SWC Arizona

Setting the standard in care for medical marijuana in Arizona.

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A New Window Into the Ancient History of Cannabis Genetics

medical cannabis DNAThe documented medical use of cannabis dates back thousands of years, but modern science is just beginning to reveal the fascinating story of how cannabis evolved into the plant we know today. New research from the University of Toronto offers remarkable insights into how key cannabinoid components first developed and diverged into distinct varieties:

THC and CBD, bioactive substances produced by cannabis and sought by medical patients and recreational users, sprung to life thanks to ancient colonization of the plant’s genome by viruses, University of Toronto researchers have found.
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The gene sequences for the THCA and CBDA synthases are nearly identical, supporting the idea that they come from the same gene that was duplicated millions of years ago. Over time, one or both gene copies became scrambled by invading retroelements, and by evolving separately, they eventually came to produce two different enzymes – CBDA synthase found in hemp (fibre-type), and THCA synthase in drug-type (marijuana). [utoronto.ca]

It will no doubt come as a surprise to many that the most sought-after components of the cannabis plant may have emerged from an ancient virus affecting its genome. Still, another way of explain this would be to recognize that these changes in the plant’s genetic code ultimately formed a powerful adaptation. The properties attained through the plant’s ability to produce THC and CBD led to a symbiotic relationship with humans that would lead to its gradual proliferation across the globe.

Previous research has traced the transcontinental trade routes through which cannabis was exchanged between ancient societies. As its utility came to be understood, resulting commercial trade allowed the plant to travel great distances and adapt to new environments. These events, thousands of years in the past, played an important role in promoting the genetic diversity that makes possible the many unique flavors, aromas, and effects patients appreciate today. For example, indica strains, adapted to high-elevation environments, often exhibit differing characteristics than the equatorial sativa varieties. When modern cannabis breeders select for unique attributes in a new strain, they are building upon distinctive parental traits derived through several millennia of environmental adaptation to varied climates around the world.

Among the most significant implications to unlocking the cannabis genome, therefore, would be the potential ability to further hasten and perfect the process by which we isolate the plant’s most desirable traits:

The researchers expect the map will speed up breeding efforts to create new strains with desired medical properties as well as varieties that can be grown more sustainably, or with increased resistance to diseases and pests.

Such efforts will be aimed at enhancing the range of treatment options available to patients as a more complete picture of the cannabis plant’s therapeutic potential comes into view. The future of cannabis may bear little resemblance to its past, but the ancient roots of this important medicine remain relevant as we work to demonstrate its promise towards addressing the unmet medical needs of many patients today. Learn more from SWC Arizona in Tempe, AZ today. 

Read More: New Study Traces Evidence of Cannabis Use in Ancient Cultures

How to Use Cannabis Vape Cartridges

There’s no question that vape cartridges are one of the fastest-growing product categories among cannabis consumers. Viewed by some as the future of cannabis consumption, these modern devices offer patients a range of benefits in a compact package. For anyone new to the world of cannabis cartridges, the following guide will explain how these innovative products work and how to get the most out of your cartridge purchase.

What is a Cannabis Vape Cartridge?

Put simply, a cannabis vape cartridge is a small, pre-filled unit containing extracted cannabis oil designed for vaporization. Products in this category may vary in style and branding, but they typically follow a standard design formula. Most products are offered in the form of a small cylinder containing the following key parts:

  • Chamber – This section contains cannabis oil, which is prefilled in a specified quantity.
  • Atomizer – This is the cartridge’s heat source. The atomizer section is attached to the battery and produces heat when activated in order to vaporize the cannabis oil for inhalation.
  • Mouthpiece – This channel at the tip of the cartridge allows the patient to comfortably inhale vapor through the device.
  • Please note that cartridges also require a battery in order to operate. Some units include a disposable battery, while others must be paired with a rechargeable battery (sold separately).cannabis vape cartridge AZ dispensary

Why Do Patients Use Cannabis Vape Cartridges?

Vape cartridges offer a number of advantages that contribute to their growing popularity with patients:

  • Convenience: Cartridges allow patients to inhale cannabis medicine with the simple push of a button. They offer a quick and easy option for treating sudden symptoms.
  • Discretion: Cartridges are small and discrete, enabling patients to keep their medical use private. They also produce a milder odor with a shorter duration than smoked cannabis, which may make their use less noticeable or bothersome to others.
  • Selection: Cartridges are available in a variety of strain selections and/or specific medicinal formulations. Patients may choose the best product for their individual needs and may prefer to have multiple cartridge selections on hand for different situations, such as daytime vs. nighttime use.  
  • Comfort: By heating cannabis oil at a low temperature, cartridges offer a smooth inhalation experience that many patients find enjoyable.

