Why Marinol is Not the Same as Medical Marijuana

Marinol is a THC-derived medicine that has been available in America since 1985 for prescription use. The FDA-approved pill is taken orally and can treat nausea and increase appetite for cancer and AIDS patients. Users explain that Marinol and medical marijuana are nothing alike.

Marinol contains only one cannabinoid from the marijuana plant, THC. (Source) While many patients seek the pain relief qualities that THC provides, cannabis contains numerous other cannabinoids and terpenes that work synergisticly in medical marijuana. The combination of compounds found in cannabis is thought to offer an “Entourage Effect” which makes pure cannabis more beneficial.

Marinol, an oral medication, requires up to ninety minutes to generate an effect. Patients can easily mis-dose themselves due to the time lag. Many patients prefer smoking or vaping marijuana for the immediate relief and dosage control. Medical marijuana can be smoked, providing relief in less than a minute. This allows for patients to receive a dosage that fits the symptom immediately without overdosing. (Source)

People who suffer from nausea complain that keeping the Marinol pills down can be difficult. Once ingested, the metabolism reduces effectiveness, only allowing 5-10% of the THC into the bloodstream. The effects can take up to 4 hours to peak, resulting in delayed relief or improper dosage.

The cost for the drug Marinol is also more expensive than medical marijuana. Marinol can cost $200-800 depending on dosage. The increased cost can dissuade patients from using this medication. A survey found that 33% of patients did not use Marinol due to its high cost. (Source)

Overall, studies show that patients prefer medical marijuana over Marinol. A study done by the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy showed a 23% higher success rate for treating symptoms with medical marijuana than with THC capsules. Research conducted in New Mexico found that 90% of patients improved by smoking marijuana while only 60% of oral THC medication showed improvement. In a New York State study, 29% of patients who did not see improvements with oral THC medication saw measured improvements from smoking marijuana. (Source)

Source:

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/does-the-pot-pill-work/

http://www.coloradonorml.org/information/marijuana/medical/marinol-vs-natural-plant

The “High” in Cannabis

The “high” that marijuana gives can be a desired result - or something the patient does not want. Effects from cannabis are different depending on the potency of THC, the way it is consumed, and the patient’s body chemistry. Every patient has a unique experience with marijuana.

When cannabis is heated, THCa will convert to THC, resulting in the “high.” Some describe it as being relaxing and euphoric with sedation and tranquility. (Source) Research showed that the user’s state of mind can influence the marijuana’s effects. Factors such as anxiety, low self-esteem, and worrying can cause short term paranoia.(Source)

The euphoric feeling is caused because THC mimics a neurotransmitter called anandamide. It is known as a “bliss” messenger cell that relieves pain and stimulates appetite. Anadamide breaks down naturally before it gives a euphoric feeling. When the THC is introduced, it will have a longer lasting effect, resulting in the feeling of being “high.” (Source)

Source:

http://www.cesar.umd.edu/cesar/drugs/marijuana.asp

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/research-explains-why-pot-can-make-you-paranoid/

Rick Simpson Oil

Rick Simpson Oil

Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is named after the developer of the famous product. Rick Simpson created the oil to cure his cancer. Many others have cited the nutrient rich oil as a cure for their own cancer.(Source)

A full spectrum of cannabinoids are present in Rick Simpson Oil, most notably THC. The benefits of the cannabinoids together give different medicinal effects than CBD Oil. (Source) Also named Phoenix Tears, RSO is made from a recipe that is available on Rick Simpson's website. The oil uses Indica strain flowers, so the color varies with each batch. Patients can ingest the oil or apply it directly on the skin for targeted relief.

When starting out with RSO, ingest a small amount (approx. the size of a grain of rice). The oil is very potent and should only be used when you’re not working or driving. Once you start your treatment, you will build a tolerance - with time, you will be able to take more RSO in a single dose. (Source)

Source:

http://www.zamnesia.com/content/361-the-difference-between-cbd-oil-and-rick-simpson-oil

http://phoenixtears.ca/what-it-does-and-how-it-works/

http://boards.cannabis.com/threads/my-experience-with-rick-simpson-oil.200017/

Spliffin Pure Vape Products

Spliffin Pure Vape Products

Spliffin Pure

OUTCO offers Spliffin Pure concentrate cartridges for Vape Pens in San Diego. The Spliffin Pure line of extracts average 700mg of THC per cartridge. They are rich in a terpene profile with a powerful 70% THC potency.

