Cannabinoids 101

Cannabinoids 101

Dec 9, 2018 | Cannabis, Endocannabinoid System

Cannabinoids are the naturally occurring active constituents found in the cannabis plant. These chemical compounds (think THC and CBD) interact with our endocannabinoid system (ECS) which is responsible for maintaining homeostasis within the body. Depending on what receptors the cannabinoids bind to within the ECS, can provide relief from an array of symptoms which include pain, anxiety, inflammation, nausea and insomnia (just to name a few).  

While THC and CBD tend to get the most notoriety, did you know that there are at least 100+ different cannabinoids? Each of these cannabinoids bind to different receptors and can produce a wide array of relief in various systems in the body including the immune, neurological and gastro-intestinal.  

Here are some of the different cannabinoids and their benefits:  

THC – This is the most abundant cannabinoid within cannabis and produces psychoactivity. It can help with pain relief, relieve muscle spasms, reduce nausea, increase appetite, and provide antioxidants. 

CBD – Non-psychoactive. It can help reduce anxiety, increase appetite, decrease occurrence of seizures, relax muscles, aid pain relief, reduce inflammation, and provide antioxidants. CBD is also an antagonist at both the CB1 and CB2 receptors within the ECS, which means it can be used to mitigate the psychoactive effects of THC. 

CBN – THC converts to CBN when oxidized. CBN has little to no intoxicating effects and is best known for its sedating effects. It can help relieve spasms and pain. CBN is also an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticonvulsive.  

CBG – Non-psychoactive, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Can also stimulant bone growth and help to lower blood pressure. 

THCV – Can help to decrease seizures, suppress appetite, stimulant bone growth, and relieve anxiety. 

CBC – Non-intoxicating and can provide antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties. Can help with pain and inflammation and stimulate bone growth. Can also help alleviate depression.  

THCa – Acidic form of THC. Non-psychoactive and can provide neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. Can also help alleviate pain, insomnia and muscle spasms.  

CBDa – Acidic form of CBD. Non-psychoactive and has potential to help reduce inflammation, and act as an anti-nausea, analgesic and anticonvulsant.   

 

courtesy of leafly.com 

Consuming cannabis in its whole form can provide a variety of these different cannabinoids. This variety (along with terpenes, flavonoids and other constituents) is called the entourage effect. All these cannabis compounds can influence each other and produce synergistic effects; which is just one explanation as to why cannabis can aid in a bunch of different ailments.  

 As cannabis continues to expand and more research can be conducted, we are very excited to learn more about all these amazing chemical constituents and how they can benefit us.

Arthritis & Cannabis- How to Relieve your Pain Naturally

Arthritis & Cannabis- How to Relieve your Pain Naturally

Nov 14, 2018 | Cannabis, Chronic Pain, Inflammation

Those who suffer from arthritis daily often depend frequently on over the counter medications to help give them some relief. But did you know that all-natural cannabis can provide adequate relief without all the potential side effects?  

Arthritis currently affects an estimated 31 million Americans [arthritis.org] and is only expected to increase with time. Signs and symptoms associated with arthritis include:  

  • Stiff Joints
  • Mobility Issues
  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Inability/Difficulty doing everyday tasks

While many over-the-counter and prescription medications can help alleviate the pain momentarily, they are sometime accompanied with unwanted side-effects, and are not necessarily good to take long-term.  

Cannabis on the other hand contains potent compounds that can help alleviate both pain and inflammation and can provide relief at very low doses. Cannabinoids within the cannabis plant, such as THC and CBD, contain pain relieving qualities that can also help reduce inflammation.  

In an article in the Journal of Rheumatology, studies have shown that those who suffer from arthritis have an increased level of CB2 receptors in their joint tissue, and since cannabis interacts with these receptors, it can help reduce inflammation and even help repair the joint.   

While cannabinoids have been shown to provide an array of benefits, terpenes (the plants aromatic oils) also provide their own unique benefits. Terpenes such as Humulene and Caryophyllene contain anti-inflammatory and pain reducing benefits, and provide antioxidants as well.  

