Cannabinoid Therapy
The Green Sommelier
Not sure where to start, what to use, who to trust, where to purchase, what to expect?
Suffering from Anxiety, Chronic Pain, Sleep Issues, Nausea, Arthritic Pain...?!?
Frustrated by the amount of chemical medication you consume?
There's so much to know and so much misinformation out there. No one wants to waste time, money or put their health at risk. This is where the Green Sommelier can help!
We work for YOU to answer your questions, provide educated guidance and build a medical cannabis profile based on your specific needs.
If you desire Medical Authorization (there are many benefits to this);
- we connect you with a Cannabis trained physician via Telemedicine,
- work with the prescribing physician (your consultant will attend the appoint with you if you desire)
- provide you with a truly personalized treatment plan
- ongoing monitoring as you require.
To truly understand how cannabis and it's components work with our biological system, we look to the human endocannabinoid system.
The Green Sommelier offers Medical Cannabis Consultation and Patient Advocacy.
We provide guidance and education to Individuals, Patients, Physicians and Educators.
Body Pain
Pain is the primary reason most people turn to medical cannabis, and a number of clinical studies have demonstrated the cannabis plant’s potential to help us fight several types of pain.
The three main types are:
- Nociceptive Pain: The easiest type to understand, nociceptive pain results from a physical injury; it’s often treated with anti-inflammatory medications
- Neuropathic Pain: This can be caused by an injury, but is specific to an injury to a nerve; anti-inflammatory medications aren’t usually effective
- Central Pain: Sometimes called the “mystery pain,” central pain arises without a physical injury. Fibromyalgia is one well-known example.
The good news is that cannabis has the potential to treat all three types of pain, in different ways.
Arthritic Pain
Speaking of pain...did you know that two/thirds of Canadians taking medical cannabis are doing so to help ease the pain of arthritis!
In a recent study conducted through The University of Toronto, "People using cannabis generally had high praise for the products. Nine out of 10 said it was effective in managing their pain, and 4 in 10 said it decreased their reliance on other pain medications. Nearly 6 in 10 said cannabis products were more effective than other drugs."
The Cannabinoids found in the Cannabis plant contain potent anti-inflammatory agents. "Cannabinoids such as THC and CBD can be useful for treating rheumatoid arthritis. RA is an autoimmune disease and we know that cannabinoids act by modulating the activity of the immune system."
Anxiety Relief
Cannabis is a complicated plant, and so is anxiety.
Your ideal dose including THC: CBD ratios, or no THC, what terpenes are dominant (Terpenes are a lesson for another day ;-) most likely, will look nothing like mine! Anxiety evolves and changes, and so might how you treat it. There are also many different types of anxiety, and cannabis may affect each differently.
People have been using or "self-medicating" with cannabis for anxiety, for centuries! So why does cannabis soothe anxiety at some doses and exacerbate at others?
When it comes to high-THC cannabis and anxiety - At lower doses, cannabis seems to help anxiety; at higher doses, it seems to worsen it. So if opting for something with THC variety, lower doses are often best. However, high doses of CBD have been seen to reduce anxiety.
Cannabis can be a truly healthy alternative to SSRI's but it is imperative that you work with an educated professional when ordering and dosing. And never wean off any other medications without the explicit direction of a physician.
Better Sleep
When it comes to Cannabis strains and oils, some are more energizing, and some are calming and sedating depending on the balance of the different cannabinoids and terpenes.
Cannabis works because the plant contains different cannabinoids, terpenes & flavinoids that interact with our bodies in different ways. The 2 cannabinoids that you hear of most often:
- Cannabidiol (CBD). CBD has a number of health benefits, and is nonpsychoactive, meaning it doesn’t make you to feel “high.”
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC, a psychoactive cannabinoid, is primarily responsible for that “high” feeling. Yet THC is also sedating, relaxing and a tremendous pain reliever
According to a 2008 study., ingesting cannabis oils or strains with higher levels of THC can reduce the amount of REM sleep you get. This means reducing dreams, so for those suffering from PTSD, this could mean a reduction in nightmares!
So, the theory is if you spend less time dreaming, you’ll spend more time in a “deep sleep” state. This state the most restorative, restful part of the sleep cycle. BUT REM is important for healthy cognitive and immune functioning. Yet according the Canadian Cannabis Survey conducted in 2017, 49% of Canadians using Cannabis are using for sleep and report it as beneficial. Once again, dosing with education and guidance is key!
Symptoms of Menopause
Your hot flashes, mood swings, pain, insomnia, anxiety and other symptoms of menopause don’t have to be fought alone!
All human beings have an endocannabinoid system. This system is comprised of a network of cell receptors whose role is to maintain homeostasis in the body.
The endocannabinoid system does not exist exclusively for cannabis—it also interacts with the body’s natural cannabinoids. Because of the endocannabinoid receptors, cannabis molecules (cannabinoids like THC and CBD) bind and create the familiar effects we all know and love.
The use of cannabis during menopause may help bolster your system’s necessary functions that are struggling without high levels of estrogen.
We now have a modern scientific understanding of the way our bodies work and the many ailments in which cannabis has proven useful.
- Low Libido
- Bone Loss
- Anxiety
- Hot Flashes
- Insomnia
- Pain
- Mood Swings
"I'm 55, went into menopause at 47 and my cannabis oils saved my life, literally! Between hot flashes, anxiety and terrible body pain I was losing it and once I figured out the right balance to manage this challenging period in my life - the sun began to shine again!" Lisa Lewis
Cancer Care
For all the reasons above and more, Cannabis can play an incredible and positive role helping patients manage their way through cancer care!