THCA is the precursor to THC, so the chemical structure of the two compounds is similar. The only difference is that THCA has an extra small molecule attached to it known as a carboxyl group. Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, or THCA for short, is a cannabinoid that is abundant in live and raw marijuana plants. THCA is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. It is found in the stems, leaves, and flowers of marijuana plants. It’s thought to have a variety of health benefits. As the plant dries, THCA slowly converts to THC. Heat expedites this conversion in a process known as decarboxylation, a fancy word that describes what happens when you smoke or vaporize flower. Fresh marijuana plants are generally low in THC, with higher levels of THCA. As cannabis dries and ages, the carboxyl group molecule is released from the THCA very slowly, leaving THC in its place. The speed of this process, known as decarboxylation, is greatly increased when cannabis is heated or burned. Every high-THC strain that has not yet been decarboxylated contains THCA, and these cannabinoid levels are particularly high as a live or freshly harvested plant. For this reason, raw cannabis parts are popularly juiced for their THCA benefits Fresh and dried cannabis is normally rich in THCA, offering cannabis users who prefer flower an on-hand supply of the cannabinoid. But to protect the THCA, you’ll have to consume it without burning or heating it too much, so smoking and vaping is out. Instead, dried bud can be finely ground and added to prepared foods, smoothies, or even salad dressings. Tinctures made with cannabis that has not been decarboxylated should also be high in THCA. Note that if you want to consume THCA, you’ll want to avoid heating your cannabis. The reason is that heat can cause THCA to change into an entirely different cannabinoid. Some examples of ways in which people consume their THCA raw include juicing raw cannabis, using raw cannabis tinctures, using THCA patches, or consuming raw THCA edibles, including THCA powders. Here is a list of conditions THCA may help in relieving in some individuals
THCA works to relieve inflammation, pain and is an ideal cannabinoid for treating symptoms of such conditions as arthritis, seizures. THCA is an effective neuroprotectant, so it is beneficial in the treatment of such conditions as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Not all cannabis cultivars are alike, and as organic farmers continue to breed their specific genetics, users need to know what the cannabinoid profile is. Knowing the flower, they are testing can bring positive experiences, the best experience and outcome, and make an educated decision on what will be best for their medical issue and or aliment. Please check with your cannabis therapy consultant for more guidance. All information in this article is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources. Please check with your Cannabis Educated Primary Health Care Physician or Educated & Trained Cannabis Therapy Consultant before beginning any new diet or lifestyle change. Written by Dr. Pepper Hernandez ND, Ph.D., CTC, CNHP in ECS & Naturopathic Medicine, Cannabis Therapy Consultant, The Founder and Education Director of the Cannabis Holistic Institute. To find out more about her Telemedicine Consultations, Educational Programs, YouTube videos, and other creative content, you can and find her on the massive inter-webs on all platforms or at drpepperhernandez.com. Go forth, Go Cannabis...
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As many of us are aware of the nation’s baby boomers age, they are facing a multitude of health-related ailments and costs. One of the most prominent concerns is the prevalence of chronic arthritis, an ailment that affects 52.5 million adults today and that number is expected to increase to 67 million by 2030. One alternative that is quickly gaining popularity among the aging population is the use of cannabis to get full-bodied pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties. Although there is a lack of data and research behind the effectiveness of cannabis as a treatment alternative for arthritis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis specifically I can tell you it has worked with my family, friends, personally and clients. It is being looked at more and more everyday. Which is great new opportunity for our golden population. And for future generations that are aging.
