{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/cannabis-101/14","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_1999-markdown","title":"Marijuana & Your Lungs: Should You Be Worried?","slug":"marijuana-and-your-lungs-should-you-be-worried","content":"It's a well-known fact that smoke is bad for the lungs. From lung cancer\nto upper respiratory disease, smoking presents a variety of risks to the\nwell-being of our lungs. Because of this, many marijuana smokers are\nconcerned about the effect that inhaling cannabis will have on their\nrespiratory health, and indeed, there have been some studies linking\nmarijuana with slightly [increased risks of lung\ncancer](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2516340/) and\nrespiratory problems. The issue of cannabis and lung health, however, is\nfar from simple. Here's what you need to know about how marijuana\naffects your lungs.\n\n**Cannabis Smoke and Lung Health**\n\nWhile it may seem logical to assume that cannabis smoke and tobacco\nsmoke are equally harmful to the lungs, this simply isn't true. While\ntobacco smokers often experience drastic lung damage as a result of\ntheir smoking habits,\n[data](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25521349) reviewed by\nresearchers at Emory University showed that cannabis consumers who enjoy\na single joint each day for as long as 20 years don't actually\nexperience lung damage. These results change, however, when scientists\nevaluate heavy marijuana smokers (more than a joint a day for 20 years);\nthese smokers often suffer from [respiratory\nconditions](http://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/747982_4) such as\ndifficult exhalation and inflammation in the lungs.\n\nWhile the Emory University data seems to discount the risk of lung\ndamage from marijuana smoke, there have been several other studies (a\n[2006\nstudy](http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=410634)\nand a [2014\nstudy](http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ijc.29036/abstract),\nrespectively) that have found that marijuana smoke does leave tar\nremnants in the human lung, although the risk for lung cancer remains\nlow despite this.\n\n[READ MORE ABOUT VAPORIZERS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5b0326f6bf4c4d000a0e7389/how-to-vape-marijuana-safely)\n\nIn light of these conflicting results, it's difficult to say\nconclusively that smoking marijuana doesn't harm the lungs and equally\ndifficult to claim that it causes irreparable damage. With that in mind,\nit's wise to turn our attention, instead, to how to consume marijuana in\na way that poses as little risk as possible to the lungs.\n\n**Popular Cannabis Inhalation Methods and Their Effect on Your Lungs**\n\nBecause the data on lung damage and cannabis smoke is still quite\ncontradictory, many dedicated cannabis users have begun to focus on\nfinding more lung-friendly ways to inhale cannabis. While there are many\nways to inhale cannabis smoke, some are healthier than others.\n\n### Vaporization\n\nThe popularity of [vaporization](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56b10a386d677f000b00007d/vaporizing-or-vaping-what-you-need-to-know) has risen in recent years due to the fact\nthat the method is widely considered to be the healthiest and cleanest\nway to use marijuana. While smoking creates ash that is hard on the\nlungs and edibles often come in the form of sugary treats, vaporizers\nproduce a clean, streamlined product that is easy to use on the go and\npresents a low risk of damage to the body. Vaporizers work by heating\nthe herb at temperatures lower than the those needed to induce\ncombustion. Instead of burning, the active ingredients in the cannabis\nplant are vaporized and inhaled. This mitigates the risks associated\nwith inhaling burnt cannabis byproducts.\n\n### Pipes or Rolled Joints\n\nThere are many cannabis users out there who love the tactile and oral\nexperience of a pipe or a joint. Unfortunately, if you're looking to\nmake consuming marijuana easier on your lungs, these probably aren't\nyour best go-to options. Hot, ashy smoke is tough on the lungs, and over\ntime, aficionados of these methods are likely to experience some of the\nadverse effects mentioned earlier. There is, however, a way to make\nsmoking a little safer. By purchasing a screen for your glass pipe, you\ncan filter some of the particulate out of the marijuana smoke and\nproduce a somewhat cleaner product.\n\n### Water Pipes\n\nFor people who still want the experience of smoking without all the\nharmful ash and debris, a water pipe may be the way to go. Water pipes\nwork by filtering smoke through a water reserve before it is inhaled by\nthe user. In addition to helping cool the hot smoke before it reaches\nyour lungs, this method also filters particulate and harsh ash out of\nthe smoke, producing a cleaner product and limiting the material that\ncan later build up as tar in the lungs. Keep in mind that while water\npipes can't filter all the harmful particulate from marijuana smoke,\nthey are quite a bit cleaner than inhaling directly from a pipe or\njoint.\n\n### Dabbing\n\n[Dabbing](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55d4b9616531660006070000/is-dabbing-good-for-you) is the process by which cannabis extract is heated and inhaled\nas smoke. Compounds such as BHO (butane hash oil) are commonly used.\nWhile dabbing uses extract rather than the whole herb, the torch used to\nproduce the smoke super heats the extract, making it harsh on the lungs.\nThis can be mitigated by using crushed ice to cool the smoke before it\nreaches the lungs. However, dabbing also presents the risk of inhaling\ntraces of butane, which is a controversial topic. While it's true that\nbutane evaporates quickly, some people report headaches and irritation\nin the membranes of their mouths and noses during dabbing.\n\n**Conclusion**\n\nWhile the information surrounding smoking marijuana and lung health is\nspotty and often contradictory, there's no question that inhaling hot\nparticulate isn't beneficial for our respiratory tracts. Fortunately,\npeople who love inhaling marijuana can easily make the process safer by\nopting for a vaporizer or a water pipe over a joint or a dabbing setup.\nAdditionally, simple things such as [breathing\ndeeply](https://www.rush.edu/health-wellness/discover-health/keeping-your-lungs-healthy)\nand getting [daily\nexercise](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/phys/benefits)\ncan help keep the lungs clean and strong.\n\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/cc_chapman/390319691/in/photolist-AuurR-iejKgn-scm7V7-aALmEQ-8QXgMX-fgHPjD-BVSPsP-6mwgt7-8A1GKV-5ZBv3P-qeZXdn-fbR2RA-dYjTaZ-92psSC-5SjTRM-76hZp1-5SE4Yv-7zYSpF-8wYad-9n9u6t-6mwgpm-8DFWgQ-4qywET-4B8mHh-4wKUX6-cWHUwY-8Q3ZyX-6JuqQ2-4Y5JZi-9U5rjb-cHq85A-77tPi9-AFZqfh-5NRZeS-tg1GpF-csVSAQ-eZ15qW-qFsZrx-3A8MjM-sAsikS-biBuha-46YY9f-4QhLHU-4V8ARe-6JPsPY-4ck95X-tfTe2Q-4c29tE-46USGV-46YXYQ)\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAAOCAIAAACgpqunAAAACXBIWXMAAAsTAAALEwEAmpwYAAADHElEQVQozw2RSXPbVADHn97zk63FWmxZsiRL1mJLXqKmtuN6ianjBTt1miZx7KS1MW5aOgXKkNDOsI3LUDpMT1xgaG/wCeDEcOQLcOYLcOLGnRO6/G+/+W9gff/B+uLBan2xXK3uLpazs7Pjo8PJYG9YCzr5TFPhmmLkRhzVGBRQsBCFeRLamDAxoUYIsFg/nN1752h6Otkfj5v1YcEaGGKXh/Nta+TKu1EwSJFtORokSYeN+DFoYUKPRjQSapgABUsvqskdNdFNs4MkuJXBb1vUgUtP89IwxdzJMrsO66djDI2iUSiyZLNktgNHZUgdASADkCNBJytULb4eaAVbEAXSV/C+CLoiLuu0HIcqhzkK0TGEMdG5Zp33rhs8o0MAMhj6FGqZTL5kdw/77UquWPYGo/5FO6jHwKO6/ubE37T0nhlnKAQgMBXuvLvlSLwWwgKNsgzZMfnqtnMwG9+/d3D59PLx02ffPHnUBODvl+P/vp/8+f715420LZCAAFaKXvaDUkZSQ5ilIwob7fuZvM423to+GDWunl1198efP76Yl42f1rvfdjPLsvRwSzrP8RqLGypXcZSsQGfCzkIU6pjoOYqrUIUto1F1zuanXlCe3qzMq8VXt6u/HDtvbtmvh9m7Lj8wuF6KMgFwEWGFVwkkEimqqop1i9fSdD7LB75Nc7QpREap6K+L8h9L7/ep/WlN3TO5sHkgklYE2gTIhs48FWEEPp9kKjKWE2TO4hNUBABQ0tl/Xt/598fJb+/6l2Vh4gpjV+ibrJuIVQyuIdMuiQAbQxyGdgwFAkpwyNRoNRwGgC+Pyn+9HL7om1Obr8h0MwwchlLoVk5YNNKbY2/d0kAMwziGGQRLcZSKI0UiRQYte953q/ptV7yh8rNrStdPZBNUKc2e7GgfDcwnfSPULw7zQJN4N80lIGHHYIqGSpL8eln7+eObq36hnU95CrtXEHecpCExi471/LiwOfI+6GVfnBZnNRnoiqgmKUxijouHOq5qP7zX+mTijWqWZaRUmUsKtGdIIX81KWympQ9Hua/mweak+Nmh9z/VvYp6CxUQsQAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==","aspectRatio":1.4492753623188406,"src":"/static/73cc7b78b9a9c55bc5143f1ae656b781/ee604/c74441757da6f50f39a5179b041af16d.png","srcSet":"/static/73cc7b78b9a9c55bc5143f1ae656b781/69585/c74441757da6f50f39a5179b041af16d.png 200w,\n/static/73cc7b78b9a9c55bc5143f1ae656b781/497c6/c74441757da6f50f39a5179b041af16d.png 400w,\n/static/73cc7b78b9a9c55bc5143f1ae656b781/ee604/c74441757da6f50f39a5179b041af16d.png 800w,\n/static/73cc7b78b9a9c55bc5143f1ae656b781/44ef2/c74441757da6f50f39a5179b041af16d.png 890w","srcWebp":"/static/73cc7b78b9a9c55bc5143f1ae656b781/58556/c74441757da6f50f39a5179b041af16d.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/73cc7b78b9a9c55bc5143f1ae656b781/61e93/c74441757da6f50f39a5179b041af16d.webp 200w,\n/static/73cc7b78b9a9c55bc5143f1ae656b781/1f5c5/c74441757da6f50f39a5179b041af16d.webp 400w,\n/static/73cc7b78b9a9c55bc5143f1ae656b781/58556/c74441757da6f50f39a5179b041af16d.webp 800w,\n/static/73cc7b78b9a9c55bc5143f1ae656b781/ff2f7/c74441757da6f50f39a5179b041af16d.webp 890w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1976-markdown","title":"How to Store Marijuana without it Getting Dry","slug":"how-to-store-marijuana-without-it-getting-dry","content":"Storing your marijuana may not seem like rocket science, but there is a\nright way and a wrong way to do it. When cannabis is stored too long in\nan improper container or at the wrong temperature, it can easily go bad.\nFortunately, knowing how to store your cannabis properly saves you from\nthis pitfall.\n\n### Storing Your Cannabis at the Right Temperature\n\nWhen it comes to storing cannabis, the temperature is everything. The\norganic compounds within cannabis stay freshest when the plant is stored\nin a place with temperatures between 40 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.\n\nStoring cannabis in a place that's too warm will dry out the plant and\ndamage the terpenes and\n[cannabinoids](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55da2ff26430380006690000/cannabinoids-chemical-compounds-with-huge-therapeutic-potential)\nwithin it. This creates a harsh smoking experience. Likewise, storing\ncannabis in a place that's too cold can slow the decarboxylation process\nof the plant, leading to a less psychoactive strain.\n\n### Storing Your Cannabis at the Right Humidity\n\nJust as it's important to store your cannabis at the right temperature,\nit's also important to pay attention to humidity. Ensuring the correct\nhumidity levels protects cannabis from developing mold or mildew and\nprevents the plant from drying out and becoming harsh or brittle.\n\nFor the best results, store your cannabis in a place where the relative\nhumidity stays between 59 and 63 percent. This will help protect and\npreserve the color, scent, flavor and texture of the cannabis and make\nfor a better consumption experience.\n\n### The Right Light for Storing Cannabis\n\nYou wouldn't store your cannabis in full sunlight, would you? Excess UV\nlight harms the organic compounds within cannabis and causes the\nchemical structure of the plant to break down. The effects are so harsh,\nin fact, that one study published by the University of London stated\nthat UV rays are the single biggest degradation threat for the cannabis\nplant.\n\nFor this reason, it's wise to store your cannabis in a cool, dark place\nthat's out of direct sunlight. When stored in this manner, cannabis\nremains stable and effective for two years or more.\n\n### Oxygen Levels for Stored Cannabis\n\nCannabis needs to breathe during storage in order to be as fresh as\npossible. Because of this, it's important to store cannabis in a\ncontainer that allows just enough air to reach the plant. Too much air\nwill dry and degrade the cannabis while too little air will cause excess\nmoisture to form within the canister, especially if the buds aren't\nthoroughly dry.\n\nTo ensure the right oxygen levels for your stored cannabis, consider\ninvesting in a vacuum pump fixture for storage.\n\n### Seven Tips for Storing Cannabis\n\n1.  **Keep the cannabis out of sunlight.** Storing marijuana in a dry,\n    dark, cool place helps it stay fresh longer.