A huge benefit of cannabis is that they contain all these different compounds (acidic cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and other minor constituents) that produce an entourage effect; meaning they provide high medical value and affect a wide array of symptoms. 

For those who need quick pain relief, inhalation provides the fastest onset of about 5 minutes. For those in need of long-lasting relief, using a tincture can provide relief up to 2-8 hours but takes a little longer to kick in (~1 hour). There are also a variety of topical products that are great for localized pain and do not cause any psychoactive effects.  

There are a variety of cannabis products on the market now for every type of patient. Patients are no longer required to rely on inhalation as their only method of consumption. Products like tablets, tinctures and elixirs are now available, as well as topicals and high CBD products that provide little to no psychoactivity. Come by Trilogy Wellness and talk with our Wellness Advisors to learn about the different products and strains that can help alleviate your pain.

Terpenes 101

Terpenes 101

Nov 2, 2018 | Endocannabinoid System, Terpenes

Terpenes 101

 

While many cannabis users tend to focus primarily on the cannabis strain (whether is it an Indica and Sativa) and the cannabinoid ratio (THC and CBD), more focus in finally being put on the terpenes within cannabis.  

Terpenes are what give the flower its distinct aroma. Notes of citrus, musk and floral scents are all indicative of what terpenes are within the cannabis strain. Each terpene has its own unique profile and we are now learning that it also plays a pivotal role in the effects of cannabis. Research is finding that terpenes can modulate the effect of how THC and other cannabinoid work and can actually exhibit medicinal properties independent from the cannabinoids altogether.  

Just like aromatherapy, the aromatic compounds of lavender (or linalool) tend to produce sedating and relaxing effects, while citrus scents like lemon (aka limonene) tend to be more energizing and elevating. So, it makes sense that inhaling/ingesting these specific terpenes will produce their own unique effects. 

The terpenes within cannabis are secreted by the plants trichomes; the tiny mushroom-shaped hairs on cannabis. Here are some of the most common terpenes: 

 

 

So, while Indica and Sativa leaning strains are usually sought after for either daytime or evening use, it might be beneficial to start looking into terpene profiles as well. Strains high in myrcene and linalool can be great for evening use (as they are more sedating), while limonene and pinene can help with alertness and energy during the day time.

So, when in doubt, use your nose! The complexities and effects of the cannabis terpenes and how they contribute to a strain’s influence (a phenomenon known as the entourage effect) is just another reason as to why whole plant medicine is the way to go.

The Ultimate Edibles Roundup

The Ultimate Edibles Roundup

Oct 26, 2018 | Cannabis, Recipes, Tincture

Here’s a Few Great Cannabis Recipes for You- Happy Baking!

*Please enjoy responsibly. Remember that edibles do not work as fast as smoking cannabis does and it needs some time for you to feel the effects, but the effects can last 8 hours or more. It is always best to start with less and go from there.

Quick Cannabis Infused Butter (Cannabutter)

| Recipe by Food Republic |

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour | Level of Difficulty: Easy | Serving Size: 1 /2 cup
Ingredients: 1/2 cup salted butter 1/4 ounce cannabis buds, finely ground

Directions:
1. Melt the butter on low heat in a saucepan. Add the ground buds, and simmer on low heat for 45 minutes, stirring frequently.

2. Strain the butter into a glass dish with a tight-fitting lid. Push the back of a spoon against the plant matter and smash it against the strainer to squeeze out every drop of butter available. When you’re done, discard the plant matter.

3. Use your cannabutter immediately, or refrigerate or freeze until it is time to use. You can easily scale this recipe up for larger batches of cannabutter. One pound of butter (4 sticks) can absorb 1 ounce of cannabis, but you may want to simmer for up to 60 minutes.

 

Cannabis Infused Cooking Oil

| Recipe by Leafly |

Ingredients:

1 cup of ground cannabis flower (or less for milder potency)

1 cup of cooking oil of your choice

Hardware:
Strainer or cheesecloth Grinder (a simple hand grinder works best; appliances like blenders and coffee grinder pulverize the cannabis, resulting in edibles with bad tasting plant material)

Double-boiler, slow cooker, saucepan, etc.

