Education Materials

In November 2016, Massachusetts voters passed Question 4, resulting in the adoption of Chapter 334 of the Acts of 2016, making the possession and personal cultivation of marijuana legal for all adults 21 years of age and older and creating a regulatory system to license for-profit, adult-use, marijuana businesses. The Massachusetts legislature immediately set out to revise that law, and on July 28, 2017, Governor Baker signed Chapter 55 of the Acts of 2017, amending the adult-use law passed by the voters.

Under the framework of the revised law, adult-use marijuana businesses are licensed by a five-member administrative body known as the Cannabis Control Commission (the “Commission”), which promulgated the regulations, guidelines, and protocols necessary for the issuance of adult-use marijuana business licenses on March 23, 2018. Adult-use marijuana sales are taxed at 20% (10.75% excise tax, 6.25% sales tax, and a 3% local option excise tax).

For additional information on the Adult-Use of Marijuana Program, visit the Commission’s website: https://mass-cannabis-control.com/

Consumers may possess up to one ounce of marijuana on their person, except that not more than five grams of marijuana may be in the form of marijuana concentrate. At home, consumers may possess up to 10 ounces of marijuana (and any marijuana produced by plants cultivated on the premises in accordance with plant limits). Individuals can only share or gift up to 1 ounce of marijuana, or 5 grams of marijuana concentrate, with adults ages 21 and over, without any form of compensation.

Any amount of marijuana or marijuana products over one ounce kept within an individual’s place of residence must be secured by a lock. ACK Natural recommends that individuals always keep marijuana locked and secure away from children and pets. To ensure the quality of marijuana, store it in a dark, dry, and cool place. The law allows an individual over 21 years of age to grow up to six plants in their home. If there are other individuals over 21 years of age living in the residence who wish to grow, the maximum number of plants that may be grown in a residence is 12 plants. The plants must be grown in an area that is equipped with a lock or security device. The plants cannot be visible from a public place without the use of binoculars, aircraft or other optical aids. An individual cannot produce marijuana-based extracts or concentrates at home by means of any liquid or gas, other than alcohol, that has a flashpoint below 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Like alcohol, consumers may not have an open container of adult-use marijuana/marijuana products in the passenger area of their car while on the road or at a place where the public has access. An “open container” includes a package with its seal broken or a package from which the contents have been partially removed. The “passenger area” does not include a trunk or a locked glove compartment. The 2017 Act does not change the existing penalties for operating a car if you are impaired by the use of marijuana or marijuana products. Marijuana consumption is not permitted in public, and furthermore, consumption is not permitted in or around ACK Natural’s facilities. Consumers are not allowed to traverse state lines with marijuana or marijuana products.

The documented use of marijuana dates back thousands of years. Marijuana comes in many different forms such as dried flower, oils, tinctures, topicals, and marijuana infused products (“MIPs”) in edible or concentrate form. Each strain of marijuana contains different types of cannabinoids with varying effects. ACK Natural offers several different strains of marijuana to accommodate the needs of every consumer.

The marijuana plant is typically classified into four groups: Sativa, Indica, Hybrid, and Cannabidiol (“CBD”). Each group is made up of a variety of strains, all with different cannabinoid makeups or profiles:

• Sativas are reported to increase energy and appetite while also elevating the consumer’s mood and focus. It is generally recommended for daytime use.
• Indicas are reported to promote relaxation as well as reduce anxiety and promote sleep. Indicas are usually recommended for evening use.
• Hybrids strains are produced when cultivators cross-breed different indica and sativa strains to maintain the desired traits and breed out the undesired to meet specific needs.
• The first cannabinoid to be identified was Tetrahydrocannabinol (“THC”), which is known to produce psychoactive effects or the feeling of being “high.” Apart from its recreational use, it can be used to relieve pain, reduce vomiting and nausea, reduce inflammation, aid sleep, reduce muscle spasms, relieve anxiety, and stimulate the consumer’s appetite.
• Cannabidiol (“CBD”) is another cannabinoid with varying benefits that produces very little to no psychoactive effects or “high.” Reported therapeutic uses include pain relief, killing or slowing bacteria growth, reducing blood sugar levels, reducing seizures, relieving anxiety, and inhibiting tumor and cancer growth.
• Other cannabinoids such as Cannabichromene (“CBC”), Cannabigerol (“CBG”), Cannabinol (“CBN”), Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (“THCA”), and Tetrahydrocannabivarin (“THCV”) are reported to have varying benefits as well. Some of these benefits include suppression of appetite, aiding sleep, reducing risk of artery blockage, nervous system protectants, suppressing muscle spasms, modulating the immune system, and relieving pain.