Available in indica andsativa strains Spliffen products are in high demand and can sell out quickly. The varieties of strains offer different treatments and effects:

Spliffin Pure Sativa Strains

Tangie Spliffin Pure

Tangie - Also known as Tangerine Dream this strain is a sweet fruity citrus taste and smell. Originating from the 2013 Cannabis Cup winner the effects give a euphoric high that patients describe as helping with pain and relaxation.

Jack Herer Spliffin Pure

Jack Herer – Jack Herer is stong and spicy just like the famous cannabis activist. This sativa strain provides a euphoric elevated effect to give clear and creative thoughts.

Super Lemon Haze Spliffin Pure

Super Lemon Haze – Like the name refers this strain gives a powerful tart and citrus punch. Patients describe it as energizing and uplifting to give a euphoric high.

 

 

Spliffin Pure Indica Strains

Donna OG Spliffin Pure

Donna OG – Spliffin's own unique cross between two OG strains give a potent indica sedation. With a sweet pine scent the effects stimulate appetite and reduce depression giving relief to pain and anxiety.

Spliffin OG

Spliffin OG – A classic OG crossed with Larry OG gives a floral dream like experience. Proprietary only to Spliffin, patients describe the strain as great for relieving stress and helping with insomnia.

Harlequin Strain

Harlequin Marijuana Strain is High in CBD

Harlequin strain is for patients of medical marijuana looking for high pain relief. Harlequin is known for its high potency of the cannabinoid CBD. A ratio of 5:2 CBD to THC gives medication that is low in psycho-active sedation. Having some THC allows for the analgesic to be more effective than other strains that are void of THC. Harlequin is 75% sativa dominant which gives the effects of alertness while giving the ability to relax.

The Harlequin strain is a cross between the Columbian Gold, Swiss and Thai sativa with a Nepalese Indica Landrace strain. The smell has been described as sweet and tropical while the taste is fairly bland to sweet. The buds are thick with trichome orange hairs which overtake the green in the bud. Most strains while being cultivated increase in CBD while maturing. Harlequin is unique in that its highest concentration of CBD is earlier and diminishes with maturity.

OUTCO typically stocks Harlequin as a tincture for patients. Our staff in El Cajon just outside of San Diego is knowledgeable and compassionate to care for their members needs. Patients describe Harlequin for helping pain, seizures, anxiety, stress, nausea and muscle spasms. Please stop by or contact us for individual attention to your questions and needs.

Source:

http://www.leafly.com/sativa/harlequin

http://www.marijuana.com/news/2013/08/harlequin-marijuana-strain-review-and-photos-high-in-cbd-low-in-thc/

The Differences Cannabis Raw, Heated or Aged

The Differences Cannabis Raw, Heated or Aged

Different cannabinoids are created when the flower is exposed to UV light, aging, oxidation and heat. Each cannabinoid has unique medicinal effects.

Cannabis is unique in that it is the only plant able to produce cannabigerolicacid (CBGa). The first cannabinoid the cannabis plant produces in raw form is CBGa. Cannabis synthesizes through natural enzymes to change CBGa into three main cannabinoid branches. CBGa is in an unstable form and typically is converted to other cannabinoids quickly. These three cannabinoids types are tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCa), Cannabidiolic acid (CBDa) and Cannabichromenic acid (CBCa).

Heat changes cannabinoids into THC, CBD, CBG and CBN. This conversion process is created by losing a carbon dioxide molecule (CO2). In this state they are thought to be in a neutral form. When a strain has a high CBGa content smoking it will add heat and change it to CBG.

Raw or heated cannabis can turn into different cannabinoids when it has oxidation and age. THCa with oxidation will change to CBNa. Aged THC will change into CBN or Tetra8 THC. When aged CBC will turn into CBL. Raw CBCa turns into CBLa over time.

The Medicinal Properties of Cannabinoids

  

Cannabinoid Treatment

  Medicinal properties in the cannabis plant come from cannabinoids. At least 85 different cannabinoids have been isolated in the plant. The most researched cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN).(Source)

     Marijuana users get excited to see a sticky white resin on the flower buds because they contain most of the cannabinoids. They are produced from glandular hairs (trichomes) on the flower. Cannabinoids imitate naturally produced endocannabinoids in our body that maintain health.(Source)

    Cannibinoids interact with one another to provide different medicinal effects. Based on the understanding of cannibinoids, dispensaries like OUTCO administer a variety of cannabis medications. Listed below is the different cannabinoids and their specialized treatments.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – The psycho-active cannabinoid that treats pain, nausea, muscle spasms, anxiety and increases appetite.

