We aim to educate about Cannabis, so that everyone can make informed decisions on the best approach to their consumption method. Whether you are a first time patient or customer, or are a Cannabis advocate, we are here to help guide everyone’s Cannabis journey.
Cannabis is full of compounds called cannabinoids and terpenes. Medical research focuses on the health effects of two main compounds: THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC can make you feel euphoric, while CBD is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that doesn’t have psychoactive effects. Terpenes also play a leading role, as they determine the aroma and flavor of Cannabis, while influencing the medicinal properties.
Cannabis has a long history as a medicinal plant, likely dating back two millennia, and is one of the world’s oldest cultivated plants. In 1985, pharmaceutical companies received approval to develop THC preparations for therapeutic use, and as a result, cannabinoids were reintroduced into the mainstream healthcare system.
Cannabis works by impacting the Endocannabinoid System we all have in our bodies.
“Your body already makes Cannabis-like chemicals that affect pain, inflammation, sleep and many other processes. It mimics those naturally occurring compounds in the body, and can produce therapeutic effects.” says Laura Borgelt, PharmD, of the University of Colorado.
You may have heard the terms Indica, Sativa or Hybrid when it comes to Cannabis. These are the main classifications used to categorize the plant, based on how the plants grow and the type of compounds they contain. Indica strains are said to affect the body and be sedative, sativa strains are said to have energetic or uplifting effects, and hybrid strains are a mix of both indica and sativa which provide a balanced effect. Since these strain classifications are very general, always speak to a wellness associate to determine which products might be best for you.
There are a variety of ways to use Cannabis. In our dispensaries, you can speak to a wellness associate who can help suggest the best form based on your preferences. These forms include: Flower, Vaporizable Oils, Tinctures, Topical Creams, Capsules and Concentrates.
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is a set of signaling molecules found throughout the body that helps regulate processes of the body such as appetite, pain, mood and memory. A signaling molecule is a chemical that passes information from cell to cell. The chemical make-up of endocannabinoids, and the responses they elicit, are mimicked closely by Cannabis, which can help to increase appetite, decrease pain, and uplift mood.
CB1
CB1 receptors are primarily found in the brain, central nervous system and many other parts of the body.
Found in cells associated with the immune system, CB2 receptors are much broader and influence most of the body.
CBD
Cannabidiol
* Sources Consulted
CBD does not directly “fit” CB1 or CB2 receptors but has powerful indirect effects still being studied.
Lannotti FA, Di Marzo V, Petrosino S. Endocannabinoids and endocannabinoid-related mediators: targets, metabolism and role in neurological disorders . Prog Lip Res. 2016;62:107-28
Bearman D, Pettinato M. Cannabis Medicine - A Guide to the Practice of Cannabinoid Medicine. Santa Barbara, CA: Blue Point Books; 2018
Cannabinoids are a general name for a class of chemical compounds that naturally occur in Cannabis. They are formed in trichomes, which are sticky glands on the outside of the plant. Some cannabinoids boost psycho-activity while others may provide medical benefits. There are over 113 cannabinoids found in the Cannabis plant. Cannabinoids (THC, CBD, CBN, CBG, CBC) work by binding to the cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) in the body.
Tetrahydrocannabinol
THC is the main chemical compound found in the Cannabis plant. When ingested or inhaled, it binds to specific receptors in the brain called cannabinoid receptors. THC is responsible for those legendary psychoactive feelings. When taken at an effective dose based on an individual’s specific needs, THC has shown to be beneficial in reducing pain and nausea along with stimulating appetite.
Tetrahydrocannabinol-A
THCa is the non-activated form of THC. THCa requires heat to turn it into THC in a process called decarboxylation.
Decarboxylation is a chemical reaction that removes a carboxyl group and releases CO2, allowing THC to be absorbed into the body.
Cannabidiol
CBD is a non-intoxicating compound in the Cannabis plant. While delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the major active ingredient in Cannabis, cannabidiol can be up to 40% of the plant’s extract, and can be obtained from both Cannabis and hemp. CBD is most commonly used for seizure disorder (epilepsy). It is also increasingly used for anxiety, pain, dystonia, Parkinson disease, Crohn’s disease and many other conditions, but scientific evidence for these uses is still too early to be definitive.
CBG is thought to boost anandamide, an endocannabinoid that naturally increases dopamine levels and is responsible for regulating various health functions such as mood, sleep, and appetite. GABA uptake in the brain may be obstructed by CBG, making this cannabinoid a possible anti-anxiety agent and muscle relaxant.
