@cannadocsfl
Medical Marijuana Resources & Education
Dr. Andreoni has compiled all of the pertinent and data-supported information all in one spot for his patients. If you are naive to cannabis (a new patient) , please use this for your viewing to help get familiar with things such as cannabis formulations and dosing, how and when to use cannabis, and how to find which strain works best for you. If you are comfortable with cannabis (an existing patient), you can still benefit from this page as there are more advanced topics covered such as desensitization protocols, how to properly switch routes, and more.
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TOPICS
Endocannabinoid System
By. Dr. Andreoni
Intro to Cannabinoids
By Dr. Andreoni
Intro to Terpenes
By Dr. Andreoni
Routes of Administration
By Dr. Andreoni
Cannabis Formulations
By Dr. Andreoni
Cannabis
Dosing Tips
By Dr. Andreoni
Indica vs. Sativa
By Dr. Andreoni
Certificate of Analysis Intro
By Dr. Andreoni
Adverse Effects
vs. Benefits
By Dr. Andreoni
Accurate Dosing - Tinctures
By Dr. Andreoni
Desensitization Protocol
By Dr. Andreoni
Contraindications to Cannabis
By Dr. Andreoni
Cannabis &
Immunology
By Dr. Andreoni
Cannabis &
Psychosis
By Dr. Andreoni
Side Benefits of
Cannabis
By Dr. Andreoni
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
THC is the primary psychotropic component of cannabis. It's effect on the body is primarily relaxing. It has the same pharmacologic properties as the endocannabinoid, Anandamide.
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Endocannabinoids
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Cannabinoid receptors
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Enzymes that regulate endocannabinoid levels
ECS Receptors
THC is the primary psychotropic component of cannabis. It's effect on the body is primarily relaxing. It has the same pharmacologic properties as the endocannabinoid, Anandamide.
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Strong Muscle relaxant
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Anti-emetic agent (anti-nausea)
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Analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties
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Bronchodilator in the lungs
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Neuroprotective antioxidant
Endocannabinoids
THC is the primary psychotropic component of cannabis. It's effect on the body is primarily relaxing. It has the same pharmacologic properties as the endocannabinoid, Anandamide.
-
Strong Muscle relaxant
-
Anti-emetic agent (anti-nausea)
-
Analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties
-
Bronchodilator in the lungs
-
Neuroprotective antioxidant
Introduction to Phytocannabinoids
Cannabidiol (CBD)
CBD is the main non-psychotropic cannabinoid, meaning it does not produce the euphoriant effects seen with THC. CBD modulates a variety of physiologic functions by acting of many different receptors in the body. CBD can be seen as a buffer by keeping the endocannabinoid system in homeostasis or balance. In other words, it promotes cannabinoid toning.
In addition, CBD is effective for a variety of conditions:
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Anti-anxiety
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Anti-depressant
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Anti-emetic agent (anti-nausea).
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Analgesic (pain) and anti-inflammatory
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Broad spectrum anti-convulsant
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Anti-neoplastic/cancer (in high doses)
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alerting/not sedating (in low doses)
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possible antipsychotic
One of CBDs best known functions is to mitigate the adverse effects of THC. CBD can also indirectly enhance the effects of THC by a different mechanism of action.
What's more, CBD is well tolerated with minimal side effects. Unfortunately, due to selective breeding and other factors, there is less CBD in the cannabis we purchase from the MMTC's today.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
THC is the primary psychotropic component of cannabis. It's effect on the body is primarily relaxing. It has the same pharmacologic properties as the endocannabinoid, Anandamide.
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Strong Muscle relaxant
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Anti-emetic agent (anti-nausea)
-
Analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties
-
Bronchodilator in the lungs
-
Neuroprotective antioxidant
CBD acts as an allosteric negative modulator on the CB1 receptor, especially in the presence of CB1r agonists such as THC and AEA. It is the scientific way of saying CBD indirectly kicks THC from the CB1r.
