MEDICAL CANNABIS cannabis 101
The Difference Between ‘Full Spectrum’, ‘Broad Spectrum’ and Cannabinoid Isolates
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Whole plant cannabis extracts contain the ‘full-spectrum’ or a ‘broad-spectrum’ range of cannabinoids and other plant materials. On the other hand, an isolate contains a single isolated cannabinoid.
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‘Full-spectrum’ cannabis extract will contain all the cannabinoids from that plant, as well as other compounds such as terpenes.
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‘Broad-spectrum’ cannabis extract will not contain the full range of compounds. Instead, certain compounds are removed from the extract to create the ideal balance or mixture – this is done in a strictly regulated manner and environment.
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Isolates will only contain one specific cannabinoid, which can be either naturally extracted from the plant or synthetically manufactured in a laboratory.
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These various forms of cannabis product will allow for differing physiological actions in the body and provide numerous therapeutic applications.
However, they may also differ in the way they interact with other medications.
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Medicinal cannabis is derived from the cannabis plant, with its various components and cannabinoids being used in medical therapy to alleviate numerous symptoms.
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CANNABIS MEDICINE
Medicinal cannabis consists of strains specifically chosen and developed to create certain desirable medical properties.
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CANNABIS LEGAL
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Medicinal cannabis is legal in South Africa.
However, you can only obtain medicinal cannabis via a Section 21 application to the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA).
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CANNABIS SAFE
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Cannabis is safe to consume with the right guidance and understanding.
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What is THC and CBD?
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Researchers have identified hundreds of active ingredients in cannabis, but the two main ones are the phytocannabinoids Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD).
THC is psychoactive, meaning it is responsible for the “high” feeling, whereas CBD is non-psychoactive and therefore does not provide a “high” feeling. Both have their unique characteristics and applications, and can be beneficial when used in combination.
The entourage effect refers to the enhanced effectiveness of CBD and THC when taken with these other naturally occurring active ingredients.
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Methods of Administration
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Ingestion
Ingestion refers to eating or drinking a product infused with medicinal cannabis. Ingested cannabis passes through the stomach before reaching receptors in the brain, which means a slower onset but generally produces the longest lasting effects. With this method, it often takes 60-90 minutes for effects to be felt, and these reach their peak within 2 hours. Effects can often last between 6-8 hours after consumption.
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Inhalation
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Inhalation requires vaporisation of cannabis plant material or the combustion of plant material as in smoking. Vaporising lacks the harsh, irritating effect that smoking can have on the lungs and throat, allowing for a cleaner and healthier intake when compared to smoking. Inhalation via vaporising or smoking cannabis has the quickest onset of action, usually within minutes, but effects will only last for 1-2 hours.
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Topicals
Topical delivery refers to application of cannabis oil or cream onto the skin. This offers relief without the high, making it ideal for treating rashes and other skin conditions.
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Sublingual
Sublingual consumption is when products are placed under the tongue and absorbed through the mucus membranes. This delivers a faster onset of the effects than ingestion, making it ideal for many patients. Sublingual oils commonly take action within 30-45 minutes, and have a longer duration of about 4-6 hours.
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