Cannabis buds are medicine

Some people have ignorantly argued that the whole cannabis plant, and specifically it’s flower, is not a medicine. The suggestion is that only the active cannabinoids (THC & CBD) are of therapeutic interest. I suppose this is better than saying that cannabis has no medical value at all. However, both notions are false.

Scientific research has concluded that not only are the cannabinoids therapeutic, but so are the other components, such as the terpinoids found in cannabis flowers.

Beta-Carophyllene, present in almost every variety of cannabis, is known to have strong anti-inflammatory effects on it’s own. It is a major constituent in black pepper, rosemary, cloves, etc… In fact, it is this scent that K-9 drug search dogs are trained to smell when searching for cannabis. Surprisingly, this terpine has also been proven to assist in arresting tumor growth.

It can be thought of this way; while THC and CBD are the engine and transmission in the cannabis vehicle, the terpinoids are the steering wheel. They help direct the medicinal effects while also counteracting, in many cases, the negative side effects of THC. It is for this reason that citrus scented varieties often have an uplifting effect, while varieties with a strong earthy odor are often more relaxing. Understanding cannabis chemotypes can be very important for the consumer.

I assume that you won’t take my word for it, so please read on in this scholarly article; “Taming THC” by Dr. Ethan Russo. With all due credit, please read anything written by Dr. Russo – he is a leader in this field.

For those who prefer a video option.

Further Reading:
Healer.com


Published by Eric

Lit Naturals founder, Eric McSwain, serves as Chairman of the Board for the Missouri Cannabis Industry Association. He is also a certified caregiver and patient. Eric's wife is also a caregiver and he also mentors several other caregivers in the state of Missouri. Eric's passion is for educating patients in the use of cannabis as well as at-home cultivation.