1. Cannabinoid
A cannabinoid is one of the many chemical compounds that are unique to the cannabis plant and are responsible for the different therapeutic benefits and euphoric effects that make cannabis so effective. These chemical compounds can be isolated in different products and their doses can be controlled in different amounts in order to achieve the specific result you’re looking for. The two most prevalent cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant are THC and CBD, which we’ll talk about next.
2. THC
If you think back to the health class you took in junior high, you might remember the teacher using the term THC after a dramatic pause and a serious look on his or her face. That’s because THC is the psychoactive cannabinoid responsible for the “high” that has stigmatized marijuana for decades but is also great for easing pain and encouraging. By controlling the levels of THC in our product, we’re able to prescribe responsible amounts of this cannabinoid to help you receive the benefits you’re looking for without the dire consequences your health teacher warned you about.
3. CBD
If the benefits of cannabis that you’re looking for DON’T involve getting “high” then your Patient Consultant will likely steer you towards products containing CBD instead of THC. CBD is the non-psychoactive cannabinoid that still relieves pain and reduces anxiety without impacting your focus, concentration or sense of control. Since they are non-psychoactive, CBD products such as creams, oils and edibles are legal in all 50 states.
4. Terpenes
Terpenes are organic compounds produced by all kinds of plants, not just cannabis. These compounds are what give plants their unique odors. Over 100 different varieties of terpenes have been identified within the thousands of different strains of the cannabis plant. To complicate things a little more, these individual terpenes have different reactions to the receptors in your brain. Fortunately, your Patient Consultant knows all about terpenes, how the different aromas produce different therapeutic effects, from relaxation to focus, and how to ensure the product you leave our clinic with has just the right amount of the right terpenes for you.
5. Strains
Now that you understand the chemistry behind cannabis, let’s talk about the way it is classified and marketed. Just as brand names help consumers decide between their hundreds of different breakfast cereal, toilet paper and carbonated beverage options, different cannabis strains represent different therapeutic effects. From Master Kush to Super Lemon Haze, there are hundreds of different cannabis strains on the market. Generally speaking, patients come to us seeking help achieving one of two treatment goals: increasing energy and focus or relieving pain, decreasing anxiety and achieving a deeper sense of relaxation. This is where the two main classifications of cannabis strains come in. Those classification are Indica and Sativa.
6. Indica
If you’re looking for something to help calm your overactive mind when you’re trying to fall asleep or a natural alternative to that nightly Ibuprofen pill, your Patient Consultant will likely recommend Indica products. Indica products deliver a “body high” that will dull physical pain, which will help you relax. For these reasons, we recommend taking Indica products in the evenings, just before you head to bed.
7. Sativa
Sativa products on the other hand, deliver a “head high” that will give your more energy, improve your focus and give you a feeling of euphoria that many of our patients find helps their creativity as well as their overall attitude. Sativa products are like an energy drink for your brain so they’re perfect for daytime use.
8. Hybrid
What if you need help falling asleep, getting going in the morning AND staying focused throughout your busy day? Fortunately for you, there are hybrids that can be either Indica dominant, Sativa dominant or a 50/50 split to deliver a perfect balance for your mind and body.
9. Range
Now that you have a basic understanding of the different strains, benefits and chemical compounds within cannabis, it’s time to explore how the different compounds can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just as different liquors contain different amounts/percentages of alcohol, different cannabis products have different amounts/percentages of THC or CBD. These percentages are typically printed on the packaging of each product, and your Patient Consultant will talk you through what these percentages mean and how they’ll make you feel. This will help you make the right choice and achieve the best results.
10. Products
Once you decide which strain is right for you and the correct range of CBD or THC, it’s time to determine the most enjoyable and convenient way for you to consume your cannabis. From smoking products and vaping devices to oils, edibles, dabs and concentrates, your Patient Consultant will happily show you all the different options available to you. Enjoying the therapeutic benefits of cannabis can be as easy as rubbing some soothing oil on your skin or chewing on CBD gum. The right product is entirely up to you. We’re simply here to guide you and make the entire process as easy as possible.
So there you have it, the 10 terms every “budding” cannabis user needs to know when they’re ready to set aside the over the counter pills and prescriptions and explore the natural, more enjoyable cannabis options available here at Revolutionary Clinics. We look forward to serving you soon and welcome any and all questions you have at 617-213-6006.