CBC is typically found in low levels in most Cannabis strains and shares molecular similarity to other cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. CBC is also a descendant of CBG, which acts a chemical precursor to these three major cannabinoids. CBC may work most effectively when paired with other cannabinoids and terpenes to maximize the whole plant medicinal spectrum Cannabis potentially offers.
Cannabichromene
Cannabinol (CBN) is considered a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid known for its sedative properties. When THC is oxidized, the degradation process converts THC to CBN, which may account for the sedative effect aged Cannabis often carries.
Cannabinol
Terpenes are organic compounds that are responsible for the aroma and flavors of Cannabis and influence its effects by interacting with cannabinoids. There are over 200 terpenes found in the Cannabis plant.
LIMONENE Citrus, Fresh Spice
Commonly found in: Lemons, Citrus Fruit
Anti-Anxiety
Anti-Depressant
Anti-Acid
LINALOOL Lavender, Fresh Spice
Commonly found in: Lavender
Anti-Anxiety
Sedative Analgesic
PINENE (A,B) Pine, Earthy
Commonly found in: Pine Needles
Memory-Aid
Anti-Inflammatory
Bronchodilator
MYRCENE Earthy, Pungent
Commonly found in:
Basil, Hops, Mangos
Sedative
Muscle Relaxant
Analgesic
CARYOPHYLLENE Spicy, Pepper, Woody
Commonly found in:
Pepper, Cloves, Cinnamon
Anti-Anxiety
Anti-Inflammatory
Analgesic
BISABOLOL Mild, Floral
Commonly found in:
Chamomile
Anti-Anxiety
Anti-Inflammatory
HUMULENE Hoppy, Earthy
Commonly found in: Hops, Wood
Appetite Suppressant
Anti-Inflammatory
TERPINOLENE Pine, Herbal, Anise
Commonly found in: Coriander, Juniper
Analgesic
Pain Reduction
Cannabis compounds work with each other to produce synergistic health effects. This means that while cannabinoids may be powerful on their own, blending THC, CBD and Terpenes can produce complementary medicinal benefits.
Sources Consulted
Russo 2011. Taming THC: potential Cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects . ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165946
Cannabis Pharmacy. The Practical Guide to Cannabis . Revised and Updated By: Michael Backes, Andrew Weil - foreword
The Maryland Cannabis program allows flower, oils, concentrates, topical ointments, waxes, tinctures, chewables, lozenges, dermal patches, suppositories, salves and capsules as approved forms of Cannabis products. Each has a different route of administration, onset of action, and duration of effect.
Flower is the purest form of Cannabis as it is the most natural state of the plant. Flower is available in several different forms: dry leaf, pre-ground, and pre-rolls. “Bud” is the actual nugget of the flower. “Pre-Ground” is comprised of the bud trimmings, although occasionally bits of stems can get into the mix. “Pre-rolls” contain ground Cannabis wrapped in paper. Flower can be consumed through either vaporization or smoking.
Onset 1 - 5 minutes *
Peak 30 minutes *
Duration 150 minutes *
Cartridges, Disposables & Pods
The Cannabis plant is placed under pressure with a solvent to extract a purified oil that can then be heated and inhaled.
Onset 1 - 5 minutes
Peak 30 minutes
Duration 150 minutes
A tincture is a MCT oil, olive oil or glycerin base, that comes in a bottle with a dropper. It is placed under the tongue and absorbed sublingually through blood vessels under the tongue.
Onset 60 - 120 minutes (gut absorption)
Onset 15 - 30 minutes (under tongue)
Duration 3 - 8 hours
Cannabis infused topicals can come in the form of a cream, lotion, ointment, salve, or balm. Some topical products provide a localized effect, which means the effects are only felt on the area of the body where applied. Other topical products can produce a systemic effect, which means that it can get into the blood stream and be felt throughout the body.
Onset 15 - 60 minutes
Duration up to 12 hours
Activated Concentrates (e.g., RSO and Distillate syringes)
Ingested concentrates come in a syringe or applicator. They can be used sub-lingually, orally, added to a topical to increase the potency and even used in food and baking. Onset of action and duration of effects is dependent on how the concentrate is consumed.
Onset 30 - 120 minutes
Duration
Long-Acting 4 - 8 hours
Inactive Concentrates (Various Forms)
Inhaled concentrates need heat applied to convert the inactive THCa to the active THC form. These concentrates come in a variety of consistencies like shatter, budder, pull-n-snap, badder, wax, sugar, sap and sauce.