\n2.  **Store cannabis in the correct containers.** Glass is preferable\n    and plastic should be avoided.\n3.  **Vacuum** **seal all storage containers.** This helps ensure\n    optimal oxygen levels within the container.\n4.  **Separate all cannabis strains.** This helps keep flavors and\n    scents separate.\n5.  **Avoid the refrigerator and freezer.** The refrigerator and freezer\n    can't maintain consistent humidity or temperature and may\n    damage marijuana.\n6.  **Keep marijuana away from tobacco humidors.** While these are great\n    for tobacco, they may change the smell and taste of your cannabis.\n7.  **Store marijuana separately from paraphernalia.** Resin on pipes\n    can influence the smell of your marijuana and combined storage will\n    get your grinders and other implements dirty.\n\nWhile storing marijuana properly may not seem that important, following\nthese tips can help you ensure that you always have the freshest\ncannabis possible.\n\nIf you're new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56201c206430320006bb0000/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\n\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/patrick_q/216398236/in/photolist-k86E5-pWj8jC-wf2iU5-9TRsaq-6xsT49-axS3E8-7kkHeY-bHfyDi-dAaLiF-pDMS2f-w7CxdG-sAUYC4-rDYUmd-sjpPk9-BNdWMX-B72KDf-9cw8D6-fhie7S-r3Xukr-7kkHrQ-on4n3A-fh3LGV-9dGCwZ-rpjxbA-bUNudZ-e6xcyz-9szmf7-qrtqyF-fhieH3-utwBq4-ajt1ze-9nFXbH-kzj4Q2-6tfuVX-auMxRy-5ro5CP-5SPN2G-9BgUnF-m7QgCp-8M2Gd3-8ET88W-fSdoA8-rgTrEz-ooR1Xt-rDSMmn-fh41St-fh3Trn-7gTqzK-xyMzqS-ismGN7)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/ccca76c4cde8249abbe5f1adad7e5935/6c136/bf8018cd6d9323ec3f7e34d5923a5bdb.png","srcSet":"/static/ccca76c4cde8249abbe5f1adad7e5935/69585/bf8018cd6d9323ec3f7e34d5923a5bdb.png 200w,\n/static/ccca76c4cde8249abbe5f1adad7e5935/497c6/bf8018cd6d9323ec3f7e34d5923a5bdb.png 400w,\n/static/ccca76c4cde8249abbe5f1adad7e5935/6c136/bf8018cd6d9323ec3f7e34d5923a5bdb.png 634w","srcWebp":"/static/ccca76c4cde8249abbe5f1adad7e5935/00f5a/bf8018cd6d9323ec3f7e34d5923a5bdb.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ccca76c4cde8249abbe5f1adad7e5935/61e93/bf8018cd6d9323ec3f7e34d5923a5bdb.webp 200w,\n/static/ccca76c4cde8249abbe5f1adad7e5935/1f5c5/bf8018cd6d9323ec3f7e34d5923a5bdb.webp 400w,\n/static/ccca76c4cde8249abbe5f1adad7e5935/00f5a/bf8018cd6d9323ec3f7e34d5923a5bdb.webp 634w","sizes":"(max-width: 634px) 100vw, 634px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2027-markdown","title":"What Is Kief & Hash?","slug":"what-is-kief-and-hash","content":"\nIf you’ve ever looked closely at a cannabis flower, you may have noticed a series of small, sticky crystals that cover the outside of the plant. These crystals are called kief, and they're the external resin pockets that contain many of the cannabinoid compounds that make marijuana the incredible plant that it is.\n\nHere's what consumers need to know about the origin, purpose, extraction and uses of kief.\n\n### Marijuana's Trichomes: the Building Blocks of Kief\n\nWhile it may not be common knowledge, kief is only one part of a complex system known as a trichome. Trichomes, also known as \"hairs,\" are used by many plants for many purposes. Some carnivorous plants—the Venus flytrap, for example—use trichomes as triggers that allow them to sense when prey is near before trapping and consuming it.\n\nWhen it comes to the marijuana plant, however, trichomes are used for self-defense and self-preservation. The trichomes on the marijuana plant deter predators by producing psychoactive chemicals that disorient them, thus preventing these predators from consuming the entire plant. To further ensure the plant's survival, the smell of the resin produced by the trichomes attracts insects that can pollinate the plant and spread its seeds throughout a given area.\n\n### What Is Kief & How Do You Extract It?\n\nKief is a highly psychoactive cannabis compound with multiple medicinal uses. People who enjoy concentrates but find them cost-prohibitive often use kief to produce similar experiences at a much lower cost.\n\nKief must be processed before it can be consumed. This is because the resin glands of the marijuana plant contain terpenes (aromatic compounds) as well as cannabinoids. The kief crystals must be separated from the rest of the plant material in order to ensure their purity and get them ready for consumption. Fortunately, this process is easy to do at home.\n\nTo extract kief from the rest of the marijuana plant, most consumers use a multi-chamber herb grinder. This setup allows the kief to get sifted through a series of increasingly fine screens, resulting in a powerful and pure product. Some consumers prefer making their own kief-extraction setup by building a set of layered screens to use as homemade sifters.\n\nCannabis consumers should keep in mind, however, that kief generally measures anywhere from 75–125 microns, so it's important to use at least four layers of ultra-fine mesh screens (between 80–270 lines per inch) in order to produce a pure product. Consumers should also know that, unlike other marijuana products, pure kief is generally white. Kief that’s green is likely contaminated by a fair amount of plant matter, so it won’t produce the same strong experience as a pure kief product will.\n\n### Turning Kief From Cannabis Into Hash\n\nOnce extracted, kief can be used for a variety of things. The most popular use of the product, however, is hash. Hash is essentially kief that has undergone a heating and pressurization process before being turned into a pliable ball or brick.\n\nHash is generally more potent than other kinds of marijuana products are. This means consumers can ingest less of it while still enjoying an intense experience. When kief is heated and pressurized, the resin glands within it rupture, causing the kief to undergo changes in color, taste and effects. The more highly pressurized kief is, the darker the subsequent hash becomes.\n\nWhile kief hasn't undergone the same mainstream popularity as other marijuana products, it's still one of the most effective and affordable forms of marijuana in the world, making it a good choice for cannabis consumers everywhere.\n\nPhoto credit: [shadowhound](https://www.flickr.com/photos/shadowhound/4010205069/in/photolist-5mjD1W-4dzrtE-T4mjH-8w1mB-6zFtjn-5HaVvo-9BqWpS-9wD8e1-9eFRTM-dQMDRx-9wA3Qe-9jf7p6-77nmfH-cL4Vu5-89sBfA-815Wz4-7UMiAh-iVx2H7-8Ju86V-55F4XD-iVyNYY-8gFhcB-iVuWRP-eHNpa-8AgybS-6wzF9-b9NfqZ-asP3Ko-as6Lkt-ah1tUy-9Ytwxv)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/tag/cannabis-101/) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/5cba5cf72c9df6b1078abab3e468f681/ee604/1e45af3e98951d5e98a2ddec518bea52.png","srcSet":"/static/5cba5cf72c9df6b1078abab3e468f681/69585/1e45af3e98951d5e98a2ddec518bea52.png 200w,\n/static/5cba5cf72c9df6b1078abab3e468f681/497c6/1e45af3e98951d5e98a2ddec518bea52.png 400w,\n/static/5cba5cf72c9df6b1078abab3e468f681/ee604/1e45af3e98951d5e98a2ddec518bea52.png 800w,\n/static/5cba5cf72c9df6b1078abab3e468f681/f3583/1e45af3e98951d5e98a2ddec518bea52.png 1200w,\n/static/5cba5cf72c9df6b1078abab3e468f681/b73ad/1e45af3e98951d5e98a2ddec518bea52.png 1422w","srcWebp":"/static/5cba5cf72c9df6b1078abab3e468f681/58556/1e45af3e98951d5e98a2ddec518bea52.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/5cba5cf72c9df6b1078abab3e468f681/61e93/1e45af3e98951d5e98a2ddec518bea52.webp 200w,\n/static/5cba5cf72c9df6b1078abab3e468f681/1f5c5/1e45af3e98951d5e98a2ddec518bea52.webp 400w,\n/static/5cba5cf72c9df6b1078abab3e468f681/58556/1e45af3e98951d5e98a2ddec518bea52.webp 800w,\n/static/5cba5cf72c9df6b1078abab3e468f681/99238/1e45af3e98951d5e98a2ddec518bea52.webp 1200w,\n/static/5cba5cf72c9df6b1078abab3e468f681/d060b/1e45af3e98951d5e98a2ddec518bea52.webp 1422w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2051-markdown","title":"What Is Cannabis Rosin & How Do You Use It?","slug":"what-is-cannabis-rosin-and-how-do-you-use-it","content":"While cannabis extract is quickly becoming a popular way to deliver the therapeutic effects of medical marijuana, the practice of creating a stable, pure concentrate is still relatively new. If you're wondering what this practice entails, then you'll want to know about rosin. Rosin is a simple mechanical process that has been around for several years and has recently gained notice. You don't need to be an expert in botanical\nextractions or chemistry to get an excellent return on rosin.\n\n### Rosin Is Low-Cost & Simple\n\nViolin players know rosin as a process that converts resin into a substance used to coat their bows to help ease friction when its applied to the violin strings. Rosin is also what the substance is called. Meanwhile, marijuana aficionados know it as a way to distill resin from the plant using only heat and pressure. This extraction process is inexpensive and easy to do. Necessary tools to extract resin include: \n\n- An inexpensive hair straightener\n- Parchment paper\n- A metal dabber\n- An oven glove or other safety glove\n\nCompared with a closed-loop extraction system, which requires professional pumps and can easily cost several thousand dollars, the tools for rosin are surprisingly cheap. The final product is similar to butane hash oil, but without its potentially carcinogenic residual hydrocarbons—since chemicals such as butane and propane are unnecessary.\n\n### How to Produce Optimal Rosin\n\nDepending on how many flowers are going to be pressed, the rosin process may only take a matter of minutes. Before getting started, you'll want to consider the following:\n\n- Doing the rosin procedure in bulk may not be worth the effort. Processing about 7 grams or fewer per sitting can offer the best return.\n- While most hair straighteners work, ones with a digital temperature display are useful since the plates will need to be between 200–300 degrees F.\n- Two-inch wide plates on the hair straightener are best for pressing the buds—although thinner plates will also do the trick.\n\n### Making the Rosin Extract\n\n1. Heat the hair straightener to at least 200 F. Buds used in this process should be moist, although they don't need to be wet. Wear safety gloves when handling the hair straightener, since your fingers will get close to the hot plates.\n\n2. To get the tightest press, lay the the hair straightener down like a stapler, with one paddle on a sturdy, flat surface and the other paddle in the air. A harder press typically results in a better return.\n\n3. Fold the bud over once, then cut a small envelope of parchment paper, at least four times larger than the now-folded bud. Slide the bud into the paper. This step is similar to making a dumpling or ravioli, but with the marijuana as the filling.\n\n4. With the gloves on, line up the pouch with the bud inside between the two paddles of the hair straightener. Then snap the two pieces of paper together. The paper holding the flower\nshould be placed on the bottom plate and flattened between the two paddles. (Take care not to get your fingers clipped between the two plates.)\n\n5. When the plates are pressed together, you'll hear the sound of sizzling. Press the flower 5–10 seconds. Given the strain and freshness of the cannabis, different pressing times may need to be tested. \n\n6. Remove the flower from the parchment paper. Check how much oil is on the paper. Depending on the success of the press, it may be necessary to fold the buds over and press them again. It's common to fold and re-press buds 2–3 times.\n\n7. Once a satisfactory amount of oil is on the parchment (a 20% yield is common), use the dabber to pick up the rosin. Oil on the tool can be used to help pick up more oil.\n\nThe result is a marijuana extract, also called rosin, that's easy to make and free of solvents. Once you've completed the rosin process, you can inhale it with a hash pipe, vaporizer or dab rig. Making good rosin may take some trial and error, but the rewards are worth the effort.