Make Informed decisions about your healthcare

Supporting your body’s natural balance

Our bodies contain cannabinoid receptors, which are part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a biological system that keeps the body in homeostasis, or balance. Scientists discovered the ECS by chance when researching the effects of cannabis in the body.

Our bodies naturally produce cannabinoids (known as endocannabinoids), which bind with our internal receptors, help our cells to communicate and promote optimal health.

The ECS is responsible for managing a range of important processes in the body, including pain, inflammation, immune function, mood, sleep, memory, and appetite.

If the ECS is disrupted or the body doesn’t produce enough endocannabinoids, it is more susceptible to illness.

The natural cannabinoids found in medicinal cannabis, particularly THC and CBD, work in much the same way as the ones in the body. They interact with our cannabinoid receptors, support the ECS and help to maintain balance.

The discovery of how cannabis works in the body has led to its resurgence in modern healthcare.

Let’s take a closer look at the body’s cannabinoid receptors and how medicinal cannabis interacts with them.

Our bodies have two main cannabinoid receptors, simply known as CB1 and CB2

CB1 receptors are primarily found in the brain, central nervous system and, to a lesser extent, in other tissues.

CB2 receptors are primarily found in the peripheral nervous system, such as immune cells and the gut.

Cannabinoids

The two main cannabinoids in cannabis, THC and CBD, interact with the body’s cannabinoid receptors in different ways.

They also have distinct therapeutic benefits and effects.

THC
Can bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors
Psychoactive
Sedating and relaxing, produces “high”

THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL
Relieves pain
Helps with relaxation
Suppresses pain from nerve damage Stimulates appetite
Reduces nausea and vomiting
Reduces risk of nerve damage
Suppresses muscle spasms and convulsions

CBD
Interacts with receptors indirectly
Non-psychoactive
Uplifting in low doses, sedating in high doses

THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL
Relieves pain
Anti-inflammatory properties
Reduces seizures and convulsions
Antioxidant properties
Antipsychotic properties
Moderates THC side effects
Anti-bacterial

Terpenes

Cannabis also contains high concentrations of terpenes, natural aromatic oils that contribute to the flavour and fragrance of the plant.

You are probably familiar with the scent of pine needles, lavender, rosemary, and citrus fruits. These are produced by terpenes.

But terpenes don’t just smell and taste nice, they also have medicinal benefits. Some terpenes help with pain relief, some are anti-inflammatory, and others can help with seizures, stress, and depression.

Cannabis has been used medicinally since the beginning of recorded history, but the term ‘medicinal cannabis’ is relatively new.

Medicinal cannabis refers to cannabis products that can be prescribed by physicians for their patients.

These products must meet strict quality standards, set by the Ministry of Health, to ensure consistency and safety.

Medicinal cannabis products can contain special blends of cannabinoids and terpenes to target specific health conditions and symptoms.

Will medicinal cannabis get you high?

Only medicinal cannabis products containing THC produce the ‘high’ feeling that the plant is known for.

You can get medicinal cannabis products that don’t contain THC so they won’t make you feel ‘high’. CBD products, for example, are non-psychoactive.

THC has been shown to be particularly effective for pain relief and other conditions. That’s why many medicinal products still contain THC.

CBD has been shown to moderate the intoxicating effect of THC, so products that contain equal amounts of both compounds may provide a more balanced experience.

You can ask your doctor about getting a prescription for medicinal cannabis.

Before making an appointment, we recommend doing some research into how medicinal cannabis can help with your health condition or symptoms.