• Smoking marijuana is the most popular consumption method and has the quickest effect. As the user inhales, the cannabinoids are introduced into the bloodstream, having an almost instant effect. The effects can last anywhere from ninety (90) minutes to several hours, and peak effects are usually felt after thirty (30) minutes. Vaporizing is an alternative way to inhaling marijuana. Rather than smoking, vaporizing or “vaping” involves heating the marijuana flower or concentrates to a temperature that produces vapor without combustion. Vaping eliminates many of the harmful carcinogens and tars that are often present in smoke. After smoking or vaping marijuana, consumers should wait at least thirty (30) minutes before increasing their dose.
• Ingesting marijuana is a popular administration method for consumers who prefer not to smoke or vape and are looking for longer lasting effects. Usually, food products such as chocolates, lozenges, or capsules are infused with marijuana extracts that can be swallowed. These products are referred to as Marijuana Infused Products or “MIPs.” New users should start with a small dose and wait two (2) hours before increasing the dosage. Consumers should consult with their physicians regarding a proper marijuana dose for MIPs consumption.
• Some consumers can achieve the desired effect of marijuana by topically applying infused products to their skin. With topicals, the marijuana is absorbed through the consumer’s skin in order to achieve the desire effect. Often, topicals do not produce psychoactive effects or a “high” for consumers.

• Different products will vary in potency, cannabinoid profile, and effects. Consumers should experiment to find the ideal dose for their desired effects and are encouraged to keep a log of consumption, methods, and effects. A consumer’s tolerance will vary based on a variety of factors that including weight, body chemistry, and metabolism. All marijuana products will be lab tested and clearly labeled to ensure consistent dosing and packaging.
• When consuming MIPs, it is important for consumers to wait the appropriate amount of time before consuming more to reach a desired effect. Consumers should start with a low dose and should not increase it until they know the impact and the timing it takes to reach such impact. A common mistake with MIPs consumption is taking too high of an initial dose. Such mistakes can be avoided if consumers “start low and go slow” and carefully monitor the effects.
• When consuming MIPs, it is recommended that consumers do so on a full stomach in order to decrease the intensity of the effects. It is also recommended that marijuana should not be used in conjunction with alcohol or other drugs, and consumers should not operate a vehicle or machinery while using marijuana. For women who are pregnant, there may be additional health risks associated with consumption of marijuana. All consumers should consult with their physicians about health and safety risks associated with using marijuana.
• The labels on marijuana products will outline the product’s cannabinoid profile and dosage information. Consumers should read the labels before purchasing and using marijuana to ensure they have the correct and desired products and doses. Consumers should consult an ACK Natural agent if they have additional questions.

• Marijuana products should be kept in their original childproof/tamperproof packaging and stored separately from other food.
• Consumers should speak with a healthcare provider before using marijuana, especially if they are using medications.
• Consumers have reported a variety of side effects associated with the use of marijuana including dry mouth, dizziness, paranoia, anxiety, slowed reactions times, and impaired motor skills. Side effects can vary for different consumers.
• It is illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana (M.G.L. c.90, s.24).
• The use of marijuana and marijuana products is strictly prohibited on the premises of ACK Natural.
• Marijuana should also be kept away from children and stored under lock and key to avoid accidental ingestion. Consumers need to always be responsible about safe storage of marijuana and marijuana products.

ACK Natural will ensure that all marijuana and marijuana products for retail sale have been tested for the presence of contaminants, including but not limited to mold, mildew, heavy metals, plant-growth regulators, and pesticides. All such testing will be done by an independent laboratory with which ACK Natural maintains a contractual relationship.