So what is actually happening with the nerves during inflammation? The nerves are like wires that have been stripped of their coating. They are bare, can feel raw and this is responsible for feeling pain. What is hypothesize is that by locally administering these cannabis-like molecules to those nerves, it could actually repair them and reduce the pain of arthritis. Because the Endocannabinoid system is found within the body, every single cell and when using the correct cannabis fingerprint we are going to see amazing results. A recent study published in the journal Rheumatology from Dr. Sheng-Ming Dai of China’s Second Military Medical University found that CB2 receptors are found in unusually high levels in the joint tissue of arthritis patients. The use of cannabis is shown to fight inflammation in the joints by activating the pathways of CB2 receptors. This is an amazing discovery for the scientific community and for the Endocannabinoid enthusiasts. Also happening in Canada, a researcher Dr. Jason McDougall, a professor of pharmacology and anesthesia at Dalhousie University in Halifax, has undertaken a new study to find out if medical marijuana can help repair arthritic joints and relieve pain. The study is supported by the Arthritis Society and is awarding a grant for a comprehensive, three-year study working to see if inflammation can repair the joint itself. McDougall’s research is focused on non psychoactive cannabinoids, but so far, his findings has shown that cannabis molecules can attach themselves to nerve receptors and control the firing of pain signals in the joint. As a Health Care Provider and Cannabis Therapist I suggest working with cannabis as a dietary supplement. Healthy choices would be begin with juicing raw cannabis, blending it into a smoothie and consuming the whole raw plant. Another option would be eating is without adding heat. Or doing a full spectrum, flower only CBD concentrate or tincture. I personally use it topicality and have seen amazing results. With the right strain for my body make up its a perfect fit. We could eliminate the need for synthetic pharmaceuticals, wouldn't that be amazing for humans. The world of cannabis edibles is upon us, and education is the only way to help people guide themselves through the journey. Gummies, brownies, lollies, hard candies, mints, beverages, capsules, dissolvable pills and of course, chocolates are among the products available. There are savory and sweet treats out there. So if you are into sweets, maybe choose savory items as you do not want to overdo it when you become medicated, by consuming more of the treat you desire. Measure the desired amount to put the rest away. Considering all of these alternatives can be exciting, but edibles can also be confusing because of how long they last compared to inhaling cannabis. There is really no going back once you've consumed them. Before partaking, make sure you educate yourself the best to your ability and go slow. Some people find edible cannabis products particularly beneficial in controlling certain health conditions but remember they are not suited for everyone. So, think about what you want to gain out of this cannabis experience, and then decide whether an edible is the best method to get there, perhaps with the advice of a doctor, or an expert that can guide you. When you smoke or vape cannabis, its components can take effect fairly quickly. They can also last up to three hours. Consuming edibles is often a preferred and more discreet method of inhaling smoke or vapor than smoking; however, it could last much longer than inhalation, which is wonderful for chronic patients. Edibles are promoted not just as a method of recreation but also as a tool to control certain health concerns, such as pain and insomnia. Several studies suggest they are beneficial. There is credible evidence that cannabis can help with chronic pain symptoms and moderate evidence that it can help with short-term sleep problems caused by certain health conditions. Micro-dosing is used by individuals who wish to reap the medical benefits of THC while avoiding its psychoactive effects that can interfere with daily activities. So if you are beginning edibles, maybe go back through the "Edibles" archives and read the "dosage methods" and "micro-dosing" from previous issues. Not all cannabis cultivars are alike, and as organic farmers continue to breed their specific genetics, users need to know what the cannabinoid profile is. Knowing the flower they are testing can bring positive experiences, the best experience and outcome, and decide what will be best for their medical issue and/or ailment. Please check with your cannabis therapy consultant for more guidance. All information in this article is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources. Please check with your Cannabis Educated Primary Health Care Physician or Educated & Trained Cannabis Therapy Consultant before beginning any new diet or lifestyle change. Written by Dr. Pepper Hernandez ND, Ph.D., CTC, CNHP in ECS & Naturopathic Medicine, Cannabis Therapy Consultant, The Founder and Education Director of the Cannabis Holistic Institute. To find out more about her Telemedicine Consultations, Educational Programs, YouTube videos, and other creative content, you can and find her on the massive inter-webs on all platforms or at drpepperhernandez.com. Go forth, Go Cannabis... The cannabis plant contains over 120 cannabinoid chemicals, including cannabigerol. Decarboxylated cannabigerolic acid is used for the creation of cannabigerol, which is a form of cannabidiol. Cannabisbigerol is also known as CBG, which is a plant molecule that serves as a "mother" molecule to all other phytocannabinoids. Initially, CBG is converted to its acidic form, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). Then, as cannabis plants grow, CBDGA converts into other cannabinoids, such as CBD, THC, CBN, and so on. Without CBG, there would be no CBD or THC derivatives as we know them today. CBG has preliminary findings that scientists have encouraged to continue research with it alone or in conjunction with other cannabinoids and therapies to treat various ailments. The non-psychotropic nature of CBG means it can be used to treat psoriasis, analgesic pain, and antidepressants. Used in topical or tinctures with a preference of the full spectrum synergy. There have been many European studies that have shown promise for CBG as a possible cancer treatment. CBG has great potential by blocking receptors. CBG inhibits the development of cancer cells. According to one study, it inhibits colon cancer cell growth in mice, slowing down its progression. Thus, a new treatment option for colorectal cancer has been identified with CBG, as it suppressed tumors that cause colon carcinogenesis. This Cannabinoid can be helpful with:
Strains or cultivars high in CBG:
All information in this article is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources. Please check with your Cannabis Educated Primary Health Care Physician or Educated & Trained Cannabis Therapy Consultant before beginning any new diet or lifestyle change. Written by Dr. Pepper Hernandez ND, Ph.D., CTC, CNHP in ECS & Naturopathic Medicine, Cannabis Therapy Consultant, The Founder and Education Director of the Cannabis Holistic Institute. To find out more about her Telemedicine Consultations, Educational Programs, YouTube videos, and other creative content, you can and find her on the massive inter-webs on all platforms or at drpepperhernandez.com. Go forth, Go Cannabis... |
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