Products to Ease Chronic Pain

Chronic pain can develop from a variety of different situations: Injury, surgery, arthritis, cancer, other illnesses, and more. Nowadays there is a huge selection of Medical Cannabis products that contain CBD, THC, and the latest cannabinoid showing promising signs in treating pain, CBG.  

Depending on the specific issue and how it is affecting your body, one of our State-Certified Medical Cannabis Consultants to determine which one may best suit your needs. Below are some of the top products in a range of applications to help ease any pain you might be feeling. 

Topicals For Chronic Pain 

Products such as Fairwinds Flow Cream and Ceres Dragon Balm are applied directly to the skin. They contain CBD and THC, which are absorbed by our body’s pain receptors above the affected areas within just a few minutes of application. They are often used by people with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, joints pain and more. Most topicals cannot penetrate deeply enough to enter into the bloodstream so they're very unlikely to cause intoxication, even if the topical is high in THC. We commonly find that CBD topicals may be beneficial in helping to reduce inflammation, while topicals high in THC may produce better results in reducing nerve pain. 

Edibles And Tinctures For Chronic Pain 

If you are experiencing pain from an injury, surgery, or autoimmune disease and topicals aren’t quite strong enough, there are several tinctures and edibles available. Edibles may provide relief anywhere between 6-10 hours throughout the day, making them an option for those looking for long-term relief. CBD-heavy edibles will work throughout the immune system, binding to CB2 receptors and reducing inflammation. Speak to a consultant to find the best ratio for your specific needs. 

FECO And RSO For Chronic Pain 

FECO, or Full Extract Cannabis Oils are also available in a variety of ratios and may provide very potent relief. The processes used to extract the oils from the marijuana plant vary from product to product, but all endeavor to take advantage of every organic compound present. Controlling your doses throughout the day is easy with clickable dispensers, and you can easily adjust if you find you need more or less. The Fairwinds brand produces a FECO pen that 'clicks' a controlled dose about the size of a rice grain, making it easy to regulate your intake. Repeatable and consistent dosage is key! 

Smoking And Vaporizing For Chronic Pain 

While ingestion of edibles, tinctures or FECO oils may provide long lasting relief, smoking or vaporizing cannabis may be more effective for immediate relief. Cannabis strains in flower and vape cartridge form are available in more varieties than any of the categories above. Every strain has unique characteristics and the ratio of CBD to THC can very greatly. Also, a vaporizer cartridge can be a bit more discreet when consuming, as the smell does not linger and dissipates after a few minutes. Cartridges also provide a higher potency level of THC and CBD, as they are about 3x as potent as flower. This means that for those who need relief stronger than what flower can provide, we will recommend a vaporizer cartridge.  

CBG: What is Cannabigerol

By now most people are familiar with the two most popular cannabinoids found in cannabis plants: THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). The easiest way to remember both has always been, THC gets you high, CBD doesn’t. But recently, a new cannabinoid is gaining popularity for its increasingly positive medicinal benefits, CBG.  

CBG (cannabigerol) has often been referred to as “the mother of cannabinoids” and has a ton of non-psychoactive therapeutic. In younger plants, CBG is more dominant but as the plant matures, and enzymes break down CBGA it is then converted to other cannabinoids, including our favorites, THC and CBD. This explains why CBG is rare in most cannabis causing breeders to now find new ways to enhance CBG levels in mature plants through different crossbreeding techniques.  

CBD or CBG, what works best?  

CBD and CBG are both non-psychoactive cannabinoids, meaning they don’t produce a “high”. CBD has traditionally been one of the most researched cannabinoids for its medicinal/therapeutic uses. There is a ton of evidence to show that CBD has been promising in helping treat conditions such as, chronic pain conditions, neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, schizophrenia, and other psychiatric disorders, hypertension, nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy, digestive health conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn’s Disease. 

