the immune system. It is possible that the inflammatory response linked to cytokine activity is responsible for cachexia, so further research is being done in this area. There is also an interaction between cannabis and the protein Leptin which is important in appetite control and stimulation.               

 

     Conventional medications used to treat these two diseases can often be effective for nausea and vomiting, but not effective in stimulating the appetite. In 1992, a cannabinoid medication called Marinol (Dronabinol) was approved by the FDA for stimulating the appetite in AIDS patients. This is made from synthetic THC only, and no other components. It was patented by the US Government even though it was a schedule 1 drug. Although it was partly effective, it lacked the other myriad of compounds in the cannabis plant, and users experienced an uncomfortable psychoactive effect and many discontinued use or switched to vaping or smoking the cannabis flowers. As a cancer survivor myself, I can attest to the benefit of whole plant cannabis compared to just the THC in Marinol in being effective to combat nausea, vomiting, and poor appetite.

 

     Inhaled or vaped cannabis with a balance of THC and CBD in a 1:1 ratio can be beneficial to stimulate the appetite in both patients with anorexia and cachexia, and reduce the adverse or unwelcome side effects of THC when used alone. Some studies also indicate that oral ingestion of cannabinoids is also very effective, with a slower onset and longer duration than smoked cannabis. THC is the predominant cannabinoid responsible for appetite stimulation, but a sufficient quantity of CBD is necessary to combat unwelcome side effects of THC in non- cannabis users. Important to note is that the cannabinoid THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) is also an appetite suppressant and of no benefit in these two disease’s where additional appetite stimulation is needed. In fact, it is contraindicated. Durban Poison, for example, is a strain that is high in THCV, and this is contra-indicated for use. Note however that THCV has a high vapor point (428 degrees F*) and will not liberate when vaping the flowers, but it is liberated when smoking the flowers. Varieties of cannabis that are high in beta-caryophyllene, a terpene often found in cannabis, are also recommended. Strains of cannabis high in CBDV (cannabidivarin) are also being studied and are promising to use to treat these conditions.  

 

     GW Pharmaceuticals, a company growing and researching cannabis in Great Britain, is also doing clinical studies and has applied for a patent to use CBG (cannabigerol) to treat cachexia. In summary, any high THC strain with the distinct peppery aroma of beta-caryophyllene and also CBG and CBDV is recommended. Panama Red, Super Skunk, and most Mexican landraces contain adequate beta-caryophllene, as well as many other strains. Strain fingerprints and analysis of cannabinoids and terpenes will allow for a better choice of cannabis used to treat these conditions. This information can be found on the internet simply by searching under the term “cannabis strain fingerprints”.  Five common cannabinoids and five common terpenes are diagrammed in each strain fingerprint, and thereby appropriate strains for these two disease’s can be targeted (i.e. high THC, high beta-caryophyllene, CBG and CBDV).

 

     Cannabis has been known anecdotally for years to increase appetite and give users the “munchies”. It is known to combat the metabolic syndrome, and also regulate weight gain by increasing carbohydrate metabolism and it can also limit the appetite in some people. But by and large it is an appetite stimulant hands down!!  Now science and research has led to multiple avenues of investigation on how this effect occurs and thru what mechanism it is mediated. Unfortunately, cannabis does not lend itself readily to randomized controlled clinical studies due to the inherent multiplicity of compounds in the plant, and variations in effect with each individual. Patients with this disease require a myriad of therapies involving several specialties, cognitive behavioral therapy, continued care and follow up, and also the addressing of underlying mental health issues. As far as a pharmaceutical approach, cannabis therapy should not be ruled out, as other drugs seem relatively ineffective or have adverse side effects. However, skilled guidance by a cannabis practitioner with knowledge of the disease and medical cannabis can be of benefit, and perhaps improve the odds of cure or remission.

 

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