Cannabis 101

Revolutionary Clinics is committed to informing communities and patients alike about cannabis and responsible use. To help begin the learning process, we’ve put together this Cannabis 101 resource guide. We encourage you to start here, and visit our Resource Library for more cannabis education materials.

The use of cannabis for both medicinal and recreational purposes is not new. In fact, 4000 B.C. is the earliest record of marijuana being used in a medical application. Cannabis has been used in the United States for centuries, as it was considered a useful drug in the alleviation of symptoms brought on by different medical conditions.

The cannabis plant is generally grouped into three main categories—Sativas, Indicas and Hybrids. Each of these three groups contains a large variety of strains, all with unique properties, effects and flavor.

Sativas are reported to prompt the following therapeutic effects:
• Mood elevation
• Increased energy
• Increased sense of well-being and focus
• Increased appetite
These strains are recommended for daytime use; they may increase feelings of anxiety or paranoia in some patients.

Indicas are reported to prompt the following therapeutic effects:
• Relaxation and stress relief
• Relaxes muscles, reduces spasms
• Reduces pain and inflammation
• Promotes sleep
• Reduces anxiety
• Relieves nausea and increases appetite
• Reduces intra-ocular pressure
These strains are recommended for nighttime use; they may increase feelings of tiredness or unclear thinking in some patients.

Hybrids are produced when two or more strains are crossbred to create certain desired therapeutic effects.

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant that interact with your body to produce medical benefits. THC and CBD are just two examples of cannabinoids. There are more than 100 cannabinoids found in marijuana, all with unique potential therapeutic benefits.

Terpenes are organic compounds found in a variety of plants including cannabis. Terpenes contribute to the flavor, scent and color of cannabis, and like cannabinoids, they interact with your body to produce certain effects that contribute to your medical marijuana experience. Terpene content can vary across products due to processing techniques and method of use.

Each individual will experience different effects as they try marijuana, and because of this, we recommend taking notes during your cannabis experience and working closely with a Patient Consultant to determine and refine a treatment regimen that is most beneficial for you.

There are many different methods of using cannabis.

Inhaling medical marijuana produces near-instant effects that may last for several hours. Smoking and vaporizing are both methods of inhaling.

Ingesting medical marijuana produces delayed effects that last for several hours. Consuming marijuana infused food products, oils and pills are all methods of ingesting.

Topical treatments allow cannabis to be absorbed by the skin to relieve pain, soreness and inflammation — they do not result in psychoactive effects, meaning therapeutic effects are delivered without the “high.” Lotions, balms and body oils are all examples of topical use.

How many grams are in an ounce of marijuana?
Cannabis is often sold to patients in grams or ounces. Below is a conversion table to help you understand the weight of our products. All conversions are approximate and have been rounded up or down to the nearest whole number.

What are some of the potential side effects of using marijuana?

Some patients report dry mouth, dizziness or paranoia when using cannabis. While many patients use cannabis to combat anxiety, it may create anxiety in others. Cannabis can slow your reaction time, and you should not drive or operate heavy machinery while under the influence of cannabis. Certain health risks may be associated with consuming cannabis while pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant. Responsible dosing can help you avoid unpleasant experiences with cannabis. Always speak with your doctor about your medical history and the medications you are taking before using cannabis.

How strong is marijuana today?
Marijuana available today, is the same plant that has been available for thousands of years. However, there are a vast amount of marijuana varieties available today and their potency varies greatly. We encourage you to speak with a Patient Consultant, and to record your experiences with different strains, to find a strain and treatment regimen that is best for you.