Terpenes in Cannabis

Terpenes are the molecules that give aromatic plants their smell. There are over 20,000 terpenes. According to Chem Wiki, terpenes are made up of smaller units called isoprenes. Isoprene (C5H8) in its natural form is a gas that is released from plants as a byproduct of metabolism. Isoprenes are the second most common volatile family of compounds in the atmosphere, second only to methane. According to Leafly.com there are over one hundred terpenes found in the marijuana family. New research is demonstrating that these terpenes are central to the specific effects of each strain, rather than by their historically popular identification as Sativa or Indica. The most common terpenes in cannabis are...

Alpha-Pinene

This terpene is what gives pine trees and other conifers their smell. In the past, pinene in the form of turpentine was used to treat breathing ailments, parasitic infections and skin conditions. Pinene is present in many strains. These terpenes act as an analgesic and an anti-inflammatory medication. It also is known to be a bronco dialator.

Myrcene

Myrcene is found in fresh mango fruit, hops, bay leaves, eucalyptus, lemongrass and many other plants. Myrcene is the smallest terpene. The tiny terpene is used as an anti mucus agent, as well as, has anti-bacterial and anti viral properties. 

Linalool

This terpene is found in lavender, coriander and is the base ingredient of Vitamin E. Linalool, like lavender, has sedative effects. According to the Leaf Online, Linalool is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties, anti-psychotic effects, anti-seizure effects and may be helpful in treating depression. Researchers at the American University of Beirut showed that small concentrations of linalool stopped the growth of liver cancer cells

Limonene

Limonene gives strains of cannabis their citrus lemony smell. Limonene is known to be anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, as well as anecdotally being supportive of stress and anxiety relief. According to Web MD, limonene may have anti-cancer properties, and can be used to treat bronchitis

Caryophyllene

 

This terpene is a molecule that works behind the scenes when cannabis is ingested or smoked. The terpene activates the protein known as C2, the cannabanoid receptor that does not produce a high. However, researchers have shown beta Caryophyllene to be effective in treating inflammation, osteoporosis, and other conditions.

     These terpenes and their medicinal use are known in the herbal community. Perhaps, medical cannabis dispensaries can better serve patients’ needs by understanding these molecules and how they can be used in conjunction with THC to treat debilitating conditions. Yet, their uses are not completely understood. More research is needed to better understand the potential uses of terpenes in cannabis.  

Still Not a Word About Medical

      With cannabis being such a big thing in Washington State (The state is making millions off the little devil weed.), in particular the medical sector, that medical cannabis would get mentioned in the Governor’s race. With numerous problems with the current system, namely pesticides and the high excise tax on patients, one would think the subject would come up in a debate. Or, at least someone in the media would ask a politician what they think about sick people in WA being poisoned with pesticides. It is obvious Olympia wants all the money from medical cannabis, but doesn’t’ want to put in the time or effort to get it right. No other sector of the economy would be able to operate like this, poison product gouging sick people and citizens with disabilities.

It makes you wonder “Why is the media and Olympia ignoring medical cannabis in WA?”

MMCWS Director Talks Terpenes

The director of the MMCWS talks about terpenes and cannabis at a recent cannabis education seminar.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhAl3MGuCEQ

We Have to Let them Know

     With the news recently confirming that medical cannabis patients won’t have access to legal clones after July 1^{st, and with} Countless medical cannabis products patients depend on   going away that same day, ^{it is clear} the Governor and the Legislature have forgotten about the medical cannabis patient in WA. If you are loosing access to medical cannabis on July 1^st, it is very important to call the Governor’s office and your legislator to let them know your story. Here are some links to contact info to call and remind them who they work for.

Contact the Governor

http://www.governor.wa.gov/contact/contact/contact-gov-inslee#main-content

Find your Legislator

http://app.leg.wa.gov/Rosters/Members

Be sure to be specific when it comes to identifying how 5052 has negatively impacted your life.

Lawsuit Seeks 5052 Injunction

Lawsuit Seeks 5052 Injunction

     On July 1^st the so called Cannabis Patient Protection Act goes into effect, essentially devastating a once thriving non profit medical cannabis system in Washington State. As predicted the ill advised bill has triggered numerous lawsuits. The latest court action seeks to place an injunction on the bill going into full effect and focuses on the Marijuana Authorization Database (MAD) and its failure to protect patient privacy.

     Dr. Gregory Carter points out in his lawsuit that the MAD violates patient doctor confidentiality in that it requires the patient to divulge their medical condition to a 3^rd party. These 3^rd parties known as Marijuana Consultants will work at medically endorsed recreational cannabis shops. A likely scene is a patient discussing their very private medical conditions with a half trained bud tender standing in line with a couple frat boys heading out to party that night. The lawsuit also contends the lowering of plant counts from 15 to 4 places a restriction on the doctor patient relationship that interferes with the patients care.

To read more about this promising lawsuit go to…
http://www.courthousenews.com/2016/06/06/doctor-and-patient-fight-washington-pot-law.htm

Groups Calling on Governor to Extend Medical Cannabis Deadline

Groups Call on Governor to Extend Medical Cannabis Deadline

     With July 1^st fast approaching and medical cannabis patients scrabbling to adjust to the new medical cannabis regulations in Washington activist groups are calling on the Governor to extend the deadline.

To sign the petition and read more go to…

https://www.change.org/p/jay-inslee-extend-the-july-1st-deadline-for-medical-cannabis-in-wa-state?recruiter=84027924&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=share_email_responsive

   

Cannabis Terpene Effect Guides Available

Cannabis Terpene Effect Guides Available

     Last year the MMCWS put together business card sized “Cannabis Terpene Effect Guides”. Terpenes are smell molecules. The cards list the most common terpenes found in cannabis, and their known effects. The cards are based on the work of Dr. Jeffery Raber, and others, who have studied what is known as the “entourage effect”. The idea is the terpenes act in conjunction with THC, CBD and other cannabanoids to produce the different unique medicinal effects of each cannabis strain. Think of THC as a 15 seat passenger van, and the terpenes the passengers. When ingested the THC “van” transports the terpenes across the blood brain barrier, thus intensifying the effect of the terpenes. For example, limonene in a lemon does not cross the blood brain barrier, therefore, when consumed the limonene has a far less effect than if it is consumed in Super Lemon Haze. This is a basic example, and there is much more to be learned about terpenes in cannabis and their various medicinal effects. We put these cards together to begin to educate the public and medical cannabis patients on the true nature of cannabis. They are not meant to be medical advice, and provide only a snapshot of current research.

     Recently, the MMCWS has generously received offers for funding to print more Cannabis Terpene Effect Guides. If you’d like a pack of 20, please send over your address to emailmmcws@gmail.com , and we will send them direct to your door. If you need more than 20, please let us know.

View our Cannabis Terpene Effect Guides at our FB page.
https://www.facebook.com/mjismedicine/