Page 88 - FoodFocusThailand No.182 May 2021

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flavor in cannabis strain, These chemical will reaction to cannabis plant, known as terpenes or terpenoids is more
endocannabinoid system in human body. effective than taking CBD or THC alone. This is due
to an interaction between phytocannabinoids and
Cannabidiol (CBD) Cannabidiol is a psychoactive terpenes called “the entourage effect”
cannabinoid, yet it is non-intoxicating and non-euphoric, Several conditions have been studied in conjunction
meaning it will not get you “high.” It is often with the entourage effect. A 2011 review of
used to help reduce inflammation and pain. studies in the British Journal of Pharmacology
It may also ease nausea, migraine, seizures found that taking terpenes and phytocannabinoids
and anxiety. Researchers are still trying together may be beneficial for pain, anxiety,
to fully understand the effectiveness inflammation, epilepsy, cancer and fungal
of CBD’s medical use. CBD’s side infection.
effects may include with appetite Some people experience side-
changes, fatigue, weight loss, effects like anxiety, hunger, and sedation
dizziness and diarrhea which these after taking THC. Rat and human studies
compounds are not fatal. covered in the same 2011 review suggest
that CBD may help reduce these side
Tetrahydrocannabinol effects. Research from 2018 found that
(THC) Tetrahydrocannabinol is the main certain flavonoids and terpenes may provide
psychoactive compound in cannabis. neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects.
THC is responsible for the “high” that most Researchers proposed that these compounds
people associate with cannabis. THC could improve CBD’s therapeutic potential.
stimulates cells in the brain to release While it may be that THC and CBD work
dopamine, creating euphoria. It also better together than alone, it’s important
helps with pain, muscle spasticity, glaucoma, to remember that cannabis affects
insomnia, low appetite, nausea and everyone differently and everyone’s
anxiety. Nevertheless, it interferes goals for cannabis use are different. A person
with how information is with Crohn’s disease who uses cannabis-based
processed in the hippocampus, medicine for nausea relief will probably have
which is part of the brain responsible for a different ideal ratio of THC to CBD than a
forming new memories. THC can induce weekend warrior who uses it for muscle pain.
hallucinations, change thinking and cause There is no one dosage or ratio that works
delusions. On average, the effects last about for everyone.
two hours, and kick in 10 to 30 minutes after
ingestion. Psychomotor impairment may continue after the Cannabis Usage in Thailand The
perceived high has stopped. THC causes temporary side effects, such Ministry of Public Health has issued the
as fatigue, dry mouth, red eyes, slower reaction times, memory loss and Notification No. 424 and 425 regarding to
anxiety. High THC use may be connected to long-term negative cannabis and hemp. It can be summarized as
psychiatric effects. This is especially true for adolescents who consume followed: “Only cannabis produced in Thailand are
large amounts of THC, though there’s no conclusive evidence that using lawful, and they must strictly adhere to the following. It is allowed
cannabis causes psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia. for using the bark, stem, root, and leave without inflorescences.
The material contains CBD with the THC concentration not over
Terpenes Terpenes secreted in the same glands that produce 0.2% of dry weight. Also, the residue from the extraction must
cannabinoids like THC and CBD, terpenes are aromatic oils that color contain no more than 0.2% THC as well.” More details can be
cannabis varieties with distinctive flavors like citrus, berry, mint, and found in both notifications of the Ministry of Public Health available
pine. Terpenes in cannabis began for adaptive purposes: to repel at the Ministry’s website.
predators and lure pollinators. There are many factors that influence a Regarding to the recent notification by the Ministry of Public
plant’s development of terpenes, including climate, weather, age and Health, Thailand has begun to pay attention to the use of cannabis
maturation, fertilizers, soil type, and even the time of day. Terpenes may plants for medicinal purposes. This has laid the groundwork for the
also play a key role in differentiating the effects of various cannabis broader use of cannabis in the country as already done in many
strains. Some terpenes might promote relaxation and stress-relief, while regions. Furthermore, cannabis have the great potential to become
others potentially promote focus and acuity. Myrcene, for example, is another economic crop for the nation.
found in many relaxing cannabis strains. The effect profile of any given This is an important step when the food and pharmaceutical
terpene may change in the presence of other compounds in a industries are paying their great attention to cannabis with the new
phenomenon known as “the entourage effect”. More research is needed direction of the world. It is the fact that the consumers always look
to understand each terpene’s effect when used in harmony with others. for the great benefit of products. Thus, cannabis undeniably become
the alternative resource to relieve various diseases or solve
The Entourage Effect Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol unpleasant symptoms which remain nowadays as discussed in the
(THC) are two of the more well-researched and popular phytocannabinoids. article. However, the food and pharmaceutical producers who are
People take CBD and THC in a variety of ways, and they can be interested in cannabis must have a full picture to understand all side
consumed separately or together. However, some research suggests effects which may occur.
that taking them together along with smaller organic compounds in the

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