EDUCATION GUIDE

We at Apothecare are here to help and guide you to achieve better health. Please take a look at our Education Guide to learn more about our own bodies and the cannabis plant.

apothecare education endocannabinoid system

WHAT IS THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM?

Think of it as a master regulator of all of our body systems. We naturally make our own endocannabinoids which are responsible for maintaining many functions in the brain and body (sleep, energy, pain, pleasure, stress response, immune function, digestion, and much more). When we are stressed from an injury or infection, our endocannabinoid system helps us “get back to normal;” back to a state of homeostasis, or balance.

apothecare education endocannabinoid system 2

OUR BODIES MAKE 2 MAIN ENDOCANNABINOIDS

01 — AEA (Arachidonoyl ethanolamide) or anandamide, which binds to CB-1 receptors (as does THC).

02 — 2-AG (2-Arachidonoyl glycerol), which binds to CB-2 receptors (as does CBN and β-Caryophyllene).

CB-1 receptors are primarily located in the brain and nervous system, while CB-2 receptors are mostly located in organs and areas associated with the immune system. Take note that CBD (cannabidiol) does not directly bind to either receptor, but it exerts its powerful beneficial effects by allowing the body’s own natural neurochemicals to be longer-acting. It is a master chemical that not only potentiates anandamide, but it also influences positive benefits for the serotonin pathway (anti-depressant effect), PPAR-gamma pathway (regulating gene expression in cholesterol and inflammatory cascades), TRPV1 pathway (anti-psychoactive effect), and GPR55 pathway (anti-cancer and osteoprotective).

 

What are Phytocannabinoids?

apothecare education guide phytocannabinoids
 

Phytocannabinoids are terpenes that are only found in the cannabis plant. They are most concentrated in the oils of glandular hairs on the flowers and leaves. There are hundreds of cannabinoids, the most well-known of which are THC and CBD. Other beneficial cannabinoids include THC-A, THC-V, CBD-A, CBN, CBC, CBC-A, CBG and CBG-A. Research on the components of cannabis is extensive and new information is available almost daily.

Other terpenes found in cannabis are also found in other plants, most commonly in their essential oils. The top 5 terpenes found in cannabis are β-Myrcene, β-Caryophyllene, α-Limonene, α- and β-Pinene, and Terpineols. Other familiar terpenes such as linalool are found in some strains of cannabis, but more commonly associated with lavender. 

apothecare education guide cannabinoid system

CANNABINOIDS

Components that react to receptors in the nervous system, which results in various effects. CBD, THC, CBC, CBN and many more.


TERPENES

Components responsible for flavor and aroma in marijuana and other plants. Can enhance the effects of  cannabinoids. Myrcene, Limonene, Linalool, Caryophyllene, etc.

 

WHOLE PLANT MEDICINE AND THE ENTOURAGE EFFECT

Humans have evolved on this planet with these plants for thousands of years, and our bodies recognize cannabinoids and terpenes as natural compounds. Hundreds of biologically active components exist in a plant extract—they are naturally balanced and do not act alone. In fact, the symphony of compounds packaged by nature work better together—greater than the sum of their individual parts. This is known as synergy and is commonly referred to as the “Entourage Effect.” Pharmaceuticals are synthetic isolates (mostly single chemicals mimicking something natural). When something is packaged in an “unnatural form” the natural response of our immune system is to react to the foreign invader, to reject it or fight against it. This is why so many people experience side effects from synthetic pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter medications.

apothecare education guide entourage effect

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CANNABIS AND HEMP AND HOW CAN THESE PLANTS HELP YOU?

It’s pretty simple: hemp is basically cannabis that contains less than 0.3% THC. There are medical benefits to ALL of the cannabinoids elucidated so far. We know that in their natural, full-spectrum form, the cannabinoids and the other terpenes work better together. The list of physical and emotional benefits of cannabis and hemp is growing almost daily. Dosage and mode of administration can be tailored to individual needs and preferences. 

Comparison of Modes of Cannabis Administration

The best method for medical marijuana administration depends on individual preference and comfort level. Ask a professional about your options. There are five main modes of administration:

apothecare education guide modes of cannabis administration

Learn More

Interested in learning how cannabis and other plants can help you? Click the link below to setup a private medical consultation with our licensed in-house physician.