In the event that sampling test results indicate contamination, ACK Natural will initiate its Contamination Investigation Procedure:

• The batch number from which the tested sample was taken;
• The contaminant detected;
• Date of sample test.

• Where the contamination occurred;
• When the contamination occurred;
• The root cause of the introduction of the contaminant; and
• Remedial steps to prevent future contamination.

The results of such investigation will be recorded with the internal contamination documentation, and any necessary alterations to ACK Natural procedure or infrastructure will be made to applicable ACK Natural operational manuals or physically implemented, as necessary. Furthermore, ACK Natural will implement any training or retraining on protocols related to the contamination, as applicable.

Based on ACK Natural’s investigations of any contamination, ACK Natural will determine all affected marijuana and immediately segregate and destroy all contaminated marijuana in accordance with ACK Natural’s marijuana waste disposal procedures.

• Marijuana has not been analyzed or approved by the FDA. There is limited information on the side effects of marijuana, and there may be health risks associated with using marijuana. Marijuana and marijuana products should be kept away from children and stored in such a way as to prevent access by anyone under the age of 21.
• When under the influence of marijuana, driving is prohibited by M.G.L. c. 90, § 24, and machinery should not be operated.
• Consumers may not sell marijuana to any other individual; only Marijuana Retailer Establishments licensed by the Commission may sell marijuana and marijuana products directly to consumers.
• Selling marijuana to others is illegal and a first-time offense (under 50 pounds) may be punishable by up to 2 years imprisonment / $5,000 fine. Subsequent offenses may be punishable by up to 2.5 years imprisonment / $10,000 fine.
• Possessing more than the legal limit (1 oz.) outside your home may be penalized by up to 6 months imprisonment / $500 fine.
• Failure to keep marijuana and marijuana products in excess of one ounce locked up within the home may be punished by a civil penalty of up to $100 and forfeiture of the marijuana.
• The civil penalty for consuming marijuana in public or smoking marijuana where smoking tobacco is prohibited is up to $100.
• An individual may receive a civil penalty of up to $500 for having an open container of marijuana in the passenger area of a vehicle while on the road or at a place where the public has access.
• An adult may not grow marijuana plants where the plants "are visible from a public place." A violation of this section is punishable as a civil offense with a penalty not to exceed $300 and forfeiture of the marijuana.
• A person who is at least 21 years of age and who cultivates more than 6 but not more than 12 marijuana plants or who possesses an amount of marijuana outside of his or her place of residence having a weight of more than 1 ounce but not more than 2 ounces shall be subject only to a civil penalty of not more than $100 and forfeiture of the marijuana not allowed.
• Individuals who knowingly and intentionally supply, give, or provide marijuana, marijuana products, or marijuana accessories to a person, under 21 years of age, either for the person’s own use or for the use of the person’s parent or another person shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $2,000 or imprisonment for not more than one year or both the fine and imprisonment.
• Individuals who knowingly and intentionally allow a person under 21 years of age (except for the children and grandchildren of the person charged) to possess marijuana, marijuana products, or marijuana accessories on premises or property owned or controlled by the person charged shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $2,000 or imprisonment for not more than one year or both the fine and imprisonment.
• An individual under 18-20 years of age (unless a patient with a registration card for medical use of marijuana) that purchases or tries to purchase marijuana, marijuana products, or marijuana accessories shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $100 and completion of a drug awareness program.
• An individual under 18 years old that purchases or tries to purchase marijuana, marijuana products, or marijuana accessories shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $100, completion of a drug awareness program, and notification of parent or legal guardian. Failure to complete drug awareness program within one year of offense may be basis for delinquency proceedings.
• An individual 18-20 years of age that alters, defaces, or otherwise falsifies identification (ID) offered as proof of age with the intent of purchasing marijuana, marijuana products, or marijuana accessories shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $100 and completion of a drug awareness program.
• An individual under 18 years old that alters, defaces, or otherwise falsifies ID offered as proof of age with the intent of purchasing marijuana, marijuana products, or marijuana accessories shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $100, completion of a drug awareness program, and notification of parent or legal guardian. Failure to complete drug awareness program within one year of offense may be basis for delinquency proceedings.
• Individuals who knowingly and intentionally allow a person under 21 years of age (except for the children and grandchildren of the person charged) to possess marijuana, marijuana products, or marijuana accessories on premises or property owned or controlled by the person charged shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $2,000 or imprisonment for not more than one year or both the fine and imprisonment.

