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THC Dosing Guide-How much THC are you really using?

8/17/2021

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Medical marijuana is safe, effective, and can be of great therapeutic use for many patients. However, many patients are not aware of proper dosing guides, which can lead to bad first experiences. Although you will not overdose if you take too much THC, you will get too “high,” which may push you away from trying cannabis as a form of relief. Please consider the dosing tips below, especially if you have had bad experiences, or are feeling cautious about trying cannabis for the first time.
No two people experience identical effects from the same amount of THC. Factors  include:
  • Previous cannabis use
  • Bodyweight
  • Your endocannabinoid system (ECS)
  • Gastrointestinal factors
  • Consumption method
  • General health
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 General Dosing Guide

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  • Up to 2.5mg: Start here, you could experience mild pain relief & improved focus. This small dosage is unlikely to cause significant effects.
  • 6 – 15mg: At this level, effects such as euphoria and impaired coordination could occur. This is especially the case with inexperienced users.
  • 16 –30mg: This is an extremely high dose for a novice. Even experienced users will likely feel altered perception. For individuals with a low THC tolerance, this level of consumption could result in negative side effects.
  • 31–50mg:Only very experienced cannabis users should use this amount. Otherwise,you could experience unpleasant side effects such as paranoia, sweating, and increased heart rate.
  • 51+mg: This is a dangerous dosage for novices and anyone with a low to moderate THC tolerance. It is a level of consumption that may lead to hallucinations and terrifying effects.
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​Consumption Method

The consumption method is as important as dosage.

​According to this way of leaf article, “certain methods of using cannabis result in a higher bioavailability than others.

‘Bioavailability’ means the degree and rate at which any substance is absorbed into the bloodstream where it is used as needed.”
 
If you use 10mg of THC and your consumption method has a bioavailability rate of 20%, 2mg of THC gets into the bloodstream.

A study published in Pain Research & Management in 2005 wrote that the average bioavailability of THC is 30%.
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How much THC is getting in your system?

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        Smoking Dried Cannabis Flower
It is tricky to judge how much THC is in a joint or bowl. Not many people place their bud on a scale before smoking it. The best you can do is determine the THC content of the cannabis strain. This enables you to at least calculate what is in a gram. Below, I will show you that 1 gram of flower with a THC content of 18% will have about 48.6mgs of THC into your system. You can use the formulas below to figure out approximately what you will be taking in.
THC percent to mg Formula:
  • THC content = 18%.
  • 1,000 mg x 0.18 = 180mg of THC per Gram.
  • Considering the above dosing, you will likely need less than half of a gram to receive the benefits you are seeking.

Bioavailability and actual THC intake: The above formula tells you the exact THC content of your flower, but the bioavailability impacts how much of that THC content will get in your system.
​
Bioavailability Formula:
  • THC content = 18%
  • Average Bioavailability of flower = 27%
  • 180mg of THC x 0.27 = 48.6mg of THC in your system
1 gram of 18% THC flower equals about 49mgs of THC in your bloodstream

This is a dosage that should be reserved for experienced users. You would want at least half of the above amount (20-25mgs) if you want some intoxicating effects but want to remain in control. Please note that smoked cannabis can affect within 10 minutes. The effects could last for up to six hours.
             Using Vaporized Cannabis
Vaporizers can have dried flower or oil bases, so make sure to read the labeling or ask your licensed dispensary for the THC content of your particular vape. Some vapes can be as high as 90%THC. For example, a 1ml cartridge might say it is 90% THC. In this case, it offers up to 900mg of THC. Therefore, you only require 0.01ml of the liquid to get 9mg of THC. The bioavailability of vaporized THC is between 36% and 61% depending on the study you read.
Bioavailability Formula low-end:
  • THC content = 90%
  • Average Bioavailability of Vape = 36%
  • 900mg of THC x 0.36 = 324mg of THC in your system
 Bioavailability Formula high-end:
  • THC content = 90%
  • Average Bioavailability of flower = 61%
  • 900mg of THC x 0.61 = 549mg of THC in your system
 
Both the above formulas are exceedingly high for any user. You should never use this much in one session. Please use this example to input your numbers to see what you are intaking.

