Page 11 - Shimadzu Journal vol.2 Issue4

Herbal Remedies 111

(pre98 Bubba Kush female x Purple Thai trainwreck) and a
Trainwreck), left, and a high-CBG strain Black Trainwreck
A breeding pair consisting of a female Purple Heart G.I.
male Mendo Express (Mendo Purps female x E32 Arcata
(Oregon Trinity X Purple Thai Trainwreck), right, at G.I.

Grow’s Biomedical Farm. Cannabis Analytical Testing Cannabis growers and dispensaries benefit tremendously from testing performed at independent laboratories. This testing determines potencies, reduces the risk of contamination and improves product quality. In the following paragraphs we will more closely examine cannabis testing. Routine cannabis testing services include cannabinoid potency, and screening/determination of terpenes, aflatoxins, heavy metals, molds, bacteria, pesticides, herbicides and residual solvents. Cannabinoid Potency Testing A critical test associated with cannabis testing is cannabinoid potency. Most labs quantitate levels of at least three majo

Penicillium, Cladosporium, Alternaria, Yeasts, and E.Coli). Migration to
carcinogenic compounds like benzopyrene. It is important to note that
when marijuana products are smoked, combustion sterilizes cannabis
vaporization, however, puts immuno-compromised cancer and HIV
from various mold and bacterial spores (including Aspergillus,

patients at increased risk for bacterial infections. The majority of patients prefer to consume edibles or beverages that have been created using butters and oils derived from plant extracts. The effects of cannabis ingestion differ significantly from smoking or vaporizing, and the time it takes for therapeutic benefits to begin takes much longer. This delayed onset, coupled with high THC concentrations present in some edibles puts consumers at a greater risk of THC overdosing. There are also growing concerns over infants and children gaining access and overdosing on THC-infused edibles that look identical to candy. Medical marijuana dispensaries offer many forms of cannabis products, incl

A biomedical cannabis grow operation in Oregon. This facility prefers natural sunlight for mature plant growth and reduces

environmental stresses on the plants to ensure that the most natural, homeopathic medicines are produced.

Cannabis Consumption & Delivery Smoking is an expedient method of consuming marijuana, but some experts argue that smoking can cause lung and respiratory problems and reduce the bioavailability of some constituents. Marijuana plants naturally contain the acid forms of THC and CBD known as THCA and CBDA. During smoking, heat converts the THCA and CBDA into their more potent, non-acid forms, THC and CBD. This is referred to as decarboxylation. Vaporizers have provided a means of more gently heating the cannabis. Doing so releases more medicinal components of the marijuana and reduces the amount of noxious chemicals. Due to the volatility of cannabinoids, they vaporize

global w430×h280 Chemistry and Biomedical Properties of Cannabis Cannabis plants contain more than 480 compounds that have been identified to be unique to cannabis, including over 66 cannabinoids. Cannabis also contains approximately 140 terpenes, which are more widespread in the plant kingdom. While tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most abundant active component in cannabis, cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN), a degradation product of THC, are commonly measured in cannabis samples. CBD, a non-psychoactive compound, has been shown to reduce convulsions, inflammation, nausea and anxiety, and has even eradicated tumors in some patients. Fig. 1 provides partial listing of cannabinoid

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