• Obtain a recommendation from a certifying physician that you have a medical condition that medical marijuana can help. (The certifying physician will give you a certification number to complete the patient registration process with the CNB.
• Complete the Patient Registration Application located on the CNB website. https://www.mass.gov To complete this, you will need the following:

• The certification number obtained from your certifying physician
• Valid photo ID
• Photograph of yourself

During the registration process, you will also have the opportunity to designate a caregiver. The caregiver will need to complete a similar registration with CNB and will get a Caregiver Card from the CNB.

After the registration process has been completed with the CNB, a temporary program ID card (Patient Card) will be issued and may be used until your Patient Card will arrive at your mailing address.

• You will complete a new profile on your first visit with one of our Patient Services Agents (PSA)
• One of our Patient Services Agents will assist you and explain our products and help you select products and delivery devices
• At the time of purchase, marijuana and MIPs products will be entered into the CNB tracking system as required by Massachusetts law.
• In addition, we are committed to offering the following services:

• Research materials related to medical marijuana
• Private consultation from a Patient Services Agent
• Financial assistance for patients with a verified financial hardship

• All Marijuana products should be placed in the trunk of your vehicle, a locked container or glovebox or area that is not easily accessible to the driver or visible from the outside.
• You should only open your packages, and use products at home
• Consuming marijuana on ACK Natural property, is illegal and will result in the patient being banned from further purchases.
• Keep all products in a secure location away and out of reach from children and pets. All ACK Natural products are packaged in child proof and tamper-proof containers.
• Driving under the influence of marijuana is prohibited by M.G.L. c. 90, s. 24, and machinery should not be operated. Never operate a motor vehicle under the influence of marijuana or other illegal substances.

• Recipients of MassHealth receive 1 point
• Recipients of Supplemental Security Income receive 1 point
• If the patient's annual gross household income is less than 150% of the federal poverty level for the current year they will receive 2 points
• If the patient's annual gross household income between 151% and 301% of the federal poverty level for the current year they will receive 1 point. Any single patient is eligible for up to 4 points.

• A variety of flower strains; and
• Marijuana Infused Products (MIPs) created with extracts from our marijuana plants. These Include:

• Vape cartridges
• Concentrated oils and Tinctures
• Topicals (patch)
• Capsules
• Beverages
• Edibles

All of our products are tested by our in house laboratory. The laboratory testing includes an analysis of the cannabinoid profile and for contaminants. These lab results are available to all patients as well as our policies and procedures regarding lab testing.

All products are individually packaged and labeled prior to sale. Our Patient Services Agents will ensure you understand product labels and guide you through the benefits and use of each product.

Note: You may not distribute marijuana to any other individual, and must return unused, excess, or contaminated product(s) purchased at ACK Natural to our dispensary for proper disposal.

• The method you use to take in the product;
• The strength or potency
• The dosage or amount you use

• Inhaling is generally done by smoking a flower product. Some products can also be inhaled with a vaporizer, which creates a smoke like vapor from the plant or MIPS. The effect of inhaled products can be felt rapidly.
• Ingesting is generally done by eating an edible product or by applying an oil or topical to the skin. The effect of ingested products is often delayed two hours or more and can last longer than an inhaled product.

• Each product will have a label with the cannabinoid profile. Marijuana products have one or more active ingredient(s), called a cannabinoid, which with other chemicals in the plant, called terpenes and flavonoids, work together to provide a desired effect. The mix of these ingredients results from the type of plant it is made from, and determines each product’s potency or strength, and how it affects the body. The mix is called the cannabinoid profile.
• THC & CBD

• THC is a compound which has psychotropic (brain/head) effects.
• CBD is a compound which has limited psychotropic effects.
• Both THC and CBD have properties which can affect your body (i.e. lower pain, reduce nausea). The mix of the two, along with other compounds and the other chemicals, result in the particular effect of each product.