\n\nPhoto credit: [Dominique Cappronnier](https://www.flickr.com/photos/77688862@N02/15197677279/in/photolist-p9Y4YB-bCrjdL-dGGpsS-jF1Umk-36SHKx-dvcqqQ-6qRMde-b5mVW-4EAy7a-6c8BPk-5hND4v-cPjwb9-dW3sPd-9dudjQ-ouKqdD-5xVib2-8uEWMd-8uEeAA-jEwJKc-4xcrw6-5xViTi-9C17DG-4DcwQx-5rpBw2-dnSnRE-9294KY-dGAZzi-4m6Xfy-8uBi3X-5V71XR-8uEkow-8uBio6-64UB8J-ag92kY-g3nFYN-ouKPTL-vV6HA8-buqGTR-buqHtM-7SNHKu-pAGZpW-5JrxNk-8uEk4s-dEt54H-4B2113-5ySogE-6NWqZ-91uFr7-8311Wj-duwJJz)\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.4184397163120568,"src":"/static/d5f63922b7cc4e1c0a466e5bfcc6747b/ee604/b9627d526d24b0e50a4caeb8c13ee559.png","srcSet":"/static/d5f63922b7cc4e1c0a466e5bfcc6747b/69585/b9627d526d24b0e50a4caeb8c13ee559.png 200w,\n/static/d5f63922b7cc4e1c0a466e5bfcc6747b/497c6/b9627d526d24b0e50a4caeb8c13ee559.png 400w,\n/static/d5f63922b7cc4e1c0a466e5bfcc6747b/ee604/b9627d526d24b0e50a4caeb8c13ee559.png 800w,\n/static/d5f63922b7cc4e1c0a466e5bfcc6747b/f3583/b9627d526d24b0e50a4caeb8c13ee559.png 1200w,\n/static/d5f63922b7cc4e1c0a466e5bfcc6747b/6af1e/b9627d526d24b0e50a4caeb8c13ee559.png 1424w","srcWebp":"/static/d5f63922b7cc4e1c0a466e5bfcc6747b/58556/b9627d526d24b0e50a4caeb8c13ee559.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d5f63922b7cc4e1c0a466e5bfcc6747b/61e93/b9627d526d24b0e50a4caeb8c13ee559.webp 200w,\n/static/d5f63922b7cc4e1c0a466e5bfcc6747b/1f5c5/b9627d526d24b0e50a4caeb8c13ee559.webp 400w,\n/static/d5f63922b7cc4e1c0a466e5bfcc6747b/58556/b9627d526d24b0e50a4caeb8c13ee559.webp 800w,\n/static/d5f63922b7cc4e1c0a466e5bfcc6747b/99238/b9627d526d24b0e50a4caeb8c13ee559.webp 1200w,\n/static/d5f63922b7cc4e1c0a466e5bfcc6747b/ed80f/b9627d526d24b0e50a4caeb8c13ee559.webp 1424w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2013-markdown","title":"The CBN Cannabinoid: Affects Your Health","slug":"the-cbn-cannabinoid-affects-your-health","content":"Doctors and patients alike are becoming familiar with the benefits\noffered for a variety of ailments through compounds contained in medical\nmarijuana like CBD (cannabidiol) or, to a different degree, THC\n(tetrahydrocannabinol). Cannabis contains far more compounds than just\nthese two best-known compounds, however. One of the lesser-known\ncompounds, CBN (cannabinol), is being studied closely because of its\npossible therapeutic value to patients.\n\n**CBD, THC and CBN**\n\nCBD has been found useful in pain management, as a drug that could\npossibly [combat cancer](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22506672)\nand for its general anti-inflammatory properties. CBD achieves this\nthrough its impact on certain receptors in the brain.\n[THC](https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/marijuana.html), the\nbest-known property of cannabis, can enable pain relief, help with\nnausea and diminish anxiety due to its psychotropic properties. CBN is\nthe third compound in medical marijuana that can help with [pain\nrelief](http://www.jneurosci.org/content/22/11/4720.full). In addition,\nCBN has been studied for its ability to [treat\ninsomnia](http://steephilllab.com/cbn-a-sleeping-synergy/) and\n[stimulate appetite](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22543671).\n\n**How CBN Activates**\n\nUnlike CBD, which occurs separately from THC within cannabis, CBN\n[distills](http://steephilllab.com/cbn-a-sleeping-synergy/) from THC.\nSpecifically, Steep Hill Lab describes the CBD-to-THC process as being\none of oxidization after THC degrades. During this process, THC loses\nits psychoactive properties, but retains the ability to be an\nanti-inflammatory while also enhancing feelings of relaxation.\n\n**Enhanced Impact of CBN on Patients**\n\nStudies have shown that CBN enhances the impact of THC and CBD in\ncertain types of therapies. All three compounds--THC, CBD and CBN--have\nbeen found to have antibacterial qualities, particularly against viruses\nsuch as [MRSA](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18681481). In\naddition, studies have shown positive results in the impact of CBN on\n[lung carcinomas](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1159836) in\nanimals. That could mean that patients may someday experience similar\npositive benefits from CBN as well.\n\n**Getting the Best of Cannabis**\n\nLike many mainstream medications, different medical marijuana patients\nget different results from the various compounds that comprise cannabis.\nOne benefit to CBN is, as the National Institute of Health terms it,\n[the taming of\nTHC](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165946/). Some\npatients may need and seek the more psychotropic properties offered by\nTHC. For other patients, however, those very properties outweigh the\npotential benefits they may experience. And that's where CBN can make a\ndifference. As THC oxidizes into CBN, psychotropic properties are\ntamed--thinned out, basically--and that enables patients to achieve the\nanti-inflammatory, pain relief or other symptomatic improvements they\nneed.\n\n**Hope for the Future**\n\nThe list of ailments that medical marijuana may be able to treat or help\nprovide relief from grows on a near-daily basis: help for cancer\npatients, controlling\nepilepsy,\nminimizing the pain of\n[fibromyalgia](https://www.hellomd.com/learn/fibromyalgia)\nand\n[migraines](https://www.hellomd.com/learn/migraines)\nare a few medical issues on that list. More research dollars are\nbeginning to flow to determine the other properties of cannabis that may\nprove medically beneficial. Additionally, more formulations of medical\nmarijuana are being developed in different strains to help increasingly\ndifferent issues.\n\nCBN is the latest discovery that has proven to be of great benefit to\npatients, and it won't be the last. As research ferrets out more ways in\nwhich CBN and other compounds can be used--such as the anti-tumor\nproperties already observed in lab animals--practitioners can begin\nrecommend cannabis to broader groups of patients. Medical marijuana is\nalready legal in 23 states as well as the District of Columbia, and its\nreach grows with each election cycle as well. With the combination of\nenhanced research, enhanced prescribing and enhanced availability,\npatients will benefit exponentially.\n\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/noaa_glerl/6329688296/in/photolist-aDkiNQ-tCkcU-x1m84-oUChc-5x1Trn-eex4Fn-rxei46-rt3L2H-iG3ViD-UQ1W-GB86X-aPUr2a-bv75No-asMweG-6gBj3T-QZ7Kg-bk4yHS-dPdydB-6AV8nA-63DZSF-iG5Lmf-8FegjL-6AQWT4-9QM3mp-orYs3-orYs5-9U2ZkW-cBwrEu-9FTGM9-r9QMhM-qfb9Ls-aeh1t9-rkFrGp-aeh1J5-92SgXr-4NjUJ-eqfihP-8cGETw-rnUFk7-woA9Mh-dGcWib-o66YH-cBwruS-27ywx-bpYfH6-61U8f2-4ZpJrh-2ViCx-aeh2fU-ezuEza)\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.408450704225352,"src":"/static/f0938514a6eb3023d048f1759e0bdf7b/ee604/e1aa58d3a4245cd37ccbdc3ea7ce325a.png","srcSet":"/static/f0938514a6eb3023d048f1759e0bdf7b/69585/e1aa58d3a4245cd37ccbdc3ea7ce325a.png 200w,\n/static/f0938514a6eb3023d048f1759e0bdf7b/497c6/e1aa58d3a4245cd37ccbdc3ea7ce325a.png 400w,\n/static/f0938514a6eb3023d048f1759e0bdf7b/ee604/e1aa58d3a4245cd37ccbdc3ea7ce325a.png 800w,\n/static/f0938514a6eb3023d048f1759e0bdf7b/f3583/e1aa58d3a4245cd37ccbdc3ea7ce325a.png 1200w,\n/static/f0938514a6eb3023d048f1759e0bdf7b/6af1e/e1aa58d3a4245cd37ccbdc3ea7ce325a.png 1424w","srcWebp":"/static/f0938514a6eb3023d048f1759e0bdf7b/58556/e1aa58d3a4245cd37ccbdc3ea7ce325a.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f0938514a6eb3023d048f1759e0bdf7b/61e93/e1aa58d3a4245cd37ccbdc3ea7ce325a.webp 200w,\n/static/f0938514a6eb3023d048f1759e0bdf7b/1f5c5/e1aa58d3a4245cd37ccbdc3ea7ce325a.webp 400w,\n/static/f0938514a6eb3023d048f1759e0bdf7b/58556/e1aa58d3a4245cd37ccbdc3ea7ce325a.webp 800w,\n/static/f0938514a6eb3023d048f1759e0bdf7b/99238/e1aa58d3a4245cd37ccbdc3ea7ce325a.webp 1200w,\n/static/f0938514a6eb3023d048f1759e0bdf7b/ed80f/e1aa58d3a4245cd37ccbdc3ea7ce325a.webp 1424w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2016-markdown","title":"Vaporizing or Vaping: What You Need to Know ","slug":"vaporizing-or-vaping-what-you-need-to-know","content":"If you're like most marijuana users looking to get into vaping, you\nprobably have some questions. Vaporizing, or vaping for short, has\nbecome an incredibly popular marijuana delivery method over the last\nseveral years, and more and more people are appreciating the medical\nbenefits and convenience that vaping has to offer. As a medical\nprofessional, I'm all about medical benefits and convenience. So let's\ndiscuss marijuana vaping, shall we?\n\n### What is Vaporizing?\n\nA [vaporizer](http://www.thefirefly.com) is a device that heats up marijuana for the purpose\nof releasing its active ingredients without burning them. While smoking\nmarijuana can be an effective delivery process, many consumers have\nfound that the ash produced by smoking is too harsh on the lungs.\nProponents of vaping hail it as a safer alternative to smoking that\nstill provides marijuana's positive effects. Vaporizers are compatible\nwith marijuana buds, wax, oils and eLiquid.\n\n### Using a Vaporizer\n\nConsumer use of vaporizers depends upon individual preferences. As a\ngeneral rule, consumers who use whole herbs grind them finely before\nsmoking. This produces a finer flavor and a more pleasant vaping\nexperience. The herbs (or the marijuana concentrates, if the consumer\nprefers) are then placed in the vaporizer's compartment, where they are\nheated and prepared for inhalation. Unlike other types of marijuana\ninhalation, vaporizing doesn't produce any visible smoke. Instead, the\nuser experiences only a pleasant taste with each inhalation.\n\n### Filling the Vaporizer\n\nAs I mentioned earlier, vaporizers can be filled with a whole host of\ndifferent marijuana products, from waxes to whole herbs. The choice of\nwhat to use depends largely on what you like and don't like. On one\nhand, people who enjoy smoking may choose to purchase a vaporizer that\ncan be filled with finely ground marijuana, which allows for exploration\nof different strains and tastes. On the other hand, people who don't\nenjoy smoking and would prefer to inhale cannabis exclusively through\nvaping may prefer to purchase concentrates, like oils or waxes. A word\nof caution about oils: they may contain harsh chemicals that can harm\nyour lungs, so do your research before you buy. Substituting one danger\nfor another is no way to live life.\n\n### Conduction vs. Convection: Which Is Best for Vaping Marijuana?\n\nAs you dive deeper into vaporizers, you'll soon discover that there are\ntwo distinct types: those that use conduction heat and those that use\nconvection heat. Get ready for some science: Conduction and convection\nare two different types of heat transfer; conduction occurs when heat is\ntransferred between two objects (such as when a hot stove surface heats\nup a pot), while convection occurs when liquid or gas are involved (such\nas in the creation of steam). I'm often asked which process I believe is\nbest, both for efficiency and medical benefits. The answer is that most\nprofessionals, myself included, believe that convection vaporizers are\nmore efficient and offer a better inhaling experience.\n\nWhy? Conduction vaporizers often use metal chambers to heat the\nmarijuana product, resulting in uneven heating. The metal is heated\ncontinuously, even if you aren't actively inhaling from the vaporizer.\nFurther, if you pack the chamber too tightly, you may need to stir and\nshake after the initial pulls to encourage thorough heating. If a\nmarijuana bud, for example, is packed into the chamber, the part that\ntouches the metal will get hotter than the rest. This isn't an issue if\nyou're using oils and other concentrates, but if you're using whole or\nground plants, you could end up playing hot potato.\n\nConvection vaporizers are more efficient because they offer even,\non-demand heating and a decreased risk of burning the plant. Consider a\nregular oven versus a convection oven - convection ovens distribute heat\nevenly so you don't undercook half the turkey and burn the other half.\nThink of your marijuana bud as that turkey. Even heat distribution makes\neverything better.\n\n### Loose Leaf vs. Cannabis Concentrate\n\nThe next large question that arises surrounding the topic of vaping is\nwhether to use loose leaf marijuana or marijuana concentrates. People\nwho want to engage in environmentally friendly vaping will appreciate\nloose leaf vaporizers, as they present less plastic waste and a lower\nlevel of processing. On the flip, people who want to use their\nvaporizers on the go or in public may prefer to use concentrates, which\nproduce less smell and are more portable. Concentrates are generally\nmore convenient, because loose leaf vaporizers require filling and\nheating time before every use.