Provided by Greencross Medicinal Cannabis Support Group of NZ Inc for the safety and education of those contemplating / already medicating with cannabis. GreenCross NZ is aware that New Zealand health authorities provide little if any realistic information for those wanting to medicate with cannabis. We have reports of elderly people eating a teaspoon of raw cannabis through sheer lack of knowledge.  GreenCross hopes to reduce any harm to patients either medicating or wishing to medicate with cannabis by providing education to those who need it. GreenCross does not suggest you use cannabis as it is illegal. We believe the sharing of knowledge is a right we all have. You must be responsible for the choices you make with that knowledge.

ALWAYS consult your doctor before using any cannabis product. Medicinal cannabis is currently ILLEGAL in New Zealand.

Active Ingredients:

This information reflects current knowledge, based on limited research and in part from : Marijuana Medicine, Christian Ratsch, 2001

Each strain of cannabis contains different ratios of “cannabinoids”, natural drug components which work synergistically to provide its therapeutic effects.

The main active ingredient in cannabis is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol {THC}.  THC has euphoric, stimulant, muscle relaxing, anti-epileptic, anti-emetic, appetite stimulating, bronchiodilating, hypotensive, antidepressant and analgesic effects.

High potency cannabis contains at least 15% THC.

Cannabidiol {CBD} lessens the psychoactive effects of THC and has sedative and analgesic effects.

Cannabichromene {CBC} promotes the analgesic effects of THC and has sedative effects.

Cannabigerol {CBG} has sedative effects and antimicrobial properties, as well as lowering intra-ocular pressure.  It is the biogenetic precursor of the other cannabinoids.

Cannabinol {CBN} is a mildly psychoactive degradation of THC and its primary effects are to lower intra-ocular pressure and anti-epileptic.

  Cannabis Sativa:         

Generally speaking the sativa plant is the taller and lankier variety, reaching heights of over 5-6 metres. It is characterised 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, energising, 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         Energises and stimulates          Reduces awareness of pain          Increases focus and creativity          Reduces     nausea          Stimulates appetite         Expectorant

Cannabis Indica:

 Indica plants are normally shorter and stockier plants, reaching 1-2 metres in height and have wide deeply serrated leaves and a compact and dense flower cluster.

The effects of indicas are predominantly physical although the relief of certain physical symptoms can have an emotional result as well. These effects can be characterised as relaxing, sedating and pain reducing. Indicas are generally best for later in the day or  before bed.

      Some benefits:

Side Effects:

  There are some effects of cannabis that are not therapeutic and can be mitigated through awareness.

• ·         Cannabis may cause dizziness on 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.
• ·         Possible 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 New Zealand to possess cultivate or distribute medicinal cannabis
• ·         Choose organic cannabis when ever possible – especially for those with compromised immune systems.

Using the Whole Plant:

Many of the active ingredients in cannabis are extractable into fat or alcohol. Cannabis infused oils, alcohol and butters can be used for baking / cooking.  Tinctures will provide a way for those who prefer not to inhale their cannabis or to compliment inhaled therapy.

The whole cannabis plant may be efficiently utilised. The flower {bud} is the most potent part of the plant therefore the bud is preferable for inhaling.  The leaves and stems are less potent and should not be inhaled. Leaf material can be used for baking or making teas and tinctures.

Modes of Consumption:

Self titration is easiest when inhaling cannabis. The effects are usually felt within 30 – 60 seconds and develop fully within 5 – 15 minutes. These effects may last from 30 minutes to 3 hours. Take 1 – 2 puffs and wait 15 minutes in order to find the right dosage.  

The effects of ingested cannabis may be felt within 30 minutes to 2 hours.  If the stomach is full the effects may take longer.  These effects may last  for 2 – 8 hours. Always start with a small amount, wait an hour or two and, if needed, increasing the dose gradually during the day.

For tinctures take two drops and wait an hour. Increase or decrease as needed. Tinctures may also be taken in drops placed under the tongue for an effect similar to inhaled cannabis.  

Cannabis Tincture Recipes / Usage:

Patients who have never used cannabis medicine before should be started off very low dose. This should be slowly increased until the required level of medication is achieved.

Cannabis Tea:  Take 1 gm of cannabis and simmer it in 1 litre of water for 20 minutes.  Strain into a container and refridgerate.  Patient to drink 200 mls per day.  If this is not effective enough add butter or fat milk to the simmering process.

Cannabis Tincture:  Take 1 gm of cannabis and soak it in 100 mls of alcohol for about a week.  Strain and use two drops in a drink or under the tongue.  Increase dosage as needed but be sure to wait at least two hours between doses.

Inhaling Options:  

Cannabis should be inhaled using care. A vapouriser, while expensive and illegal [ if intended / used for cannabis consumption ] in New Zealand , will deliver an inhalation dose that contains little if any smoke. GreenCross can very highly recommend The Volcano This machine has been personally tested by several members of Greencross. All confirmed a decent delivery of their choice of herbal medicine in a clean and healthy manner. All agreed it was the most efficent vapouriser they had tried. While this high quality machine can be purchased directly from the website of Storz & Bickel GMBH & Co we urge members of GreenCross to speak to us prior to making a purchase.

If one chooses to smoke as the preferred form of inhalation then a pipe may be used to replace smoking of paper and glue materials.  A water pipe will cool the smoke and catch any particles from the burnt cannabis.

Strain Selection:  

The efficacy of cannabis is related directly to the strain involved, therefore we recommend care in selecting your cannabis product strain.   This goes hand in hand with cannabis type as explained previously.

Much of the information here is based upon and used by the Vancouver “ British Columbia Compassion Club Society” and we thank them for their kind permission to reproduce / base this information on their valuable findings and experiences.