CBG research is in its infancy stage, but a lot of early research has shown promising signs for helping with similar treatments as CBD. It has also shown a host of new benefits as it is known to have high antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties. Additionally, it has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties without the “high” that THC has and has shown a lot of anticancer promise as it can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Differently than CBD, CBG actually binds to the cannabinoid receptors in the body, possibly leading to better treatment of cognitive, immune, and nervous system conditions.  

Promising CBG Benefits 

As mentioned above, CBG’s key specialties include reducing inflammation and oxidative stress–which is defined as an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Oxidative stress is theorized to contribute to aging and has been suggested to lead to a vast number of diseases over time, including diabetes, cancer, inflammatory conditions, high blood pressure, heart disease, and neurodegenerative diseases.  

Neurodegenerative diseases are a huge category of over 600 neurologic disorders, with approximately 50 million Americans affected each year, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Some of the most-prevalent conditions are Alzheimer’s and other dementias, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases, and multiple sclerosis. All neurodegenerative diseases are caused by the death of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, which leads to problems with movement and/or mental function. In recent studies, different cannabinoids, most notably CBG, have proven effective in offering neuroprotection, restoring cell antioxidant defense, improving motor deficits, and alleviating symptoms.  

How to Take CBG and What Products Are Best 

The list goes on when it comes to potential benefits people may experience from CBG. Like other cannabinoids, the most positive effects have been seen when multiple cannabinoids are taken together creating an entourage effect. Most cannabis flowers and full spectrum CBD or THC oils will contain trace amounts of CBG. But, to receive a more concentrated dose of CBG or other specific rare cannabinoids, it is advisable to turn to specially prepared products. 

At our shop, we have a range of different products with higher levels of CBG combined with other cannabinoids. Whether you are looking for tinctures, oral sprays, topicals, extracts, or flower, brands like Fairwinds, Polite, Heylo, and Walden (just to name a few) will have you covered!  

CBG: The Next CBD or Something New?

We first highlighted CBG in a November, 2019 piece called ‘CBG: A Potential Mood Booster?’ Since then, our understanding of the effects of this lesser cannabinoid has grown and flourished. In this article, Matt takes a fresh look at what’s known as the Mother Cannabinoid.

The prevalence of CBG offers insight into a growing and evolving medical cannabis industry. With more products featuring this cannabinoid than ever, let’s explore why it’s become so popular.

Over the years, the medical cannabis products available in Washington state have increased significantly in quality and diversity. It was just a few years ago that there wasn’t that much variety available for CBD products. Some different smokable varieties, some edibles. Not the consistent variety we have today, in as many different strengths, potencies, and ratios as you can imagine. 

As growers continue to breed cannabis, cultivate new growing techniques and learn new extraction methods, we are starting to see a rise in the availability of what are known as lesser cannabinoids. These are cannabinoids like CBG (cannabigerol), Delta 8 THC, and others that are typically found in small percentages. There are now products where these lesser cannabinoids are heavily concentrated and dominant, as they’ve been identified for possessing certain helpful qualities. The availability of diverse cannabinoid options gives the consultants at The Novel Tree Medical even more “tools” in our toolbox that can be used to help people. 

CBG’s Great Potential Is Being Realized

CBG is one of the most exciting cannabinoids that we are starting to see in higher concentrations in flower, vaporizers, and tinctures. CBG is the first cannabinoid produced by the cannabis plant in its growth process, and is sometimes referred to as the Mother Cannabinoid. Typically by the time a plant is harvested all the CBG will have converted into THC, CBD, or CBC, leaving very small amounts of CBG behind.

Often you’ll see 1% or less CBG in a product, which may slightly enhance the effects and benefits and can be a factor in “the entourage effect”. Recently however, we’ve started seeing products that have significant amounts of CBG and a few products that are nearly all CBG. CBG for medicinal effects has huge potential. It interacts with the same receptors as THC, but where THC stimulates receptors in the brain and central nervous system, CBG seems to calm these receptors. For some, it may even be more calming and relaxing than CBD. More and more, we’re seeing CBG’s potential for helping to alleviate pain, anxiety, and even neurodegenerative issues.