\n\nWhen choosing between loose leaf and concentrate, you'll also need to\nconsider the experience each option offers. All vaporizers change the\nsmell and taste of medical marijuana slightly, but many consumers who\nconsider themselves connoisseurs don't care for the smell of plants that\nhave been vaped. Because of this, many people opt to vape concentrates\nexclusively. Keep in mind that, since vaporizing is a cleaner method of\nmedical marijuana inhalation, the effects of inhalation are often\nmarkedly less \"heady,\" which many users appreciate.\n\n### The Case for Vaping Cannabis\n\nIf you're looking for a clean, effective form of marijuana inhalation,\nvaping may be your go-to. From providing immediate, effective relief\nfrom various symptoms to offering an inconspicuous way to enjoy medical\nmarijuana in a group setting without the harsh effects of smoking,\nvaping is a fantastic option for many medical marijuana users.\n\nPhoto credit: [Vaping360](https://www.flickr.com/photos/vaping360/16086392488/in/photolist-qvuY3C-21HCCd1-qfjb7m-EqLh4n-qMZZ4f-eTK8ne-hW5QoM-peAQym-YQJKDp-UiKVYJ-Y6HbA2-iiLC38-iiKH1g-VgVDeq-htfqAS-qSpEBN-qC84GL-GkD56H-25QX38f-erjP3f-htfoF9-Ys92hQ-qC9p5d-idCJUn-GCq2NE-iiNiuq-SjvKih-iiMbfr-gVFgQf-tmCTC1-Xkc8Uo-qUGRdk-Ys92oS-W4Y3R4-aosVJr-q42cJT-qMZVdE-hKZKoX-FJ5frK-nTgUGT-hygZHR-edp7pM-eqp1NG-du786C-eguB6R-qvDy8p-Y3aaCy-aKi1kB-n9sY4Q-Z58kDh)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/78bae096f8d465d705c6e46aeefffce9/14b42/57205efcaf4f4cf6c49fa29387369c40.jpg","srcSet":"/static/78bae096f8d465d705c6e46aeefffce9/f836f/57205efcaf4f4cf6c49fa29387369c40.jpg 200w,\n/static/78bae096f8d465d705c6e46aeefffce9/2244e/57205efcaf4f4cf6c49fa29387369c40.jpg 400w,\n/static/78bae096f8d465d705c6e46aeefffce9/14b42/57205efcaf4f4cf6c49fa29387369c40.jpg 800w,\n/static/78bae096f8d465d705c6e46aeefffce9/47498/57205efcaf4f4cf6c49fa29387369c40.jpg 1200w,\n/static/78bae096f8d465d705c6e46aeefffce9/0e329/57205efcaf4f4cf6c49fa29387369c40.jpg 1600w,\n/static/78bae096f8d465d705c6e46aeefffce9/a4dca/57205efcaf4f4cf6c49fa29387369c40.jpg 1864w","srcWebp":"/static/78bae096f8d465d705c6e46aeefffce9/58556/57205efcaf4f4cf6c49fa29387369c40.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/78bae096f8d465d705c6e46aeefffce9/61e93/57205efcaf4f4cf6c49fa29387369c40.webp 200w,\n/static/78bae096f8d465d705c6e46aeefffce9/1f5c5/57205efcaf4f4cf6c49fa29387369c40.webp 400w,\n/static/78bae096f8d465d705c6e46aeefffce9/58556/57205efcaf4f4cf6c49fa29387369c40.webp 800w,\n/static/78bae096f8d465d705c6e46aeefffce9/99238/57205efcaf4f4cf6c49fa29387369c40.webp 1200w,\n/static/78bae096f8d465d705c6e46aeefffce9/7c22d/57205efcaf4f4cf6c49fa29387369c40.webp 1600w,\n/static/78bae096f8d465d705c6e46aeefffce9/21f96/57205efcaf4f4cf6c49fa29387369c40.webp 1864w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2024-markdown","title":"What is Cannabis Wax, Shatter and Oil?","slug":"what-is-cannabis-wax-shatter-and-oil","content":"When most people hear 'medical marijuana', they think about flowers or bud that are\nsmoked. But cannabis comes in a variety of forms, including concentrated\nextracts that can be taken in lots of different ways.\n\nCannabis extracts are growing in popularity, comprising between [30 and\n60\npercent](http://blog.sfgate.com/smellthetruth/2015/01/12/is-cannabis-extraction-the-future-of-a-multi-billion-dollar-industry/)\nof legal market sales in states that have legislation regulating\nmarijuana. The names for these extracts -- oil, wax and shatter -- refer\nto the texture and consistency of the concentrate. Here's an explanation\nabout these cannabis extracts and a guide to the differences between\nthem.\n\n### Cannabis Concentration\n\nThe cannabis plant contains hundreds of compounds, including\ncannabinoids, which are the chemicals responsible for the plant's\npsychoactive and medicinal properties. About [85\ncannabinoids](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2866040/)\nhave been identified in cannabis, but the most common and most\nfrequently studied are Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol\n(CBD). THC is the primary psychoactive component in cannabis and is\nassociated with such medicinal effects as [pain\ncontrol](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3820295/), [mood\nstabilization](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2866040/),\n[sleep improvement](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/164314),\n[appetite\nenhancement](http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/scientific-explanation-how-marijuana-causes-munchies-180949660/?no-ist)\nand [inflammation\nreduction](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2828614/). It has\nbeen approved in a number of countries to treat spasticity in patients\nwith [multiple sclerosis](http://www.gwpharm.com/Sativex.aspx), and it\nhas been associated with improvements in patients with\n[asthma](http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.12597/full).\n[CBD](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3579248/) has been\nshown to reduce nausea and vomiting, suppress seizures, reduce\ninflammation, enhance moods and reduce pain.\n\nThe percent of active cannabinoids, referred to as potency, varies from\nplant to plant and is dependent on such variables as climate,\ntemperature, humidity and soil conditions for the growing plant. Plants\ngrown indoors under controlled conditions usually have [higher\npotency](http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/frontpage/2009/June/why-does-cannabis-potency-matter.html)\nthan plants grown outdoors. Potency is measured as the percent of active\ncannabinoids per dry weight of material. For example, average THC\nconcentration in cannabis varies between [1 and 20\npercent](http://adai.uw.edu/marijuana/factsheets/potency.htm).\nExtracting the cannabinoids from the plant increases that potency to\nbetween [40 and 80\npercent](http://www.dea.gov/pr/multimedia-library/publications/marijuana-concentrates.pdf).\n\nThe benefits of increased potency means that patients need less product\nto achieve the medical results needed.\n\n### Extracting Cannabinoids\n\nCannabinoids are extracted from the plant by use of a solvent. Common\nsolvents include:\n\n-   Butane\n-   Isopropyl alcohol\n-   Carbon dioxide\n-   Ethanol\n-   Water/steam\n-   Hydrocarbons\n-   Propane\n\nThe plant material, usually consisting of the buds, flowers, stems and\nleaves, is soaked in the solvent and then strained. This process is\nusually repeated. The resulting liquid is then heated in a vacuum oven\nto remove the solvent. The remaining resin is cannabis concentrate.\n\nIt is estimated that it takes about one ounce of marijuana plant to make six\ngrams of cannabis oil, or that it takes about five pounds of plant to\nget 120 to 140 grams of extract.\n\nAlthough the process for extracting cannabinoids can be done at home,\nand there are many web sites that explain the process, there are risks.\nOne risk is the very real danger caused by improper ventilation and the\nheating of potentially flammable solvents, such as butane. In 2014,\nColorado reported [32 home\nexplosions](http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/05/23/hash-oil-explosions/27737635/)\nthat were confirmed as being caused by cannabis extractions. As a\nresult, the state passed legislation in 2015 restricting the use of\nhazardous materials in the extraction process for non-licensed\nmanufacturers of cannabis extracts.\n\nA second problem is control of contaminants. Some solvent may remain in\nthe resin despite the heating process, and the extraction process may\nnot remove contaminants, such as pesticides, that are used in the\ngrowing process. For instance, [Washington\nState](http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/modern-marijuana-more-potent-often-laced-heavy-metals-and-fungus-180954696/?no-ist),\nwhich legalized recreational marijuana in 2014, tests product regularly\nfor salmonella, *E. Coli*, and other contaminants, and rejected about 13\npercent of the marijuana produced in the state in 2014.\n\nThe third problem is consistent potency. Do-it-yourself production does\nnot necessarily have quality control over the potency of your product.\nIf your recommendation for medical marijuana requires a specific potency\nlevel, you may be better off relying on a pharmaceutically prepared\nextract.\n\n### Texture & Consistency of Cannabis Extracts\n\nThe texture and consistency of the cannabis extract is what gives the\nextract its name. Texture can be affected by the temperature of the\nheating process, the amount of moisture in the plant material and any\nagitation or stirring that occurs prior to the purging phase (removal of\nthe solvent). Extract that appears as a thick, sticky resinous liquid is\ncalled cannabis\noil.\nCannabis oil is sometimes called honey oil due to its gold color, or\nbutane oil in reference to the most commonly used solvent.\n\nExtract that is thick and opaque is referred to as wax due to its\nsimilarity to beeswax or earwax. Cannabis wax results from\ncrystallization caused by agitation either through stirring or rapid\nheating. Wax can vary in texture from a somewhat thick liquid to candle\nwax.\n\nShatter is more brittle and clear, and is almost glasslike in\nappearance. When heated, it can be pliable, but it can also break easily\nwhen it is cooled, hence the name.\n\nPatients who use cannabis extract for treatment often employ\nvaporization\nor\ndabbing.\nThese methods heat the cannabis to a temperature lower than that of\nsmoking, creating a mist or vapor that can be inhaled. This makes it\nideal for patients who are experiencing nausea or who cannot or do not\nwish inhale smoke. Cannabis oils also can be taken orally via a capsule,\nan oral syringe or as drops under the tongue. If prepared with an edible\nsolvent, such as olive oil or butter, it can be used in cooking and\npreparing cannabis edibles.\n\nThe potency and effects of the various forms of cannabis extract are\nsimilar across the products. The type recommended for patients will\ndepend on their condition, symptoms and their provider's\nrecommendations.\n\n[Photo credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/symic/8140469407/in/photolist-q8pnum-pRCCz2-dCzfDq-dBYPid-7rrhKX-dpm386-dCzfx3-CXHbt6-sJEMCb-dpm2WP-dBYPts-dG6DFa)\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.2578616352201257,"src":"/static/21b12ee85f8596f7c586f10b188d84c0/3c17d/12dc4ee604bbea8d73a6360e8e0eb81b.png","srcSet":"/static/21b12ee85f8596f7c586f10b188d84c0/69585/12dc4ee604bbea8d73a6360e8e0eb81b.png 200w,\n/static/21b12ee85f8596f7c586f10b188d84c0/497c6/12dc4ee604bbea8d73a6360e8e0eb81b.png 400w,\n/static/21b12ee85f8596f7c586f10b188d84c0/3c17d/12dc4ee604bbea8d73a6360e8e0eb81b.png 720w","srcWebp":"/static/21b12ee85f8596f7c586f10b188d84c0/2aa8d/12dc4ee604bbea8d73a6360e8e0eb81b.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/21b12ee85f8596f7c586f10b188d84c0/61e93/12dc4ee604bbea8d73a6360e8e0eb81b.webp 200w,\n/static/21b12ee85f8596f7c586f10b188d84c0/1f5c5/12dc4ee604bbea8d73a6360e8e0eb81b.webp 400w,\n/static/21b12ee85f8596f7c586f10b188d84c0/2aa8d/12dc4ee604bbea8d73a6360e8e0eb81b.webp 720w","sizes":"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2031-markdown","title":"9 Foolproof Rules for Consuming Cannabis Edibles","slug":"9-foolproof-rules-for-consuming-cannabis-edibles","content":"Last night, a cannabis-savvy friend of mine came over and said, “Something has got to be done about the marijuana edibles on the market. They’re way too strong!” Then she recounted a tale involving Las Vegas, poolside alcohol and some repeated consumption of a cannabis edible chocolate bar. What followed was some identity confusion (she felt she was channeling Liza Minelli), her face stuck to a plate glass window for a period of time and an evening that essentially ended before it even started.\n\nWorking in the cannabis industry you hear a lot of stories about marijuana edibles. Many stories are positive, such as the elderly lady I spoke with who successfully consumes a tiny sliver of cannabis chocolate each night to help combat insomnia. Equally though, I am hearing more and more edible disasters, which I hereby coin “edi-sasters.” Personally, I think until people are adequately educated and informed, there will be more many more edi-sasters, not fewer. