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Post Traumatic Anxiety Disorder, or PTSD, is a devastating and life-altering disorder that can develop following a traumatic event. Those who do suffer from it are trapped in that trauma, as flashbacks and dreams which force people to relive their trauma over again, which can manifesting in panic attacks, hypervigilance, overwhelmed emotions, sometimes disconnection from loved ones, and even self-destructive activity. PTSD is a difficult disorder to treat or even live with. But I personally do believe that focused therapy, meditation, and cannabis can help one get back to a healthy mindful life. Along with PTSD sufferers that claim this combination has helped them cope with their severe symptoms and, in some cases, thrive. It does take time, patience and diligence, but there is hope. Researchers from The University of Pennsylvania, The University of California San Diego, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and The University of Colorado collaborated on the study, which was supported by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The study's authors consider the growing usage of cannabis for PTSD, particularly in areas where it is legal. “The results imply that it is some combination of THC, CBD and perhaps some of the many other parts of the cannabis plant that create the therapeutic effect. Cannabis has many molecules that can create a biological effect, including up to 120 cannabinoids, 250 terpenes and around 50 flavonoids.” The new study also adds to the growing body of evidence that cannabis can aid those with PTSD. For example, the researchers discovered that PTSD patients who smoked cannabis not only had fewer symptoms but were also 2.57 times more likely to recover from their condition during the trial than those who did not. What I would suggest to a medical patient in a legal state “When searching out cannabis for PTSD, remember these cannabinoids seem to work well with one another for anxiety issues. CBD, CBG and CBN may be of particular use. Also, these terpenes may be helpful limonene, linalool, bisabolol, myrcene, beta-caryophyllene. When trying a new strain or cultivar, use the micro-dosing technique to ensure proper dosage and to make sure there are no unwanted side effects. Contact me anytime and keep track via your cannabis medical journal.” 5 Cannabis Strains That Can Help Manage PTSD Symptoms. ACDC. ...
Additional facts: At any given time, about 5% of Americans (about 13 million people) suffer from PTSD. In the United States, an estimated 8% of adults – or 1 in 13 people – may acquire PTSD at some point in their lives. 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 the best experience and outcome, and help make an educated decision on what will be the best product for their medical 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...
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 There are over 200 chemicals in the cannabis plant. We have already discovered upwards of some of the 100+ cannabinoids found in cannabis at this time. The vital role of terpenes in cannabis is very important as there can be over 200+ of those alone. But now there are flavonoids to research and understand as well. They account for about 20 of the 200 compounds, so it's worth spending time to understand how they can affect our cannabis consumption. These three components: the terpenes, cannabinoids and flavonoids are the holy trinity of the cannabis world when looking at a cultivar profile.
What are flavonoids? Flavonoids are one of the most well-known nutritional groups in plants. They are nutrient-dense while also providing health advantages to humans and the plants from which they are derived. They aid seed development and growth by performing critical processes such as cell cycle advancement. Flavonoids also serve as a plant defense system, limiting damage from the environment. Flavonoids are members of the largest nutritional family that scientists are aware of. To date, over 6,000 flavonoids have been found. Many foods we eat every day, such as citrus fruits, blueberries, chocolate, and herbs, contain them Much like terpenes, flavonoids contribute to plant flavor and scent. But the pigment variances, make it unique. By giving each cannabis cultivar its own distinct color. Because of the hue and flavor they offer, cannabis flavonoids play an important role in how you perceive the plant with your senses, and of course, they also have therapeutic effects. Flavonoids interact with chemical receptors via the endocannabinoid system, which also includes cannabinoids and terpenes. Flavonoids, like the other two chemicals, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Furthermore, there are Cannflavins which are a type of flavonoid found only in the cannabis plant. They belong to the flavone class of flavonoids. These flavonoids have been demonstrated to be neuroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-cancer. Most research has been done on cannflavin A, which is thought to inhibit COX-2 and reduce inflammation. “Cannflavins demonstrate a number of promising therapeutic properties” PubMed.gov Quercetin is a Cannflavins and is the most abundant flavonoid in the human diet. These are a few plants that it can be found including:
In addition to the vegetables listed above, Quercetin can be found in a variety of other brightly colored, nutrient-dense foods. This rich flavonoid functions as a pigment that gives plants their color and is found primarily in the skins and leaves. It also has numerous health benefits as a potent antioxidant that aids in the fight against free radicals by inhibiting and down-regulating inflammatory pathways. Quercetin is also an anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antimicrobial and antiviral compound that has been shown to boost physical and mental function. 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 Cannabis Therapy Consultant before beginning any new diet or lifestyle change. Dr. Pepper Hernandez ND, CTC, CNHP is a Naturopathic Nutritionist, Cannabis Therapy Consultant, the Founder, and Education Director of the Cannabis Holistic Institute. To find out more about her private practice, educational programs, videos and other offerings you can and find her on the massive inter-webs, social platforms or at drpepperhernandez.com. Go forth, Go Cannabis...  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...  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...  Oh, the wonderful world of cannabis. Let us start with terpenes, which are aromatic compounds found in every plant, including cannabis. We know that the cannabinoids, terpenes, craft cultivars have effects and potential healing abilities. There are hundreds of different terpenes and cannabinoid combinations in the cannabis plant. While each has its own benefits, together, they have the ability to make up a potent combo. Terpenes and cannabinoids are the most important determinants of a cannabis plant’s potential. Not only its taste and smell but its medicinal properties as well. When they come together in the molecular synergistic effect, know as the entourage effect, finding the right cultivar could improve the quality of your life and state of being. I am in hopes this column can help you do just that. So let's geek out together.
Alpha-pinene, sometimes referred to just as pinene or written α-pinene, is a terpene with the aroma of a fresh, earthy scent reminiscent of an evergreen tree pine forest. Besides cannabis, Alpha-pinene can be found in olive, parsley, dill, basil, rosemary, bergamot, and some citrus varieties. Alpha-pinene has a very unusual chemical structure. There are two identical versions, known as enantiomers. These are 3D mirror images of each other and identical. The two Alpha-pinene versions are known as (+) Alpha-pinene and (-) alpha-pinene, which you may have heard of when researching this particular terpene. Another member of the pinene family also exists, known as beta-pinene. It has a different structure but the same evergreen fresh pine scent. The distinction of Alpha -pinene vs. Beta -pinene really boils down to differences in sub-types of isomers. Which is very similar to the differences between THC and CBD. Alpha-pinene potential properties or effects may include:
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. World of Cannabinoids and Terpenes
This month we are going to explore the dense and woody terpene Trans-nerolidol. This one is a secondary terpene found mostly in flowers like rose, jasmine, lemongrass, and tea tree oil. Most popular are the ginger and neroli essential oils in which trans-nerolidol is found. The smell of trans-nerolidol reminds me of a of a mixture between flowers, lemon and earthy aromas and can be described in general as woody, citrus and floral. The trans-nerolidol terpene has been known to be beneficial in combating pests that harm humans and plants. Nerolidol has, in some cases, been effective at warding off head lice, spider mites, parasites, and certain bacteria, and fungi, in addition to exhibiting a range of other potential benefits as a scent compound and a naturally occurring component of cannabis. Perhaps one of the most remarkably study that gives this more validity is the study done by the American Society of Microbiology under the Antimicrobial Agents Chemotherapy. Were trans-nerolidol was investigated for its ability to enhance bacterial permeability and susceptibility to exogenous antimicrobial compounds. That particular study shows that the introduction of “trans-nerolidol actually sensitizes infectious bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli to antibiotics. In other words, trans-nerolidol can work together with antibiotics to destroy bacterial pathogens more effectively.” This is a power discovery because that means cannabis plants high in nerolidol could have this benefit as well if the cultivar contained enough of this terpene. Trans-nerolidol has been traditionally used for its relaxing, slightly sedative effects. Another study, which I found fascinating, was the one held by BMC Neuroscience. Their study found that “the neuroprotective effect of nerolidol is mediated through its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, which strongly supports its therapeutic potential for the treatment of Parkinson Disease.” Which again, is powerful information if you are growing craft boutique cannabis for wellness and specifically as a neuroprotectant. Trans-nerolidol’s potential effects include:
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 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... Benefits of Micro-dosing Edibles