What Products Contain High CBG? 

Many of the companies that we partner with are starting to intentionally breed and utilize higher levels of CBG. Eagle Trees Farm produces their “Where’s My Bike?” strain that is a 3:1 THC:CBG ratio. High levels of THC, but also has significant levels of CBG. This is also one of the primary plants used to make Heylo’s famous CBG Blend cartridge. The effects from this can be mood boosting with a slight intoxicating effect. One of the characteristics that people seem to feel almost immediately is the ‘emotional’ effect. While not as easy to directly measure as pain relief, something that can be mood enhancing has been a great addition to our menu in 2020. Fairwinds has also started utilizing CBG for its anti-inflammatory and potential neuroprotective benefits. Their spectrum 1200 line utilizes both CBD and CBG for a non-intoxicating blend great for inflammation and anxiety. Falcanna recently released their Pacific Sunshine flower with a staggering 11% CBG and less than 1% THC. This product is a game changer for CBG, allowing people for the first time to experience the benefits of CBG in an almost isolated form. People who have tried this have found it to be relaxing without sedation or intoxication, and providing a mood lifting euphoria. 

Look for these products and more at The Novel Tree Medical in Bellevue. Our state-certified cannabis consultants can provide guidance and assist you with selecting the medical cannabis that best fits your unique needs.

Lesser-Known Cannabinoids

The cannabis plant produces hundreds of different cannabinoids. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) acknowledges that “the marijuana plant has chemicals that may help symptoms for some health problems.”

There are over 1000 companies growing and producing cannabis products in Washington state. Our focus at The Novel Tree Medical is to have the cleanest, highest quality, and widest variety of products to help Alleviate variety of symptoms.

Most people are familiar with THC and CBD, but in terms of potential benefits this plant  may have  we are just scratching the surface  focusing on these two components. “Lesser” cannabinoids, such as THCA, CBDA, Delta 8 THC, CBG and CBT, tend to be found in small percentages in the plant. With new breeding and extraction methods, we are starting to see products with significant levels of these cannabinoids. 

As cannabis continues to become more accepted throughout the country, we will see more tests and studies done on the lesser cannabinoids. This is one of the most exciting parts about our job; through advancement in science and policy change, we will have a better understanding about what these lesser cannabinoids are, what they can do, and how they can provide relief to those in the future

THCA & CBDA 

The cannabis plant produces THCA and CBDA, the acidic precursors to THC and CBD. While these cannabinoids don’t have the same intoxicating effects as THC, that certainly doesn’t mean they don’t have other qualities. THCA is currently being investigated for its potential benefits as an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotectant. Because THCA can interact with the CB1 receptors in the brain and the gut, it can be used as an anti-emetic to help reduce nausea. CBDA is currently being researched because of its affinity for serotonin receptors (the same receptors that are targeted by SSRI medication).

THCA and CBDA

Fairwinds 1:1 FECO is an amazing and unique product as it delivers equal amounts of THC, CBD, THCA, and CBDA. This powerful blend of cannabinoids and terpenes with a proprietary extraction method that preserves flavonoids, alkaloids, polysaccharides, and polyphenols provides one of the most effective cannabis products on the market today for severe and chronic conditions.

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Delta-8 THC

The official name for the THC that we all  know  and love is Delta 9 Tetrahydrocannabinol;  Delta 8 THC is a variant of THC that appears to be 33% less intoxicating than traditional THC, it also seems to have an affinity for the gut. The very consistent feedback that we get from products with D8-THC is that it can reduce nausea while stimulating appetite. Many people that we help going through cancer treatments, or with certain illness of the gut have reported tremendous relief with products containing Delta 8 THC. 

Delta-8 THC

From JV Ranch we have the Delta 8 / CBD 1:1 ratio RSO. The equal combination of CBD and Delta 8 THC provides a non-intoxicating effect throughout the whole body, while reducing nausea and stimulating appetite. Great for pain, stress and anxiety, or issues of the gut a little bit of this RSO in the morning is a great way to start the day.

