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Cannabis Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions about cannabis and your health

• What are cannabis topicals?

  Cannabis topicals relate to the application of cannabis-infused or compounded products onto the surface of the skin and are often referred to as transdermal (“through the skin”).

  A product that remains absorbed into the skin surface is referred to as a local topical.

  The application of cannabis base creams, lotions, gels, and oils on the skin or mucous membranes offers another way of experiencing the benefits of the cannabis plant.
  Regional topicals promote the movement of treatment ingredients below the surface of the skin into the surrounding tissue.

  Systemic topicals have formulations that enable the movement of treatment ingredients to the surrounding tissue and into the bloodstream. They often incorporate an adhesive layer to keep the topical in contact with the skin to release the ingredients over a set time frame.

• What are cannabinoids?

  Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis sativa plant. There are over 500 chemical compounds identified, and it is one of the reasons that the plant has so many diverse uses. Of the identified compounds, there are more than 150 cannabinoids that are unique and only found in the cannabis plant.

  The most well-known among these compounds is the delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is known for its medical benefits and also produces an intoxicating effect.

  Amounts of both THC and CBD, as well as other cannabinoids, vary in ratios based on the cultivar and the practices used to grow, harvest, cure and extract the cannabis.

  Both common cannabinoids have medical benefits. The main difference between the two cannabinoids is that THC has psychoactive effects, whereas CBD has an anti-psychoactive effect that moderates the ‘high’ caused by THC. It’s also believed that CBD can reduce some of the other negative effects that people can experience from THC, such as anxiety.

  The research into cannabinoids is creating interest in new products and their application.

• What are terpenes?

  Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants, though they are commonly associated with cannabis because cannabis plants contain high concentrations of them.

  There are over 200 terpenes that have been identified in the cannabis plant and over 20,000 in nature. Terpenes are linked to protecting a plant from disease, insects and predators.

  They have been studied for their medical and health properties against inflammation, anxiety, infections, and pain. Terpenes are used commercially in everyday products, including cosmetics, cleaning supplies, and pharmaceuticals.

• What is the endocannabinoid system (ECS)?

  The endocannabinoid system, only recently discovered in the 1990s, is a vast network of chemical signals and cellular receptors that attempt to keep things like mood, sleep, appetite, memory, and reproduction in balance.

  The cannabinoid receptors are activated by cannabinoids produced by the body that are known as endocannabinoids or activated by the cannabis plant produced “phytocannabinoids”. CB1 receptors are found throughout the body, with a primary concentration in the brain and spinal cord. These receptors are also abundant in nerve endings, where they regulate pain signals.

  The second type of cannabinoid receptor, the CB2 receptor, exists mostly in our peripheral tissue, skin and around some organs regulating our immune function. It plays a role in modulating inflammation, contraction, pain, and itching.

  Once in your body via inhalation, ingestion, topical application, the cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant interact with your ECS by binding to both CB1 and CB2 receptors, just like endocannabinoids. They have a range of effects, with some more desirable than others. For example, THC may help to reduce pain and stimulate your appetite. But it can also cause paranoia and heightened anxiety in some cases. This can be dose-dependent and demonstrates that cannabinoids affect everyone differently, requiring a start low, go slow approach when consuming.

• What is the entourage effect?

  The entourage effect is the theory that the full spectrum of the cannabis plant works best together. When all the compounds within the cannabis plant, such as phytocannabinoids and terpenes, interact with our bodies, they produce stronger effects than they would if taken in isolation. These enhanced effects are referred to as “synergy.”

• Will I get intoxicated from using topicals?

  Topicals that are used for local and regional applications will not enter the bloodstream and will not be intoxicating.

  Systemic topicals can have intoxicating effects if there are any THC-type cannabinoids in the formulation. Always follow the instructions for use and avoid applying topicals to broken skin.

• Accessing Cannabis for Medical Purposes

  In Canada there are two categories of cannabis purchase, recreational and medical. There is overlap between the two groups regarding product types, safety and regulatory compliance and taxation. In Canada anyone who has reached the age of majority in their province can purchase cannabis products from a licensed retailer.

  Currently most individuals (78%, Health Canada Canadian Cannabis Survey 2021) who use cannabis for medical purposes obtain their cannabis from recreational retailers. The retail environment is restricted by legislation to not diagnose, recommend, or explain the use of products for the relief or treatment of conditions or symptoms.

  Accessing cannabis for medical purposes is obtained from an authorized prescriber (doctor, nurse practitioner) who provides a medical document. It is not a prescription but still requires renewal. The medical document allows for the purchase of cannabis products through Licensed Producers who have a medical sales license. Purchases are currently offered through medical market websites. The authorized prescriber and the medical markets provide client support for product selection, treatment goals and follow-up. More variety is provided for CBD focused products, for ratio products besides 1:1, and for mid and low THC products. There is more transparency in product composition ie terpene profiles and ingredients and medical related information on medical market website. The medical authorization for cannabis use provides medical tax credits for cannabis and accessories.

  Consider obtaining your medical document if you;

  • are new or revisiting cannabis consumption,
  • take prescription medication,
  • have two or more health conditions,
  • are not having the expected results with your current cannabis products.
  • The authorization is free, can be set up virtually and requires a provincial health card and a brief medical/health history.