The name marijuana is Mexican or Latin American in origin. That marijuana is now well known in English as a name for cannabis is due largely to the efforts of drug prohibitionists in the United States during the 1920s and 30s. Under the name hemp the herb was then well known as a source of industrial materials and, under the name cannabis, it was also in widespread legal use as a medicine.

Due to widespread illegal use of cannabis as a recreational drug its legal or licensed use in medicine is now a controversial issue in most countries.

There are many competing claims regarding the use of cannabis in a medicinal context. Some claim that it is effective for a wide spectrum of medical problems, while others limit its efficacy to a few specific circumstances. On the other side of the debate, there are those who feel that cannabis simply has no legitimate medical uses, and others who feel that there are theoretical uses that are superseded by more effective treatments using other drugs. As an example, Dr. Stuart Hoffman, formerly a private oncologist and now working for ChoicePoint, a drug testing company, has claimed that other combinations of drugs render any potential use of cannabis outdated [1].

Cannabis was listed in the United States Pharmacopeia from 1850 until 1942, however the United States federal government does not currently recognize any legitimate medical use. (See also DEA). Regardless, Francis L. Young, an administrative law judge with the Drug Enforcement Agency, has declared that in its natural form, (cannabis) is one of the safest therapeutically active substances known [2].

Tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as THC, Δ9-THC, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), Δ¹-tetrahydrocannabinol (using an older numbering scheme), or dronabinol, is the main psychoactive substance found in the Cannabis plant. It was isolated by Raphael Mechoulam and Yechiel Gaoni from the Weizmann Institute in Rehovot, Israel in 1964. In pure form it is a glassy solid when cold and becomes viscous and sticky if warmed. THC has a very low solubility in water, but a good solubility in most organic solvents such as pure ethanol or hexane.

Sativa plants have less chlorophyll than the Indica counterpart. It has a higher THC content to Cannabinoid (CBD) ratio and offers a much more energetic type of mood. Sativa is used most commonly to elevate a depressed mood. Generally speaking the sativa plant is the taller and lankier variety, reaching heights of over 5-6 meters. It is characterized by narrow serrated leaves and loose spear like flower clusters that can be extremely resinous.

Primarily the effects of Sativas are on the mind and emotions. In this regard they tend to be more stimulating, uplifting, energizing, and creativity enhancing. These benefits can be particularly helpful for the psychological component of many illnesses. Sativas are generally better for daytime use.

Some benefits:
• Reduces depression
• Relieves headaches and migraines
• Energizes and stimulates
• Reduces awareness of pain
• Increases focus and creativity
• Reduces nausea
• Stimulates appetite

Indica has a higher CBD content to THC ratio and induces a more relaxing mood. This is a treatment for anxiety, pain, tremors and many more applications. Indica is most commonly used to induce appetite. Indica plants are normally shorter and stockier plants, reaching 1-2 meters in height and have wide deeply serrated leaves and a compact and dense flower cluster.

Some benefits:
• Reduces pain
• Relaxes muscles
• Relieves spasms
• Reduces inflammation
• assist in sleep
• Reduces anxiety and stress
• Reduces nausea
• Stimulates appetite
• Relieves headaches and migraines
• Reduces pressure inside the eye
• Anti-convulsing agent
• Reduces seizure frequency

However, many of today's strains have been cross-bred between the two offering the benefits of both strains while reducing the lesser desired effects of the other. Please feel free to ask our staff about what may best help your condition.

Side Effects:
There are some effects of cannabis that are not beneficial and can be diminished through awareness.
• Cannabis may cause dizziness while standing due to lowered blood pressure.
• Initial increase in heart rate / blood pressure may be problematic for those with heart conditions or severe anxiety.
• Cannabis may cause a decrease in coordination and cognition.
• Potential short term memory loss while medicated.
• There are no significant withdrawal effects when cannabis medicine is decreased or stopped. However symptom relief will also be reduced or stopped.
• Effects vary from person to person.

Safe Use of Cannabis:
• Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if impaired by cannabis. Indicas can be especially sedating.
• Cannabis mixed with alcohol may cause vomiting and nausea.
• Those receiving digitalis or other cardiac medications should only use cannabis under careful medical supervision.
• Heavy smoking with no harm reduction techniques may lead to respiratory irritation.
• If you share joints or other inhaling devices please hold them so lips do not touch the vessel of delivery.
• Beware of mold and fungi.
• It is illegal in the Untied States to possess cultivate or distribute medicinal cannabis under federal law.
• Choose organic cannabis when ever possible – especially for those with compromised immune systems.