Marco illustrates:
Cannabis’s Entourage Effect:
Why Whole Plant Medicine Matters
Photo: Tim Elkington, Cannasouth
containing only THC or CBD aren’t always sufficient for many
medical conditions...
What are 'THC and CBD Only' medicines?
THC-only medicines primarily refer to synthetic renderings of THC,
the two most popular being Marinol (dronabinol) and Cesamet
(nabilone). These are legal pharmaceuticals primarily prescribed
to treat cancer-related nausea, but their efficacy is questionable.
A 2011 survey on forms of consumption found only 1.8% of 953
patients prefer synthetic THC pharmaceuticals over inhaled or
infused methods. Furthermore, it can take hours for a THC-only pill
to deliver relief whereas inhaled methods take effect immediately.
CBD-only medicines have been gaining momentum in recent
years following the media frenzy around Charlotte’s Web, a non-
intoxicating cannabis strain that was processed into a CBD-rich oil
for an epileptic child. The miraculous remedy prompted several
states to adopt CBD-only laws under which THC-rich medicines
remain illegal. While CBD-only cannabis medicines have proven
to be life-changing for many individuals, these laws mainly exist
to help those suffering from seizures.
Take a closer look at your
cannabis buds...
T
hey’re covered in a sticky dusting of crystal resin,
which contains hundreds of therapeutic compounds
known as cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids (CTF).
We assume you’re well acquainted with THC and CBD, but these
are just two among many important players working together
to produce specific effects.
This interactive synergy between cannabis compounds
has been coined the “Entourage Effect,”
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and once you know what this is, you’ll see why medicines
That is not to say that synthetic, hemp-based, and CBD-only
medicines aren’t effective options for many patients, especially
as laws limit access to alternatives. These types of products have
served a monumental role both as medicine and as a legislative
stepping stone. But what more can patients get from whole
plant medicine?
What makes “Whole Plant Medicine” different?
“Whole plant medicine” is a term used to describe medicines
utilizing the full spectrum of therapeutic compounds cannabis
has to offer. A glimpse of the most abundant cannabinoids,
terpenes and flavonoids is provided next page in our two graphics
illustrating the properties and benefits of each...
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