Video

Organic Remedies Balm

Shannon Ye, PharmD.
Organic Remedies Balm

"My pain disappeared after applying."

"This is my favorite product."

"I'm going to purchase two the next time."

This is some feedback from my patients about our Organic Remedies Topical Balm.

I recommend a topical for almost every patient with pain, especially muscle and joint pain. Topicals are a very safe medical marijuana product, as they offer localized pain relief without the increased risk of impairment.

Our Organic Remedies Topical Balm contains 500 milligrams of THC along with the soothing elements of menthol and capsicum to provide cooling and warming sensations.

Anti-inflammatory essential oils of laurel, arnica, and eucalyptus are also added to the beeswax and petrolatum mixture to make up the final product that so many of our patients love.

To use, we simply recommend massaging the topical balm directly to the pain area, avoiding any sensitive skin or mucus membranes. We recommend first testing a small area to observe any potential irritation or adverse effects.

If none, the Organic Remedies Topical Balm should be safe to apply throughout the day as needed.

Any questions, please reach out to your Organic Remedies pharmacist or patient care consultant. Thank you for listening.

All About Terpenes

A very common topic that asked at our dispensaries. What our terpenes? Where they found and what do they do?

Terpenes are a type of phytochemical found among the whole plant kingdom. There have been over 3,000 identified and they're in a variety of plants. Marijuana included.

In marijuana, there  have been over 500 identified, although only about 20 or 30 are commonly referred to.

They have major influence on the entourage effect often claimed in cannabis. We often receive questions whether our products contain food derived terpenes... terpenes derive from things such as lemons, limes and other various herbs... or whether our genes are cannabis derived terpenes.

We are proud to say that we only use cannabis derived terpenes derived from the plants extracted. So all of our vape cartridges, all of our bio extracts, as well as our saps, all contain only cannabis derived terpenes.

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CO2 Sap – what is it?

We often receive questions about Sap at our dispensaries as some patients aren't quite sure what it is.

Our Sap is an extract produced from supercritical CO2. It is a carboxylic product that contains 10- 14% terpenes and about 70% THC. It can be both vaporized as well as used orally, and it is quite flavorful with the addition of the terpenes as well as the flavonoids and carotenoids.

It would be considered a full spectrum product. So for those seeking more of an entourage effect, the Sap is a great place to start.

HTE Full Spectrum Cartridges

One of our largest products is our HTE cartridge, also known as High Terpene Extract.

Our high Terpin extract is produced via supercritical CO2 extraction. It is the "essential oils" of cannabis. So our HTE's are a full spectrum cartridge that contain flavonoids, carotenoids, as well as a lower percentage of THC (average between 55 to 65% THC) with an average terpene content of around 8-12%.

As with all of our vaporizable products, our HTE's only contain cannabis derived turbines from the original plant that it was extracted from.

Enjoy your HTE's!

Nanoemulsions – what are they?

We are proud to say that we are one of the only manufacturers of water soluble nano-emulsions in the state currently, and we often receive a lot of questions and inquiries about these products.

A nanoemulsion is a water soluble edible where the size of the particles are under a 100 nanometers. That enables the avoidance of first pass metabolism in the body. This leads to increased bioavailability.

Most oil soluble products have to first go through the liver, which is why a lot of times they don't hit for sometimes about 45 minutes to an hour. On the other hand, nano-emulsions will typically start medicating within about 15 to 20 minutes.

Our elixirs are available in a 3.3 mg per milliliter, which allows for a terrific microdosing effect.

For those with gastro esophageal reflux disease that may be sensitive to oil or nano motions do not contain any MCT or oil based products.

They'll be available in two forms both powder and liquid.

CO2 vs. Hydrocarbon Extraction

Let's talk about some of the extraction methods we leverage here at Organic Remedies.

One type of extraction method that we use is a hydrocarbon extraction, and that is where we use...as the name suggests... a hydrocarbon to extract our biomass. That can be propane, butane, pentane, hexane or multiple different types of hydrocarbon solvents. With the hydrocarbon extraction method, we're able to produce our crystalline forms of extract, such as diamonds and sauce, sugars, as well as extract live materials to produce our live resin.