Let us first start by explaining what micro-dosing is. It's a technique that involves taking minimal amounts of cannabis on a disciplined regular schedule. The point of this activity is to find your body’s THC perfection point. One can do this by only taking enough THC to barely perceive the effects on your mind and body without getting too altered. Why would someone want to do this? If you are a newbie and want to get familiar with cannabinoids and or terpenes, this could be a preferred method for you. Micro-dosing helps people get the light, therapeutic effects of cannabis without achieving a heavy, uncomfortable high and feel more comfortable with the plant itself. The art of micro-dosing requires discipline, patience and mindfulness. Finding your Minimum Effective Dose - MED In this sphere of medicine, the MED [minimum effective dose] is something patients and health care providers need more understanding of. Cannabis is biphasic, so you have this wonderful anti-inflammatory, relaxing properties with little to no side effects in small amounts. In large amounts, there is the possibility of unwanted effects of being too altered. Many people who try edibles for the first time become overwhelmed by the experience. That is because everyone has a different tolerance level. For example, a 10 mg piece of chocolate will affect each person differently. Also, edibles are much different than smoking cannabis. Why do cannabis edibles feel so different? The human body processes cannabis through the liver and GI tract. The effects of the potent metabolic byproduct are called 11-hydroxy-THC. This compound resulted in a faster onset and a more intense psychoactive experience than simply THC. Micro-dosing with 2.5-milligram products allows the consumer to ingest the initial THC and then gradually eat more the following day until they find their preferred comfort level. Most people who are interested in micro-dosing cannabis typically start with about 2.5mg or less. One can start with various teas, mints or chocolates with THC concentrations starting at 2.5 milligrams suitable for micro-dosing. It can take over an hour to feel some edibles' effects, so I suggest waiting a day and trying an increased amount the following day. The reason is that some edibles if taken properly, like a tincture, can be held under the tongue goes directly into the bloodstream. Simultaneously, others are digested in the stomach and can take hours to feel the effects depending on a person's digestive system. So it is important when micro-dosing to chart the amount and wait for results. Cannabis is a medicine that should be tailored to each patient’s individual make-up. Not all people are the same, and not all products are created equal. Cultivate an understanding of your endocannabinoid system by keeping a journal to track the cannabis farmer or grower, cultivar type, consumption method, dosage and side effects. Take your time and be patient when figuring out what dosage and consumption method works best for you. Be mindful of other elements that may impact the outcome of your experience when micro-dosing. Such as your nutrition, hydration, environment or even state of mind. As these can all affect your experience. Beneficial in Resetting Your Tolerance Like in all other forms of medicine, you want to treat yourself with the lowest effective dose. For those cannabis connoisseurs, micro-dosing can help you identify the perfection point you may need to reset your THC tolerance. Maybe you needed higher doses of THC for treating a past condition. Maybe you have to consume larger amounts of cannabis edibles to achieve any helpful high than you once did. You have built a tolerance to the effect and may need to take a small break. If this is the case, you can try to reset your tolerance to the effects of cannabis products by micro-dosing. The length of a tolerance break depends on your consumption patterns. In general, it works to stop or slow down consumption for 48 hours. After that time frame, you can start again with small doses of 1 to 2 mg of THC slowly building yourself back up. I encourage my patients to do this at least once a month to reset their tolerance levels. Micro-dosing Studies on the Rise In Israel on July 1, 2020, PRNewswire.com -- Israeli med-tech company Syqe Medical has conducted the first clinical trial to demonstrate that extremely low and precise doses of inhaled THC – the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis – can effectively relieve pain while avoiding the common side effects associated with cannabis use. The study, published in the European Journal of Pain, is the first scientific confirmation that micro-dosing – the process of using extremely low doses of active drug compounds to treat various conditions – actually works with cannabis. According to GetFluent.com, medical card users with these conditions have seen success with micro-dosing: • Cancer • Epilepsy • Glaucoma • HIV/Aids • Seizures • Crohn’s Disease • PTSD • ALS • Chronic Muscle Spasms • Parkinson’s Disease • Multiple Sclerosis • Chronic Pain • Sleep Disorders • Tourette Syndrome • Autism • Anxiety Disorders Micro-dosing can help people get therapeutic effects of cannabis without achieving a heavy, uncomfortable altered state and generally feel more comfortable with cannabis products. Micro-dosing can also help one achieve the perfect amount for their specific healing process. If you or someone you know requires help or would like more information, contact 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 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 find her on the massive inter-webs on all platforms or at drpepperhernandez.com.  When creating edibles, the exciting but sometimes challenging part of the process is making sure each edible has the correct dosage. Many of us want them to be consistent in strength across the batch. Here are some tips and tricks that may help beginners ensure they’re calculating the correct amount for themselves.