How Do You Use a Cannabis Vape Cartridge?

Cartridges are known for their simplicity, but it’s important to use the product correctly in order to get the most out of your purchase. Please note that most cartridge products work similarly, but there may be some variation in how individual products are properly operated. Be sure to follow any instructions listed on the packaging or provided to you by your sales associate.

For stand-alone cartridges, you’ll need a standard 510-threaded rechargeable battery to connect to the product and turn it into a “vape pen”. If you don’t have a battery on hand, ask your sales associate for assistance selecting one.

Once you have your cartridge and battery in hand, here are the steps you’ll need to follow:

  • Charge your battery: Before using a new cartridge, you’ll want to make sure your battery is adequately charged. Attach your battery to the charger and wait until the indicator light shows that it’s fully charged.
  • Attach the cartridge: Remove any packaging and attach the cartridge by screwing it onto the battery. Make sure the unit is snuggly and properly connected.
  • Activate the battery: Some batteries turn on automatically, while others require 5 taps of the button to activate. Batteries usually have a light that turns on when the button is pressed, letting you know that the unit is turned on.
  • Press and inhale: Hold down the button on your battery while inhaling softly through the mouthpiece on the cartridge. You should see the battery light up and begin to feel vapor entering your lungs. You should see a small amount of vapor when exhaling, which lets you know the unit is working properly.
  • Titrate your dose: The correct dose will be determined by your individual tolerance, the severity of symptoms, and the potency of the product. For some patients, one or two inhalations may be sufficient, while others may require slightly more. Remember to pace yourself and assess the product’s effect on you before continuing to consume.  

Additional Tips and Tricks

Once you’ve got your unit set up and working properly, there are still a few things to keep in mind. The following tips will help you get the most value out of your vape cartridge:

  • Know what you’re buying: Regulated dispensaries like ours follow strict manufacturing guidelines to protect patient safety. Purchasing vape cartridges from a trusted and licensed provider is the best way to make sure you’re getting top-quality cannabis oil. Products purchased from unknown sources can contain unsafe ingredients, inaccurate labeling, and poor construction. Purchasing from a reliable and regulated provider is especially important with this product type.  
  • Keep your unit clean: the threading on your cartridge and battery must be clean to ensure a firm connection when attached. Carefully using a q-tip with rubbing alcohol is the best way to clean these small parts. It’s important to avoid water exposure, which can damage your battery and also doesn’t work well for cleaning cannabis resin.
  • Don’t overheat: If the unit stops working, it might be too hot. Prolonged activation of the battery can cause it to shut down. An overheated unit can also damage the cannabis oil inside the unit. Even when treating strong symptoms, it’s best to take your time when vaping.    
  • Understand your battery: Knowing the features of your battery will help get the best results and troubleshoot when necessary. Most batteries will blink when they need to be recharged or they’ve become overheated. If your battery is blinking or its light changes color, the device is communicating something to you about its current condition.
  • Store properly: For best results, cartridges should be stored away from bright light and extreme temperatures. Reapplying any caps or containers that came with the cartridge is recommended when storing. Keep in mind that cartridges can sometimes work effectively for months after purchase, but performance will be strongest if used within a few weeks. When using an older cartridge, try warming it in your hand for a few minutes before use to loosen up the cannabis oil.

Conclusion

Vape cartridges are a great example of innovation in the medical cannabis industry. We expect to see continued advances in the quality of the products we offer and we’re excited to introduce patients to new ways this medicine can improve their quality of life. We hope this guide has been helpful and our dispensary staff is always available to demonstrate products and answer any questions you have.     

 

Read More: How to Use a Vape Pen for Concentrates

Cannabis and Alzheimer’s Disease: What We Know

medical marijuana alzheimer's diseaseFor both patients and their loved ones, Alzheimer’s Disease ranks among the most challenging conditions one can experience. This chronic neurodegenerative disorder leads to progressive symptoms including dementia, memory loss, emotional issues, and speech problems, among others. Few treatments exist and available therapies only address some symptoms, but not the progression of the disease itself. The search for new therapeutic options has led to significant interest in cannabis-based treatments and researchers are currently working to advance our understanding of the possible roles medical cannabis could play in the future of Alzheimer’s treatment.

Why Cannabis?

In the absence of effective conventional interventions for treating Alzheimer’s disease, some experts have begun to explore the possibility that medical cannabis may hold the key to disrupting the neurodegenerative process that drives the disease’s progression. Researchers are particularly interested in how cannabis medicines might interact with the body’s own endocannabinoid system, which regulates brain function and could play a neuroprotective role.