At the top end, it means that consuming 0.01ml of our 90% THC vape juice gives us 9 x 0.61 = 5.49mg of THC absorbed into the bloodstream. Novices will find that this is more than enough to feel an effect. Experienced users might consume 0.05ml, which ensures that 27.45mg of THC makes it to the bloodstream. Once again, you will feel the effects quickly, in probably 10-30 minutes. They could last for up to six hours.
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Oral Consumption
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Orally consumed THC has the lowest bioavailability rate. Estimates vary, but products such as edibles, capsules, or THC oils used orally likely have a maximum absorption rate of 20%.

Bioavailability Formula:
  • THC content = 100mg
  • Average Bioavailability of edible = 20%
  • 100mg of THC x 0.20 = 20mg of THC in your system
 
Cannabis edibles are popular but also carry the greatest risk of side effects. This is because it is the consumption method most likely to result in excessive THC consumption. One reason is that they are usually extremely tasty.

Another is because it takes up to two hours for an edible to take effect. Inexperienced users, in particular, often use more of an edible out of frustration because they don’t feel the effects quickly enough.

​Typically, dispensaries recommend beginning with 10mg of THC when using an edible.
​Assuming a 20% bioavailability rate, this means that 2mg of THC makes it to your bloodstream.
However, edibles affect the body differently than other forms of cannabis consumption. Users often find that it has a more potent effect.

 Cannabis Topicals

It is more difficult to ascertain topicals’ bioavailability rate as it is not a widely studied area. You apply a topical such as a cream or balm directly to the skin. They are becoming popular products due to the lack of intoxicating effects.
 
Although you won’t get high from a topical, it is still best to apply only a small amount at first.
 
For THC to cause a high, it must pass the blood-brain barrier and make it to the bloodstream. However, cannabinoids are hydrophobic, which means they repel water. Therefore, THC struggles to penetrate the skin’s aqueous layer. Although you won’t get high from a topical, it is still best to apply only a small amount at first.
 
THC transdermal patches release the cannabinoid into the body, and it does get to the bloodstream. However, you’re unlikely to experience intoxication because the body absorbs the THC extremely slowly.
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Author

Kevin Wery
Human Resources & Outreach Coordinator
​833-739-0607
--Please reach out with any questions your may have!

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Thc & cbd: a guide to your journey

8/4/2021

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"I don't want to get high!"
"I don't want to smoke!"
"What is my prescription?"

This is what B&B Consulting LLC. is here for! We not only sign for medical marijuana cards, but we also educate our patients regarding all these concerns.

These are three most common conversations that come up while consulting: ​
1. "I don't want to get high!"- This is a very scary thought for most of our patients, but there's no need to worry! There are solutions for this! CBD known as Cannabidiol is the non-psychoactive part of the plant itself. CBD is known to acutely counter the "high" of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Today, many dispensaries have THC/CBD hybrids that range from 1:1 to 10:1 Ratios. This means the medicine has a percentage of THC, and a similar or higher percentage of CBD which can counteract the high, or at lease subdue the high.
Most patients do not like the "high" due to the sensation, or the paranoia and anxiety that can be associated with high levels of THC. Please don't let that scare you! Use some CBD, and the high feeling will decrease. There are other alternatives to counteract the high, like black pepper and orange juice. Use those if you don't have any CBD around.
If you are interested in CBD products, check out our partner, Create Better Days. Our staff & physicians love their products. Click the button to shop at their online store.
​                   www.createbetterdays.net
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2. "I don't want to smoke!"-  We understand this is a big concern for most patients due to lung problems, asthma and the stigma associated with smoking. Don't worry, there's good News! You do not have to smoke if you do not want too! There are many other ways you can intake your medicine with out smoking. (These apply for both CBD and THC) 
  • Tinctures: This is a sublingual oil that goes under your tongue, then moves into your bloodstream via the blood vessels under your tongue. This method absorbs fairly quickly and you start to feel relief as soon as 15 minutes. You can also closely monitor dosing using this method of intake.
  • Topicals: Patches, Creams and salves are a great way to help chronic pain patients without the "high." Although THC is in most topicals, the THC absorbs into your skin and muscle. It does not enter the blood stream to produce the "high." This is also a great alternative for chronic pain patients who want the direct relief without the "high."
  • Edibles: Cookies. gummies, brownies & candy! This is a good alternative, but this method does take a little longer to get relief due to you having to digest the medicine. Wait about 1-2 hours before intaking additional edibles to be safe. Additionally, this method is also a good way to track how much you're intaking by the milligrams in the medicine compared to smoking. 
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I have questions
​3. "What is my Prescription?"- Everyone is different, and there is no one size fits all prescription. This can be overwhelming for a lot of patients, especially the ones who have never used marijuana, don't have the proper education and are struggling to find the right dose. We understand this is difficult, but we can help you with the basics. We recommend starting low and slow, especially for new patients that have never used marijuana before. Every patient is different in what they want or expect for their relief. In addition to finding correct dosing, a patient must also focus on the type of relief they are seeking. There are two main strains of THC, Indica and Sativa. Indica is referred to as "in the couch" due to it being very relaxing and calming for patients. This is very helpful to our patients with Chronic pain, PTSD, anxiety and insomnia. On the other hand, Sativa is better for energy and focus. This strain is very helpful for patients that need relief but don't want to feel tired. However, use caution because high doses of Sativa can be a little more overwhelming, and may cause some patients to have paranoia. One way to help both those situations is using a hybrid which is a percentage of both strains of THC. This again is why there is no prescription. Every patient has a different way the strains impact them. We're always here to help!
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Author  

