Posted by Larry Hoover on March 13, 2009, at 20:32:38
In reply to Re: In Defense of Cannabis, posted by Sigismund on March 13, 2009, at 18:19:10
> Is there a correlation between the difference between C sativa and C indica and the THC/cannabinoid ratio?
Well, that's the way they make the distinction at my clinic. The distinction is arbitrary, as they're considered the same species, but different subspecies. Thus, the comparison is between Cannabis sativa sativa and Cannabis sativa indica.
Here's a blurb from my clinic:
"Types of Cannabis:
Marijuana is generally defined as the dried flowers of the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. The most important distinction for Cannabis sativa varieties is between "Sativa" and "Indica." Their origin and effects are quite different from one another. There is amazing variation in the Cannabis sativa species, and amazing potential for its therapeutic use. The following is a general guide:
Cannabis sativa Indica
Appearance:
- shorter, stockier plant reaching heights of 1-2 metres
- wide, deeply serrated leaves
- dense flower clusters (tight buds)
Effects (lower THC, higher CBN/CBD):- generally more physical than cerebral (however, the relief of physical symptoms can have a positive psychological effect)
- sedation, pain relief and relaxation
- best for later in the day and bedtime
- perhaps better for anxiety than depressionBenefits:
- reduces pain
- muscle relaxant
- relieves spasms, reduces seizures
- reduces inflammation
- aids sleep
- reduces anxiety and stress
- reduces nausea
- stimulates appetite
- relieves headaches and migraines
- reduces intra-occular pressure
- bronchio-dilator and expectorant
Cannabis sativa SativaAppearance:
- taller, lankier, potentially reaching heights of over 5 metres
- narrow serrated leaves
- loose flower clustersEffects (high THC, low CBN/CBD):
- more stimulating and uplifting
- energizing and thought provoking
- increases focus and creativity
- supports immune system
- best for use in daytime
Benefits:- reduces nausea
- stimulates the appetite
- fights depression
- positive, uplifting, cerebral effect
- energizes and stimulates
- promotes creativity
- relieves headaches and migraines
- relaxes muscles, relieves pain
- acts as an expectorant
Selecting the Best Strain and DosageThe efficacy of cannabis is directly related to strain selection. Care should be taken when selecting strains that will benefit you. Potency and dosage vary with different strains, conditions and individuals. The idea is to consume as little as possible of the most appropriately potent strains available in order to reduce costs and potential side effects.
Hybrid Strain Crosses:Most cannabis seeds and medicine available today are from hybrids - crosses of Sativa and Indica varieties. This allows cultivators to enjoy and select for various desired characteristics of growth, appearance and effect. The genetics and hence the effects of one lineage will usually be dominant. For example: Indica-dominant crosses are for pain relief, with the sativa component helping with energy and activity levels. Sativa-dominant crosses are good for stimulating appetite, with the indica component helping to reduce body pain and increase relaxation.
Cannabis has been proven helpful in relieving the symptoms of thousands of conditions, including:- pain from various ailments and injuries
- arthritis, bursitis
- migraines
- multiple sclerosis
- Hepatitis C
- fibromyalgia
- mental/emotional health issues including anxiety, stress, depression, hyperactive and hormonal disorders
- nausea and low appetite
- HIV/AIDS
- cancer and chemotherapy
- crohn's
- muscular dystrophy
- epilepsy. parkinson's,
- asthma, emphysema,
- glaucoma and other intra-ocular disorders
- skin diseases such as pruritis and psoriasis
- back pain and muscle spasms
- paraplegia and quadriplegia
- insomnia and other sleep disorders
Active ingredients: (Cannabinoids)There are approximately 60 identified cannabinoids and each of an infinite number of strains of cannabis has its own cannabinoid profile. The active cannabinoids each have unique physiological effects and many combinations actually appear to have synergystic and antagonistic effects.
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC):
Euphoric, stimulant, muscle relaxant, anti-epileptic, anti-emetic, anti- inflammatory, appetite stimulating, bronchio-dilating, hypotensive, anti- depressant and analgesic effects.
Cannabidiol (CBD):
Lessens the psychoactive effects of THC, sedative and analgesic effects.
Cannabichromene (CBC):
Promotes the effects of THC and has sedative and analgesic effects.
Cannabigerol (CBG):
Has sedative effects and anti-microbial properties as well as lowering intra-ocular pressure. CBG is the biogenetic precursor of all other cannabinoids.
Cannabinol (CBN):
A mildly psychoactive degradation of THC, it's primary effects are as an anti-epileptic, and to lower intra-ocular pressure.
Systems of Delivery:Smoke it:
Smoking is the most common method used because of convenience, rapid onset, and greater control over dosage. The short-term effects may last up to a few hours. Cannabis may be cut or ground up then rolled into a 'cigarette' or 'joint,' the narrower the better for efficiency. Choose rolling papers that are as thin and narrow as you can manage, made from unbleached hemp or rice, and with non-toxic vegetable- based glue. Pipes and water-pipes are useful for smoking small quantities. Glass pipes are the most hygienic and easiest to keep clean. Water pipes can cool the smoke to ease intake, but their filtering and humidifying effects may be counter-productive.
Vaporize it:
A vaporizer will pass heated air through yourcannabis, releasing the active chemicals without the unwanted heat, destruction of cannabinoids, and by- products of combustion associated with smoking. Hot-air vaporizing is healthier and more efficient than smoking.
Eat it:
This method is effective for people who would rather not smoke, and provides more of a body effect, pain relief, for a longer amount of time. Effects are felt in about an hour and may last up to 8 hours. The active ingredients can be extracted into fat or alcohol, dramatically increasing digestibility and effect. Cannabis infused oils, butters and alcohols can be used in making food laden with THC, substituted wherever a non-potent version is called for, or ingested on their own. A near-empty stomach is best for assimilation and comfort. Cannabis seed is very healthy, high in efficiently digested 'essential fatty acids."
Others:
Alcohol infused 'tinctures,' depending on their base and strength, can be drank, dropped under the tongue (sublingual), or applied topically (as can other preparations). Different people and conditions respond to different methods. In most cases, it is worth-while to determine which system of delivery is the most effective for the individual."
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:877445
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090313/msgs/885222.html