Directions:
1. Grind the cannabis. You can include the entire plant, just the flower, a little bit of both — this is all a matter of preference. Just keep in mind that anything small enough to fit through the strainer will end up in your finished product, so again, do not grind your cannabis to a fine powder.

2. Combine oil and cannabis in your double-boiler or slow cooker, and heat the two together on low or warm for a few hours. This allows for decarboxylation (activation of THC) without scorching (which destroys the active ingredients). Cooking can be done a variety of ways: in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally; in a double-boiler on low for at least 6 hours (8 is better), stirring occasionally; or in a simple saucepan on low for at least three hours, stirring frequently (a saucepan is most susceptible to scorching). In all cases, a small amount of water can be added to the mixture to help avoid burning. Note: whatever method you choose, temperature of the oil should not exceed 245°F.

3. Strain and store the oil. Do not squeeze the cheesecloth; this will simply add more chlorophyll to your oil. All remaining plant material can be discarded or used in other dishes if you have the wherewithal. The oil’s shelf life is at least two months, and can be extended with refrigeration.

 

Best Chocolate Chip Cannabis Cookies

| Recipe by Irresistibly Edible |

Ingredients:

1/2 cup cannabis butter

1/2 cup white sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla

1 and 1/8 cups of all-purpose flour

½ tsp baking soda pinch of salt

½ cup chocolate chips

Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, cream your cannabis butter and both sugars together until they are well mixed (a few minutes).

2. Add in the egg and vanilla and beat well.

3. Next add in your flour, baking soda and salt and mix until combined.

4. Stir in your chocolate chips and you are ready to spoon your cookies out on to a baking sheet.

5. Take a small spoon and make approximately 1inch balls of cookie dough and place them 2 inches apart on a greased cookie sheet. Flatten them down slightly as cannabis butter does not spread out quite as much as if you were making these cookies with regular butter.

6. Bake them for 12-15 minutes until they are slightly golden. Keep an eye on them as every oven is different and they might
not need quite as much time in your oven.

 

CBD-Infused Avocado Zinger Smoothie

| Recipe by Leafly |

Start to Finish: 15 minutes | Yield: 2 servings | Approximate Dosage: 5mg CBD per serving

Ingredients:

100mg of CBD tincture

1 ripe avocado

1 small, ripe banana

1 1/2 cups coconut water

1 1/2 tablespoons lime juice

1 tablespoon chopped Thai basil

1 teaspoon grated ginger

1 cup of ice

Agave syrup to taste (optional)

Directions:
1. Halve the avocado and remove the pit.

2. Scoop the flesh from the avocado into a blender.

3. Peel the banana and break it into chunks. Add to the blender.

4. Add the tincture drops, coconut water, lime juice, sugar, ginger and chopped Thai basil.

5. Purée. Add 1 cup of ice and purée until smooth.

6. Pour into 2 glasses and taste. Stir in the agave syrup if desired

Note: The amount of cannabis oil specified in this recipe is a very loose suggestion; the actual amount you use should be modified based on the strength of your cannabis oil and the potency you desire. Dosing homemade edibles can be tricky, so the best way to test for potency is to start with one portion of a serving, wait one to two hours, then make an informed decision on whether to consume more. Always dose carefully and listen to your body, and never drive under the influence of cannabis.

 

“Crazy for Quinoa” and Cannabis Salad

| Recipe by Leafly |

This recipe makes four 1-cup servings and is vegan, dairy free, and gluten free.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup dry quinoa (makes 2 cups cooked)

1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped

1/2 cup celery, chopped

1/2 cup red onions, chopped

1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped

1/2 cup fresh cannabis leaves, chopped

4 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

2 Tbsp cannabis canola oil*

2 tsp lemon juice Sea salt & pepper to taste

Hardware:
Pot for the quinoa

Mixing bowl

Knife

Directions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package directions. Once cooked, lay quinoa out flat on a plate and allow it to cool completely.