Kaytelynn Strickland Assistant Supervisor- "Please never feel alone! We are always here to help you in your journey to find the relief you need. I hope this finds patients, eases their minds, and helps open up new horizons."
Phone: 833-739-0607

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Cannabinoids can be found in what?!

7/19/2021

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Cannabis may be illegal in many parts of this world, but phytocannabinoids, endocannabinoids, and plants that mimic the effects of cannabis are legally sold and grown all around!. Surprisingly, these compounds can also be found in other plants.
Phytocannabinoids, which are cannabinoids found in cannabis, as well as various plants, are responsible for activating CB1 or CB2 receptors, which signal messages to the endocannabinoid system (ECS), an internal system that controls homeostasis and contributes to the health of body and brain. Endocannabinoids, also known as endogenous cannabinoids, signal molecules deriving from lipid precursors that exhibit their effects when activating cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2).
If you are interested in plants that can help your endocannabinoid system in addition to your cannabis use, look no further than your garden or local supermarket. There are a variety of spices, herbs, plants, and vegetables that have cannabimimetic effects – as well as another dessert you wouldn't expect!

Spices: Cinnamon, Clove, Oregano and Black Pepper
Beta-caryophyllene- is a cannabinoid found in cinnamon, Clove, Oregano & Black Pepper. While there’s still much to be learned about beta-caryophyllene, scientific research has discovered some great potential benefits, which can be seen below:
  1. Internal Use:
    1. May support healthy nervous system based on experimental research.
    2. May help support the cardiovascular system based on experimental research.
    3. May support the digestive system based on experimental research.
    4. In vivo research has shown that oral administration of beta-caryophyllene may support a healthy inflammatory and immune system response.
  2. Topical Use:
    1. May have cleansing properties based on experimental research.
    2. May help maintain youthful-looking skin based on experimental research.

Herbs: Echinacea & Rue
Echinacea and rue have been identified as two naturally and abundantly growing herbs that are significant CB2 reactors.
Commonly found in drug stores, echinacea is a plant-based over-the-counter supplement that is believed to ward off the common cold and relieve various respiratory ailments. The endocannabinoids alkylamides and anandamide (AEA) are found in echinacea, bind to the CB2 receptor and, like the THC cannabinoid, greatly inhibits inflammation. According to sciencedirect.com, "Alkylamides represent a class of lipidic compounds structurally related to animal endocannabinoids. Based on the structural similarity of these compounds to anandamide (N-arachidonoylethanolamine), an endogenous cannabinoid cerebral neurotransmitter, alkamides are highly active in the central nervous system. Despite their several biological activities, their immunomodulatory and analgesic properties are most important therapeutic applications."