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### The Pros of Cannabis Edibles\n\nThere are many positives when it comes to edibles. They can be an excellent way to treat a variety of medical conditions like insomnia and chronic pain, and many people are more comfortable eating their cannabis rather than smoking it. Edibles also happen to be incredibly potent, which is great for many medicinal consumers. \n\nHere, when I refer to edibles, I’m talking about products that are processed in our body through intestinal uptake, like a cannabis brownie or a gummy—basically anything that gets digested in your stomach. If you follow my simple guidelines below, you may be able to have a positive experience with edibles and avoid an edi-saster.\n\n### My 9 Rules for Consuming Marijuana Edibles\n\n#### 1. Choose a Cannabis Edible With a Label\n \nDon’t eat a marijuana brownie a friend gives you; you will have no idea how much cannabis you’re consuming. I recently heard a story about a friend’s mom who was at the end of her rope with prescription medications, which weren’t helping with her chronic pain. She ate a marijuana brownie which was given to her, and well, it was an edi-saster. When you eat homemade cannabis treats, they may be yummy, but you’re playing Russian-psychotropic-roulette.\n\nDosing is always important, but even more so with cannabis edibles. If you’re eating an edible with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), then you should expect a psychotropic experience. Edibles are typically measured in milligrams, so it is important to [understand dosing](http://boingboing.net/2014/11/18/everything-you-need-to-know-ab.html). But remember, this is just a guide, everyone is different. For some people, 2 mg of THC gives them an intense psychoactive experience but for others, they don’t feel a thing. \n\n* 2 mg: This amount of THC has shown little to no impairment on most consumers.\n\n* 2.5 mg: Most consumers have reported some psychoactivity, which may be equal to a glass of wine or a beer. Doses of THC in this range are popular for social anxiety, appetite stimulation and focus. \n\n* 5 mg: Almost all consumers note significant psychoactivity at this THC dosage. \n\n* 10 mg: For most consumers, there will be significant psychoactivity at this dosage of THC. This also provides significant distraction from pain and is a common dose for chemotherapy patients to reduce nausea.\n\n* 15 mg: This dosage of THC can most times cause uncomfortable levels of psychoactivity, even for regular cannabis consumers.\n\n#### 2. Microdose Your Cannabis Edibles \n\nIf you’re new to edibles and cannabis, I would suggest not exceeding 2.5mg of THC the first time you eat a marijuana edible and know it may take up to an hour to feel the effects. Seek out manufacturers that ensure the consistency and quality of their products. \n\n#### 3. Buy Your Marijuana Edibles From a Reputable Dispensary/Collective/Delivery Service\n\nIt’s important to buy your cannabis edibles from a [trustworthy dispensary](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5627dae93339390006600000/get-started-with-cannabis-a-comprehensive-overview-of-medical-marijuana). It’s important that the products you ingest are safe and that your dispensary only sells products that meet safety standards. A reputable dispensary should carry products that are lab tested by the manufacturer. Some dispensaries go a step further and test the manufactured products themselves. Lab testing will check for pesticides, molds, fungus and E.coli, among other substances that may negatively impact your health. If you’re a medicinal user with a compromised immune system, this is especially important.\n\n#### 4. Don’t Drink Alcohol & Consume Marijuana Edibles at the Same Time\n\nAlcohol has the ability to magnify an edibles experience and the combination of the two can make you extremely dizzy. Additionally, alcohol can impair your judgment and lead to over consumption. Over consumption is very, very bad because you will feel terrible for a very long time.\n\n#### 5. Wait—it can Take up to an Hour to Feel the Effects of Cannabis Edibles\n\nOften, people assume that the edible is not working, and then eat more. How much an edible may affect you and when is also due to your age, gender, body type and metabolism. It’s equally important to eat a marijuana edible either after or while eating non-medicated food. \n\n#### 6. Lock Marijuana Edibles Away From Children & Pets\n\nNever, ever leave an edible in the refrigerator or lying around the house. Most edibles look enticing to children. Pets are also likely to eat your edibles. Yes, dogs will feel the effects too, and not in a good way. Always place your edibles out of reach and ideally in a locked box.\n\n#### 7. Keep a High-CBD Cannabis Product Nearby\n\nAre you nervous about trying edibles? Are you afraid the high may be too intense or the duration may be too long? Well, there’s an answer, and ’'s relatively simple: Keep a product high in cannabidiol (CBD) nearby in case you need help. CBD is an important cannabinoid that, like THC, has special healing properties. It also happens to be an antidote to the paranoia and stoned feeling THC can induce. If you feel too high after eating a cannabis edible, CBD will lessen the effects. \n\nRecently, a close friend of mine ate half of a gummy for his insomnia, not knowing the dosage was too much for him (I did suggest a lower dosage, if you want to know). He was lying on the couch, incapacitated and was telling me the rabbit hole he was going down was too much for him. So I sprayed an 18:1 CBD:THC sublingual spray into his mouth. Within 10 minutes he was up walking around, feeling much better. It really does work! [\n\n#### 8. Don’t Freak Out if You Eat Too Much Cannabis, You’ll Be OK\n\nIf you happen to over consume an edible, know that you will be OK. Hydrate with water, lie down and stay calm. In most cases you’ll fall asleep and wake up groggy, but you will be alive and hopefully be a little wiser. Unlike prescription medicines, alcohol or illegal drugs like cocaine and heroin, you will not kill yourself by overdosing on THC—it’s physically impossible to do so and there are no recorded deaths by marijuana overdose. You may feel terrible and possibly paranoid, but you won’t die.\n\nRELATED: [THE SCIENCE BEHIND WHY MARIJUANA IS SAFER THAN OPIOIDS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a453281100a820006562f3f/the-science-behind-why-marijuana-is-safer-than-opioids)\n\n#### 9. Find Marijuana Edibles Low in THC\n\nYes, they do exist. With the new wave of high-CBD products, there’s a movement in the marketplace for high-CBD edibles. This is great news to people who enjoy edibles but would like a less intense sensation, or to drop THC altogether. CBD is a great anti-inflammatory and analgesic that helps people with back pain, arthritis and conditions like irritable bowel syndrome. \n\nCannabis edibles can be so helpful to many people. But keep my tips in mind so you don’t have a marijuana-fueled Liza Minelli impersonation story of your own. Remember, take a small piece of a cannabis edible and wait at least an hour before deciding whether you need to up your dose. As we say in the cannabis industry when it comes to edibles: start low and go slow. \n\nPhoto credit: [Kat Bruni](https://unsplash.com/@katbruni)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3793103448275863,"src":"/static/7770725fd48dd2f606db237437951e99/14b42/ebbb4a67823fce061bf69fad3fa4bbb6.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7770725fd48dd2f606db237437951e99/f836f/ebbb4a67823fce061bf69fad3fa4bbb6.jpg 200w,\n/static/7770725fd48dd2f606db237437951e99/2244e/ebbb4a67823fce061bf69fad3fa4bbb6.jpg 400w,\n/static/7770725fd48dd2f606db237437951e99/14b42/ebbb4a67823fce061bf69fad3fa4bbb6.jpg 800w,\n/static/7770725fd48dd2f606db237437951e99/47498/ebbb4a67823fce061bf69fad3fa4bbb6.jpg 1200w,\n/static/7770725fd48dd2f606db237437951e99/0e329/ebbb4a67823fce061bf69fad3fa4bbb6.jpg 1600w,\n/static/7770725fd48dd2f606db237437951e99/87226/ebbb4a67823fce061bf69fad3fa4bbb6.jpg 2281w","srcWebp":"/static/7770725fd48dd2f606db237437951e99/58556/ebbb4a67823fce061bf69fad3fa4bbb6.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7770725fd48dd2f606db237437951e99/61e93/ebbb4a67823fce061bf69fad3fa4bbb6.webp 200w,\n/static/7770725fd48dd2f606db237437951e99/1f5c5/ebbb4a67823fce061bf69fad3fa4bbb6.webp 400w,\n/static/7770725fd48dd2f606db237437951e99/58556/ebbb4a67823fce061bf69fad3fa4bbb6.webp 800w,\n/static/7770725fd48dd2f606db237437951e99/99238/ebbb4a67823fce061bf69fad3fa4bbb6.webp 1200w,\n/static/7770725fd48dd2f606db237437951e99/7c22d/ebbb4a67823fce061bf69fad3fa4bbb6.webp 1600w,\n/static/7770725fd48dd2f606db237437951e99/94f44/ebbb4a67823fce061bf69fad3fa4bbb6.webp 2281w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1987-markdown","title":"Terpenes That Augment the Healing Power of Cannabis","slug":"terpenes-that-augment-the-healing-power-of-cannabis","content":"The two most well-known components of cannabis are THC and CBD, but\r\nthere are many more important compounds in this valuable plant. So far,\r\n480 chemical components of cannabis have been identified. One important\r\ngroup of chemicals found in cannabis are terpenes. These chemicals could\r\nmake vital contributions to the beneficial properties of medical\r\nmarijuana.\r\n\r\nWhat are Terpenes?\r\n------------------\r\n\r\nTerpenes are the chemicals that give marijuana its flavor and aroma; in\r\nfact, variations in the amounts of various types of terpenes are what\r\nmake different strains of cannabis smell earthy, fruity or herbal.\r\nDifferent terpenes also have different effects on the body, ranging from\r\ncalming down inflammation and relieving pain to enhancing mood and\r\nincreasing cognitive function.\r\n\r\nThe following five terpenes are some of the most important for giving\r\ncannabis its healing properties.\r\n\r\nBeta-Myrcene\r\n------------\r\n\r\nAlso found in hops, bay leaves, lemongrass and eucalyptus, beta-myrcene\r\nis the most common terpene in marijuana. It has a spicy, herbal aroma\r\nthat users of medical marijuana may recognize as characteristic of some\r\nstrains.\r\n\r\n[Beta-myrcene](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myrcene# Pharmacological_effects)\r\nhas an incredible ability to help the body heal. It relaxes muscles, and\r\nstudies have shown that it acts as a general sedative in mice. It also\r\nreduces inflammation, which could help the body recover from illness or\r\ninjury. Importantly, beta-myrcene has a pain-relieving effects, which\r\ncould help explain why some people use lemongrass tea for medicinal\r\npurposes.\r\n\r\nLimonene\r\n--------\r\n\r\nThe second-most common terpene in cannabis is limonene. It has that\r\nlemony-fresh scent that many people associate with insect repellent and\r\nlemon-flavored cleaning products. In fact, manufacturers often use\r\nlimonene to make their products smell that way. Limonene occurs\r\nnaturally in both citrus fruits and marijuana.\r\n\r\nThe healing action of limonene are well-documented.\r\n[Studies](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24328705) have shown that\r\nlimonene promotes healing of the mucous cells in the digestive tract,\r\nwithout any toxic effects. This could explain why it is used as a\r\ntreatment for gastric reflux and ulcers. It may also fight bacterial\r\ninfections, stimulate the immune system, and suppress the growth of\r\ntumors.\r\n\r\nAlpha-Pinene\r\n------------\r\n\r\nAlpha-pinene -- a compound most commonly associated with pine trees and\r\nother conifers -- is another important chemical in cannabis. Like other\r\nterpenes, it has anti-inflammatory effects that augment the\r\ninflammation-fighting ability of cannabidol (CBD). Alpha-pinene dilates\r\nthe bronchial tubes, allowing users to draw cannabis smoke or vapor deep\r\ninto the lungs. Some even claim that it increases cognitive function.\r\n\r\nBeta-Caryophyllene\r\n------------------\r\n\r\nDespite its complicated name, beta-caryophyllene is actually a very\r\ncommon chemical. It's found in cloves and black pepper, and helps to\r\ngive those foods their characteristic flavors. Beta-caryophyllene (known\r\nmore concisely as BCP) binds to the cannabinoid receptor CB2. This\r\nreceptor is involved in inflammation and pain.