Cannabidiol (CBD) – The most beneficial cannabinoid aiding in pain, slowing bacerteria growth, reducing sugar levels, nausea, reducing seizures, inflammation, insomnia, artery blockage, cancer cells\tumors, psoriasis, muscle spasms, anxiety, osteoporosis, increases immunity, spasms in intestine and protecting the nervous system.

Cannabigerolic (CBG) – Reduces bacteria growth, inflammation, cancer cells\tumors, and osteoporosis.

Cannabinol (CBN) – Mildly psycho-active that treats pain, insomnia, and muscle spasms.

Cannabichromene (CBC) – Has been shown to reduce pain including migraines, inflammation, cancer cells\tumors and osteoporosis.

Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCv) – Mildly psycho-active that gives a euphoria and intensifies THC. Known to help with weightloss, reducing seizures, and osteoporosis.

THCa – Known to reduce inflammation, cancer cells\tumors, and muscle spasms.

Cannabigerolic acid (CBGa) – Aquired when consumed raw to reduce pain, inflammation, slow bacteria growth and reduce cancer cells\tumors.(Source)

CGCa – A cannabinoid known to reduce inflammation.

CBCa – Slows bacterial and fungal infection.

CBDa – Reduces cancer cells\tumors and inflammation.

Source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabinoid

http://www.leafly.com/knowledge-center/cannabis-101/cannabinoids-101-what-makes-cannabis-medicine

http://www.420magazine.com/forums/cannabis-facts-information/76763-marijuana-cannabinoids-thc-cbd-cbn.html

http://theleafonline.com/c/science/2014/08/cannabinoid-profiles-crash-course-cbga/

How THC Mimics a Messenger Molecule

   Behaviors such as the  munchies, fertility and where you left your car keys all relate to a messenger molecule named anandamide. This molecule contributes to messages in the brain regarding to pain, depression, appetite, memory and fertility. The molecular structure of THC is very similar to anandamide. The similarity allows it mimic functions that this messenger molecule does. Anandamide breaks down very quickly not allowing humans to get to a “natural high”. THC takes more time to break down giving a psycho-active high.

   Messenger cells like anandamide are like a “key” that can attach to a nerve cell receptor acting like a “lock”. Once the messenger cell find a good connection with a receptor it can attach and open the nerve membrane to allow chloride ions to enter the cell. This equalizes the charges inside and outside the cell and prevents the cell from firing a charge. The “key” must be removed to allow the nerve cell to work again. Enzymes work to break down the “key” messenger molecules after a certain amount of time. The nerve cells will cease to work if the messenger molecule remains.(Source) In 1992 an Israeli scientist Raphael Mechoulam was able isolate anandamide as the “bliss” messenger cell that THC emulates. He was the same scientist that isolated THC in 1964.(Source)

How THC mimic's Anandamide

Anandamide and Memory
   Anandamide has been shown to create or destroy short term memory nerve connections. In animal studies an increase in anandamide results in forgetfulness.(Source) Anandamide helps to retain information like where you parked your car. It allows you to forget things like what the women was wearing at the checkout stand.(Source)

   A famous experiment known as the Morris Water Maze shows what happens to short term memory when anandamide is inhibited. Mice are placed in a water test area with a platform so they can climb out of the water. The platform is removed once the mice remember where it was placed. The mice will naturally look for the platform and realize it isn't there. They will then focus on surviving by swimming. Mice with a drug to block the anandamide will perpetually continue to look for the platform. They will forget that the platform isn't there.(Source)

Anandamide and Fertility
   Anandamide acts as a signaling when an embryo attaches to the female uterus. In fact anandamide is at a higher concentration in the uterus than the brain. Sperm contain receptors that accept the anandamide molecule. It is theorized that disrupting the function of anandamide therefore could interfere with fertility. More research is need to further investigate the relation between fertility and drugs that act like anadamide.(Source)

Similar Sources to Anandamide
   Chocolate has a similar structure to anandamide much like THC. Daniele Piomelli studied this as a scientist at the Neuroscience Instititute in San Diego. He found that chocolate has three compounds that mimic anandamide. Chocolate and THC behave differently as a messenger.  Piomelli states, “The response to THC and to the chocolate anandamides are not at all the same, even if the concentrations could be made comparable.” Chocolate may create a blissful feeling while not giving a high.(Source)