2. While quinoa is cooling, chop all vegetables, add to a bowl, and set aside. Once quinoa is completely cooled, add it to the chopped vegetables and mix with apple cider vinegar, cannabis-infused canola oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

3. Mix well until all ingredients are coated with the dressing. This salad can be eaten at room temperature or chilled slightly.

Note: The amount of cannabis oil specified in this recipe is a very loose suggestion; the actual amount you use should be modified based on the strength of your cannabis oil and the potency you desire. Dosing homemade edibles can be tricky, so the best way to test for potency is to start with one portion of a serving, wait one to two hours, then make an informed decision on
whether to consume more. Always dose carefully and listen to your body, and never drive under the influence of cannabis.

 

Cannabis Parmesan & Garlic Pasta

| Recipe by Munchies |

Ingredients:

1 package angel hair pasta

Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste

4 Tablespoons CannaButter

7 garlic cloves, roughly chopped

3/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Directions:
1. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium. Add the garlic and cook until light brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside. It may continue to fry but this is fine as the garlic must have a toasted flavor.

2. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook, stirring, until soft, about 2 minutes. Drain it, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. Return the pasta to the pot you cooked it in and add the garlic butter, salt, and pepper. With a large fork and spoon combine the ingredients well, then add 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese and the pasta water and continue to combine gently. Take a taste and if you feel you need more cheese, go ahead as it’s all up to your taste buds.

3. Transfer the pasta to a large platter and top it with the remaining Parmesan.

 

Let us know if you try these recipes and love them! Tag us in your Instagram photos @Trilogyhealthmd.

What Are Healer Tinctures?

What Are Healer Tinctures?

Oct 19, 2018 | Cannabis, Dr Sulak, Endocannabinoid System, Tincture

Healer Tinctures | Why you’ll want to try these new doctor-developed tinctures

Who is Dr Sulak

Dr. Dustin Sulak is a renowned integrative medical physician, cannabis expert and co-founder of Healer.com; a medical cannabis educational resource center with information based in science and clinical experience. Dr. Sulak has been a pioneer in the field of education, advocacy and research of medical cannabis. We believe that on-going education is vital for providing the best care and service to our patients and we are so grateful to have his guidance and expertise behind our team.

With that said, we are so excited to announce that he has come out with his own product line!

First, what are tinctures?

Believe it or not, tinctures are nothing new. Tinctures were the age-old method of consumption before the cannabis prohibition was enacted. Tinctures are liquid concentrates created by extracting cannabinoids and terpenes into alcohol, glycerin or a high burning temperature oil (like MTC or coconut oil).

Tinctures have a slightly longer onset time than inhalation (typically 10-45 minutes) but provide longer-lasting relief (effects can last between 2-6 hours). Tinctures are discrete (no odor) and do not require any special devices; making them easy to administer when needed. Tinctures allow precise dosing and are taken orally which eliminates the respiratory irritation you might get from inhalation. Many patients report being able to attain higher medical benefit from lower dosages. If stored properly, they can have a very long shelf-life; making them more economical and sustainable.

What makes the Healer Tinctures so special?

These doctor-developed products are thoughtfully designed for all types of patients and all types of ailments. They are deliberately crafted to help prevent symptoms rather than chase them. Each of the tinctures come with a step-by-step dosage guide and response tracker to help patients find their optimal dose and frequency.

The Healer tinctures are produced from Natures Heritage cannabis and are crafted to maintain their complete range of medicinal compounds (entourage of acidic cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and other minor constituents) and provide a high medical value. The extraction process provides whole plant medicine, not allowing valuable parts to be watered down or non-existent.

The Healer Tinctures come in four different versions:

These thoughtfully crafted tinctures are made for both new and experienced users. They range from impairing to non-impairing and include dosage suggestion plans for various symptoms and ailments including pain, anxiety, depression, lupus and dementia. Looking for focus and performance enhancement? These tinctures also have you covered! They allow for precision micro-dosing and offer better results at lower doses due to their potent entourage of cannabis extracts.

Please be sure to check out these awesome products and ask our Healer Certified Wellness Advisors for more information. Come by Trilogy Wellness to get your first-hand experience of these awesome, doctor-developed products!