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CBG

Known as the Mother Cannabinoid, CBG is the first cannabinoid produced in the cannabis plants. Through the plant’s life, enzymes will convert CBG into THC, CBD or CBC. While most plants are harvested after this conversion, selective breeding allows growers to harness the mood enhancing effects that CBG seems to provide (we lovingly refer to CBG as CB-Giggles). It has also been researched for its anti-inflammatory qualities, reducing intraocular eye pressure for glaucoma patients, as well as reducing inflammation of the gut experienced by IBS patients. Some studies also show CBG as an effective anti-bacterial agent, especially against MRSA.  

CBG

The CBG Blend Cartridge from Heylo has the highest levels of CBG that we’ve ever seen in any cannabis product. With 42% THC and a staggering 16% CBG, this cartridge is uplifting and euphoria-inducing. Heylo characterizes the effects from their CBG Blend cartridge as being good for dancing, socializing (at a distance), relief, and the best day ever. After trying this one for ourselves we would definitely have to agree with Heylo’s assessment.

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CBT

CBT (Cannabacitran) is one of the most recent cannabinoids to be identified in the cannabis plant. CBT seems to appear as the byproduct of processing cannabis oil, more likely to be found in high CBD distillates. While we don’t yet know the way that CBT interacts with receptors throughout our body or what specific effects it may have, we are excited to see what further research brings us. See this great exploratory blog post on CBT from our friends at Heylo.

CBT

Skagit Organics Sour Tsunami CBD Distillate. Skagit Organics provides an incredible laboratory analysis on their packaging, listing 11 different cannabinoids. This gives a much better idea about a product than just THC and CBD testing. While we would typically highlight this product for a great high CBD (71%) to low THC (5.8%) ratio the level of CBT (3.5%) is the highest that we’ve seen in a product to date.

CBG: A Potential Mood Booster?

A cannabinoid that’s gaining popularity due to its Reportedly Uplifting effects

There are over 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis, and one that has been in the works of research of late is CBG, or Cannabigerol, what is considered to be the first cannabinoid. CBG is the primary cannabinoid produced when the cannabis plant first grows.

While there is still plenty of research to be done, we know that CBG is considered a a non-psychoactive cannabinoid and has not been shown to produce an intoxicating effect. This makes it an option for those who’d like to avoid the often euphoric effects that can result from consuming THC-heavy cannabis strains or products.

We have noticed a trending pattern among consumers using high-testing CBG products for symptoms related to mental health. Many have reported it being a remedy for their general depression, seasonal depression, and anxiety. 

A Welcomed Mood Boost

Two cannabis products containing high CBG concentration.

Personally, I have enjoyed searching for concentrated products such as vaporizer cartridges and edible cannabis oils with higher levels of CBG. Two products that have been helping me alleviate seasonal depression and enhance my positive mood have been the 5:1 Zulu Time vaporizer cartridge by Puffin Farm and the Super Lemon Haze distillate fully extracted cannabis oil (F.E.C.O).

The Zulu time cartridge is a 5:1 CBD to THC ratio with 1.6% CBG and has helped immensely. I’ve found that with a small amount of THC, it makes me feel very calm and relaxed, yet enables me to laugh and enjoy myself without being intoxicated. I find this product to be very helpful during times when I am feeling overwhelmed with anxiety and need fast-acting relief, as the effects can be felt almost immediately.

Alternately, The Super Lemon Haze F.E.C.O edible oil is a high THC product that only takes a rice grain size of oil consumed orally, taking effect within about 1.5 hours and lasting 6-10 hours. This high THC oil containing over 4% of the CBG cannabinoid provides long lasting relief of my symptoms of depression and is a very cost-effective product to use with how little is needed for consumption. 

There are many products available with higher levels of CBG to try, we encourage you to meet with one of our consultants to help guide you to an option that may work best for you. -Keiana