\r\n[Studies](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24210682) suggest that BCP\r\ncould be useful for treating long-term pain.\r\n\r\nLinalool\r\n--------\r\n\r\nOften used in perfumes due to its lovely floral scent, linalool is found\r\nin a range of nice-smelling plants, including mint, lavender, citrus,\r\nand cinnamon. It's a commonly used remedy for stress and anxiety, which\r\ncan be particularly effective in combination with SSRIs. Linalool even\r\n[reduces\r\nseizures](http://www.researchgate.net/publication/12925341_Elisabetsky_E_Brum_LF_Souza_DO._Aniconvulsant_properties_of_linalool_in_glutamate-related_seizure_models._Phytomedicine_6_107-113)\r\nin conditions such as epilepsy.\r\n\r\nThe Entourage Effect\r\n--------------------\r\n\r\nThe various terpenes in cannabis work together to increase the overall\r\npotency of the plant. This is known as the entourage effect, and it\r\ncould explain why whole cannabis has more beneficial medicinal effects\r\nthan individual chemicals that are extracted from the plant. For\r\nexample, the FDA-approved drug Marinol can be useful for treating nausea\r\nand vomiting caused by chemotherapy and anorexia caused by AIDS, but\r\nthere is some evidence that whole marijuana could be more helpful and\r\ncould cause fewer side effects.\r\n\r\nThe synergy between the various terpenes found in cannabis would likely\r\nbe difficult or impossible to replicate in an artificially created drug.\r\nExtracting a single compound from cannabis changes the effects of the\r\nchemical, which can lead to undesirable side effects or a treatment that\r\nis less effective than pure marijuana.\r\n\r\nOften, patients who could benefit from medical marijuana need more than\r\none of the effects. Cannabis includes compounds that can relieve pain,\r\nnausea, loss of appetite and inflammation - a common combination of\r\nsymptoms for patients suffering from a variety of serious medical\r\nconditions.\r\n\r\nBy choosing a strain of cannabis that contains the right combination of\r\nterpenes and other compounds, patients may be able to access specific\r\nbenefits, while still harnessing the power of the entourage effect to\r\nincrease the potency of the drug. The terpenes listed above occur in\r\nvarying amounts in the different strains of cannabis, making it possible\r\nto select a strain based on the needs of the patient and the symptoms\r\nthey are experiencing.\r\n\r\nCannabis Can Improve Lives\r\n--------------------------\r\n\r\nCannabis has the ability to reduce pain, tackle nausea, and fight\r\ninflammation. As a result, it has incredible potential to help people\r\nsuffering from a range of disease symptoms and medication side effects.\r\nBy using medical marijuana, rather than a chemically synthesized drug,\r\npatients gain access to all the benefits of cannabis. These not only\r\ninclude the effects of the more than 400 compounds found naturally in\r\ncannabis, but also the interactions between them.\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5151515151515151,"src":"/static/52418b6d3969d98776ed2492926854f1/14b42/9af6289a64ddaffee981450f399ead40.jpg","srcSet":"/static/52418b6d3969d98776ed2492926854f1/f836f/9af6289a64ddaffee981450f399ead40.jpg 200w,\n/static/52418b6d3969d98776ed2492926854f1/2244e/9af6289a64ddaffee981450f399ead40.jpg 400w,\n/static/52418b6d3969d98776ed2492926854f1/14b42/9af6289a64ddaffee981450f399ead40.jpg 800w,\n/static/52418b6d3969d98776ed2492926854f1/47498/9af6289a64ddaffee981450f399ead40.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/52418b6d3969d98776ed2492926854f1/58556/9af6289a64ddaffee981450f399ead40.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/52418b6d3969d98776ed2492926854f1/61e93/9af6289a64ddaffee981450f399ead40.webp 200w,\n/static/52418b6d3969d98776ed2492926854f1/1f5c5/9af6289a64ddaffee981450f399ead40.webp 400w,\n/static/52418b6d3969d98776ed2492926854f1/58556/9af6289a64ddaffee981450f399ead40.webp 800w,\n/static/52418b6d3969d98776ed2492926854f1/99238/9af6289a64ddaffee981450f399ead40.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2008-markdown","title":"Get Started with Cannabis: A Comprehensive Overview of Medical Marijuana","slug":"get-started-with-cannabis-a-comprehensive-overview-of-medical-marijuana","content":" You’ve finally decided to take the plunge and try medical cannabis. Perhaps you’ve received your [medical marijuana recommendation](www.hellomd.com),  but are wondering “Now what?” Patients are often confused and many do not know where to start. \n\nWe recently chatted with Brant Hindman, resident Patient Guide with [Herba Buena](http://herbabuena.com/), regarding his advice for new cannabis patients. Herba Buena is a California medical cannabis collective which \"creates artisan-crafted products for solution-based medicine\". [Brant and founder Alicia Rose](http://herbabuena.com/our-story/) interact with patients through their monthly [Social Clubs](http://herbabuena.com/the-social-club/) where members receive personalized consultations in a group setting. Social clubs allow for a tasting experience of Herba Buena's product line so each person finds the medicinal marijuana that is right for them. \n\nWe always suggest speaking to your doctor or a trusted advisor at a reputable dispensary or collective before ingesting medicinal marijuana for the first time. Below is some advice on how to obtain the right medical marijuana for you.\n\n**Find a Reputable Dispensary**\n\nIt's important to start with a reputable and knowledgeable dispensary. A reputable dispensary will do lab testing, which is important in the largely unregulated cannabis marketplace. Lab testing will check for pesticides, molds, fungus, and Ecoli among other substances that may negatively impact your health.\n\nA knowledgeable dispensary will also have people on staff capable of giving good advice. Brant says:\n\n>“In my experience, I do not believe that most people who advise in dispensaries take the time to really listen and give personalized advice to the patients who walk through the door. Finding the right dispensary should be like finding a trusted advisor. Call around, ask your friends, see who you get a good feeling from before you go in.  Go to the place that is going to take the time to listen to your questions and give you good answers that’s personalized to your specific needs. It’s also important to find a dispensary that carries a wide variety of medicinal marijuana, as not everyone can or wants to smoke to receive the effects of this amazing plant.”\n\n**Communicate Your Medical History & Symptoms**\n\nOnce you find the right dispensary, it’s important to clearly communicate your medical history (if necessary) and define the symptoms you are trying to treat. Are you looking for something to help with chronic pain, an anti-inflammatory or are you struggling with insomnia? If you have cancer are you trying to quell nausea or trying to eat more?\n\nTalk with a reputable ‘bud master’, the patient advisor within a dispensary, or doctor if available. A good advisor should be able to recommend an appropriate medicinal marijuana product for your condition. On this point, Brant says:\n\n>“When a new patient comes to us, we want understand symptoms they are experiencing, and what exactly they are trying to treat. We like to know as much as we can about their unique personal circumstance. How sensitive is their endocannabinoid system?  Have they had any bad experiences with medicinal marijuana before? What are their preferred or prescriptive methods of ingesting cannabis? We need to understand their medical history, as well as their symptoms, so the recommendations that are made are a pairing of both the most recent scientific research and the best organic medicine that can be found/created.” \n\n**Your Reaction to Cannabis is Unique**\n\nPeople respond to cannabis in different ways. Some people are more sensitive to THC, the psychoactive component within cannabis. Other people are less sensitive and can tolerate larger doses.  Before selecting a medicine, it is important to think about whether you are comfortable with the ‘high’ you may feel with a medicine that is THC-heavy. Some people prefer to ingest products that have zero psycho-activity.\n\n>“As an advisor, I strive to understand what experience the patient may be comfortable with. We always suggest that people new to marijuana start with an elixir (sublingual tincture) and then perhaps later they can move to a vaporizer, which is going to deliver more of a punch. We know that everyone has different sensitivity to cannabis and how his or her unique system reacts with cannabis will be different to the next person. The molecules from cannabis work differently in each person’s brain, so the result is not always consistent from person to person.”\n\n**Understand Cannabinoids and Their Effect** \n\nCannabinoids are what make the cannabis plant so unique. The two most prevalent cannabinoids in the marijuana plant are THC and CBD. THC is what makes marijuana psychoactive. CBD (cannabidiol) has been found to have analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, and it is not psychoactive. There are upwards of 100 cannabinoids within the cannabis plant, but CBD and THC are the biggest stars. \n\nWhat’s interesting about cannabinoids is that they all work together to provide a synergistic effect within the body’s endocannibinoid system.  Cannabinoids work together to create stability and optimal health within our body. Some refer to cannabis as an adaptagenic medicine due to its ability to balance the body’s internal system. \n\nWhen you ingest cannabinoids they travel through the body and end up in your brain, binding to one or both CB1 and CB2 receptors. Depending on which receptor the cannabinoid prefers, it will alter the kind of relief you may feel. Both CBD and THC work together to create a balanced system, in conjunction with the myriad of other cannabinoids. This is what is referred to as the ‘entourage’ effect, meaning that the different cannabinoids work together to produce an overall effect.\n\nDepending on your symptoms, you may want more THC or more CBD. To this point, Brant commented:\n\n>“If someone has cancer they may want to have a medicine that is higher in THC. There are studies that show [THC can target some types of cancerous tumors](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55f4574a3366380006540000/government-cancer-study-shows-cannabis-kills-cancer-cells). It is also a well known treatment for the nausea associated with chemotherapy.  [CBD is also being used as a treatment for some types of cancer](https://www.projectcbd.org/cancer) due to its ability to attach to cancer cells, causing them to destroy themselves. Ultimately, finding the right forms and ratios of CBD to THC is important in the treatment of your condition.  \n\n>If a person has insomnia, they may think about a higher THC ratio. Personally, I’d recommend a product such as our low dosed [‘Lullaby’](http://herbabuena.com/product/lullaby-nighttime-cannabis-elixir/) which  is functionally dosed to be effective, yet does not leave any hangover effects the next day.  CBD, is just a wonder drug.  It can drastically reduce the amount of seizures people with epilepsy experience. CBD helps people from a pain and inflammation standpoint, people with arthritis and fibromyalgia and anecdotally, it has even shown promise as a treatment for some skin cancers as well.” \n\n**Look at Ratio of CBD to THC – It Matters**\n\nCBD is non-psychoactive and THC is psychoactive, and almost all products are a combination of these cannabinoids. Flowers or strains, will always display a percentage of THC to CBD. For the most part, dispensaries almost exclusively sell flowers that are THC-heavy. Other medicinal products such as tinctures, drinks and edibles will present products with a ratio in milligrams of THC to CBD. \n\nIf you are looking for a non-psychoactive product you will look for a high ratio of CBD to THC. Conversely, if you are OK with psycho-activity you will seek a product that either has an equal ratio or one where the THC is higher than the CBD. Brant commented: \n>“Sometimes people can feel anxious or paranoid with too much THC. CBD counteracts and is an antidote to THC. It does not lower the level of THC in your body but the THC becomes less impactful as a psychoactive. The CBD can actually ground you and your nervous system. Understanding the ratio of THC to CBD in your product will help you better understand the overall effect you may experience with the cannabis you ingest.”