People in the wellness community buy essential oils from bergamot to lavender for a variety of reasons. Here in Colorado, cannabis oil is another option. Medical marijuana patients and adult-use cannabis consumers alike can buy cannabis oil at their local dispensaries. We’re regularly learning more about the benefits of cannabis as scientists and researchers continue to conduct studies throughout the world. Already, cannabis oil is a popular product because of its ability to conveniently deliver accurate levels of cannabinoids.
What Is Cannabis Oil?
Cannabis oil may refer to any of a variety of products produced by extracting the most desirable natural compounds from cannabis. When you look for cannabis oil on your local dispensary’s menu, you may find concentrates, tinctures, vape cartridges, and more. These products have all been produced by state of the art processes that extract cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis plant material. Start by understanding exactly what’s in cannabis oil that makes it so desirable:
- Cannabinoids – Cannabinoids are organic compounds that occur naturally in cannabis. There are many different cannabinoids, and we’re learning more about them than ever before. For now, the two most important cannabinoids are considered to be THC and CBD.
- Terpenes – Full-spectrum cannabis oil also contains terpenes from the plant material. Terpenes are aromatic oils, basically like cannabis oil. Thought leaders in the industry now believe terpenes may affect how the human body processes cannabinoids, which is often referred to as the entourage effect.
Why Do People Buy Cannabis Oil?
Adult-use (also known as recreational use) cannabis consumers in Colorado are allowed to buy cannabis oil for many reasons (as long as they meet the age requirement of 21 years). Many of our customers choose these products for strictly recreational purposes, but some people also buy cannabis oil for medical purposes if they hold a valid MMJ card from Colorado. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has identified several debilitating or disabling qualifying conditions for medical marijuana cards in Colorado:
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Any Condition for Which a Physician Could Prescribe an Opioid
- Cachexia
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- HIV or AIDS
- Persistent Muscle Spasms
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Seizures
- Severe Nausea
- Severe Pain
Cannabis Oil for Cancer Patients
The American Cancer Society reports that multiple studies have found cannabis helpful for cancer patients who experience nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy. Additionally, the organization reports, “marijuana can be helpful treatment of neuropathic pain (pain caused by damaged nerves).”
Cannabis Oil for Pain
There is some information about cannabis and pain in the same article from the American Cancer Society. Specifically, the nationwide health organization stated that studies show people tend to need less pain medication when they take marijuana extracts.
Cannabis Oil for Nausea
Authors from the British Journal of Pharmacology released research about the regulation of nausea and vomiting by cannabinoids. “Considerable evidence demonstrates that manipulation of the endocannabinoid system regulates nausea and vomiting in humans and other animals,” they say.
Cannabis Oil for Seizures
Of all the benefits of cannabis oil, this may have the most scientific backing. Even the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of cannabinoids to help regulate seizures.
Cannabis Oil for Muscle Spasms
A study called “Cannabinoids in the Management of Spasticity Associated With Multiple Sclerosis” examines the potential benefits of cannabis for muscle spasms. While their research was specific to MS, the study’s abstract states, “An increasing body of evidence suggests that cannabinoids have beneficial effects on the symptoms of MS, including spasticity and pain.”
Cannabis Oil for Autism Spectrum Disorders
Researchers conducted an observational study to determine the effects of CBD-enriched cannabis sativa extract on autism spectrum disorder symptoms. Though only 15 patients adhered to the treatment, the scientists found, “only one patient showed a lack of improvement in autistic symptoms.”
Cannabis Oil for PTSD
Researchers from the Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience note that there is sparse data about the link between cannabinoids and PTSD. Still, they said, “There have been indications that cannabis or some of its components, primarily THC and CBD, diminish particular symptoms of PTSD.”
Cannabis Oil for Glaucoma
Since at least 1971, studies like this one have found the consumption of cannabis to lower intraocular pressure (IOP). Unfortunately, doctors also note that consuming cannabis inconsistently throughout the day can lead to unstable fluctuations in IOP. In many cases, people are more likely to buy cannabis oil when they experience symptoms like pain from late-stage glaucoma as opposed to regulating their intraocular pressure. Definitely consult with an ophthalmologist before consuming cannabis if you have glaucoma.
Cannabis Oil for HIV or AIDS
Even two decades ago, cannabis buyers’ clubs were in demand among people seeking relief for symptoms of AIDS. This report includes a discussion of an HIV-positive patient who, “claimed that marijuana calmed his stomach after taking medication, stimulated his appetite, eased his pain, and lifted his mood.”
Cannabis Oil for Cachexia
Cachexia is a condition that causes muscle wasting in conjunction with extreme or undesired weight loss. It often presents as a symptom of other chronic conditions like cancer, HIV, MS, rheumatoid arthritis, or Crohn's disease. The potential benefits of cannabis for appetite stimulation are well documented.
What to Look for When Buying Cannabis Oil
There are multiple things to think about when buying cannabis oils. Here at Options Medical Center, we pay special attention to all of the following:
- Trustworthiness – One of the most important things is to buy from a company that’s known for producing pure cannabis products. Here at Options, we only work with companies that are among the best in the state at what they do.
- Source Material – Just as different cannabis strains have different properties, the strain used to make a concentrate affects the finished product. Material for our in-house “Potions” distillate cartridge line is sourced 100% from our own grows.
- Oil Type – Depending on how you want to enjoy your oil, it is important to make sure you are getting the right kind. Different types to extract oil include CO2, hydrocarbon, ethanol, distillation, and so on.
- Extraction Method – Distillate oil is in high demand in the industry right now due to the process of making it. It takes oil derived by other methods and runs it through another distillation process to remove excess fats, lipids, terpenes, and other unnecessary compounds, leaving pure THC oil that can test upwards of 99%. We do this for our Potions brand cartridges and after we have our oil, we cut it with strain-specific terpenes that were solventlessly extracted to ensure that our customers get the highest quality product.
- Testing – Simply put, some companies sell low-quality cannabis oil. Make sure you’re buying one that has been carefully tested and labeled with accurate information.
Go with the Leaders in Cannabis Dispensaries in Boulder and Wheat Ridge, Options Medical Center Today!
If cannabis oils appeal to you, find them at Options Medical Center in either Wheat Ridge or Boulder. Our dispensary menu in Boulder is for recreational customers who are at least 21 years of age. The Wheat Ridge dispensary serves both medical marijuana patients and recreational cannabis consumers. Contact a member of our knowledgeable staff to learn more about all of your options, or order cannabis online for the most convenient experience possible. We look forward to serving you as you explore cannabis essential oils today.