Research Findings

Scientific inquiry into the impact of cannabis medicines on Alzheimer’s disease has gained momentum in recent years, leading to the following notable studies: 

  • New findings presented at Neuroscience 2018 concluded that “Treating Alzheimer’s disease mice with the psychoactive compound found in marijuana improves memory and reduces neuronal loss, suggesting a possible therapy for the human disease.”
  • A 2016 study by the Salk Institute found that THC (one of the primary compounds found in most cannabis medicines) helped to reverse the buildup of harmful amyloid plaques within the brain that contribute to neurodegeneration through the death of brain cells. Researchers also found that THC reduces inflammation, which contributes to brain cell damage.
  • A 2016 study performed by researchers in Israel administered medical cannabis oil to a sample group of Alzheimer’s patients and observed a significant reduction in dementia symptoms. The study’s authors concluded that cannabis treatment was a “safe and promising treatment option” for addressing Alzheimer’s symptoms.
  • A 2014 study appearing in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease also examined the impact of THC on reducing amyloid plaque buildup and produced positive results. Researchers concluded that “these sets of data strongly suggest that THC could be a potential therapeutic treatment option for Alzheimer’s disease through multiple functions and pathways.”

These findings are very encouraging and we’re eager to learn more as new data become available. It’s also important to note that researchers focusing on cannabis-based treatments for Alzheimer’s disease have cited the difficulty of obtaining proper licensing as an obstacle to performing clinical trials. Despite its availability to patients in many states through regulated dispensaries, American researchers may only obtain cannabis from a limited supply produced by the federal government. Future expansion of research opportunities could open the door to more extensive studies and dramatically advance our understanding of how cannabis may benefit patients suffering from Alzheimer’s and other diseases.

Conclusion

We understand the challenges faced by patients and families impacted by an Alzheimer’s diagnosis and we’ll continue to follow emerging scientific findings closely. Our resources will be updated on an ongoing basis as new information becomes available. Due to the complexity of Alzheimer’s symptoms, we encourage patients and caregivers considering medical cannabis to thoroughly discuss your treatment plan with your physician and carefully document outcomes to help evaluate the patient’s response. As always, our staff is available to answer any questions we can to ensure that your experience with medical cannabis is safe, well-informed, and as beneficial as possible. You can always learn more about SWC Arizona in Tempe, AZ. 

Finding Employment in the Medical Marijuana Industry

Employment inquiries rank among the most common messages we receive. We’re passionate about the work we do and we appreciate that so many people want to join the team. As the medical marijuana industry grows and becomes better understood and appreciated in our culture, interest in cannabis-related careers is greater than ever before. To help you navigate this emerging landscape, we’ve put together some tips and strategies based on our experience that we hope you’ll find helpful.

Identifying Opportunities

AZ medical marijuana dispensary counter
AZ medical marijuana dispensary counter

Anyone interested in employment in the medical marijuana field would be wise to begin by developing a strong understanding of the medical marijuana program(s) they wish to participate. A good starting point is to educate yourself about the laws and regulations medical marijuana businesses operate under in your area. This knowledge will be critical at all stages of the job search process. Knowing the laws and following the latest news will shape your understanding of how local cannabis businesses operate. It will also prepare you to interact in an informed way with contacts working in the field.

Once you’re up to date on the law itself, you’ll want to learn more about the businesses themselves. Knowing who the operators are in your area will help you focus your search and identify networking opportunities and available positions.

Setting Realistic Expectations

AZ medical marijuana employment

If you’re seeking employment in the medical marijuana field, an important issue to consider is the nature of the work itself and the role you’d like to play. Dispensaries are retail workplace environments, and despite the unique products sold, they are generally very similar to other retail businesses when it comes to staff roles and responsibilities. Cultivation centers, on the other hand, perform agricultural and light manufacturing/processing work. In either case, you can expect medical marijuana businesses to observe strict protocols at all times and require employees to perform their duties with a high level of professionalism.

A strong interest and knowledge base surrounding medical marijuana is common among applicants for positions in the industry, but the true measure of success and satisfaction in the field will be your ability to function effectively in a fast-paced work environment. Accountability and compliance are critical priorities when following strict regulations, which means cannabis businesses seek candidates with a proven track record in professional work environments. Dispensaries, for example, will often prioritize applicants with strong retail sales experience. Although the idea of working with cannabis is exciting to many, our experience is that one must genuinely enjoy performing traditional retail and customer service responsibilities in order to be successful in the dispensary environment.

 

Making a Strong Impression

We receive a high volume of employment inquiries that far exceed the number of positions that become available at our facilities. As a result, our expectations are high and only the most professional inquiries are likely to be considered. A brief, well-written cover letter is a great way to introduce yourself and demonstrate how your previous work experience has prepared you for success in the medical marijuana field. Your resume must be up-to-date, well-formatted, and free of errors. Professional experience in areas like retail, agriculture, and health care will stand out, but be sure to include a concise summary of responsibilities performed in recent positions you’ve held.

