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Types of oils explained…

August 13, 2020

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Isolate Vs Distillate vs Full Spectrum

What does it all mean?

I’ll start at number one with being nearest to being natural and direct from the plant and work my way down to isolate which has been through many processes to isolate a cannabinoid.

1. Full Spectrum / Whole plant

These are two meanings for the same thing. Whole plant contains all the goodness from the plant, that’s terpenes, full range or most of available cannabinoids from that particular cultivar depending on extraction method used. You start with the crude oil extracted from the plant and usually there is a process to remove Chlorophyll (gives the plant its green colour) and some lipids, but other than that you consume pretty much what’s available after extraction from the plant. It’s this combination of cannabinoids which aids the entourage effect.

Plants are a natural evolving thing, just like humans. They change and adapt to their environment to survive. These changes and stresses can lead to changes in the content and strength of cannabinoids. One batch of oil can contain higher or lower amounts of cannabinoids than the previous depending on the environment it was grown in. Standardised growing methods help to reduce the variance, but doesn’t eliminate it. This is why it’s important to check lab tests and adjust dosage accordingly.

2. Broad Spectrum / Distillate

Same process as above, except the crude oil is put through a process called winterization which allows the removal of THC. Broad spectrum oils contain all the cannabinoids and terpenes, but without THC. This tends to be used quite a bit in the CBD industry to work with the laws and policy surrounding THC. It can also be used to increase CBD strength if added to a whole plant like above.

3. Isolate

Isolates are the final step in further refining the initial crude oil so you are left with just one cannabinoid with everything else stripped out. Examples are Epidyolex and many CBD isolates available in the CBD market, especially in the fitness industry. CBDA, and CBG are also examples of isolates used as add-on therapies maybe in conjunction with a whole plant oil.

Isolates never change in strength unlike whole plant, the identical amount of CBD and THC are added to each batch, and allows to change ratios very easily.

Isolates are also really good for research, for us to better understand what the benefits of each individual compound is and allow for studies.

Cannabis Therapy for Epilepsy – Dr Evan Lewis 16th September

Dr. Evan Cole Lewis is a Pediatric Neurologist and Clinical Neurophysiologist with expertise in epilepsy, epilepsy surgery, electroencephalography (EEG), teleneurology and medical cannabis for the treatment of neurologic disorders. Dr. Lewis is the director of the Neurology Centre of Toronto (NCT) which he established in January 2017. At NCT, Dr. Lewis treats children with a variety of neurological disorders and he also treats adults for concussion, headache and epilepsy.

Dr. Lewis’ interest in medical cannabis began in 2013 while training at Miami Children’s Hospital – one of the major sites for the Epidiolex trials. He has significant clinical experience with medical cannabis in adults and children and is a member of the Canadian Consortium for the Investigation of Cannabinoids (CCIC), Canadian Childhood Cannabinoid Clinical Trials (C4T), and the Cannabinoid Research Initiative of Saskatchewan (CRIS).

Cannabis Revealed – Dr Bonni Goldstein

Did you know you have a widespread receptor system that interacts with the compounds in cannabis? Cannabis Revealed is the only book written by a medical cannabis specialist, explaining the science behind the use of this amazingly therapeutic plant and describing in easy-to-understand detail the recently discovered endocannabinoid system, involved in almost every human physiologic process. Although 28 states have medical cannabis laws, most physicians are reluctant to discuss how this plant may be beneficial to health. Over 4 million people in the U.S. are healing difficult-to-treat illnesses with cannabis medicine. This book is an educational tool for patients and their loved ones who have not found answers with conventional medicines.

Written by Bonni Goldstein, M.D., a well-respected practicing physician in California, and owner and Medical Director of Canna-Centers, this book explains the scientific research for over 28 chronic medical conditions for which cannabis is being used with positive results. Having helped thousands of suffering patients – including children – find relief with cannabis, Dr. Goldstein shares her expertise and years of clinical hands-on experience in chapters like How to Use Cannabis as Medicine, The Safety Profile of Cannabis, and Medical Risks of Using Cannabis, as well as true stories of how cannabis medicine has improved the lives of her seriously ill patients.

As medical cannabis laws continue to evolve, it is more vital than ever for patients suffering from life-changing medical conditions to understand the benefits of this plant in an honest, medicine-based perspective. Educational, practical and comprehensive, Cannabis Revealed exposes the truth behind cannabis so patients can make informed decisions and improve the quality of their lives.

“A major contribution from a leading physician on the front lines of the medical marijuana revolution. Dr. Bonni Goldstein’s book is a must-read for anyone who seeks to understand the healing potential and practical application of therapeutic cannabis.” – Martin A Lee, director of Project CBD and author of Smoke Signals

Realm of Caring

WHAT WE DO

We improve lives through Research, Education, and building Community. By funding and conducting Research, we learn more about cannabis and its effects while legitimizing the therapy. Education empowers consumers to select the best products for their individual needs and informs healthcare professionals about options for their patients. Through Community, we spread the truth about cannabis and expand access to those in need.

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Realm of Caring Foundation empowers you to take control of your health and enhance your quality of life by providing cannabinoid research initiatives in addition to educational programs and services.