Rue, a common strong-smelling herb found in the Balkans, has a compound called rutamarin that has a selective affinity to the CB2 receptor. Rutamarin is known for its sedative and antiviral effects, though it's poisonous in large doses.


Plants: Helichrysum & Liverworts
Cannabigerol (CBG), a phytocannabinoid found in cannabis, is a chemical in the Cannabis sativa plant. It does not affect thinking like some of the other ingredients in this plant. CBG has not been studied in humans. But there is interest in its use for various neurologic disorders, abnormal levels of cholesterol or blood fats, and to stimulate appetite.

CBG is also found in the aromatic and mood-regulating essential oil of helichrysum. Helichrysum is a small perennial herb with narrow, silver leaves and flowers that form a cluster of golden yellow, ball-shaped blossoms. CBG activates the endocannabinoid system by means of inhibiting anandamide uptake. Commonly referred to as the “bliss molecule,” anandamide appears to correlate to feelings of well-being and happiness. By inhibiting the uptake of anandamide, CBG accumulates and increases its known psychotropic and therapeutic effects.
Aside from cannabis, liverworts are a common New Zealand plant that have been identified as one of the few plants to contain a CB1 cannabinoid. Compared with THC, however, the molecule (−)-cis-perrottetinene (also known as cis-PET) found in liverworts is a less-potent psychoactive cannabinoid. It is, however, a legal psychoactive substance that has been used to obtain a “legal high” in Switzerland and New Zealand.

Veggies: Broccoli, Kale & Sprouts
The family of the plant genus Brassica contains many vegetables you might see on a daily basis — broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage, brussels sprouts, and cabbage. The same anti-cancer dietary molecule found in both Brassica vegetables and cannabis has been identified as a CB2 receptor agonist that activates anti-inflammatory effects, according to this Benzinga article.
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The Surprise: Chocolate
Cacao, the primary ingredient in chocolate, is not a phytocannabinoid and does not have any cannabimimetic effects. It was thought that that chocolate contains anandamide, but it isn't exactly true. Cacao contains an anandamide reuptake inhibitor. Endocannabinoid reuptake inhibitors (eCBRIs), also called cannabinoid reuptake inhibitors (CBRIs), are drugs which limit the reabsorption of endocannabinoid neurotransmitters by the releasing neuron. This means that cocoa boosts anandamide in the body by decreasing the enzyme FAAH which readily metabolizes anandamide, similar to the behavior of helichrysum.
Cannabinoids can help in various ways, and the above sources are great if you are concerned about the psychoactive effects of THC. Otherwise, you can supplement your THC intake with the above veggies and herbs to help your "high." please reach out to our office with any questions; we love to help!

Author:
    Kevin Wery
    Human Resources & Outreach Coordinator
​    833-739-0607

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non-marijuana friendly to  medical marijuana consultant!

7/16/2021

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     Ten years ago Marijuana was just a "Drug" to me. I didn't know anything about it besides people referring to is as a  "drug" or people telling me "it just gets you high." Back then, I didn't want anything to do with it, given all the bad publicity that came with it.

     Then I met my Fiancé who has PTSD. He was a daily user and was trying to get me to use and I would always refuse. At the time, I thought he just wanted to be high but, that just wasn't me. After a few years of seeing him use and benefit from marijuana, I became more open to the idea but, I didn't want to get addicted to anything due to past family history. I would only smoke a little bit but, because I still felt like I was in the wrong, I never got the full benefit of it because I wasn't intaking it like I should.

     Seeing my Fiancé get the relief he needed made me want to expanded my learning and knowledge about marijuana. After working at B&B Consulting for a year, I became more open about Medical Marijuana. I saw the benefits first hand because of all the patients it helped. Hearing their great success stories and their experiences made me want to keep learning.

     After about a year and a half, I learned and absorbed enough information to became a Medical Marijuana Consultant, and that allowed me to teach patients about Marijuana use. In that time I have helped a lot of people learn that you don't only have to smoke marijuana, or that you don't necessarily need to get "high," for therapeutic effects. I have learned, then taught others that there are different options for different people and conditions.

