Cannabis Guide

What is cannabis?

Cannabis is a genus of flowering plants that have been cultivated for their medicinal uses dating back thousands of years. Cannabis contains over 100 different active compounds, called cannabinoids, which have different effects on the body.

How do Cannabinoids Work?

The human Endocannabinoid System (ECS) was discovered in the 1990s during research on the effects of cannabis on the human body. Very simply, the body has two types of receptors which serve to moderate a wide range of critical systems including memory, mood, motor function and pain. CB1 receptors are most commonly found in the brain and central nervous system. CB2 receptors are most commonly found in our immune system.

These receptors play an important regulatory role in many physiological processes like our mood, our energy level, our intestinal fortitude, immune activity, blood pressure, bone density, glucose metabolism, how we experience pain, stress, hunger and more. When the Endocannabinoid System doesn’t function properly, our bodies respond adversely. Science has shown that proper regulation of the endocannabinoid system is disabled in nearly all pathological conditions.

Cannabis produces compounds called cannabinoids. The most common cannabinoids, CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), work with receptors that release neurotransmitters and can help improve mood, pain, appetite, anxiety, insomnia, seizures, spasticity and more.

Though these are the most studied cannabinoids, there are more than 100 different cannabinoids that have been identified in cannabis, including:
• CBG (Cannabigerol)
• CBN (Cannabinol)
• CBC (Cannabichromene)
• CBGV (Cannabigerivarin)
• THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)
• CBDV (Cannabidivarin)
• CBCV (Cannabichromevarin)

These cannabinoids have also shown potentially promising uses as neuroprotectants, anti-bacterials, and therapeutic agents in regulating insulin levels.

Cannabis
Common Terms

While it is known most commonly for its recreational and medicinal uses, cannabis is cultivated for a wide range of products, foods and medicines in Texas.

HEMP legally refers to cannabis that consists of less than 0.3% THC. While hemp still contains a low percentage of this cannabinoid, it is most often seen as the “non-psychoactive” form of cannabis. Hemp is used for its fiber in a wide variety of products including food, rope, clothing, bioplastics and more.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA is legal, low-THC medicine that is prescribed by board-certified, registered physicians to treat the symptoms of the qualifying conditions in the Compassionate Use Program. In Texas, medical marijuana can contain up to 1% THC by weight. All medical marijuana products in Texas must undergo rigorous testing and analysis to ensure that products are consistent, purely extracted, correctly formulated and dosed, and are free of any toxins or heavy metals. While there is no age minimum for medical marijuana in Texas, you must meet a few requirements to access it:
• Be a permanent Texas resident
• Receive a prescription through a CURT registered physician
• Have an approved condition

CANNABINOIDS are naturally occurring compounds found in cannabis that work with receptors in the body to improve pain management, sleep, appetite, and more.

THC (TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL) is one of the main active cannabinoids that triggers the body to produce dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical, and is thus known for its mind-altering effects.

CBD (CANNABIDIOL) is a cannabinoid that is used for its medicinal and therapeutic properties. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce the “high” commonly associated with recreational marijuana. Instead, this non-psychoactive compound is used to help manage symptoms like seizures, inflammation, pain, and anxiety.

TERPENES provide a variety of therapeutic benefits like THC and CBD. Terpenes also are thought to contribute to the “entourage effect” – a term suggesting that the presence of a broader portfolio of terpenoids and cannabinoids actually magnifies the therapeutic benefits of the plant’s individual components. Learn more about Terpenes here.

How is medical marijuana different from the hemp-derived CBD I can purchase over the counter?

FormulationS

Unlike CBD products you can find at the corner store, our cannabis medicines are specially formulated based on results from clinical trials to treat symptoms that are common with the eligible conditions in the Compassionate Use Program. Our THC and CBD ratios are made specifically to provide targeted relief for these symptoms.

Importantly, medical marijuana is prescribed by registered physicians to ensure proper dosing, treatment, and efficacy so patients receive the right care for their symptoms.

Safety and Purity

From cultivation to bottling, our products are made by Texans for Texans at our facility in Austin. We also ensure the highest quality of medicine through rigorous testing. We provide a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) that shows our products meet these high standards and don’t contain any toxins or contaminants. Our products also contain only a few ingredients to ensure your medicine is free of unnecessary additives.

WHAT SHOULD YOU KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY HEMP-DERIVED CBD PRODUCTS?

If medically prescribed cannabis isn’t available for you right now, and your physician recommends a CBD treatment, here are some things you can research to make sure you are buying the right OTC CBD product:

1. IS THE CBD
CERTIFIED?

Demand to see a thorough Certificate of Analysis (CoA), which should be readily available online or attached to the package. A thorough CoA certifies that the product meets quality and safety standards and provides laboratory test results identifying CBD potency (by weight) as well as the presence of toxins including heavy metals, residual solvents, pesticides, and microbials.

2. HOW MUCH
CBD/THC?

CBD and THC content should be clearly labeled on the packaging in percent by weight. Remember that THC is psychoactive and classified as a controlled substance – anything above 0.3% by weight is against federal law. Be wary of products claiming to contain only “hemp extract,” “hemp extract oil,” “phytocannabinoid-rich hemp extract” or similar statements. These have no relationship to actual CBD or THC content. If a product contains CBD or THC, it will say so on the package.

3. WHAT'S THE
CONCENTRATION?

The concentration of CBD is crucial to delivering an effective and repeatable dose. The product should specify clearly defined doses with known CBD concentrations. For liquids, pay attention to mg/mL. For capsules and edibles, note the mg per serving. There’s no standard dosage that’s right for everyone – be prepared to test different dosages to find the one that’s right for you.

4. WHAT IS
THE SOURCE?

Make sure you know where the original cannabis came from. While manageable under controlled growing conditions, cannabis is a known bioaccumulator of heavy metals and other toxins. Soil contamination is known to be more prevalent in certain countries or geographic regions – and consumer protections for food safety vary widely among countries.

5. HOW WAS
IT MADE?

There are a number of ways to extract CBD. Look for a process that involves CO2 extraction for a clean, pure, high-quality oil that is safe to produce. Other methods of extraction include ethanol or hydrocarbons such as butane or propane. These are generally less desirable due to safety hazards and the potential for toxic residual solvents being present in the final product. Ethanol extraction is safer than hydrocarbons but requires additional post-extraction processing.

6. OTHER
INGREDIENTS?

CBD products should use a high-quality carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil. Review the ingredients listed on the label for carrier oils, sweeteners, or other flavor additives – especially if you have any known allergies.

7. WHO CAN I
TALK TO?

If you are having trouble finding ANY of the answers to these or other questions, the manufacturer’s customer service department should be able to readily answer your questions. If they can’t, consider that a warning.

NEED HELP?

If you are still unsure if medical marijuana is right for you or a loved one, don't be discouraged. The knowledgable team at Compassionate Cultivation is here to help answer any questions you have.