The qualities of a medicinal product.

 

 

 

 

The medicinal cannabis industry continues to grow on a global scale. The increasing demand by patients needs to be met with a consistent supply of reliable medicinal cannabis products for patients paired with educational support for healthcare professionals and their supporting staff.

 

To provide credible information on the most prevailing questions of medicinal Cannabis and help demystify the industry, Cannim has partnered with Holistic Caring, one of the most respected providers of cannabis education in America.

In the first interview of an ongoing Q&A series, Cannim has interviewed Elisabeth Mack, the founder of Holistic Caring. She is not only a pioneer in cannabis education but also a hero to many whom she has already helped to restore quality of life through a holistic approach.

To answer some of the most prevailing questions on medicinal cannabis in terms of cultivation, strains, terpenes, effects and more, we have interviewed Elisabeth Mack, an American pioneer in cannabis education, and a hero for many whom she has already helped to restore quality of life.

Elisabeth, as someone who has worked with countless American patients, please share why you think quality growing and processing mechanisms are so important in medicinal cannabis? 

Elisabeth: “Quality growing and processing matter deeply because people are using this as medicine. Growing as naturally as possible by those that have been doing this for generations is why Jamaica is a prime growing location. Combining that with modern good manufacturing practices (GMP) assures patients that their medicine is free from contaminants. Because Cannabis is a plant, it works differently in every body, and varies based on the individual. As patients experiment with various formulations and strains, they need peace of mind while adjusting their medication. Standardized processing and testing assure clients that they can trust the potency and purity of these botanical formulations.“

When cultivating cannabis, companies can cultivate precise strains in their plants. Can you elaborate on the differences between the most common strains, Indica and Sativa?

Elisabeth: “Indica or Sativa characteristics are determined by the combinations of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Each chemovar will be influenced by the terpenes which drive effects such as energizing, sedating, creativity and focus, sleep, or pain and spasms. Indica is traced back to landrace strains in Asia, growing shorter with 

dense nuggets and fruity essence. Sativa was found in equatorial rainforests and grows tall and lanky with notes of pepper or fuel. An Indica hybrid strain would be best at the end of the day when relaxation and sedation would be welcome. A Sativa hybrid strain would be good for daytime micro-dosing to promote energy or productivity. Today’s cultivators create hybrids that exhibit some of each characteristic. Indica dominant strains like Blue Wizard will tend to soothe pain while softening an anxious mind. Sativa dominant strains like Wild Thailand may offer boosts of energy alongside therapeutic effects.”

Certain indications respond better to various chemovars and prescribers need to help patients understand titration options while adjusting product types and concentrations.

Lastly, the conversation about “Terpene profiles” seems to pop up often. How do these terpenes influence the outcomes received from medicinal cannabis?

Elisabeth: “Terpenes harmonize and synergize with cannabinoids and create nuances in the mood, energy, creativity, focus, relaxation, sedation, hunger, etc. Terpenes have shown anti-inflammatory characteristics that may reduce pain and promote healing along with cannabinoids, adding to the different effects of Indica or Sativa Strains. Limonene may brighten the mood while myrcene, caryophyllene, or linalool are calming. Record the chemovars that personally help you the most and try to return to the tested, pure medicines on a consistent basis. We each have a unique biology and cannabis medicines can help fine-tune our physiology back to balance through personalized care”

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! Disclaimer: With very few exceptions, medicinal cannabis is not an approved medicine in Australia and the TGA has not assessed them for safety, quality or effectiveness. Speak to your doctor to see whether medicinal cannabis is right for you. For regulatory approved information, please visit the TGA website

 

References:

• https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2021.704197/full
• https://greendreamcannabis.com/blog/the-geography-and-history-of-indica-vs-sativa
• https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/terpenes-the-flavors-of-cannabis-aromatherapy