FIRST THINGS FIRST – make sure you know the percentage of THC in the strain you plan to cook with. Many recipes call for strains that are about 10 percent THC. Strains that have 15-20 percent THC are above average, and those with 21 percent THC or higher are exceptionally strong. If you can’t find plant breeding information or cannabinoid lab tests for your strain, estimate at 15 percent THC to be safe. You can always eat more later. For every gram of cannabis, the flower has 1000 mg of dry weight. If a strain has 10 percent THC, then 10 percent of 1000 mg would be 100 mg. For cooking at home, it’s safe to assume that one gram of cannabis contains at least 100 mg THC. Using this dosage measurement method, calculate THC per serving. Take the amount of ground cannabis, convert it to milligrams, and divide it by the recipe yield to determine a per-serving dose of THC. A starting dosage for beginners is 5 mg per serving (this is the California-mandated serving size for cannabis-infused edibles as of January 1, 2018). Three grams of ground cannabis equal 300 mg THC. Three hundred mg divided by the recipe yield (if a cookie recipe makes 60 cookies) equals 5 mg per cookie. If you want to be even more cautious with your homemade cannabis butter or oil, use half the dosage (2.5 mg per serving). There are various options for adding your cannabis butter, coconut oil or even concentrate into your edible for easy dosage. In this writers opinion, below are three of the best ways to add THC with the proper dosage for cannabis butter or oil. 1. Try it yourself Personally sampling the cannabutter to figure out the effects is the best way to start. Typically, I’ll try about half a teaspoon of my cannabutter on an evening or day when I don’t have anywhere to be. I usually put it in a turmeric tea or coffee, but you can use it on whatever type of dish you’d normally garnish with butter. I find this to be a really good gauge of strength. 2. Think about your serving size This works in combination with tip number one. Once you’ve determined how much cannabis butter or oil makes an effective dose, you can easily figure out how much to include in a recipe. For example, let’s say I’m making brownies and want nine servings. If I’ve determined that 1.5 teaspoons per serving is a good dose, then I need to use 13.5 teaspoons, or about 4.5 tablespoons, for the entire recipe. In this case, I’d use five tablespoons of cannabis butter or oil. If the recipe calls for more fat, I’ll make up the difference with regular unsalted butter or coconut oil. 3. Apply individually This tip is particularly helpful if you’re making a “mixed” batch of goodies – i.e., some infused, some not. If this is the case, I suggest apportioning your cannabis butter or oil individually. Let’s imagine you’re making cupcakes. First, make the batter according to the recipe (without fat). Then, once the batter is apportioned into the individual cups (but before baking) spoon a portion of cannabis butter or oil into the center of as many of the cups as you like. Bake according to the recipe instructions, and you’ll end up with some cannabis edibles and some plain cupcakes. You don’t actually have to bake with your cannabis butter or oil; you can melt it and drizzle it on top of a finished food item. If you’ve made an amazing pineapple turnover that you just know could be improved with the addition of THC, you can simply dribble it on at the end. Whatever you choose, make it with love. Try it out, and remember that everyone has different tolerance levels, so making the perfect batch for you is what you’re going for. 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 |
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