\n\n**You Don’t Need to Smoke Your Medicine-Necessarily**\n\nBrant says “People are often shocked that they don’t need to smoke flowers in order to imbibe with their medicine. [There is an enormous amount of choice](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55b7e6426264330006310000/methods-of-administering-medical-marijuana) in the market today and all kinds of products a patient can choose from.” Among the myriad of choices are edibles-both food and drink, tinctures, sublingual (under the tongue) sprays, pills, topicals, among others. Some forms of medical cannabis are faster acting, such as smoking and sublinguals. [Edibles](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55f44cbb33663800064d0000/essentials-about-edibles-that-you-need-to-know) can take as long as an hour to take effect, but can also last longer, sometimes up to 3-6 hours. When considering different types of medicine, consider that not all dispensaries offer a wide choice of products. In fact many dispensaries will only offer flowers (bud) for sale.\n\n**Microdose Your Medicine**\n\nBrant says his approach to dosage, is always to proceed with caution in the beginning. “At Herba Buena we are very big on micro dosing, or taking small doses at first until you find the right dosage for you.” As every person reacts differently to both CBD and THC, it is wise to start with a smaller amount and slowly ramp up to larger dosages. Brant says:\n\n>“Over time, finding your tolerance to THC is very important. When you start with a new product, start small. If it is a vaporizer, take a tiny puff and wait 15 minutes. Taking a one second puff is radically different from taking three or four puffs. If you are new to cannabis, you may suddenly find that you are extremely uncomfortable for a good stretch of time. It’s important to know what effect you ultimately want. We always suggest that first time users start with our elixirs (tinctures) as they have very small amounts of THC, so a person can work up from there.”\n\nAlthough cannabis products often come with recommended dosages, it is highly dependent on the person as well as that particular batch of medicine. The percentage of THC and CBD can vary from strain to strain, crop to crop and batch to batch. Lab testing has shown that not all products are accurately labeled. In addition, the FDA does not currently regulate cannabis products. Brant gives the following advice:\n\n>“Edibles are a great example of where microdosing is imperative.  A typical dose may be 85 mg but often a person will not tolerate more than 10mg. It can take up to an hour for an edible to take effect so often people will eat too much of a chocolate bar for instance, and then feel terrible for a 3 to 6 hour time period. Read the label, use caution and start small.”\n\n**Organic vs. Industrial Farming**\n\nAccording to Brant, it is important to know how your cannabis is grown. He says:\n\n>“Outdoor, organic farming creates a full flower medicine, which also equals healthier medicinal marijuana overall. The stars and the soil and the air are integrated systems, which help in the creation of that superior medicine. This is opposed to an industrial setting in an artificial environment, artificial lighting and hydroponics. Ultimately, this is a laboratory creation made on top of concrete.”\n\nThere is no doubt that non-organic, industrial farming sometimes relies on the use of pesticides and other dubious chemicals to produce larger more visually appealing buds. Brant says:\n\n>“Often non-organic flowers sell better because they actually look better. It is analogous to a body building competition. Before the competition the body builder will use more steroids, spray tan and artificially pump themselves up before going on display. This is the same with cannabis flowers for sale. We live in the age of Frankin-Weed. All of this can be avoided, by finding the right collective to join and trusted advisors to guide you along your way.” \n\n**Do Your Homework**\n\nIn summary, doing your homework and proceeding with caution will most likely result in finding the best medicinal marijuana for you.  Seek out a trusted advisor, whether that is your primary care doctor, a medical cannabis doctor, a naturopath or a reputable dispensary with a knowledgeable bud master. Taking the time to find the right medicinal marijuana for your symptoms can often give excellent results and be a pleasurable rather than confusing experience.\n\nIf you are interested in attending one of [Herba Buena’s Social Club](http://herbabuena.com/the-social-club/) events in the San Francisco Bay Area, [become a member](http://herbabuena.com/the-collective/membership-application/) of the collective. \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAAPCAIAAABr+ngCAAAACXBIWXMAAAsTAAALEwEAmpwYAAABvUlEQVQoz6VS3YrTUBBOmpxz8tO0SZrf022aNk1ONtnmr5tKYu3qtphqEWQR1Bvxzqtd0HdQvPPWN/BJvPEFfB3LCoLQjRd+DMPAzPd9MzAUdQfoPzjUf0cLaEs3IIAtE12xpyqD471oMtsusgvf2p1aTWg/PrWfzJ194m6JtZ5oD+Pp5b3K0szjZEBRTl9cz8wLz3rk4cYz5wMpN+RN6O5Tct+1VQSY40vfZpuhVx6uAlxaUj02HxSBi9VsbL/aLFf++O6Lb7PHwyZyKuKEQufm+fr757ffrpvtmZtO7BzrHE23kgXUxNPSd4Zs5+PNy59fP/z4cv2szlLHLkcGbHfGiK2G2tMFyYYKsdRP79+8u9poPFeTUW7KgGp1tjiQqmKBB0tXL8lIYhnhoCigOhwtsca2Ox/IiSyGPExkaRUH8Qn2JSHq85neS3UFtN9sAMZDgEA2EkARzfP8nBhGhFiCwPmgCzutZB2ygcTHEkpl6HWRidCY4zzITAATSvw/nGcno12RXVXFi3rxui52RXKZnTVFsi+zfV31Jen38x+X0BEyRNHTlKncm6oKMcyZrgfY8obYt20OAOr/8Qv78DkO+mnkNQAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/6288c614ce32cdaa67777c207901c230/ee604/8cf1582f55fcc601be0b5d5817cca422.png","srcSet":"/static/6288c614ce32cdaa67777c207901c230/69585/8cf1582f55fcc601be0b5d5817cca422.png 200w,\n/static/6288c614ce32cdaa67777c207901c230/497c6/8cf1582f55fcc601be0b5d5817cca422.png 400w,\n/static/6288c614ce32cdaa67777c207901c230/ee604/8cf1582f55fcc601be0b5d5817cca422.png 800w,\n/static/6288c614ce32cdaa67777c207901c230/f3583/8cf1582f55fcc601be0b5d5817cca422.png 1200w,\n/static/6288c614ce32cdaa67777c207901c230/f90fa/8cf1582f55fcc601be0b5d5817cca422.png 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/6288c614ce32cdaa67777c207901c230/58556/8cf1582f55fcc601be0b5d5817cca422.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6288c614ce32cdaa67777c207901c230/61e93/8cf1582f55fcc601be0b5d5817cca422.webp 200w,\n/static/6288c614ce32cdaa67777c207901c230/1f5c5/8cf1582f55fcc601be0b5d5817cca422.webp 400w,\n/static/6288c614ce32cdaa67777c207901c230/58556/8cf1582f55fcc601be0b5d5817cca422.webp 800w,\n/static/6288c614ce32cdaa67777c207901c230/99238/8cf1582f55fcc601be0b5d5817cca422.webp 1200w,\n/static/6288c614ce32cdaa67777c207901c230/5e0b8/8cf1582f55fcc601be0b5d5817cca422.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1951-markdown","title":"Cannabis 101: Your Quick Guide to Medical Marijuana","slug":"cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana","content":"You’ve finally decided to try cannabis. Some of you may have secured a [medical cannabis recommendation](https://www.hellomd.com/). Whether you have or not, you may be confused as to what you need to know before you make your first purchase. This isn’t uncommon for new cannabis consumers seeking to try marijuana to improve their health and wellness.\n\nBelow is a quick guide that will help put you on the path to finding the right medicinal marijuana for you.\n\n### Know Which Symptoms or Condition You Want to Treat\n\nIf you have a serious medical condition which medical marijuana may help, always consult with a doctor first. Meanwhile, a knowledgeable cannabis consultant should be able to advise you on which products will help with specific symptoms. \n\n* Different cannabis strains help with different symptoms.\n* Sativa is commonly known to be uplifting.\n* Indica is commonly known to be more of a sedative.\n* Seek the advice of a reputable cannabis consultant, or budtender—the patient advisor at a dispensary or shop.\n* A reputable dispensary or shop should have in-depth knowledge on all of its products.\n\n### The Importance of Cannabinoids\n\nCannabinoidsare what makes the cannabis plant so unique. There are over 100 known cannabinoids. \n\n* Cannabinoids react with our body’s own endocannabinoid system.\n* Cannabinoids bind to either the CB1 or CB2 receptor in our brain.\n* The two most well-known cannabinoids are THC and CBD.\n* Tetrahydrocannabinol THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid.\n* Cannabidiol CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid.\n* High-CBD products are a great option for people who don’t want to get high.\n* CBD counteracts the psychoactivity of THC.\n* THC and CBD—along with a number of other cannabinoids and terpenes—work together synergistically to treat illness. This is called the entourage effect.\n\n### The Percentage or Ratio of CBD to THC\n\nIt’s important to consider the ratio of CBD to THC as they influence the plant’s effects on your body.\n\n* Marijuana flower will list the ratio of THC to CBD by percentage.\n* A large majority of marijuana flower (bud) is very high in THC, the psychoactive component.\n* If you’re seeking a non-psychoactive flower, ask for a high-CBD strain.\n* Products other than marijuana bud most often list the ratio of CBD to THC and will be in milligrams.\n* If shown in a ration, CBD comes first, followed by THC in California. For example, a 1:1 ratio is most often somewhat psychoactive, and an 18:1 ratio would not be psychoactive at all.\n* Meanwhile, THC precedes CBD in New York formulations.\n* Always read the instructions on packaged products, and know what you’re purchasing. Make sure the products you buy are lab tested; this is important for your safety and health.\n* Although products may be labeled, the information may be inaccurate depending on the product manufacturer.\n\n### Reactions to Cannabis Differ\n\nEvery person is unique when it comes to marijuana, and how you react may be different to how your friend or family member reacts.\n\n* Reactions differ to not only the main cannabinoids, but to different products as well as dosages.\n* Before you begin, know if you’re comfortable with the feeling of getting high.\n* Start with a small dose. If you smoke, take a half-second puff and wait 10 minutes to see how your body reacts.\n* If you buy a product, such as an edible, read the label carefully and take a quarter to half the recommended dose the first time. It can take anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours to feek the effects of an edible.\n* Always wait to see how your body reacts before ingesting more marijuana.\n* Different products take longer to take effect. Also, a number of other factors—like what and when you ate, your gender, mental state and more—can influence the onset of marijuana’s effects. So, be patient. \n* Microdosing is key—start small and work your way up to the recommended dosage.\n\n### Many Forms of Marijuana Available\n\nThe world of cannabis has been blown open with a wide array of shapes and forms. You don’t have to smoke your medicine anymore.\n\n* Flowers, or strains, refer to the unprocessed green marijuana flower you can buy at the dispensary.\n* Pre-rolls are joints made from different cannabis strains.\n* Edibles encompass all foods and technically drinks that can be taken orally.\n* Concentrates come in the form of cartridges for vape pens as well as oils, waxes, kief, hash and rosin.\n* Capsules are pills that can be taken; these are often high in CBD.\n* Vape pens allow you to ingest marijuana from an oil cartridge with a discreet pen.\n* Sublingual cannabis come as tablets, sprays, tinctures and strips to dissolve in your mouth or under your tongue, and can take effect quite quickly.\n* Marijuana-infused topicals include oils, creams, lotions, balms and salves—all of which provide localized relief.\n* Meanwhile, cannabis transdermal patches release small amounts of medicine into the bloodstream over a long period of time.