   Recently Piomelli found a naturally occurring molecule in the body that mimics anandamide. Sn-2 arachidonylglycerol (2-AG) can lock into the same bliss receptors. It is unique in that it works at 170 times the concentration of anandamide. The 2-AG molecules are found in different parts of the brain. Piomelli theorizes that the functions of anandamide and 2-AG are complementary.(Source)


Source:
http://antoine.frostburg.edu/chem/senese/101/features/anandamide.shtml
http://thesilvertour.org/cannabis-professor-raphael-mechoulam-discovery-thc-1964-anandamide-1992
http://www.marijuanalibrary.org/981217.html#nfo
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21684528
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0091305799001069
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v388/n6644/full/388773a0.html
https://www.exploratorium.edu/exploring/exploring_chocolate/choc_8.html

Cannabis and Pain Management

One hundred million Americans suffer from chronic pain.(Source) Three to four percent of the global population suffer from neuropathic pain. (Source) Pain contributes to feeling depressed, concentration, energy level, ability to sleep well and enjoyment of life. (Source) Cannabis has been found to be an effective treatment in neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and pain from cancer. Cannabis has been found to be safer with less side effects than opiate medication.(Source)

Cannabis has been found to effectively relieve neuropathic pain. Both Cannabis and Opiates target the G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). These receptors effect the Central Nervous System CNS using the CB1 and CB2 Receptors, which effect pain-sensation, and mood notably. (Source)

Fibromyalgia is a muscleskeletal pain resulting in fatigue and pain in the neck, spine, shoulder and hips. Three to six million Americans suffer from fibromyalgia. In 2006, a study in Germany giving THC to patients showed a significant relief in symptoms. A study in 2008 with 40 patients gave a synthetic cannabinoid and showed significant improvements in pain. And in 2011 a study in Barcelona and the patients reported significant relief in pain, stiffness, relaxation, somnolence and feeling of well-being.(Source)

Cannabis has been found in studies in Australia and Britain showed that 20% of patients suffering from Rheumatoid Arthrites (RA) used medical marijuana to help treat their symptoms.(Source) Cannabis is an anti-inflammatory and helps to turn off pain-sensations in the nerves from the interactions it has with CB1 and CB2 Receptors. Results in a study in Britain showed that their were significant improvements in pain, sleep and inflammation.(Source) Cannabidiol CBD found in marijuana has shown to stop the progression of Rheumatoid Arthritis and protected joints. (Source)

A research study showed that advanced cancer patients were able to reduce their pain by 30% using a THC:CBD extract. In the study, with 177 patients, opiate medications did not provide the necessary relief. The placebo and THC alone had similar results to the opiate medication where the THC:CBD cannabis extract showed a noticeable relief in pain.(Source)

Cannabis has been found to have less side effects than opiate medication. A study has found that states that have legal medical marijuana has less mortality rates due to overdose in pain medication. (Source) Cannabis has been found to help patients addicted to opiate drugs withdraw from addiction by replacing with medical marijuana, and perceived to help pain more.(Source) Pain sufferers that have achieved a tolerance with opiate medication can feel a better relief by replacing treatment with cannabis.(Source) Cannabis can be used with opioid therapies to help lower the dose of opiates, thereby reducing their side effects. (Source)

Source:

http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=13172&page=1

http://www.prweb.com/pdfdownload/8052240.pdf

2006 Voices of Chronic Pain Survey. (American Pain Foundation)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_cannabis

http://ajh.sagepub.com/content/28/5/297

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=25154332

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=19896326

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22880540

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=22048225

http://www.humboldt.edu/hjsr/docs/fwhjsrparagraph/Issue%2035%20Second%20Article%20Peters.pdf

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=19857996

http://rheumatology.oxfordjournals.org/content/45/1/50.abstract

http://norml.org/library/item/rheumatoid-arthritis#3

The Different Types of Concentrates

The concentrates for cannabis are growing in popularity with it outselling the traditional buds in retail lately. Much of this change is in the popularity of Vape Pens and different forms of using marijuana such as edibles. Concentrates are just like the name refers to, a concentrated form of the cannabinoids in the buds to give a higher concentration of THC and or CBD. Here are some different forms of concentrates.

