Benefits of combining various components of the cannabis plant

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With over 100 different cannabinoids present in marijuana, figuring out the best ways to mix and match them may seem a bit overwhelming. Luckily, the experts at Swade dispensaries are highly trained and happy to help guide your experience and determine the best route for you.

Many patients seek a high-THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) product, but medications also containing CBD (cannabidiol) should not be overlooked. “A lot of people are turned away by the combination of the two because some people think only the THC will provide the relief they’re looking for, but they work better together than alone,” explained Addy Nemes, assistant general manager at the Ellisville location of Swade. “There are over 100 cannabinoids in the plant; those two are just the most well known. CBD has a lot of anti-inflammatory benefits whereas THC gives more of the pain relief, so they work best in conjunction.”

While Swade offers many types of edibles with varying ratios of CBD and THC, the Zoet line of edibles that offers a 1:1 ratio is often recommended, particularly for beginners. One package of the 1:1 contains 20 edibles with 5 milligrams of THC and 5 milligrams of CBD each. “That 1:1 can help counteract some of the psychoactive effects of the THC, and we like to start patients on that lower dosage that’s still very mood-boosting,” said Zach Gregory, general manager at Swade in Ellisville.

While THC and CBD have long been at the forefront of the cannabis industry, terpenes are gaining momentum as a way to tailor medication to your specific needs. “The entourage effect is all the different components of the plant working in unison to give certain types of effects depending on what terpenes are present,” explained Melissa Khan, Swade director of marketing. “Terpenes are the scent molecules, so by simply smelling the flower, whatever smells good to you will likely work well for you. If it smells bad to you, it most likely will not be as good.”

Cannabis consumers often search for sativa strains of flower for a more uplifting and energizing experience or for indica strains for a more relaxing, subduing effect. It is certain terpenes within the plant, however, that drive the high more than whether the cannabis is sativa or indica. The percentage of THC is also not as important as once commonly thought.

“Patients will come in and think they want a sativa or indica plant, but what they really want is a certain terpene,” Nemes said. “Limonene is citrusy and uplifting, and eucalyptol is minty and will give you energy. The earthy or more diesel-scented ones like myrcene and linalool are more of the indica-type terpenes that are more sedative and relaxing – great for insomnia. We’ve helped countless patients get off Ambien.”

Let the experts at one of the five Swade dispensaries locations – Ellisville, St. Peters, Delmar Loop, the Grove and Cherokee Street – help you figure out your best method of medicating. Visit swadecannabis.com for more information.

This advertisement is intended only for Missouri medical marijuana patients. Medical decisions should not be made based on advertising. Consult a physician on the benefits and risks of particular medical marijuana products.