Due to the number of inquiries most cannabis businesses receive regarding available positions, it’s absolutely critical that you proofread and perfect any communications you send to the prospective employer. For a posted position, you’ll need to read and follow all instructions carefully to ensure that a careless error doesn’t drop your resume to the bottom of the pile. Disregarding instructions such as a “do not call” request demonstrates poor attention to detail, which is the opposite of what a professional dispensary is looking for.

When interacting or interviewing with a prospective employer in the medical marijuana industry, it’s important to present yourself professionally just as you would when applying for work in any other field. Although cannabis businesses vary in terms of style, décor, and dress code, keep in mind that many are interested in elevating public perceptions of the cannabis industry. Demonstrating intelligence and professionalism in addition to a passion for serving patients will make a good first impression.

 

Supporting Your Medical Marijuana Program  

If you use marijuana for medical reasons, we recommend participating in your medical marijuana program and supporting the businesses in your area. Although having a medical marijuana card is not a prerequisite for employment, it will give you the opportunity to see the dispensary up close and learn what a well-run facility looks like. Getting to know other patients and staff will broaden your perspective and maybe a great way to learn about employment opportunities that aren’t yet listed.

Medical marijuana programs like Arizona’s need the support and participation of patients in order to grow and improve their services. By joining the program and visiting the dispensary, you’re contributing to the growth of the industry you hope to become a part of. Being an active member of the patient community is a great way to form relationships that could assist in your search for employment. For example, if you played a key role in helping refer other patients to the dispensary, it’s likely that staff will take notice and look for further ways to get you involved.

Conclusion

Working with the cannabis plant and the patients who rely on it for health and wellness is a deeply rewarding experience. As public understanding and support for medical marijuana continue to grow, industry professionals play a critical role in combatting stigma and setting a standard of excellence for others to follow. We applaud the passion of those pursuing employment in this important field and wish you the best of luck.

Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrid Strains

For a new patient, stepping up to the counter at the dispensary for the first time can be quite an experience. The initial excitement at seeing the products up close soon gives way to the daunting task of actually selecting something that truly suits your needs.

That’s why we begin each new patient orientation by discussing the two primary types of marijuana, indica and sativa. They have different genetic characteristics because they originally came from different parts of the world. Both types have important medicinal properties, but there are important differences between their effects, which may determine which choice will work best for the needs of an individual patient.

Indica Strains

Indica strains tend to provide a physical effect, which can be felt throughout the body. These strains are commonly used for reducing pain, relieving muscle tension, increasing relaxation, and helping patients rest. Indica strains are often recommended for nighttime use, because many patients find them helpful for promoting sleep.

Sativa Strains

Sativa strains tend to produce a more cerebral effect, which impacts mood and emotion. These strains are popular for increasing energy levels, improving focus, and combatting depression. Sativa strains are often recommended for daytime use because many patients find them helpful for providing symptom relief without interfering with daily activities.

Hybrid Strains

Hybrid strains are varieties that contain similar levels of indica and sativa. These “best of both worlds” strains offer a balance between the benefits of both types.

Understanding these categories helps patients to better anticipate how they might respond to one product or another, but these rules aren’t set in stone either. Many patients find success treating common symptoms like pain, nausea and appetite loss with a variety of strains from across the indica/sativa spectrum. We encourage our patients to sample a range of products, and those who do so often discover preferred strains in more than one category.

Due to extensive cross-breeding, it’s rare for a strain to exhibit entirely pure sativa or indica attributes. Patients should view these categories as a spectrum, with each strain falling somewhere on the map in between these competing extremes. For this reason, not every product listed as a “sativa” on the dispensary menu will be equally energizing and alert in it effects, just as not every “indica” will produce a predominantly sedative effect. For example, a patient who finds a particular sativa strain overstimulating may be tempted to avoid this category entirely, when in fact some milder sativas may be able to treat their symptoms successfully.

Try as we might to categorize each strain we encounter, the reality is that cannabis genetics often have complicated and sometimes unknown histories. Even the most popular sativa strains typically contain some indica genes and vice versa. Moreover, individual plants will at times display different characteristics than others, just as two human children born to the same parents may look alike but exhibit different personalities.

Ultimately, an understanding of the difference between indicas, sativas, and hybrids often serves as a useful guide, but every patient is unique and each individual will be the final judge of what works best for their medical needs. That’s what makes medical cannabis such an interesting and rewarding journey for so many. Learn more from SWC Arizona in Tempe, AZ. 

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