Hash

The oldest form of concentrate, and probably the least potent. Hash is made by collecting the plants resin, or kief and pressing it together. Ice water or ethanol sometimes is used to effectively collect the crystals better to make a higher concentration of the cannabinoids, stripping away the non-desirable materials of the plant.(Source)

Butane Hash Oil (BHO)

Very dangerous way of making concentrate in the fact that butane is highly flammable. (Source) BHO creates a very potent form used for vaporizors or dabbing. The result of heating to extract the cannabinoids leaves a sticky “wax” wax or a solid “shatter” with a high concentration of THC. BHO when tested shows traces of butane and therefore is not the healthiest way to ingest cannabis. (Source)

CO2 Oil

CO2 Vape Juice

The newer, less dangerous, less toxic and best way of preserving terpenes and other healthy flavors and cannabinoids is CO2 extraction. The process is more expensive to get a botanical extractor that uses pressure and carbon dioxide to extract the benefits of the plant into a concentrate. This method is used for vapor pens. (Source)

Rick Simpson Oil (RSO)

A cancer patient in 2003 named Rick Simpson made a concentrate from hemp by soaking the cannabis in naphtha or isopropyl alcohol. The THC and CBD are extracted to make a tar like liquid when the solvent evaporated. RSO, or also known as Phoenix Tears can be applied directly to the skin like a salve. Some companies now produce this concentrate and to have more THC or more CBD.(Source)

Tinctures

Cannabidiol CBD Tincture

Tinctures, were popular before the prohibition of 1937. This method is done soaking the buds, leaves and stems in ethyl alcohol extraction to get the beneficial cannabinoids extracted out. The usual way of administering this is a couple of drops under the tongue.(Source)

Source:

http://www.leafly.com/knowledge-center/cannabis-101/the-great-wide-world-of-cannabis-concentrates

http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Undercover-Operation-Shattered-Dreams-Busts-Hash-Oil-Labs--275552071.html

http://phoenixtears.ca/articles/solvent-residue-in-the-oil/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tincture_of_Cannabis

Benefits of Cannabis for Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's Disease is the disruption of the endocannabinoid receptors in the brain. Nerve cells that produce dopamine are destroyed making the brain to not function in processing messages or muscle function. (Source)

Some studies have shown that the use of Marijuana to relieve Parkinson symptoms can be effective, but physicians warn that it should not be a replacement for prescribed drugs for the condition. Since the Drug Enforement Agency DEA has deemed cannabis as a schedule 1 drug, approval for research into the benefits of cannabis is lacking and conclusive evidence for benefits of Parkinson's is still in progress.(Source) Here are a collection of studies regarding marijuana and Parkinson's Disease:

Movement Disorders Journal with research done by Katerina Venderova in 2004 located in Prague did a study on Parkinson's patients and the results are as follows:

• 45.9% of patients showed mild to major treatment of parkinson's symptoms
• 30.6% showed treatment for rest tremors
• 44.7% showed treatment for bradykinesia ( slowness in movement caused by weakness, tremor or feeling of rigidity).
• 37.7% improvement in muscle rigidity
• 14.1% treatment in L-dopa-induced dyskinesias (disruption in brain signals of movement).
• 4% complained of cannabis worsening symptoms.
• Use of Cannabis for 3 months or more had significant improvement in Parkinson's symptoms

This study was done on less than a 100 patients and the conclusions are that more research needs to be done on a wider population for more concrete findings. (Source)

A theory but not studied enough is that marijuana could benefit Parkinson's Disease since the effects of Parkinson's symptoms are concentrated in the basal ganglia of the brain, which are packed with cannabinoid (THC) receptors that Cannabis main function relates to. (Cb1and Cb2 receptors)(Source)

To ad to the brain function, The British Journal of Pharmacology had a study that showed the following: “Given its antioxidant properties and its ability to activate CB₂ but to block CB₁ receptors, Δ⁹-THCV has a promising pharmacological profile for delaying disease progression in PD and also for ameliorating parkinsonian symptoms.” (Source)

One symptom that Parkinson's Disease has is REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD). The patients studied using Cannabis (CBD) the non psycho-active component of cannabis showed significant improvement. (Source)

OUTCO is San Diego's only legally licensed medical marijuana dispensary offering FREE Delivery and Accepting Debit Cards.