We also leverage supercritical CO2 extraction. With this extraction, we're able to produce more of a full spectrum product. We're able to extract some of the other compounds found in cannabis, such as the flavonoids, the carotenoids. Through our methods are able to preserve and retain all of our terpenes.

This is what produces our high terpene extracts, known as HTE's. And this is also how we produce our RSO and our distillates. All these products have the plant terpenes in them from the cannabis plant they were extracted from.

The Entourage Effect May Help Improve Health

“There is not enough research!” That is the cry heard around the country as medical marijuana proliferates the states. This is not about the long-running TV show centered on young actors trying to make it big in Hollywood, but the effect of the whole cannabis plant on our health. It’s called the “entourage effect” –a slick name for a simple concept: the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. You may know this as synergy.

When we consume cannabis, we’re ingesting a collection of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, making up the group of ingredients sort of like an entourage that follows a celebrity. In the medical cannabis world, the “entourage effect” is widely advocated but narrowly–if at all–formally studied in research projects. That’s why it’s creating buzz in the industry and among our patients.

Many are touting their success by using a broad-spectrum or full-spectrum therapy.

They Work Together

As a patient, you are most likely aware of the two most famous compounds, THC and CBD. Organic Remedies Pharmacist Shannon Ye says, “I start off with the two primary cannabinoids, THC and CBD, and describe their properties and potential synergistic effect.” Then, Ye moves into a deeper realm by discussing strains.  “Afterwards, I explain the general differences between sativa, hybrid, and indica strains.”

Starting with strains is just the beginning of delving into the entourage effect of cannabis. Ye’s interest in the effect is helping patients make their way through what can be a daunting first experience and lead to a better overall cannabis therapy. Ye discusses hybrids then moves to terpenes saying, “I explain that cross-breeding over the years has led to many hybrid strains, and that the terpenes, the natural oils that provide aroma and medicinal value, greatly help to distinguish the potential effects and benefits.”

New Approach

This will be new territory for many first-time medical marijuana patients and going slow with the explanation goes well with the dosing mantra of “start low, go slow.”

Ye walks her patients through a major difference in their new medical therapy. We are working with a natural plant, not a synthetic compound developed in a lab. “With many patients only familiar with single compound synthetic pharmaceuticals and new to plant-based medicine, I distinguish cannabis as the ultimate combination medication.” Ye expands on that crucial difference between medical marijuana and synthetic meds. “Ultimately, I express that the benefits of cannabis do not rely on one component.  Rather, there may be a synergy when cannabinoids and terpenes are combined to deliver an enhanced pharmacologic effect.”

How Important is “Anecdotal” Evidence?

Ye agrees more research will help with defining and applying the entourage effect, but in the meantime, she’s seeing more patients benefitting from it. “I have observed from our patients that oftentimes the products containing a more abundant cannabinoid and terpene profile seem to offer greater benefits.”

Ye says the effects of cannabis are highly individualized. So too, are the effects of different products available at Organic Remedies. Ye says, “Many of our Organic Remedies’ extracted products are full spectrum concentrates because the specific cannabinoid and terpene profile of the plant is preserved during the manufacturing process.

Ye says patients can help a pharmacist dial-in a perfect entourage. “For example, one of my patients was having difficulty finding a capsule to help with sleep,” Ye says. “After a distillate 10 mg THC capsule was not effective, trying an indica-dominant full spectrum RSO 10 mg THC capsule finally provided the patient a good night's rest.”

Check Out the Terpenes!

Because of the entourage effect, patients may find that trying products with a different terpene profile creates a very different experience and can improve individual outcomes Ye relies on our lab’s work in extraction and production. “With patients, I often click on the product on our menu to look at the terpene contents obtained from the lab. Our Grape Cake dry leaf is an indica THC-dominant strain that is high in myrcene, a terpene that provides sedative effects.