\n\n\n### Outdoor-Grown, Indoor-Grown or Greenhouse Marijuana\n\nMarijuana is primarily grown indoors, outdoors or in a greenhouse.\n\n* Indoor-grown cannabis typically sports higher prices than outdoor-grown marijuana does, because it costs more to grow cannabis indoors. As well, the controlled environment of an indoor grow can result in higher-quality cannabis.\n* Outdoor-grown marijuana may be less “kind” than indoor plants because its exposed to the elements. However, outdoor marijuana also takes advantage of the natural light to produce more complex terpene and cannabinoid profiles.\n* Greenhouse marijuana is grown in a partially controlled environment and hovers somewhere between indoor and outdoor in terms of quality. \n* In any case, before you buy medical marijuana, the end product should be lab tested for chemicals and bacterial growth that may be hazardous to your health.\n\nIf you’d like to receive your medical marijuana recommendation, [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) facilitates an online doctor's consultation with one of our knowledgeable cannabis doctors. The process is easy, private and 100% online. ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5151515151515151,"src":"/static/2bec6249f2cf54b28d132f3e66371c6b/14b42/e8922d670aa93df20d7369910ba89d2d.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2bec6249f2cf54b28d132f3e66371c6b/f836f/e8922d670aa93df20d7369910ba89d2d.jpg 200w,\n/static/2bec6249f2cf54b28d132f3e66371c6b/2244e/e8922d670aa93df20d7369910ba89d2d.jpg 400w,\n/static/2bec6249f2cf54b28d132f3e66371c6b/14b42/e8922d670aa93df20d7369910ba89d2d.jpg 800w,\n/static/2bec6249f2cf54b28d132f3e66371c6b/47498/e8922d670aa93df20d7369910ba89d2d.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/2bec6249f2cf54b28d132f3e66371c6b/58556/e8922d670aa93df20d7369910ba89d2d.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2bec6249f2cf54b28d132f3e66371c6b/61e93/e8922d670aa93df20d7369910ba89d2d.webp 200w,\n/static/2bec6249f2cf54b28d132f3e66371c6b/1f5c5/e8922d670aa93df20d7369910ba89d2d.webp 400w,\n/static/2bec6249f2cf54b28d132f3e66371c6b/58556/e8922d670aa93df20d7369910ba89d2d.webp 800w,\n/static/2bec6249f2cf54b28d132f3e66371c6b/99238/e8922d670aa93df20d7369910ba89d2d.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1943-markdown","title":"Cannabinoids and the Immune System","slug":"cannabinoids-and-the-immune-system","content":"For those familiar with cannabinoids, their fascinating interactions\r\nwith the human body are probably old news. Their effects on the immune\r\nsystem, however, may not be as well-known. According to new research,\r\ncannabinoids may have an important balancing role that allows the immune\r\nsystem to function at maximum efficiency.\r\n\r\nWhat Are Cannabinoids?\r\n----------------------\r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en) \r\n\r\nTo put it simply,\r\n[cannabinoids](https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/cannabinoids-101-what-makes-cannabis-medicine)\r\nare the chemical compounds that are components of the cannabis plant.\r\nThey have long been used in medical circles to treat symptoms ranging\r\nfrom pain to inflammation. Today, they're also gaining popularity for\r\ntheir positive effects on the human immune system.\r\n\r\nThere are many varieties of cannabinoids, including\r\n[phytocannabinoids](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabinoid# Phytocannabinoids),\r\nwhich are found in cannabis and several other plants, and synthetic\r\ncannabinoids, which are manufactured in a lab.\r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_/?hl=en) \r\n\r\nWhat Is the ECS?\r\n----------------\r\n\r\nThe [endogenous cannabinoid\r\nsystem](http://norml.org/library/item/introduction-to-the-endocannabinoid-system),\r\nalso known as ECS, is a complex network of lipids and receptors.\r\nEndocannabinoids and their respective receptors are produced naturally\r\nby the body and are located in the brain, connective tissues, glands,\r\nand, notably, the cells of the immune system. These receptors are\r\ndesigned to interact actively with cannabinoids in a variety of ways.\r\n\r\nRecently, scientists have discovered that cannabinoids derived from the\r\ncannabis plant can actually help the ECS to function at optimal levels,\r\nthus promoting optimal health. This is especially important due to the\r\nfact that ECS receptors have a direct effect on bodily functions such as\r\nhunger, pain sensation, mood, memory, appetite, blood sugar levels, and\r\nthe immune system.\r\n\r\nThe ECS and Its Ties to the Immune System\r\n-----------------------------------------\r\n\r\nStudy of the ECS has revealed that cannabinoids can act as\r\n[neuromodulators](http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Neuromodulators)\r\nfor a wide assortment of human processes, including learning, appetite,\r\nand immune response. Within the immune system, endocannabinoids function\r\nto protect and lubricate systems for optimal function. Additionally,\r\nthey play an important role in reliving symptoms of disease progression\r\nand pain.\r\n\r\nAlthough the effects of the ECS on the human immune system warrant far\r\nmore study, scientists currently know that targeted cannabinoids are a\r\npromising treatment for certain autoimmune diseases, such as [multiple\r\nsclerosis](https://www.leafly.com/explore/symptoms-multiple-sclerosis),\r\nParkinson's, lupus and arthritis. As a treatment, cannabinoids can often\r\nserve to [reduce inflammatory\r\nresponse](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16023222) and provide\r\nincreased comfort for affected patients.\r\n\r\nHow Cannabinoids Affect Neural Function\r\n---------------------------------------\r\n\r\nCannabinoids have been scientifically proven to play an active role in\r\nmaintaining and regulating the processes of\r\n[neurogenesis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neurogenesis) and\r\n[neurodegeneration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neurodegeneration). In\r\nanimal trials, cannabinoids have alleviated symptoms of stroke and\r\ntraumatic head injuries. This provides an important link between\r\ncannabinoids and the immune system. The immune system is capable of\r\n[helping the body recover from\r\nstroke](http://nocamels.com/2012/04/can-the-immune-system-help-recovery-from-stroke/)\r\nbecause of its power to reduce inflammation in the central nervous\r\nsystem. With that in mind, it stands to reason that using cannabinoids\r\nto help decrease inflammation while also promoting the construction of\r\nnew neural pathways (neurogenesis) could go a long way toward supporting\r\nthe immune system's natural function and creating quicker stroke\r\nrecovery periods.\r\n\r\nCannabis can Help to Balance Different Functions of the Immune System\r\n---------------------------------------------------------------------\r\n\r\nPredominantly, the body uses two immunity mechanisms to prevent disease\r\nand illness. These types are as follows:\r\n\r\n-   Cell-Mediated Immunity: [Cell-mediated\r\n    immunity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cell-mediated_immunity) does\r\n    not utilize antibodies to fight disease. Instead, it relies upon the\r\n    creation and activation of antigen-specific T-lymphocytes known\r\n    as phagocytes. These phagocytes target various antigens by releasing\r\n    cytokines to neutralize the threat and restore the body to\r\n    normal function.\r\n-   Humoral Immunity: [Humoral\r\n    immunity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humoral_immunity) (also\r\n    known as antibody-mediated immunity) relies on the macromolecules\r\n    located in extracellular fluids to fight off antigens, unlike\r\n    cell-mediated immunity which involves T-lymphocytes.\r\n\r\nBecause the immune system is so complex, it's not altogether surprising\r\nthat it sometimes falls out of balance. Multiple sclerosis, for example,\r\nis an autoimmune disease that results from the cell-mediated immune\r\nsystem becoming overly active and targeting the body's brain and nervous\r\nsystem as if it were a dangerous antigen. Within M.S., the immune system\r\n[attacks the\r\nmyelin](http://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS/Definition-of-MS)\r\n(the fatty, protective coating) around nerve fibers, resulting in\r\nextensive scar tissue and damage. Over time, the buildup of scar tissue\r\nbegins to interrupt nerve impulses as they travel to and from the brain.\r\nThis, in turn, causes a loss of motor function and eventual paralysis in\r\nthe affected individual.\r\n\r\nUntil now, conditions like this had no known treatment or cure. But\r\nexcitingly, scientists have recently discovered that the ECS and various\r\ncannabinoids may actually help to [balance the various branches of the\r\nimmune system](http://www.jleukbio.org/content/74/4/486.full). This is\r\nimportant because when the immune system is overstimulated, autoimmune\r\ndiseases and dangerous allergic reactions such as food sensitivities,\r\noften occur. This is due to the fact that an overstimulated immune\r\nsystem treats even routine things, such as dust or pollen, as dangerous\r\nintruders and releases \"false alarms\" that tell the body to attack the\r\nallergen. When the immune system is under-stimulated, however, cancer\r\nand disastrous infections can easily arise. If cannabinoids can help\r\nbalance the immune system for optimal functionality, it stands to reason\r\nthat the rates of these adverse affects would be drastically decreased.\r\n\r\nUsing Cannabinoids to Produce Maximum Immune Function\r\n-----------------------------------------------------\r\n\r\nWhile routine, recreational use of marijuana may have adverse affects on\r\nan individual's overall health and well-being, research from the\r\ntargeted use of cannabinoids for the purpose of boosting the immune\r\nsystem is overwhelmingly positive. In addition to [mitigating the\r\ninflammatory\r\nsymptoms](http://www.nature.com/nri/journal/v5/n5/execsumm/nri1602.html)\r\nof arthritis and various neural problems, cannabinoids have been shown\r\nto interact with the ECS in a way that helps promote maximum immune\r\nfunction and optimal health through various stages of life.\r\n\r\nAlthough the topic of [cannabinoids and the immune\r\nsystem](https://www.leafly.com/news/health/cannabinoids-and-the-immune-system-immuno-cannabinoid-effects)\r\nrequires further study and evaluation, scientists have already compiled\r\na large body of research, which is starting to reveal how cannabinoid\r\ncompounds can help the immune system function at optimal levels.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/carolinabio/5018464550/in/photolist-8DsWES-rPoBxD-8TBHhz-2TE8mc-rdgb8i-8ShrY7-3HaE1D-gBPSn5-nqraLc-6LHN92-cSTreJ-dj2fyp-dj2dKu-hqbZr6-9fmykb-wwy9oW-9fmyiq-9fmygm-8TBFpX-bLTNrn-9fmy87-9nJdWS-9nKwYL-9nJdWL-fwf4c9-7iW5rQ-k64Wka-q662q4-9YW6Vn-fw123x-9YZ2g3-8J5tfV-hGcF7-bBo4VE-bQhFbX-9YZ27d-r3xtRR-r3kRzA-4x3HGv-dj2fwT-fw11VT-8QQzFx-8co7QK-j3Tpyi-qL7tA2-9Vkk72-dj2dLS-5REGXY-dj2fMp-whob4X)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.4598540145985401,"src":"/static/a7aa4b9bafd26ef330085c492aefc61e/14b42/4eedb1393c0bf20a638b32f01a80c353.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a7aa4b9bafd26ef330085c492aefc61e/f836f/4eedb1393c0bf20a638b32f01a80c353.jpg 200w,\n/static/a7aa4b9bafd26ef330085c492aefc61e/2244e/4eedb1393c0bf20a638b32f01a80c353.jpg 400w,\n/static/a7aa4b9bafd26ef330085c492aefc61e/14b42/4eedb1393c0bf20a638b32f01a80c353.jpg 800w,\n/static/a7aa4b9bafd26ef330085c492aefc61e/47498/4eedb1393c0bf20a638b32f01a80c353.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/a7aa4b9bafd26ef330085c492aefc61e/58556/4eedb1393c0bf20a638b32f01a80c353.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a7aa4b9bafd26ef330085c492aefc61e/61e93/4eedb1393c0bf20a638b32f01a80c353.webp 200w,\n/static/a7aa4b9bafd26ef330085c492aefc61e/1f5c5/4eedb1393c0bf20a638b32f01a80c353.webp 400w,\n/static/a7aa4b9bafd26ef330085c492aefc61e/58556/4eedb1393c0bf20a638b32f01a80c353.webp 800w,\n/static/a7aa4b9bafd26ef330085c492aefc61e/99238/4eedb1393c0bf20a638b32f01a80c353.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":156,"numPages":15,"currentPage":14,"id":5053,"name":"Cannabis 101","slug":"cannabis-101","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}