Cannabis Comprehensive Guide

Cannabis is a genus of flowering plants that have been cultivated for their medicinal uses, dating back thousands of years. Cannabis naturally produces over 100 different active compounds called cannabinoids, which are similar to endocannabinoids naturally produced by our body.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) are two of the most common compounds found in cannabis used to treat a wide range of conditions and symptoms.​

• THC is a psychoactive compound commonly used to alleviate symptoms such as pain, insomnia and nausea.
• CBD does not produce psychoactive effects and is often used to manage symptoms like inflammation, anxiety and seizures.

The human Endocannabinoid System (ECS) was discovered in the 1990s during research on the effects of cannabis on the human body. The ECS is essential in helping our bodies function at optimal levels by regulating mood, energy levels, immune function, blood pressure, pain levels, stress responses, and more. Although the endocannabinoid system is still a relatively new subject to many, research suggests it is one of the most crucial systems in maintaining several body functions.

Three Main Components of the Endocannabinoid System

• Endocannabinoids are naturally formed by the body and expressed throughout the central nervous and peripheral nervous systems. They help carry signals between our nerve cells to keep all internal functions running smoothly. 
• Cannabinoid receptors are present throughout the body and embedded in our cell membranes. Phytocannabinoids found in medical cannabis, like THC and CBD, attach to cannabinoid receptors in the ECS.
  • CB1 receptors are abundant in the central nervous system (CNS), particularly in the cortex, basal ganglia, hippocampus, and cerebellum. 
  • CB2 receptors are mainly found on white blood cells, tonsils, and the spleen and have been shown to regulate immune cell function. 

Cannabinoids like THC, CBD, CBN, and CBG interact with our endocannabinoid system (ECS) to restore balance and alleviate a wide range of symptoms. Instead of targeting a single organ, cannabinoids can work across multiple systems in the body. While everyone responds differently to medical cannabis, Texas patients commonly report relief for symptoms like chronic pain, inflammation, nausea, anxiety and more.

While cannabis is most commonly known for its medicinal uses, it is also cultivated for a wide range of products, foods, and medicines.

• Hemp legally refers to cannabis that consists of less than 0.3% THC. While hemp still contains a low percentage of this cannabinoid, it is most often seen as the “non-psychoactive” form of cannabis. Hemp is used for its fiber in a wide variety of products, including food, rope, clothing, bioplastics, and more.
• Medical Cannabis is a legal medicine in the state of Texas that is prescribed by board-certified, registered physicians to treat the symptoms of the qualifying conditions in the Compassionate Use Program. In Texas, medical cannabis products may contain up to 10 mg THC per dose and 1,000 mg THC per package. All medical cannabis products in Texas must undergo rigorous testing and analysis to ensure that products are consistent, purely extracted, correctly formulated and dosed, and are free of any toxins or heavy metals. While there is no age minimum for medical cannabis in Texas, you must meet a few requirements to access it: 
  • Be a permanent Texas resident
  • Receive a prescription through a CURT-registered physician 
  • Have an approved condition
• CANNABINOIDS are naturally occurring compounds found in cannabis that work with receptors in the body to improve pain levels, sleep, appetite, and more. 
• THC (TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL) is one of the main active cannabinoids that triggers the body to produce dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical, and is thus known for its mind-altering effects. 
• CBD (CANNABIDIOL) is a cannabinoid that is used for its medicinal and therapeutic properties. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce the “high” commonly associated with recreational cannabis. Instead, this non-psychoactive compound is used to help manage symptoms like seizures, inflammation, pain, and anxiety. 
• CBN (CANNABINOL) is one of over a hundred cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. CBN may produce a relaxing, sedative effect and is often used as a natural sleep aid. When taken with THC, CBN may enhance the sedative effects of medical cannabis and alleviate symptoms such as restlessness, insomnia and more. Our Sweet Dreams gummies contain CBN, THC and targeted rest terpenes to help relieve sleep-related issues associated with qualifying medical conditions. 

• CBG (CANNABIGEROL) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. It is considered to be the "mother of all cannabinoids" because it is the precursor cannabinoid from which other cannabinoids (like THC) are derived. When taken with THC, CBG may be beneficial for symptoms such as inflammation, appetite, anxiety and pain. CBG may produce a more energizing, focused and uplifting effect.

• RSO (RICK SIMPSON OIL) is a full spectrum cannabis extract that includes all the cannabinoids, flavonoids, proteins and other potentially beneficial compounds of the plant.
• TERPENES are naturally occurring compounds found in many citrus fruits, herbs, and most importantly, the cannabis plant. Terpenes are responsible for the way most plants smell and serve as a defense mechanism against pests and other predators. Beyond providing just a unique scent, terpenes may provide a variety of therapeutic benefits like CBD, CBN and THC.  Terpenes are thought to contribute to the “entourage effect” – a term suggesting that the presence of a broader portfolio of terpenoids and cannabinoids may magnify the therapeutic benefits of the plant’s individual components.

Formulations

• Unlike hemp-derived products you can find at the corner store, our medical-grade cannabis products are specially formulated based on results from clinical trials to treat common symptoms associated with qualifying conditions under the Compassionate Use Program. Our products are formulated with varying levels of THC and CBD, optimized for relief. 
• Additionally, medical marijuana in Texas is prescribed by registered physicians to ensure proper dosing, treatment, and efficacy so patients receive the right care for their symptoms.

Safety and Purity 

• Texas Original leads the state in ensuring the safety and purity of our medicine, so that you can be confident the product you receive this month is the same you will receive next month. All of our medical-grade products are crafted with the highest standards and a commitment to transparency. That’s why we publicly share our lab test results on our website for patients to access anytime. In addition, we offer tours of our facility so patients can meet with the people that grew, harvested, processed, manufactured and tested the medicine.