Normally, THC binds weakly to the CB1 receptor at the active, or orthosteric site, which causes the observed psychotropic effects. CBD also binds to the CB1 receptor, but at another site, called an allosteric site. When CBD binds the allosteric site on CB1, the receptor's shape changes which releases the THC molecule that was previously bound. This action inhibits the effect of THC on CB1, ultimately decreasing the adverse effects of THC intoxication more timely.
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) & Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA)
THC is the primary psychotropic component of cannabis. It's effect on the body is primarily relaxing. It has the same pharmacologic properties as the endocannabinoid, Anandamide.
-
Strong Muscle relaxant
-
Anti-emetic agent (anti-nausea)
-
Analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties
-
Bronchodilator in the lungs
-
Neuroprotective antioxidant
Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)
THC is the primary psychotropic component of cannabis. It's effect on the body is primarily relaxing. It has the same pharmacologic properties as the endocannabinoid, Anandamide.
-
Strong Muscle relaxant
-
Anti-emetic agent (anti-nausea)
-
Analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties
-
Bronchodilator in the lungs
-
Neuroprotective antioxidant
Cannabigerol (CBG)
THC is the primary psychotropic component of cannabis. It's effect on the body is primarily relaxing. It has the same pharmacologic properties as the endocannabinoid, Anandamide.
-
Strong Muscle relaxant
-
Anti-emetic agent (anti-nausea)
-
Analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties
-
Bronchodilator in the lungs
-
Neuroprotective antioxidant
Cannabinol (CBN)
THC is the primary psychotropic component of cannabis. It's effect on the body is primarily relaxing. It has the same pharmacologic properties as the endocannabinoid, Anandamide.
-
Strong Muscle relaxant
-
Anti-emetic agent (anti-nausea)
-
Analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties
-
Bronchodilator in the lungs
-
Neuroprotective antioxidant
Cannabidivarin (CBDV)
THC is the primary psychotropic component of cannabis. It's effect on the body is primarily relaxing. It has the same pharmacologic properties as the endocannabinoid, Anandamide.
-
Strong Muscle relaxant
-
Anti-emetic agent (anti-nausea)
-
Analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties
-
Bronchodilator in the lungs
-
Neuroprotective antioxidant
How are CBD and THC different?
Although CBD and THC are very similar chemically, one major difference lies between their structures. CBD has a broken carbon ring and can bend in three dimensions, whereas that same ring is intact in THC, leaving THC flat or a 2D structure (see image below). This structural difference limits CBD from binding and activating the CB1 receptor at the same active site THC does. (This is why CBD does not give the same euphoriant or psychotropic effects that THC does). However, CBD’s ability to bend in three dimensions makes it a versatile molecule, allowing it to act on many receptors throughout the body (including the CB1 receptor!). THC is much more limited in this regard.
Introduction to Terpenes
Endocannabinoids vs Phytocannabinoids
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Conveniently located in North Miami surrounding several dispensaries!
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Fast and consistently reliable service!
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Up-to-date and data-supported, patient-specific regimens available!
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Cannabis education material with additional resources!
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Best prices in the state!
Introduction to Cannabinoids
There are over 100 phytocannabinoids found in cannabis, but there are a few that are found in significantly higher amounts. Those are
CBN
THC
CBD
THCV
CBC
CBG
CBDV
Delta-8
Dr. Andreoni's
Introduction to Terpenes
Routes: All
Locations: ***
Pricing: ***
Patient Satisfaction: ***
Routes: All
Locations: ***
Pricing: ***
Patient Satisfaction: ***
Routes: All
Locations: ***
Pricing: ***
Patient Satisfaction: ***
TRULIEVE
FLUENT
VIDACANN
Routes of Administration
A route of administration is a way a drug or medication enters the body. The routes of administration, or methods of intake, for medical cannabis in Florida are: flower, inhalation, oromucosal, oral, edibles, topicals, and suppository.
