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.

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!

Endocannabinoid Diet and Activities

Endocannabinoid Diet and Activities

Sep 26, 2018 | Cannabis, Dr Sulak, Endocannabinoid System

Did you know that our bodies are designed to interact with cannabis? All of us have a complex regulatory system that called the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). It is a group of receptors throughout the human brain, body, central and peripheral nervous systems. The ECS creates and maintains our body’s internal stability (homeostasis) by adjusting the flow of neurotransmitters and regulating bodily functions including appetite, sleep, emotion and movement (just to name a few). The discovery of the endocannabinoid system has impacted nearly every area of medicine and sparked extensive studies into the pharmacological, biochemical, and clinical effects of cannabis.

Cannabinoids found in cannabis interact with the ECS and will either up-regulate or down-regulate a variety of physiological and cognitive processes. Cannabinoids (such as THC and CBD) bind to receptors in both our brain (called CB1 receptors) and body (called CB2 receptors). The CB1 receptors are found primarily in the brain and spinal cord and mediate our psychoactive and physical effects, whereas CB2 receptors are predominately located in our peripheral nervous system and help to regulate immunity and inflammation.

Cannabis contains more than 100 types of cannabinoids which all have different effects depending on which receptors they bind to. Researchers believe cannabis is so effective in treating so many different ailments because of the versatile way the plant’s chemical compounds act on all parts of the body- not just the brain. Each product and strain has a unique cannabinoid profile that can be used to target specific symptoms and provide different types of relief. Ask our Trilogy experts which types of cannabinoids are best to treat your symptoms so we can recommend an appropriately suited product.

To help wrap things up, our mentor and cannabis expert, Dr. Dustin Sulak of Healer.com, put together this wonderful video overview on the impressive Endocannabinoid System:
Endocannabinoid System Video

Now that you are familiar with the ECS, did you know that there are also foods that naturally help the ECS function optimally, improve our health and enhance the effectiveness of medical cannabis? These foods include:

  • Essential Fatty Acids
  • Chocolate
  • Herbs
  • Spices
  • Teas

Check out our *FREE* download on these Endocannabinoid foods and activities:

Endocannabinoid Diet and Activities