Fortunately for patients, with the increasing number of strains, the various terpenes and new product forms coming to market, the benefits of the entourage effect can seem endless. “Our AK live crumble was created via an extraction process where the plant is fresh-frozen. It’s abundant in several terpenes. Also, check out strain-specific full spectrum tinctures which often provide a fuller "entourage" effect than our flavored tinctures.”

Research on the entourage effect includes the work of Dr. Ethan B. Russo. You can find his January 2019 study here: The Case for the Entourage Effect and Conventional Breeding of Clinical Cannabis: No “Strain,” No Gain (nih.gov)

An Organic Remedies Patient Care Consultant and Pharmacist are always available to answer your questions!

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Two is Often Better Than One

One thing you can always count on in the medical marijuana field is change. We are in a time of incredible advancement, development and innovative therapies involving cannabis. When perusing medical marijuana menus, you may come across a 1:1 product. This is usually a half and half combination of CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

The THC Component is Important

Combining THC with CBD is showing promising results. The University of Western Ontario showed in 2019 for the first time the molecular mechanisms of CBD at work, block the psychoactive side-effects of THC. Uncovering those “molecular mechanisms” in mice, allowed the team to isolate the reaction of those given a CBD/THC combination. They presented fewer anxiety behaviors and other negative side effects.

The National Institutes of Health reports the 1:1 combination of THC:CBD appears to allow for higher doses of THC without increasing the risk of adverse side effects. It appears that CBD acts to antagonize some of the psychoactive and sedative effects of THC without interfering with intended THC effects, such as muscle relaxation and reduction of spasticity.

I Don’t Want to get High, So Why the THC?

Organic Remedies COO and Pharmacist Tammy Royer says, “THC helps CBD bind to the receptors resulting in increased effectiveness of the CBD, while CBD lowers some of the euphoric effects of THC, without losing the value of THC. A one-to-one ratio has minimal euphoric effects, but can be very helpful for symptom relief for many qualifying conditions.”

Royer also points out an easy way for patients to open discussions about their treatment. All Organic Remedies products label the amounts of THC and CBD, “The higher the percentage of CBD to THC in a product, the less euphoria or psychoactive effect will be experienced,” says Royer.

CBD is beneficial as an anti-inflammatory, for nerve pain relief, and in relieving anxiety. Royer adds, “use of even minimal amounts of THC in a CBD product will mean greater levels of attachment to receptors and more relief, especially if taken regularly to saturate the receptors.”

Some Products to Consider

Organic Remedies offers several choices in a one-to-one formula, including Cherry CBD, Cherry CBD RSO, 1:1 Rest Tincture, and a 1:2 Cherry CBD Tincture.

Dialing in your own CBD:THC ratio and dose can have a learning curve, but Organic Remedies Patient Care Consultants and Pharmacists can help. Ultimately, the goal is finding the right ratio of CBD to THC.

Patients can start off adding 1mg of THC at a time with their normal CBD dose and slowly build up to a level that produces the best result. Organic Remedies Pharmacist Patrick Gladfelter says, “By titrating up slowly, the patient can determine an effective dose, while achieving the desired relief. At the same time, he or she can perform daily tasks with minimal unwanted side effects.”

While both compounds can help reduce symptoms, including inflammation, pain, anxiety, and nausea, the concentration of CBD:THC can affect the experience. Gladfelter says, “When choosing a product and initial dosing, in general, I base my recommendation on THC concentration to avoid unwanted side effects such as anxiety or euphoria. Then as CBD builds up during the 7to10-day loading phase, the synergy of THC and CBD really kicks in!”

Available research and anecdotal evidence show that CBD and THC are a complementary pair. Gladfelter adds, “As new information and data is collected, we are gaining a better understanding of cannabis and its many components. These two important cannabinoids not only work better together, but may also provide the same amount of relief, possibly better, with less euphoria compared to a THC product alone.”

Organic Remedies can help you find the right product and ratio depending on your preference.