Understanding the routes that are available for Florida medical marijuana is particularly important for new patients because each route is different and has it's own pros and cons. I have put together a brief review of each route below!
Flower/Smokable
Time of onset:
Duration of action:
Bioavailability:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Immediate, 2-5 min
2-4 hours in new patients; 1-3 hours in frequent users
Anywhere from 2-60%!
Inhaled/smoking, very smelly/pungent; unpleasant "high" if patient consumes too much.
ghhh
bgh
Inhalation/Vaporization
Time of onset:
Duration of action:
Bioavailability:
advantages:
disadvantages:
Oromucosal/Sublingual
Time of onset:
Duration of action:
Bioavailability:
advantages:
disadvantages:
Time of onset:
15-30 minutes
Duration of action:
4-6 hours (naive to cannabis)
3-4 hours (normal cannabis user)
Pros: Not smoked/Inhaled
Cons:
Time of onset:
45-75 minutes
Duration of action:
6-8 hours (naive to cannabis)
4-6 hours (normal cannabis user)
Pros: Not smoked/inhaled
Cons:
Time of onset:
45-75 minutes
Duration of action:
6-8 hours (naive to cannabis)
4-6 hours (normal cannabis user)
Pros:
Not smoked/inhaled, good for preventing symptoms rather than chasing symptoms.
Cons:
time of onset varies per patient; duration of action can be too long; effect can be too strong for new patients.
Time of onset:
variable, but usually within 30 minutes
Duration of action:
3-6 hours for short acting topicals (salves, cream)
6-24 hours for transdermal patches
Pros: Not smoked/inhaled, provides local physical relief without being high
Cons: $$
Oral & Edibles
Time of onset:
Duration of action:
Bioavailability:
advantages:
disadvantages:
Suppositories
Inhalation (vapes, concentrates)
Time of onset:
5-10 minutes
Duration of action:
2-4 hours (naive to cannabis)
1-2 hours (normal cannabis user)
Pros:
acute onset of effect; duration of action shorter; use only when needed; minimal smell compared to flower route; convenient.
Cons:
Inhaled/smoking; unpleasant "high" if patient consumes too much.
Formulations
Patients are eligible to receive a certification for low-THC cannabis or medical marijuana if they suffer from the following conditions shown below.
Cancer
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
Crohn's Disease
HIV/AIDS
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Parkinson's Disease
Multiple Sclerosis
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Chronic nonmalignant pain
A terminal condition
A medical condition of the same kind or class
Don't suffer from the qualifying conditions listed above? That's ok!
How to Use the Certificate of Analysis (CoA)
to eliminate the tedious and costly trial-and-error of finding which cannabis strain works for you.
The example we are going to use is a CoA from ACS Labs. This CoA is for GrowHealthy's "White 99" balance (hybrid) strain. This might look complex at first, but after this summary you will know what you're looking at and why it matters.
Information contained within the CoA:
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Strain name and form of product.
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Dispensary that produced product.
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Various inspections the product was tested for.
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Potency summary (important!).
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Terpene summary (important!).
The potency summary will show you the results of the most common cannabinoids percentages, usually with THC's % being exponentially higher. This particular strain shows a THC of 26%, which is very high by any standard. For most symptoms, flower with THC between 15-18% is more than enough THC (less is more). Sometimes getting higher THC % can allow a patient to use less.
The terpene summary is the most important part of the CoA. This will show you the results*** of the most common cannabinoids percentages, usually with THC's % being exponentially higher. This particular strain shows a THC of 26%, which is very high by any standard. For most symptoms, flower with THC between 15-18% is more than enough THC (less is more). Why? Terpenes.
SERVICES
CONTACT US
Office Hours (subject to change):
Tuesday: 10:00am - 3:30pm
Wednesday: 10:00am - 3:30pm
Friday: 10:00am - 3:30pm
Main Office
1065 NE 125th Street Suite 300
North Miami FL, 33161