• Flower is sold by weight - grams and ounces. Flower is sold in the following weights: gram, 1/8 ounce, ¼ ounce; ½ ounce; and ounce. One ounce of marijuana is the equivalent of 28 grams.
• MIPs are measured and priced by the number of milligrams of the active ingredient (i.e. cannabinoid). The smallest dose is 10mg.

• Inhaled products enter the bloodstream rapidly and can be felt quickly.
• The effects can be last from one to several hours.
• The effect will typically be strongest in the first hour.
• New users should try one inhalation and wait 10-15 minutes before taking another.

• You should always take MIPS on a full stomach and take the smallest possible dose as some MIPS are held in the stomach before entering the bloodstream.
• Start low and go slow - this is the most important concept with MIPs. Start with a low dosage and do not increase it until you are certain of the impact of your dosage. We recommend you start with a 10mg dose or less.
• Wait at least two hours before having any more. A common mistake is to start with a low dosage and add more without long enough to feel the impact of the initial dosage. Be patient - it may take up to 2 hours to feel an effect from a single dose.
• Remember, you can never go back and have less!

• Products labels clearly show the amount of cannabinoids in milligrams (mg) of usable marijuana, we recommend you start with 5mg dose or less.
• THC vs CBD - Every label outlines the cannabinoid profile of the marijuana in the product. If you are looking for a high-CBD (non-psychotropic) product, take a look at the label, which clearly outlines the CBD content of the product. THC is a psychotropic element that can create the impact typically referred to as a “high”.

Use you Patient Strain and Product Log to learn from your experiences in the Patient Usage Log provided at the end of this Handbook.

There can be side effects from any medical marijuana use. There can also be unpleasant side effects (anxiety, paranoia, nausea) from inhaling or ingesting too much medical marijuana.

Alcohol can also affect your reaction to it. ACK Natural advises all patients to avoid using alcohol while using any product.

-WARNING-

Marijuana has not been analyzed or approved by the FDA. There is limited information on side effects of marijuana and there may be health risks associated with marijuana. As with any medicine, medical marijuana and MIPs should be kept away from children.

Medical marijuana has tremendous benefits when used properly. However, as with other forms of substances can have side effects when not used correctly or when overused. You can research online and are encouraged to speak with one of our Patient Services Agents to learn about benefits and risks associated with medical marijuana. In addition, you should always discuss your medical marijuana usage with your healthcare providers.

ACK Natural highly recommends patients keep a log and/or journal of product usage in order to monitor effectiveness of a product over time (Provided in this Handbook). Our Patient Services Agents are available to assist you and answer questions based on your Patient Usage Log.

Overuse of marijuana, or using it incorrectly, can lead to overeating, sleeplessness, withdrawal symptoms and other issues. We strongly encourage you to use medical marijuana and our products carefully, and to speak with a member of our team, or a healthcare professional, if you think you may be misusing it, or are experiencing any side effects or issues.

Massachusetts law prohibits the use of marijuana and MIPs in public. As such, ACK Natural patients should only open packaged products and consume products privately. Driving under the influence is dangerous and illegal under M.G.L. c.90 s.24, and patients should never drive or operate other machinery after consuming any marijuana or our products.

In addition, medical marijuana can be dangerous, especially when ingested children and pets. Marijuana has not been analyzed or approved by the FDA, thus there is limited information on the side effects and the risks associated with using marijuana. You should never share your product with anyone. All products should be stored safely and kept in the child proof packaging provided by ACK Natural at the time of sale.

A list of resources is available at the end of this Handbook and on-site at ACK Natural.

Physical dependence on marijuana is not substantiated by research. However, psychological dependence is possible with the overuse of any substance. A personal inventory should be taken if marijuana becomes a focal point in your life and consultation with your physician is recommended. Frequent or heavy use of medical marijuana can lead to increased tolerance of the drug, resulting in the need for higher doses or different strains.

