How the Cannabis Industry is Holistically Treating Mental and Physical Disorders
The interesting thing about the cannabis industry is that we’re still learning more everyday about the effects of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids contained in the cannabis plant. For those who have just begun learning about the cannabis industry and its products, THC stands for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol.
Delta-9 is the main cannabinoid that is found in cannabis (aka marijuana) that is responsible for the “high” or euphoric feeling people get when imbibing the product. There are other cannabinoids, of course. Cannabidiol (CBD) has risen to prominence as of late for its holistic medicinal benefit relative to stress, anxiety, and pain. CBD is far less regulated compared to THC because it’s non-addictive and doesn’t yield a “high” feeling.
That means when it comes to regulation, the majority of states are focused on THC and only THC. Although California and Colorado have fully legalized it, many states such as Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, and Delaware only allow for the use of cannabis products if it’s for medicinal purposes. This information is important to know for potential cannabis investors or if you plan on growing cannabis in your state.
What Are Terpenes? What’s Their Place in the Cannabis Industry?
One of the lesser discussed elements of cannabis is terpenes. Unlike Delta-9 or CBD, terpenes are relatively low on the depth chart in terms of effects they have on users of cannabis. Or so it was believed.
Terpenes are a common compound that is found in plants which is responsible for their fragrance. Not only are they present in marijuana crops, but they can be found in plants such as rosemary, basil, lavender, and so forth. It’s important to distinguish that terpenes are only found in live plants or crops. Conversely, terpenoids are found in plants and crops that have been harvested, dried, and cured.
Terpenes/terpenoids provide fragrance, but they are also said to provide a variety of health and wellness benefits for those with mental conditions and mood disorders. The aromatherapy aspect coming from the terpenes/terpenoids combined with the psychoactive effects of delta-9 combine to create what’s referred to as “the entourage effect.”
According to scientists, the entourage effect is how they describe the synergy that occurs between the ~80 cannabinoids and ~100 terpenes that naturally occur in the cannabis plant.
How Does the Entourage Effect Help with Mental and Physical Disorders?
Although terpenes/terpenoids are best known for their fragrance and how they boost the flavor of cannabis, they also have certain medicinal benefits as a result of the entourage effect. The most common therapeutic benefits include:
- Pain management
- Sedation
- Better ability to control appetite
- Nausea relief
- Stress relief
- Reduced inflammation
- Boost in cognition
- Anti-tumor properties
- Improved respiration
- Blood sugar modulation
The research on the entourage effect remains preliminary at this point, but many scientists believe that the entourage effect created by the marriage of THC/CBD and terpenes/terpenoids will allow them to treat patients with the following conditions:
- Fungal and bacterial infections
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Addiction
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Inflammation
- Chronic pain
The hard work that remains is for scientists to gather more data on which terpenes/terpenoids act favorably with THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids. Once they gather enough data and are able to recreate certain responses in a controlled environment, that’s going to bring the cannabis industry one step closer to becoming a resource for treatment of specific conditions.
Ready to Join the Cannabis Industry as an Investor? Contact Elite Robotics Today!
The market value of the cannabis industry has never been higher, and it’s projected to continue growing as state legislation continues to become more favorable. States are taking a leaf out of California and Colorado’s playbook when it comes to the cannabis industry and how it can help boost the local economy.
Although growing cannabis is one way to get involved, you might consider getting in on the ground floor of the cannabis testing equipment sector. Every growing operation needs their own lab – and unfortunately – not many have them. This means that growers need to send their samples off to third-party labs every time they want to test the THC/CBD levels in their crops. It’s not efficient.
Elite Robotics has two main products as part of our Cannabots™ line. The first is a containment device that hermetically seals samples until you’re ready to take them out to be analyzed. The second product is the analyzer itself, which tests cannabis samples from the containment device and provides accurate cannabinoid readings.
Learn more about our cannabis testing equipment or become an investor by contacting Elite Robotics at (805) 987-6217. Or send us a message directly using our contact form.