Source:

http://www.parkinson.org/getdoc/6ffea1eb-3439-4e0c-b45e-5da1dc8d7537/default

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24845114

http://www.denverrelief.com/blog/conditions-treated-by-cannabis/parkinsons-disease-and-cannabis-marijuana-therapy/

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01278.x/abstract

http://www.thewire.com/politics/2014/06/its-hard-to-study-marijuanas-medical-benefits-when-its-illegal/373603/

E-Cigarettes and Vape Pens Have Brought Marijuana Into the Light

 

The Origins come from Nicotine

A bong, joint or pipe is a telltale sign of marijuana, and in public that brings a societal frown. A Vape Pen, or originally called an e-cigarette was invented in Beijing China in 2003 by Hon Lik, a pharmacist that had his chain smoking father die of lung cancer, and he too being a smoker of cigarettes. E-cigarettes have had an uphill battle for being accepted as an acceptable method of smoking with many bans of sale in multiple countries, including fines and imprisonment and FDA bans.

Ruyan, Health New Zealand in 2008 did a research study that concluded that for e-cigarettes the toxins and carcinogens are below harmful levels, 100 – 1000x less harmful than smoking tobacco cigarettes. Bans were imposed for the purpose that the liquids formulas had propylene glycol and diethylene glycol, however research showed the 9 toxins in e-cigarettes as opposed to 1000 toxins in a regular cigarette. Non-smoking activists voice concerns that e-cigarettes will be a gateway to the tobacco industry, where as much effort has been put in effect a stop to the popularity of smoking.

Vape Pens in the Marijuana Community

While e-cigarettes are getting flogged in the legislation and headlines, the marijuana community is booming in the vape pen industry. Vape pens are discreet, and are seen in public for they don't advertise what the person is smoking with the absence of fire, smoke and smell. Vape pens use a marijuana concentrate made from the plant which is in the form of a yellow resin liquid. Right now there is not a ban on any state for vape pens, however California is considering a ban on concentrates.

Whoopie Goldberg did an interview for The Cannabist in where she talked about the benefits of the vape pen for medical marijuana. She tells of how easy it is to use for non-smokers and how the amount of “sips” can regulate the amount of drug she needs. She was able to get off of other pain medication and regulate for headache pain from glaucoma in a natural and safe way with cannabis.

Concerns are legitimate as the concentration can be very high, and one inhalation can give someone a mind altering effect. With the ability of the vape pen to be discreet in daily life, a concern for parents and employers may not be able to know if their kids or workers are under the influence.

With the growing popularity of vape pen, the demand for concentrates have gone up and buds or flowers have gone down. The concentrate can be designed for the specific need of the patient for an amount of THC, or for CBD, which is not psycho-active and has antioxidant properties.

OUTCO offers concentrates or vape juice for sale, and is San Diego's only legally licensed medical marijuana dispensary offering FREE Delivery and Accepting Debit Cards.

Source:

http://cannabis/2014/04/17/whoopee-vape-pen-love-story-column/9571/

http://Casanova/E-cigarette_History.html

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2014/04/18/302992602/pot-smoke-and-mirrors-vaporizer-pens-hide-marijuana-use

Indica and Sativa, what about Ruderalis?

Cannabis Species

Their are 3 predominant species of cannabis, Indica and Sativa that have been breed over generations to have a high THC content and predictable growing patterns, and Ruderalis, named after the German named “ruderal” meaning weeds by the roadside. Many in the cannabis growing community disregard the Ruderalis species, however it's high content of CBD as well as it's extremely fast growing time may come to be beneficial in the medical marijuana industry.

Ruderalis is thought to come from Sativa, having thin leaves much like the Sativa, but in contrast only growing a foot in height, while the Sativa is the tallest of the cannabis species. The origins are thought to be from Russian cannabis growers where the flowers that escaped outside the plantation seeded and started growing as volunteers. They adapted attributes to survive in the climate such as shorter in length and quicker growing time, losing the attributes that weren't helpful to survival such as high THC content. The ability for the ruderalis to flower without photo-activation makes it unique and necessary for the long days without sunlight in far north climates.