For more information about drug tolerance, as well as the possibility of dependence and withdrawal, please visit: http://www.healthline.com/health/drug-dependence 

• You’re neglecting your responsibilities at school, work, or home (e.g. flunking classes, skipping work, neglecting your children) because of your drug use.
• You’re using drugs under dangerous conditions or taking risks while high, such as driving while on drugs, using dirty needles, or having unprotected sex.
• Your drug use is getting you into legal trouble, such as arrests for disorderly conduct, driving under the influence, or stealing to support a drug habit.
• Your drug use is causing problems in your relationships, such as fights with your partner or family members, an unhappy boss, or the loss of old friends.
• You’ve built up a drug tolerance. You need to use more of the drug to experience the same effects that you used to attain with smaller amounts.
• You take drugs to avoid or relieve withdrawal symptoms. If you go too long without drugs, you experience symptoms such as nausea, restlessness, insomnia, depression, sweating, shaking, and anxiety.
• You’ve lost control over your drug use. You often do drugs or use more than you planned, even though you told yourself you wouldn’t. You may want to stop using, but you feel powerless.
• Your life revolves around drug use. You spend a lot of time using and thinking about drugs, figuring out how to get them, and recovering from the drug’s effects.
• You’ve abandoned activities you used to enjoy, such as hobbies, sports, and socializing, because of your drug use.
• You continue to use drugs, despite knowing it’s hurting you. It’s causing major problems in your life—blackouts, infections, mood swings, depression, paranoia— but you use anyway.

About Medical Marijuana: Americans for Safe Access (ASA): ASA has compiled over 200 scientific and scholarly articles and summarized the potential therapeutic effects of medical marijuana in “Medical Cannabis Research: What the Science Says”. This document can be a valuable tool in understanding the basic science behind medical marijuana use and its potential effectiveness and versatility in treating a number of conditions.
http://www.safeaccessnow.org/medical_cannabis_research_what_does_the_evidence_say

Information for Health Care Professionals: “Health Canada MMJ Info HC Professionals”: Focuses on info to help medical professional appropriately recommend cannabis, but also useful for patients and caregivers. Overview of science & research, dosing, potential uses and possible adverse effects. Health Canada — information for health care professionals

American Academy of Cannabinoid Medicine: Organization of clinicians & researchers supporting the use of medical cannabis. Provides education to medical professional and the public on cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system. http://aacmsite.org

Project CBD: Updates doctors and patients on developments in cannabinoid science and therapeutics. Supports further research and developments on cannabinoid medicines. http://www.projectcbd.org

National Organization for The Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML): Advocacy organization supporting the reform of marijuana laws. Includes a compilation of the recent research supporting medical marijuana use for a variety of identified conditions. http://norml.org/library/recent-research-on-medical-marijuana

Marijuana Policy Project: Advocacy organization supporting marijuana policy reform. Provides information supporting the use of medical marijuana, including research briefings, effective arguments, legislative overviews and federal policy. https://www.mpp.org/issues/medical-marijuana/

Helpguide.Org: A non-profit resource promoting mental and emotional health, provides the following information to help recognize substance abuse. https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/addiction/drug-abuse-and-addiction

Typically, the cannabis plant is classified into four groups for medical use. Within each group, there are a variety of different strains from which to choose.

• Mood elevation
• Increased energy
• Increased sense of well-being & focus
• Increased appetite

• Relaxation & stress relief
• Relaxes muscles
• Reduces spasms
• Reduces pain & inflammation
• Promotes sleep
• Reduces anxiety
• Relieves nausea
• Stimulates appetite
• Reduces intra-ocular pressure
• Anti-convulsant

HYBRID

– The result of breeding different types of cannabis plants in order to create a combination of effects. Hybrids can be 50/50, or more indica or sativa dominant. This allows for strains to be customized in order to create desired therapeutic effects.

