MEDICAL MARIJUANA ARTICLES
ARIZONA NATURAL SELECTIONS
PHOENIX, AZ
What Is The Difference Between THC and CBD?
The most common questions new medical marijuana patients of Arizona Natural Selections ask are “What is the difference between CBD and THC,” and “How much of each do I need?” Following is a breakdown of the two compounds that should help you better understand their effects and make the best decision on which medical marijuana products suit your needs.
THC and CBD
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) are both compounds that are ingested when smoking medical marijuana. They are two of the most heavily studied cannabinoids, which are compounds found in the resin of the medical marijuana plant. They are structurally similar on the atomic level and both have medical applications, but that’s pretty much where the similarities end. THC is psychoactive and responsible for the euphoria famously associated with smoking medical marijuana. CBD is not psychoactive at all, and in fact can lessen the “high” effect felt when smoking. This makes a high percentage of CBD useful in medicating a patient that prefers to have a minimum of the recreational side effects. Too much THC can cause anxiety. CBD works to counteract that anxiety. THC promotes sleep and appetite, while CBD produces none of these effects. THC is an anti inflammatory and ideal for Glaucoma patients. CBD is an anti psychotic and shown positive effects in treating schizophrenia.
THC vs CBD
So which is important for you? It all depends on your symptoms and why you’re choosing to use medical marijuana. High THC strains are often appropriate for:
Appetite stimulation
Movement disorders
Glaucoma
Dependency/withdrawal symptoms
Muscle spasms
Reducing some types of seizures
Reducing nausea
Increased mood
Pain relief
Epilepsy
Inducing sleep
Anti-inflamation
Immune system regulation
High CBD strains (or pure CBD oils) are ideal for treating patients with:
Crohn’s Disease
PTSD
Seizures
Multiple Sclerosis
Dravet’s Syndrome
Schizophrenia
Epilepsy
Anxiety
General calming
Any apprehension of smoking medical marijuana for fear of “getting too high.”
This is by no means a complete list, and every patient is different. Work with your doctor and an Arizona Natural Selections patient advisor to find the products with the right percentages of cannabinoids for you.
So What’s Next?
This article is designed to describe the basic effects of THC and CBD to assist medical marijuana patients in choosing the strain that best alleviates their symptoms. To learn more about the science behind how these compounds work and choose the products with the right levels for you, contact the Arizona Natural Selections location nearest you. Our patient advisors have assisted medical marijuana patients in Peoria, Scottsdale, Tempe and all corners of Phoenix.
GOLDEN STATE GREENS
POINT LOMA, CA
Treating Glaucoma in CA with MMJ
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a disease that isn’t fully understood and affects 3 million Americans. It’s marked by increased pressure within the eyeball (intraocular pressure) that builds up to painful levels and can cause long-term damage to the optic nerve leading to permanent blindness. Glaucoma is one of the conditions approved for medical marijuana treatment in California
Is There A Cure For Glaucoma?
Unfortunately, there is no long-term “cure” for this disease and the onset can be rather quick. Early detection is only possible with regular eye exams and, once detected, the progression of the disease can be slowed down or even halted entirely with regular treatment. Surgery has been used with some success to alleviate pressure. Persons with glaucoma have been known to live without pain or permanent blindness using medical cannabis in conjunction with a series of drugs known to reduce pressure within the eye. Most doctors in CA will approve medical marijuana for the alternative treatment of glaucoma and will suggest the best course of action for you. Your doctor will also assist you in getting your medical cannabis treatment card.
How Does Medical Marijuana Treat Glaucoma?
Studies have shown that THC can effectively reduce intraocular pressure when used responsibly, regularly and over time. This effect lasts between 3-5 hours, so the user must medicate on regular intervals throughout the day.
THC also acts as an analgesic, reducing pain and alleviating the anxiety it causes. Many studies have shown that cannabis is extremely effective when used properly to halt the progression of glaucoma with fewer side effects than prescription drug use.
What Strains Of Cannabis Can Be Used?
Different strains effect every individual body. It’s recommended that those who suffer from glaucoma start with a good hybrid strain that’s rich in THC and CBD in order to medicate throughout the day. CBD counteracts some of THC’s psychoactive properties without reducing it’s effectiveness in alleviating pressure and pain. This makes it best suited for regular daily medication. Through experimentation, users tend to find the strain that allows them to function throughout the day and still enjoy relief from glaucoma symptoms. Before bed, users tend to prefer a high THC indica, as these strains also have the added benefit of inducing sleep.
The strains that seem to be most often recommended for those that suffer from glaucoma are:
Cherry Kola
Maui Waui
Blueberry
Jack the Ripper
The Black
If you suffer from glaucoma and live in San Diego, cannabis is just a few clicks away. Be sure to check regularly on PLPCC’s weekly specials to experiment with the strain that works best for your needs.
THRIVE CANNABIS MARKETPLACE
LAS VEGAS, NV
Blue Dream strain
Blue Dream is considered by many in the legal marijuana community to be the best of the best. There are very good reasons this strain has consistently been the best selling strain in Colorado and Washington state. Smooth, flavorful and well balanced, it’s uplifting high is not overpowering and has many medicinal uses.
Blue Dream is a sativa dominant hybrid created by Sativa Haze and Blueberry Indica. It’s a high THC strain (17-24%) that is very versatile and suitable for those new to cannabis medication.
Aroma and Flavor
The aroma is sweet and mellow with strong hints of blueberry, and the flavor has strong, sweet berry notes. Novices and more advanced smokers alike have raved about the flavor of this versatile strain
Effects
You will love this strain for your daytime medication. Users have consistently raved about it’s uplifting and motivational high, especially when it comes to sparking creativity. There is virtually no “couch lock,” making it ideal for medicating on-the-go.
Ideal For:
Headaches
Menstrual Cramps
Anxiety
Depression
Nausea
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Head Cheese strain
Head Cheese is a powerful strain that is ideal for those medicating for extreme pain, spasms or sleeplessness. ideal for intermediate and advanced smokers, it is often the preferred nighttime medication for those who are ready to unwind and relax fully after a long day thanks to it’s heavy body high and quick effects.
Head Cheese is a sativa dominant hybrid resulting from the breeding of 707 Headband and UK Cheese strains. THC content can reach 28%.
Aroma and Flavor
The aroma is a pleasant combination of pine and lemon. The aroma is best described as earthy, skunky and pungent with faint hints of cheese. The flavor alone makes Head Cheese a favorite amongst flavor chasers and more advanced smokers
Effects
Head cheese is more suited for advanced smokers or those experiencing extreme pain. The effects are powerful and instant, and beginners may find this to be somewhat overwhelming. Advanced smokers will love the high THC content and the euphoric relaxed feelings that come with this strain.
Ideal For:
Depression
Stress
Fibromyalgia and similar disorders
Pain relief
Inflammation
Eating Disorders
Migraines
Sleep Disorders
Muscle Spasms
If Blue Dream doesn’t seem right for you, you can check out our weed menu for our North Vegas location(http://thrivenevada.com/north-las-vegas-dispensary-menu/) or our Downtown Las Vegas dispensary (http://thrivenevada.com/downtown-las-vegas-dispensary-menu/) to find the Cannabis strain that works best for you.