An Organic Remedies pharmacist is always available to answer your questions!

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710! Downright Upside Down!

710, known to some as OIL day, is celebrated around the world on July 10. Hint: 710 upside-down and turned around spells OIL! To celebrate 710, we are spotlighting our amazing extraction lab team-- those who passionately manufacture amazing therapeutic products. Thank you Organic Remedies extraction team for all you do to promote health and wellness!

Cannabis concentrate lovers around the globe celebrate July 10. The day now includes the celebration of all cannabis concentrate forms. During extraction, organic plant matter is separated from the plant’s resin containing cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.

Here are some forms of cannabis concentrates:

  • Shatter
  • Wax
  • Crumble
  • Budder
  • Live Resin
  • Terp Sauce
  • Diamonds
  • Hash
  • Distillate
  • Oil
  • Isolate
  • Rosin

Organic Remedies is also adding a new dab called “sap.” Our Sap syringes are a combination of distillate and high terpene extract (HTE) oils, giving you the best of both worlds in THC and terpene content. It is fully activated and may be ingested or vaporized.

No matter what form you enjoy, 710 gives a nod to all cannabis concentrate forms.

710 is World-wide 

According to market research and consulting company,  Grand View Research, the global marijuana extract market size was valued at $7.3 billion in 2019. Grand View says there is no sign of slowing down. Growing medical and recreational markets around the world have increased the global presence and popularity of cannabis concentrates.

Why July 10?

710 has become a worldwide phenomenon due to legal cannabis markets’ introduction of cannabis concentrates to consumers. So, now under “concentrates,” we see a range from THC-potent wax to CBD-rich tincture that can be consumed orally or sublingually.

710 is now the unofficial designation for cannabis extracts solely because when you flip the 710 date upside down, it spells oil. (See the video!)

What is 710 Day?

Naturally, 710 Day turned into a special day to honor the resinous oil that comes from the cannabis plant. Every year, July 10th (7/10) is an international holiday for cannabis enthusiasts. People all over celebrate by vaporizing a wide selection of concentrates, and even the use of transdermal patches and creams fall under the “7/10” celebration.

It’s all in the number(s)

Like many things in the cannabis industry, the history of national oil day (7/10) is a mystery. 710 really took off with the legalization of cannabis in early-adopting states. As medical and recreational programs became popular, patients and grower/processors began to realize the benefits of a concentrated form of cannabis – or 710 in cannabis-speak.

710 became a mainstay in the cannabis community with the introduction of the 710 Cup in 2012, which takes place on the 10th of July. The event recognizes the best products in a number of categories including Distillate, Concentrate Sativa/Indica/Hybrid, CBD Concentrate, and more categories.

Since then, 710 has become an easy way to talk about dabs and dabbing, in general. 7/10 may not be as culturally significant as 4/20, but it is a great holiday to enjoy alone or with friends.

Do Not Confuse the Numbers!

By now, most cannabis patients and rec users know about 420. It refers to the decades-old marijuana holiday that occurs on April 20 (4/20). Cannabis users around the world gather to celebrate the psychedelic plant.  420 began in the early 70’s in California. A group of San Rafael High School students who referred to themselves as “The Waldos.” would meet up at 4:20 pm after school to search for a rumored weed stash on school grounds. It turns out, one of the Waldos, Dave Reddix, got a gig as a roadie for the Grateful Dead where the term started picking up steam. Eventually, the band produced flyers to invite fans to join them for some good tunes and smoke at, yes, 4:20 PM.

Happy 710 Day

7/10 events span far and wide in legal states such as Colorado, California, Oregon, and Washington. Check out your nearest dispensary and favorite cannabis business for steep discounts on product and gear. If you love Piña Coladas, you can also celebrate National Piña Colada Day on July 10th. Love cats and kittens? 7/10 is also National Kitten Day.

If you have any questions about concentrates, don’t think you have to ask on 710! Our Organic Remedies pharmacists are always available to answer your questions.

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