British Columbia Compassion Club Society Vancouver, BC
October 2001
BCCS
Little Italy Postal Outlet
P.O. Box 21550
Vancouver, BC V5N 5T5
(604)-875-0448
fax (604)-875-6083
www.thecompassionclub.org
Effective Use of Medicinal Cannabis
Active Ingredients
The following information reflects the current knowledge, based on limited research: Each strain of cannabis contains different ratios of 'cannabinoids', natural drug components, which work synergistically to provide its therapeutic effects. The main active ingredient in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC has euphoric, stimulant, muscle-relaxing, anti-epileptic, anti-emetic, anti-inflammatory, appetite stimulating, bronchiodilating, hypotensive, antidepressant, and analgesic effects. High potency cannabis contains at least 15% THC. Cannabidiol (CBD) lessens the psychoactive effects of THC and has sedative and analgesic effects. Cannabichromene (CBC) promotes the analgesic effects of THC and has sedative effects. Cannabigeroi (CBG) has sedative effects and antimicrobial properties, as well as lowering intra-ocular pressure. It is the biogenetic precursor of the other cannabinoids. Cannabinol (CBN) is a mildly psychoactive degradation of THC; its primary effects are to lower intra-ocular pressure and anti-epileptic.
(in part from: Marijuana Medicine, Christian Ratsch, 2001)
Selecting the Best Strain & Dosage for You
The efficacy of cannabis is directly related to strain selection, therefore we recommend care be taken in selecting appropriate strains to meet your needs. We are beginning to identify particular varieties that are effective for sleep, pain, appetite and energy as well as for specific conditions.
Potency varies with strains. In terms of dosage, the idea is to smoke as little as possible in order to reduce costs and respiratory irritation from excessive inhalation of burnt plant matter. You will need to smoke less high~potency cannabis to reach the desired effect.
If you find yourself needing to smoke greater quantities or more often in order to achieve the desired effect, reduce or stop intake for a time, or change the variety of cannabis normally used. This will help you to return to a minimized effective dosage level.
Ask us for advice on strain selection.
Cannabis Sativa
Generally, the sativa plant is the taller and lankier variety, reaching heights of over 5-6 metres. It is characterized by narrow serrated leaves and loose spear-like flower clusters that can be extremely resinous. Primarily, the effects of sativas are on the mind and emotions. In this regard they tend to be more stimulating, uplifting, energizing and creativity enhancing. These benefits can be particularly helpful for the psychological component of many illnesses. Sativas are generally better for daytime use.
Some benefits:
reduces depression
relieves headaches and migraines
energizes and stimulates
reduces awareness of pain
increases focus and creativity
reduces nausea
stimulates appetite
supports immune system
expectorant
Cannabis Indica
Indica plants are normally shorter and stockier plants, reaching 1-2 metres in height with wide deeply serrated leaves and a compact and dense flower cluster. The effects of indicas are predominantly physical although the relief of certain physical symptoms can have an emotional result as well. These effects can be characterized as relaxing, sedating, and pain reducing. Indicas are generally best for later in the day and before bed.
Some benefits:
reduces pain
relaxes muscles
relieves spasms
reduces inflammation
aids sleep
reduces anxiety and stress
reduces nausea
stimulates appetite
relieves headaches and migraines
reduces intra-ocular pressure
anti-convulsant
reduces seizure frequency
expectorant
Strain Crosses
Indica x Sativa
Sativa x Indica
Hybrids are the result of cross-pollination of various strains. The characteristics, and hence the effects, of one strain will usually be dominant. For example, indica-dominant crosses are good for pain relief, with the sativa component helping with energy and activity levels. Sativa-dominant crosses are good for stimulating appetite, with the indica component helping to reduce body pain and increase relaxation.
To Smoke or To Eat
Many of cannabis' active ingredients are extractable into fat and alcohol. Cannabis infused oils and butters can be used for making baked goods to provide relief to those who are unable to smoke cannabis, or as a preference or alternative to smoking. Cannabis infused alcohol, or tinctures, is an effective substitute for both smoking and eating. Some medicinal users rely entirely on these modes of ingestion and find them more effective for their particular symptoms than smoking.
The whole cannabis plant may be efficiently utilized. The flower ("bud") is the most potent part of the plant, therefore the bud is preferable for smoking. The leaves ("shake") and stems are less potent. Shake is preferable for baking since it is less costly and its potency is increased by this mode of ingestion. Shake may also be used to make tinctures or teas, and the stems may be used to make tea.
Edible products (cookies and brownies) and tinctures are available at the BCCCS.
The effects from smoking cannabis are usually first felt within 30-60 seconds and develop fully within 5-15 minutes. These effects may last from 30 minutes to 3 hours.
The effects of ingested cannabis may be felt within the first 30 minutes to 2 hours (if the stomach is full the effects may take longer) and may last for 2-8 hours. Effects from baked goods and tinctures vary depending on what strain is used for the preparation, but tend to be somewhat more sedative and considerably more psychoactive.
Tinctures may also be taken in drops under the tongue for an effect similar to smoked cannabis.
Delivery System Options for Smoked Cannabis
Cannabis may be ground or cut and then rolled into a "joint". We recommend using hemp-based rolling papers for both health reasons and to avoid using tree paper. Pipes can be used to avoid smoking paper and are useful when smoking small quantities. We reccomend glass pipes. Water pipes can be used to cool the temperature of inhaled plant matter. Vaporizers can be used as a smokeless alternative and also provide a uniquely "clear" psychoactive effect. Hemp rolling papers, glass pipes, water pipes and vaporizes are available at the BCCCS.
Side Effects
There are some effects of cannabis that are not therapeutic and can be mitigated through awareness:
- cannabis may cause dizziness upon standing due to lowered blood pressure.
- Initial increase in heart rate and/or blood pressure may be problematic for those with heart conditions or severe anxiety.
- cannabis may cause a decrease in coordination and cognition, and short-term memory loss while medicated.
- there are no significant withdrawal effects when cannabis use is ceased or decreased. However, symptom relief will also be decreased. Other herbs or natural healing methods may be used for symptom relief. See our Wellness Centre practitioners.
- effects vary from person to person.
Safe Use
- do not drive or operate heavy machinery if impaired by cannabis (indicas can be especially sedating).
- cannabis mixed with alcohol may cause vomiting and nausea.
- those receiving digitalis or other cardiac medicaflons should use cannabis under careful supervision by a medical doctor.
- cannabis preparations should be eaten by starting with a small bite, waiting an hour or two and, if needed, increasing the dose very gradually throughout the day.
- heavy smoking with no harm reduction techniques (i.e. smoking small amounts of high potency organic cannabis) may lead to respiratory irritation.
- hold shared joints and other smoking implements so as not to touch your lips to them.
- cultivators should properly dry the cannabis to minimize molds and fungi. Stems should break easily making an audible snapping sound.
- it is still illegal in Canada to possess, grow, or distribute cannabis. Know your rights and take precautions to avoid the harmful effects of arrest, cannabis seizure, imprisonment and criminal record
- choose organic cannabis whenever possible to minimize exposure to radioactivity and chemicals. This is especially important for people with compromised immune systems.
- ask Compassion Club staff for more information about safe Cannabis use.