CBD VARIETIES

– While not a separate type of cannabis, some strains are bred to have a higher CBD and lower THC content – resulting in a less psychoactive effect, or even no psychoactive effect. In addition to relieving pain and reducing anxiety, CBD strains are reported to be helpful in treating a number of other medical conditions. Reports have also shown that CBD strains have anti- inflammatory properties and are effective when treating seizure disorders, particularly in children. 

• Δ9THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): Delta 9 THC the most abundant cannabinoid present in marijuana, THC is responsible for cannabis’ most well-known psychoactive effects. The compound is a mild painkiller, and cellular research has shown that it has antioxidant activity
• Δ8-THC (Delta-8-THC): is an analogue of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol shown to be effective against vomiting and nausea, antianxiety, appetite-stimulating, painkilling, and helps with Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and MS through preservation of neuronal integrity. Delta-8-THC exhibits a lower psychotropic potency than delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the primary form of THC found in cannabis.
• CBD (Cannabidiol): CBD has tremendous medical potential. This is particularly true when the correct ratio of CBD to THC is applied to treat a particular condition. CBD alone has medicinal properties without psychoactive effects. Widely used for treatment of seizures and in children due to its non-psychoactive effect.
• THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid): THCA is the main constituent in raw cannabis. THCA converts to Δ9-THC when burned, vaporized, or heated at a certain temperature. THCA, CBDA, CBGA, and other acidic cannabinoids contribute to cannabis’ anti-inflammatory effects. This cannabinoid also acts as an antiproliferative and antispasmodic.
• CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid): CBDA, similar to THCA, is the main constituent in cannabis with elevated CBD levels. CBDA selectively inhibits an enzyme that contributes to cannabis’ anti-inflammatory effects.
• CBN (Cannabinol): Not produced by the cannabis plant; is the result of the oxidation, or breakdown, of THC. Not psychoactive on its own but is synergistically with THC. Potentially useful for treating burns, as it reduces thermal sensitivity. The degradation of THC into CBN is often described as creating a sedative effect, or "couch lock.”
• CBG (Cannabigerol): A non-psychoactive cannabinoid, CBG’s antibacterial effects can alter the overall effects of cannabis. CBG is known to kill or slow bacterial growth, reduce inflammation, (particularly in its acidic CBGA form,) inhibit cell growth in tumor/cancer cells, and promote bone growth.
• CBC (Cannabichromene): CBC is known to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, inhibit cell growth in tumor/cancer cells, and promote bone growth. The effects of CBC appear to be mediated through non-cannabinoid receptor interactions.
• THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin): THCV is a minor cannabinoid found in only some strains of cannabis. THCV produces very different effects than THC. These effects include a reduction in panic attacks, suppression of appetite, and the promotion of bone growth
• CBDV (Cannabidivarin): Recent studies have shown CBDV has promise for its use in the management of epilepsy.

Terpenoids or Terpenes are what you smell – thus, recognizing what they are will deepen your appreciation of cannabis as a patient. Secreted in the same glands that produce cannabinoids like THC and CBD, terpenes are the pungent oils that color cannabis varieties with distinctive flavors like citrus, berry, mint, and pine. Medical research on cannabis has so avidly focused on cannabinoids that we don’t know much about these aromatic compounds yet. However, we know just enough to realize that terpenes are the next frontier in medical marijuana.

The development of terpenes in cannabis began for adaptive purposes: to repel predators and lure pollinators. Over 100 different terpenes have been identified in the cannabis plant, and every strain tends toward a unique terpene type and composition.

The most fascinating characteristic of terpenes is their ability to interact synergistically with other compounds in the plant, like cannabinoids. Most cannabis varieties have been bred to contain high levels of THC, and as a result, other cannabinoids like CBD, CBC, and CBN have fallen to just trace amounts. This has led growers to believe that terpenes help account for the unique effects induced by each cannabis strain.

Terpenes can add great depth to the horticultural art and connoisseurship of cannabis. Most importantly, terpenes may offer incredible medical value as they mediate our body’s interaction with therapeutic cannabinoids. With unlimited combinations of synergistic effects, terpenes will open up new scientific and medical terrains for cannabis research.