Onset 1 - 5 minutes
Peak 30 minutes
Duration 150 minutes
A convenient and discrete cannabis-infused product that offers a unique way to consume cannabis outside of flower, edibles, and vaping. By applying a self-adhesive Cannabis dose to the skin, cannabinoids slowly release directly into the bloodstream, and offer symptom relief over several hours. Transdermal delivery bypasses the first-pass metabolism of cannabinoids, which may lead to higher bioavailability percentages compared to oral and inhaled methods.
Onset 15 - 30 minutes
Duration 6 - 8 hours
Chewable medicine can have a gummy or hard-candy consistency, and can be consumed by chewing and then swallowing. Lozenges are placed in the mouth and the medication is absorbed through the blood vessels primarily located under the tongue. Both forms allow for a precise dosing of medication.
Chewables
Onset (Gut Absorption) 30 - 120 minutes
Duration 4 - 8 hours
Lozenges
Onset (Sublingually) 10 - 30 minutes
Duration 3 - 6 hours
Capsules are made with activated and concentrated Cannabis oil, and are taken orally. Since THC is fat-soluble, absorption can be aided by taking with a fatty snack.
Onset 30 - 120 minutes
Duration 4 - 8 hours
Long-Acting
A suppository is an ovular capsule that is inserted vaginally or rectally. Suppositories can be more effective at lower doses because the liver does not readily chemically alter or filter the medicine, which also limits the psycho-activity.
Onset 15 - 60 minutes
Duration 8 - 12 hours
Long-Acting
When it comes to dosing Cannabis, consumers should aim for their Therapeutic Dose. A consumer’s therapeutic dose is the lowest effective dose where they find therapeutic benefits with no side effects. Not enough of the Cannabis product could result in no effect. On the other hand, overconsumption can lead to side effects.
Side Effects
• Dry eyes/dry mouth
• Headache
• Rapid heart rate
• Euphoria
• Anxiety
• Hallucinations
• Dizziness
• Impaired balance
• Drowsiness/sleepiness
• Confusion/disorientation
• Paranoia
• Nausea/vomiting
• Impaired short-term memory
MEASURING A DOSE
1 DROPPER Full = 1mL
1mL = 1 Dose*
1 Dose = 5mg/mL of total cannabinoids*
1 Bottle = 30 Doses*
*Estimate
MICRO DOSING
Considered to be low level of medication in the range of 0.5mg to 20mg per dose per day.
Start LOW and go SLOW.
More is NOT often better.
It can take up to a month before seeing any results.
Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information not intended as medical advice.
At Terrascend, we are committed to supporting the communities we serve. Our passion and commitment to health and wellness extends beyond our facility walls.
The outreach team is motivated by our mission to positively impact our patients and consumers through physician and community education, sponsorships, volunteerism and charitable donations. We truly want to know our neighbors and be involved in our communities!
We are committed to combating the stigmas associated with Cannabis by providing education about the many benefits of the Cannabis plant.
STEP 1 Visit mmcc.maryland.gov/Pages/home.aspx . to submit an application. Wait to receive approval from MMCC and your MMCC-issued ID Number.
STEP 2 Obtain a valid written certification from a physician registered with MMCC.
STEP 3 After receiving a written certification, log-in to your OneStop account follow steps to obtain a temporary ID card. A temporary ID card can only be printed within 90 days of the approval date. After 90 days, you will no longer be able to print a Temporary ID card.
Cachexia
Anorexia
Wasting Syndrome
Severe Nausea
Seizures
Severe or Persistent
Muscle Spasms
Glaucoma
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Severe or Chronic Pain
Another chronic medical condition which is severe and for which other treatments have been ineffective.
TerrAscend is committed to producing high-quality, in-demand Cannabis products at its industry leading cultivation facilities for distribution into the wholesale market, as well as direct sales at its retail dispensaries.
GAGE is itself a household name revered for its high quality cannabis flower that is unmatched by any of our competitors.
@GAGECANNABIS
@KINDTREECANNA
Rich earth, clean water and pure air come together to make Kind Tree a unique and memorable experience. Our expert cultivators are dedicated to producing exceptional flower with respect for the Earth and love for the plant.
Wana’s mission is to enhance people’s lives by unlocking the full potential of the cannabis plant. That means using only the highest quality ingredients, investing in cutting-edge innovation, and giving back to all the communities we serve.
@WANABRANDS
@GROWNLEGEND
Life is complicated. Your flower shouldn’t be. Legend is good stuff, grown right, at a great price. Our mission is to enhance the everyday by curating products that are both sessionable and affordable – Because when the everyday is fun, it’s also legendary.
The Apothecarium is a full-service, award-winning Cannabis dispensary focused on patient experience. Our dispensaries are known for emphasizing education and customer service for seniors, first-time dispensary visitors, and patients with debilitating conditions.
