4 Things You Might Not Yet Know About Medical Marijuana

Learning as you go is one of the great joys of life, and we're certainly excited to discover new things about the science and history of medical marijuana!

We did a little reading and found a few fun tidbits that might come as a surprise to you!

1) Spice Up Your Experience
Let’s say that you’re trying a new strain that leaves you feeling a little too much psychoactivity, and you begin to feel anxious: Your fridge or spice cabinet at home might hold the solution!

Beta-caryophyllene is a terpene found in essential oils extracted from certain plants, herbs and spices like rosemary, black pepper, oregano, and cloves. Research into this terpene has shown sharp evidence of a significant anxiolytic effect that may prove useful in managing the psychoactivity of THC. Perhaps a good dash of pepper is what can keep you relaxed and happy while you medicate!

Conversely, it’s believed that foods rich in the terpene myrcene, such as mango, can amplify the effects of THC if consumed a while before medicating based on a study about potential medical marijuana synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects.

2) Breathe in, breathe out, breathe deep, breathe long!
When used smartly, medical marijuana yields some promise for those seeking to improve their athletic capabilities.

Inhaled THC has been observed to benefit asthma patients by allowing the inner diameter of the bronchi and bronchioles (the tracts that lead to the lungs) to expand, which allows an unobstructed flow of air into the lungs.

Clear airways allow an easier flow of oxygen into the lungs and into the bloodstream, which can prove beneficial for muscular endurance. Whether you’re suffering from asthma or if you just want to run a little farther, a little longer, inhaled THC from a smoke-free source like a vaporizer might just do the trick!

3) Cousins?
Medical Marijuana has a close relative in the Cannabaceae family: hops!

Like medical marijuana, hops stems are fibrous and both plants contain similar terpenes like myrcene and beta-pinene. Unlike medical marijuana, there are no cannabinoids in hops, although the plant does contain the essential oils and bitter resins that give beer its trademark flavor.

While we don’t recommend trying to stage a “family reunion” by overindulging on medical marijuana and beer together, it’s useful to acknowledge medical marijuana’ place in the plant kingdom as we make the case for its efficacy and safety.

4) The granddaddy of them all!
The cannabinoid CBGa has been found to be the structural ancestor to many other types of cannabinoids…including THC and CBD!

That’s right, CBGa is the marble from which the cannabinoid masterpieces we all know and love are sculpted. CBGa is broken down by synthases, which are enzymes native to an organic body that serve as catalysts in chemical reactions.  When different synthases react with CBGa, THCa, CBDa (unactivated forms of THC and CBD) are created!

This information is for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES only, not for diagnosing or treating any medical condition