There are 66 different molecules in cannabis called phytocannabinoids or exogenous cannabinoids that mimic the endogenous cannabinoids synthesized by the body. The cannabinoids produced by the plant only have an effect because they bind to the body’s cannabinoid receptors. The cannabinoid profile in vegetative leaf provides a unique balance between CBD (CannaBiDiol) and THCA (TetraHydroCannabinol Acid) such that there is no net stimulation of the Central Nervous System CB1 Receptor. Stimulation of the 1st Cannabinoid Binding Receptor is associated with euphoria (good feeling) in some patients and dysphoria (bad feeling) in others. It is well known that CBD competitively binds with THC and if present moderates or blocks the effects of THC. CBD is found in higher proportion in the leaf. Effects of Heating or Aging: The vegetative green leaf does not result in either euphoria or dysphoria unless the green leaf is heated or aged. In Europe, CBD is commercially converted into THC by the use of heat. In India, for thousands of years the leaf has been simmered then mashed and rolled into balls the size of marbles that are called Bhang. The strength of the psychoactive effect is regulated by whether the individual eats 1, 2 or 3. If fresh leaf is not continuously available, the leaf can be dried - but beware – with age the cannabinoid profile changes and a noticeable psychoactive effect can be noted by the 3rd to 4th month. The aged leaf can awaken the saturated user from a sound sleep of intoxication. The harvest trim leaf or shake cannot be substituted for the vegetative or water leaf. Intestinal Absorbtion: The use of unheated fresh leaf allows for absorption from the intestines of cannabinoids over a period of several hours. With severe conditions grazing is better, i.e., a small amount of leaf every 3-4 hours. The 21 Carbon Cannabinoids & Terpene: Fresh leaf includes several classes of delicate molecules. THCA/CBDA/CBCA/CBGA are all very heat sensitive, yet have unique medical properties that are lost upon heating. The Terpenes are small enough to volatize at room temperature and are thus responsible for the odor of cannabis. One of the 15 carbon terpenes has recently been shown to bind to and alter the function of the CB2 receptor. The 2nd Cannabinoid Binding Receptor or CB2 receptor is known to regulate or modulate the immune system. However, these terpenes can upset some individual’s stomachs. If this is a problem for you, then the green leaf can be dried and ground in a coffee grinder into cannabis flour to reduce the terpenes, then packed into 000 or triple X gel capsules. The capsules should then be stored in a dated container, kept in the refrigerator to prevent fungal growth and used within two weeks of making. For those intolerant to the terpenes of fresh leaf, two of the 000 sized capsules twice a day, is a good starting dose for mild to moderate inflammatory conditions, including arthritis. Combining Fresh & Dried Leaf: If access to fresh leaf is restricted, then a portion of the fresh leaf can be dried and saved for the second week, while the fresh leaf is used for the first 5-7 days. The useful life of fresh leaf can be extended by storing the leaf with a moist paper towel in a sealed plastic bag. Note that otherwise, frost-free refrigerators will desiccate or suck the moisture out of the leaf. Saturation vs. Clearance: The exogenous or phytocannabinoids are fat molecules that are stored in the adipose or fat tissue similar to the fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, & K. It takes 4-8 weeks to saturate the fat tissue with phytocannabinoids. Conversely, it takes 4-8 weeks to clear the fat tissue of any traces of cannabis. Once saturated, the consumption of aged leaf, like heated leaf, can induce psychoactive effects. Use of Fresh Leaf: Consume 3-5 fresh healthy leaves twice a day. Indica is best with vegetable juices; sativa is lighter and can be used with some fruit juices. The fresh leaf can be used in salsas, salads, smoothies, or blended in yogurt to make a dressing. Cannabis can also be combined with basil to make pesto or other raw food preparations. Use of Vaporization to Increase Cannabidiol/CBD Fractionating the Cannabinoids: THC turns to vapor at 157 Centigrade, while CBD vaporizes at 188 C; this difference can be used to fractionate or separate the different phytocannabinoids. In most local strains, the percent Weight to Weight of THC is 16-17% w/w, while the amount of CBD present is
Posted on: Fri, 09 Aug 2013 15:00:36 +0000