There are reasons to integrate the ruderalis species into the medical marijuana industry:

• Faster Growing time

• Humidity Resistant

• Auto Flowering (light not needed to flower)

• Intense light yields many trichomes leading to high amount of CBD

• Mold Resistant

• Drought Tolerant

Some Popular Cannabis strains have already utilized the Ruderalis species. Neville Schoenmaker, founder of Sensei Seeds, created Ruderalis Indica, Ruderalis Skunk and Four-Way, hybrids that were created in hopes of autoflowering. Sensei Seeds comments that the auto-flowering was not completely successful. Canadian Growers in British Columbia have cultivated the strain Mighty Mite for it's auto-flowering and quick growing, a popular ruderalis hybrid. A hybrid of Mighty Mite but more potent is Guerilla Gold which has a semi auto-flowering uniqueness. FIN-314, also known as Finola, is used for hemp cultivation and has a very low government acceptable THC amount and high in Cannabinoids.

A well known grower named the Joint Doctor took a Mexican Rudy known for it's auto-flowering and mixed it with a Northern Lights and a Williams Wonder to create the Lowryder strain. This popular Lowryder is used by many to create an auto-flowering strain that produces high THC. The auto-flowering is a recessive trait and therefore a consistent behavior of auto-flowering has yet to be achieved.

OUTCO is San Diego's only legally licensed medical marijuana dispensary offering FREE Delivery and Accepting Debit Cards.

Source: http://www.seedsman.com/en/cannabis-ruderalis

The Differences Between Indica and Sativa Cannabis Strains

Differences Between Indica and Sativa

There are many choices to consider when selecting a strain of cannabis, and at OUTCO in San Diego, we have bud specialists to help find a strain for your treatment. One main category for cannabis is separating them into Indica or Sativa, and then hybrids that have the genetics of both. Indica and Sativa have some general differences that are accepted by cannabis connoisseurs:

Indica

• Originated in Higher altitudes

• Higher Yield per plant with shorter growing time

• Shorter and Fuller plants with broad leaves

• Fruity to Skunk Flavors

• Stronger Sedating

Treatment:

• Pain Relief

• Sleep Problems

• Migraines and Headaches

• Stress and Anxiety

Sativa

• Originated close to the equator.

• Less of a Yield and longer growing time

• Grow taller with narrow leaves.

• From Fruity to Cat Piss Flavor

• More uplifting

Treatment:

• Depression

• Increases focus and creativity

• Stimulates and Energizes

• Uplifting and euphoric thoughts

A New Way of Categorizing Cannabis

Jeffrey Taber, who has a Ph.D in Chemistry, was the first to test terepenes in cannabis in 2011. He theorizes that the differences in cannabis are less in whether they are indica or sativa, but more in the different terepenes within the strain of cannabis. Terepenes are like the fingerprint to the plant, rather than the CBD, THC content or name given to the plant that may be found to have been miscategorized. Terepenes are the flavor and taste, but also introduce the multitudes of benefits and effects that vary from one strain to another.

Within each strain their will be different amounts of CBD or THC and also vary on taste and aroma from the different growing conditions. Each strain effects the patient differently depending on body chemistry. The way in which the strain is given to the patient as well will vary the effects, such as vape pen, bong, joint, edible etc.

OUTCO is San Diego's only legally licensed medical marijuana dispensary offering store, free delivery and accepting credit cards.

source: http://www.leafly.com/news/medical/indica-vs-sativa-myth-or-fact

http://www.hightimes.com/read/5-differences-between-sativa-and-indica

http://www.theweedblog.com/the-difference-between-indica-and-sativa-marijuana-plants/

What is Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

When Cannabis is dried and then heated it does a chemical reaction that turns it into Tetrahyrocannabinol popularly known as THC. In this form, it becomes a narcotic psychoactive drug that is used primarily as a pain killer. The visual look is a clear water like solid (white) that when warmed up is sticky.

THC is well known to aid in increased appetite and reduce nausea. It stimulates the hypothalamus by CB1 activity to give interest to food as well as the ghrelin hormones that are in the gastronomical tract that induces the feeling of hunger. This affect helps cancer and AIDS survivors to gain an appetite.

THC has shown very good results in helping with multiple sclerosis symptoms. Studies have shown that especially oral cannabis, and good findings of THC help to reduce rigid or stiff muscles also known as spastic muscles, in reducing pain and spasms, and bladder dysfunction.

With marijuana is criminalized in many places, there is a lack of research and studies for possible more cures due to the legality of it. Studies for Parkinson's, Huntington, Alzheimer's diseases as well as Tourette's syndrome, Cervical Dystonia, and Epilepsy all have inconclusive results from studies from the lack of ability to do research.

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Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetrahydrocannabinol