MEDICINAL APPLICATIONS
Cannabis sativa has a higher THC:CBD ratio and it generally has an energising, mind expanding effect - basically mood elevation, anti-depressant, with specific effects if decarboxylated, enhanced concentration. It also has shared cannabinoidal qualities such as pain relief. Recommended by many practitioners for people with chronic conditions for day use when alertness is required. Both plants have neuro-protective properties. Cannabis indica has a higher CBD:THC ratio and a sedative effect. It is generally used for pain relief, as an anti-spasmodic and muscle relaxant. Recommended by many practitioners for use at night with most ailments as it will reduce pain and enhance sleep.
Please note – these are very general beneficial effects, and there are many, many more. There are over 700 medical ailments known to be successfully treatable with Cannabis and Cannabis juice/teas/extracts/inhalation.
RAW PLANT - LEAVES, MATURE FLOWERS AND SEEDS
The larger fan leaves of the Cannabis plant are highly nutritious, although they do not contain the resin of the plant which contains the medicinal compounds. This is found on the flowers or buds of the plant and its surrounding "leaves". The seeds of the Cannabis plant (also known as hemp seeds) contain all the essential Omega acids and all the necessary Amino acids for human beings to thrive.
Growing your own Cannabis and eating or juicing the raw leaves, soaked seeds and mature buds daily as part of a natural, healthy lifestyle is the simplest, easiest way to maintain optimum wellness, prevent illness and even treat many non-life threatening conditions. Dr. William Courtney is a well known advocate of the benefits of raw, juiced Cannabis. Once again, the type and strain of plant will make all the difference.
RAW PLANT - TEAS AND TISANES
Cannabis tea has been used for millenia in communities where the medical benefits of cannabis have long been recognized, and was even used by mothers to help relieve morning sickness and stress during pregnancy. It is still used in many traditional communities as a treatment for colds and flu as it gives a good boost to the immune system with every cup. It is made by simply adding a small mature bud to the cup, covering with slightly cooled boiled water and steeping for a few minutes. Tea is best made in a closed vessel, to ensure that the terpenes don't all evaporate out of the water.
RAW PLANT - CANNABIS EDIBLES
Cannabis edibles are another way medicine can be consumed. The possibilities are endless and limited only by imagination. Knowledge of the plant's properties, its cannabinoids, and oils and their smoking points, as well as an individual's unique tolerance levels are essential to successful Cannabis cooking as certain Cannabis molecules are decarboxylated ("activated") when heated, producing the psychoactive component of Cannabis, THC, which is not always indicated.
TRADITIONAL TINCTURE
This method of extraction has been handed down through generations and new innovations in this method have led to some very interesting results. As before, knowledge of the applications of the type and strain of Cannabis are primary. This method depends on the strength of vodka used to extract. It is easy to identify a good product as it will have no chemical odour but a distinct Cannabis aroma. It is safe and easy to titrate i.e. increase or decrease dosage by drops until the desired effect is gained. The traditional tincture is a cold press product and administered in small doses, so no psychoactive effect is experienced, yet a few drops of a good tincture can stop a seizure or severe tremors within seconds when administered under the tongue. It is an excellent substitute for so-called ADHD drugs as it has zero side effects if made and administered properly, enhances concentration, cognition and brings a sense of calm.
DOMESTIC OIL EXTRACTS
The resin of the Cannabis plant can also be extracted directly into various carrier oils, such as coconut oil, olive oil, grapeseed oil (depending on use), either as a cold press which will take about three weeks depending on temperature, or a few hours if warmed over a double boiler. Once again, knowledge of decarboxylation, melting points and smoking points are essential to produce the very best oil possible in a domestic extraction process. These extracts can be taken internally, made into balms and other products, used for cooking for personal use. Hygiene protocols are essential as these are natural products which are susceptible to contamination.
Rule of thumb: "When in doubt, throw it out."
INHALATION
Although tremendous stigma still surrounds the smoking of cured Cannabis buds (flowers), in actual fact this is one way to experience the effects of the medicinal components immediately. This is because the cannabinoids can enter the blood stream immediately and be transported directly to the cannabinoid receptors in the brain which regulate many of the mechanisms involved in bodily function. It is easy to titrate so you can have just enough to acquire the effect, often only one or two "pulls". Some of the symptoms where immediate relief can be seen include tremors and/ or spasticity related to Parkinson's or Cerebral Palsy, tics related to Tourette's Syndrome, chronic pain, migraine headaches, eye pressure in glaucoma and many more.