Higher Education

Experiencing a catastrophic or traumatic event sometimes leads to a disabling syndrome known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Often associated with war veterans, PTSD can also be attributed to many other types of life-altering experiences that permeate our thoughts and damage our ability to cope with everyday life.

Reliving trauma can reveal itself in flashbacks, nightmares and paranoia that conventional treatments like therapy and pharmaceuticals don’t always help.

Fortunately, researchers are now looking at medical cannabis as a totally different kind of therapeutic option for PTSD.

Supporting Research

Much of the existing evidence for medical cannabis as a PTSD treatment comes from patients worldwide who’ve reported personal success.

However, a recent Washington State University study of 400 PTSD patients published in the Journal of Affective Disorders shows medical marijuana temporarily reduced the severity of recurring traumatic memories by more than 62%.

How It Works

THC and CBD – the two primary cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant – activate different endocannabinoid receptors in our bodies that lead to a variety of physical and psychological effects.

Research using brain imaging suggests that PTSD patients have an overabundance of endocannabinoid receptors, but produce a limited number of cannabinoids to bind with them. That means that supplementing the body with plant-based cannabinoids like THC and CBD could directly help by normalizing certain brain functions affected by PTSD.

Forms Of Cannabis Consumption

• Smoking/Vaping
• Tinctures/Oils
• Topicals
• Edibles Capsules

Your Next Steps

If you suffer from PTSD, discuss the medical cannabis options that could benefit you most with your Personal Service Provider. Remember to always start with small amounts to learn the strains and dosages that deliver the optimum relief. Keeping a journal of the strains you sample while noting the potency, effects and duration of relief is also advisable.*

*This treatment is not meant to or claims to be a complete cure or in lieu of medical advice or treatment.

Medical cannabis has been shown to improve the quality of life for people who suffer from debilitating chronic pain, or pain related to other illnesses. Using it as an alternative to traditional pain medications – including opioids – is gaining ground as research continues and positive anecdotal reports are on the rise.

Conditions And Symptoms Treated By Medical Cannabis*

• Chronic Pain
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Nausea
• Migraines
• Fibromyalgia
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• HIV/AIDS related Pain
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Sciatica
• Seizures
• Neuropathy
• Cancer Care Symptom Management
• Crohn’s Disease

Supporting Research

The Journal of the American Medical Association published a Harvard-led review of 28 research studies that showed the potential of medical marijuana to provide relief from chronic pain.

Another study from the University of Michigan appearing in the Journal of Pain showed that  64% of medical marijuana patients suffering from chronic pain achieved a better quality of life by using medical cannabis.

How It Works

THC and CBD – the two primary cannabinoids found in cannabis – activate different endocannabinoid receptors in our bodies that lead to a variety of effects.

Because THC binds to the natural cannabinoid receptors in the brain that help with pain-relief, mood and sleep, it can reduce the sensation of pain in humans.

As for CBD, researchers hypothesize that it interacts with the neurotransmitter serotonin and has beneficial neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties.

Cannabis products that combine both CBD and THC may be the most effective way to treat chronic pain since CBD appears to buffer the psychoactivity that accompanies THC highs.

Forms Of Consumption

• Smoking/Vaping
• Tinctures/Oils
• Topicals
• Edibles
• Capsules

Your Next Steps

Discuss the medical cannabis options for your kind of pain with your Personal Service Provider. Remember to always start with small doses to learn the strains and dosages that benefit you the most. Keeping a journal of the strains you sample while noting the potency, effects and duration of relief is also advisable. **

*And qualified by a medical physician.

**This treatment is not meant to or claims to be a complete cure or in lieu of medical advice or treatment.

People with extreme anxiety feel nervous and worried most of the time – not just in stressful situations. Their worries are persistent and can interfere with many aspects of everyday life.

As more and more chronically anxious people turn to cannabis for relief, thousands of positive anecdotes are emerging. Research has been limited in this area, but some new studies show the potential of cannabis in benefiting those with acute anxiety symptoms.

Supporting Research

In 2019, a team of scientists at Washington State University conducted a breakthrough study to examine how medical cannabis combats anxiety. They investigated different strains with both THC and CBD being consumed by patients during sessions in their homes. Previous studies had only observed patients who took THC capsules in a lab setting.

What they found was fascinating:

• Medical marijuana patients inhaling cannabis experienced a significant reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms in 89.3% of their sessions.
• One puff of cannabis high in CBD and low in THC was optimal for reducing symptoms of depression
• Two puffs of any cannabis was sufficient to reduce symptoms of anxiety
• 10 or more puffs of cannabis high in CBD and THC produced the largest reductions in stress

Surprisingly, women in the study noticed greater reduction in anxiety symptoms than men.

How It Works

THC, CBD and other cannabinoids found in cannabis plants target receptors in our bodies that may help in the treatment of anxiety, stress and depression. Because THC binds to the natural cannabinoid receptors in the brain that control our moods and emotions, it can also impact the feelings of anxiety we experience.

As for CBD, researchers hypothesize that it interacts with the neurotransmitter serotonin and has beneficial neuroprotective properties that can reduce stress and anxiety responses.

Forms Of Consumption

• Smoking/Vaping
• Tinctures/Oils
• Topicals
• Edibles
• Capsules

Your Next Steps

Discuss the medical cannabis options for anxiety with your Personal Service Provider. Remember to always start with small amounts to learn which strains and dosages benefit you the most. Keeping a journal of the strains you sample while noting the potency, effects and duration of relief is also advisable.*

*This treatment is not meant to or claims to be a complete cure or in lieu of medical advice or treatment.

When it comes to cannabinoids, THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is typically the one most widely known. Perhaps it’s because THC is the cannabinoid that produces the psychological effects of cannabis, or the “high.”

In our body’s complex endocannabinoid system (ECS), THC attaches to our cellular receptors and activates them. Medical marijuana studies have shown how THC can impact our memory, thought processes, concentration, pleasure, and coordination.

Dopamine And Cannabis

The euphoria associated with THC comes from dopamine, one of our brain’s neurotransmitters, that’s stimulated by this powerful medical marijuana compound. Dopamine helps to regulate our emotional responses, learning, and movement. So it’s understandable why we are affected when THC goes to work.

We can credit the discovery and isolation of THC from marijuana to Israeli researcher Raphael Mechoulam. In 1964 he experimented with Lebanese hashish to isolate THC and succeeded. His feat earned him the distinction of being called the marijuana research pioneer of modern times. Mechoulam’s breakthrough inspired further studies soon leading to the discovery of many other cannabinoids.

Psychoactive Effects Of THC In Medical Marijuana

So how does THC create the euphoria associated with the medical marijuana high? It works by binding the cannabinoid receptors in our central nervous system and brain which subsequently produces the intoxication of medical marijuana.

It’s a great idea to research new strains before trying them. You’ll also enjoy learning some science along the way. Understanding which cannabinoids and terpenes are present as you sample different strains will no doubt help you make good choices at the dispensary.

Ways To Consume THC In Medical Marijuana

• Dried flower smoking or vaping
• Edibles
• Tinctures
• Topicals
• Concentrates
• Suppositories

Journal Your Medical Marijuana Experiences

As you start to experiment with medical marijuana, consider keeping a journal of the products you’ve tried and how they made you feel. Maybe you tried a medical marijuana edible, or a new strain of dried flower. Note how the THC in the medical marijuana affected you since you may want to adjust the dosage in the future.

On your next Nature’s Medicines visit, be sure to talk to your Personal Service Provider about any questions you have regarding medical marijuana or THC.