Cannabis: What is it?

Written by: Heather Huff-Bogart for Muskoka seniors Magazine, Jan 12, 2022

Occasionally, something comes along that peaks people's curiosity, and even though, it's been around for centuries, with the recent legalization, cannabis is one of those things. People have many questions, and we're here to answer them for you with this column.

However, first, it's important to understand what it is. Cannabis is a plant that has many similarities to many other plants that we all use on a regular basis. It produces terpenes (scent and flavour) the same as a tomato would. The biggest difference is that cannabis produces higher chemical compositions, that directly work our bodies receptors through our endocannabinoid system (ECS). The most understood chemical compositions produced are known as Phytocannabinoids. Many other plants contain Phytocannabinoids (cannabinoids) just on a lesser level than cannabis itself, like, black pepper, flax seed, echinacea, chocolate and more.

Cannabis produces over 100 different cannabinoids, but we are going to focus on the two most popular and understood cannabinoids, CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (Delta 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol).

We get asked all the time what is CBD and THC?

CBD is found to be non-intoxicating and not overly psychoactive. (i) Research has shown though that it can influence your mind and body. It has been found that CBD works best when taken with a very low dose of THC, as THC will help carry the CBD to your appropriate internal receptors. As well, it could help reduce the high if you have taken too much THC. When taking CBD, keep in mind that for it to work at its full potential you must take it daily and the full effects are usually not felt right away, it normally takes about 1 to 2 weeks to fully get into your system. Research has shown that CBD can be an incredible asset to our ECS and bodies.

(ii)THC is the psychoactive component of cannabis and what provides the “high”. The cannabinoid THC is not actually found in the cannabis plant, its predecessor is THC-A. The cannabinoid THC-A (A is for acidic) changes or is converted to THC when dried, cured and decarboxylated (or activated or heated up). (iv) Research has found that THC has many of its own health benefits that work directly with our ECS.

Another questions that we get asked on a regular is does CBD and or THC help with sleep?

(iii) Dr. Potter talks about how CBD may be beneficial in regulating your sleeping pattern. THC has been found to help with falling asleep and reducing the chatter that can keep you awake at night by working directly with your REM sleeping pattern. CBN (Cannabinoid) is known as the sleepy cannabinoid and is found to be around 5 times more sedative than THC, so you have your options when purchasing cannabis for sleeping. Always, consult your doctor or pharmacist when taking cannabis with medications.

Can cannabis help with pain?

Research has found that THC and CBD are the two best cannabinoids for this ailment according to many doctors including Beverly A Potter, Ph.D. Always, consult your doctor or pharmacist when taking cannabis with medications.

What are my best options for consumption? With so many options on the market, we always try to find out how the customer prefers to consume and then we can guide our customers through our available options. From tinctures, lotions, beverages, edibles, topicals and so much more.

Our team at The Green Bouquet is Cannsell Certified and here to talk to you about your cannabis questions. We have free educational information at our muskoka cannabis store for seniors and will be holding an educational workshop soon.

i “OCS.ca” OCS.ca, What is CBD, 2021, https://ocs.ca/blogs/cannabis-basics/what-is-cbd

ii “OCS.ca” OCS. Ca, What is THC, 2021, https://ocs.ca/blogs/cannabis-basics/what-is-thc

iii Dr. Potter, Beverly. Cannabis for Seniors, Berkeley, Ca, Ronin Publications, 2017, Chapter 16, A Good Night’s Sleep. iv Be Wise, Cannabis and Older Adults, Active Aging Canada, 2021, page 4.

iv Be Wise, Cannabis and Older Adults, Active Aging Canada, 2021, page 4.