     I am now more knowledgeable about how the different strains can help different conditions because I expanded my learning, and ignored the stigmas! My Fiancé was even able to find a better strain that worked best for him and he was able to tell a difference because of our knowledge of how certain strains help his PTSD. I had never heard him say to me that he felt full relief from it and he has been intaking since I met him!

     I myself have found that I now intake when I have pain, nausea and/or I can't sleep. I no longer feel that I am wrong for doing so. Please do not feel like your stuck or feel like your gonna have to deal with your condition alone! You do not have to get high! You do not have to smoke it! There are alternatives!
​
   It is still a learning experience for all of us. I learn something new everyday and I love to keep expanding my knowledge so I can help those who need it. You are not alone! It does take time and everyone is different, so you will have to learn about how much you should intake, and whether you should use one strain over an other! I am more than happy to give patients more information and ease their minds.  You are not alone! <3 

Author:
        Kaytelynn--Assistant Supervisor, B & B Consulting
​        833-739-0607
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YOUR MEDICAL CARD WORKS IN OTHER STATES!

7/14/2021

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Did you know that some states have reciprocity written into their medical marijuana laws? Reciprocity means that they will accept valid, out of state, medical marijuana cards. This is great news for medical marijuana card holders!

Until Federal law catches up with State law, access to marijuana is limited to your state, or a few other recreational states. This difference in law can get a Massachusetts recreational user in a lot of trouble if they are found with marijuana in a state as close as Rhode Island, where marijuana is only medically legal. On the other hand, if the Massachusetts resident had a medical card, they would not get in trouble because of Rhode Island's reciprocity laws. The state of Rhode Island would recognize that Mass resident as a qualified patient.

In short, reciprocity means two things:
  1. Access to that State's medical dispensaries (with a valid medical card from your state)
  2. Protection from possession laws in states that are only medically legal.

Before travelling, make sure that the state you are going to is reciprocal, not all states are! Click here to check out the state's reciprocity status before you go there!

Author: Kevin Wery
            Human Resources Manager
            833-739-0607
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Recreational Marijuana is coming... eventually

7/7/2021

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On June 22, 2021, Gov. Lamont signed cannabis legalization (S.B. 1201) into law. Possession becomes legal on July 1, 2021, and several other key provisions take effect then as well. You can read the full text here.

We are very happy to see forward progress with cannabis laws, and we will summarize the laws about recreational marijuana below. We will also go over the differences between recreation and medical in Connecticut, because there are some major benefits to being a medical patient rather than a recreational user.

Schedule an appointment for your medical marijuana card
Recreational vs Medical
  1. Possession Limits
    1. Medical- Patients may have up to 2.5oz 
    2. Recreational- Users may only have 1.5oz
  2. Growing Rights
    1. Medical- Starting October 1, 2021, patients will be allowed to grow up to 6 plants indoors
    2. Recreational- Users are not allowed to grow at this time.
  3. Taxes
    1. Medical- Patients do not have to pay taxes
    2. Recreational- Yes, users will be taxed between 15-20%. This includes 3% sales tax from the town, 6.35% state sales tax; and a tax based on the THC content of the product.
  4. Protections
    1. Medical-  Patients will enjoy HIPAA protection along with anti-discrimination protections for students, tenants and most employees.
    2. Recreational- Users will have some, very limited protections for state jobs
  5. Dosing
    1. Medical- Patients have higher limits. ex: 40mg cookie
    2. Recreational- Users are limited to 5mg servings
  6. Supply
    1. Medical- The state has enacted a "Medical Cannabis Preservation Plan" to bolster the medical program by ensuring great supply, quality, priority access, and prices.
    2. Recreational- Users will not have supply protections, and will lose out to medical patients if there are supply shortages.
  7. Purchasing Cannabis
    1. Medical- Patient currently have access to 1 designated dispensary, and will soon be able to access all dispensaries in the state.
    2. Recreational- Users will not have access to dispensaries until late 2022

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to our office! We're happy to help!

Author:
     Kevin Wery
     Human Resources Manager
     Phone: 833-739-0607
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