INTRODUCTION
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the power of plant medicine, especially if you're going to use cannabinoids for your and your family’s wellbeing AND become a Commons Ambassador. We consider the basic understanding of the plant, cannabinoids and your body to be the foundation of your health and wellness as well as good business.
So let’s start at the beginning.
19 WORDS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Cannabis: Medicinal, recreational and fiber plants belonging to the family Cannabaceae.
Marijuana: The female cannabis plant whose flowers contain cannabinoids, naturally occurring compounds that hold both medicinal and psychoactive properties.
Hemp: The cannabis plant that has some cannabinoids, including CBD. Hemp is used to make textiles, food, rope, paper, health/wellness/beauty products and fuel.
Bud: The flower of the cannabis plant that is harvested for medicinal and recreational uses due to its concentration of cannabinoids.
Endocannabinoid System (ECS): A cell-signaling system that regulates a range of functions, including sleep, mood, appetite, memory, reproduction and fertility. NOTE: The ECS exists and is active in your body even if you don’t use cannabis.
Endocannabinoids: Molecules similar to cannabinoids, but produced by your body.
Phytocannabinoids: Cannabinoids produced in the trichomes of a cannabis plant.
Trichomes: Glandular structured that sit on the plant’s surface and holds compounds.
THC: Tetrahydrocannabinol is the most well-known cannabinoid in marijuana plants and responsible for a psychoactive effect (the high).
CBD: Cannabidiol is the second most prevalent active ingredients of cannabis.
CBD FULL SPECTRUM: Product that contains multiple cannabis extracts, including terpenes and cannabinoids and may also contain up to 0.3% of THC.
CBD BROAD SPECTRUM: Product that contains a range of naturally occurring cannabis compounds, but typically no THC.
CBD ISOLATE: Product that is crystalline solid or powder comprising of pure CBD and does not contain any THC.
CBG: Cannabigerol is referred to as the mother of all cannabinoids. CBN: The cannabinoid Cannabinol is created by exposing THC to heat and light, which breaks it down, leaving behind CBN.
Delta 8: Synthesized from CBD with the use of solvents. Most Delta 8 comes from hemp, and contains under 0.3% Delta 9 THC, which is the threshold required for federal legality.
Psychoactive v. Intoxicating: Affects how the brain works and causes changes in mood, awareness, thoughts, feelings or behavior v. having diminished physical or mental control.
Terpenes: Aromatic molecules whose pharmacological importance form the basis of aromatherapy. Cannabis’ fragrance, flavor and therapeutic effects are determined by the predominate terpene in a strain.
Myrcene: Herbal
Pinene: Pine
Caryophyllene: Peppery
Limonene: Citrus
Terpinolene: fruity
Strain: A specific variety of plant species developed to produce distinct traits.
CONSUMING CANNABINOIDS
There are four main methods: inhalation, oral, sublingual and topical. Each has its benefits but it is truly a matter of preference and depends on your intentions/needs.
Inhalation: Compounds are absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs. The time between inhalation and the effects: almost immediate. Challenge: Indiscreet
Oral: When you ingest cannabinoids, edibles for example, they are absorbed through the digestive tract. There is usually a delayed onset, between 20 minutes and three hours. Challenge: you have to get your timing right
Sublingual: A liquid cannabinoid extract or tincture is made with either alcohol or glycerol and can be flavored. Dosed with a dropper under the tongue, tinctures are absorbed through the blood vessels under the tongue. Place a few drops of the tincture under your tongue and hold it there. Swallow the remaining liquid. Any cannabinoids not absorbed sublingually will be absorbed through the digestive tract. Time: Dual absorption locations means an initial immediate onset and then, another onset later. Challenge: Taste
Topical: A cream, lotion or balm infused with cannabinoids. Effects may be felt within 15 to 45 minutes. Challenge: May have to apply multiple times a day.
NEWS FLASH: Commons has introduced the latest topical experience: a transdermal patch. Since the skin is the largest organ in the human body, cannabinoids can be applied to the skin through the transdermal administration of therapeutics. This method dates back to the oldest existing medical records—patches consisting of plant or mineral extracts were popular in ancient Egypt and in Babylonian medicine. However, routine use of transdermal delivery systems only became common practice in the latter third of the 20th century when technology was developed to enable precise and reproducible administration.
Today, patches deliver CBD directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system and increasing the product’s bioavailability. The patch also provides a more consistent solution. It stays on the skin, delivering CBD over a longer period and a steady stream of relief. (Take a moment to imagine a discreet patch under your sleeve on a long airplane, car or train ride.)
Since transdermal delivery is relatively slow, and not all of the active ingredient can pass through the skin, patches typically also contain some form of permeation enhancer to increase the permeability of the skin and allow more active to get through.
DOSING
The mantra: Start low and go slow.
What it means: Microdose first. Consume a small amount of cannabinoids to see and feel the experience before titrating up to an optimal dose. Patch test a topical.
Standards: Expressed in milligrams (mg). Dosage depends on the conditions and symptoms you’re trying to treat and your unique ECS. Dosing, efficacy and safety guidelines depend on you so be mindful.
Remember: Plant therapeutics effect men and women differently, as well as people at different ages and stages of life. You may feel differently during menstruation or if you had a challenging workout. Some women need to build up CBD in their bodies before feeling its effects, while others may feel drowsy or get an upset stomach.
THE COMMONS FOCUS: WOMEN
Our goal is provide direct access to plant-based therapeutics, recognizing that women want products based on science and innovation made from clean, trusted ingredients. As we continue the journey together and work together for better health and wellness, let’s keep the education going so we all can speak the same language and spread the word.