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Glossaries

Trichomes

Trichomes are small, hair-like structures found on the surface of plants, including cannabis. These structures are typically microscopic and can vary in shape and size. In cannabis plants, trichomes play a crucial role in producing and storing various compounds, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, which are responsible for the plant’s effects on humans.

Vape

Vape is the name often given as shorthand for vape cartridges administered via a vape pen. In this method of administration, the vape pen heats a medical cannabis vape cartridges to generate an aerosol or vapour that is inhaled by the user.

Hemp

Hemp is a cannabis plant that contains very low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (commonly known as THC). Hemp has a wide range of uses including the production of animal feed, industrial oils and clothes.

Sativa

Sativa is one of the three primary species of the cannabis plant, alongside indica and ruderalis. Whilst these classifications may be helpful for botanists, the most useful information for prescribers of cannabis at Curaleaf Clinic are the relative composition of cannabinoids, terpenes, terpenoids, and flavonoids.

Indica

Cannabis indica is a species of cannabis. The indica species has been promoted for its calming and sedating effects, however, there is no sufficient clinical evidence to support these claims.

Extract

These are chemicals that are removed from the cannabis plant to make medicinal cannabis. This is usually in the form of an oil that is applied under the tongue.

Cannabigerol (CBG)

Cannabigerol (commonly known as CBG) is one of over 140 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Less is known about its medical effects compared to cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). However, there is growing evidence to suggest it affect cannabinoid type 1 and type 2 receptors.

Topical

Topical medications are intended to be applied externally to the skin. Topical preparations come in various forms, such as creams, ointments, gels, lotions, sprays, and patches. These products are designed to deliver active ingredients directly to the skin’s surface.

Tincture

A tincture is a medicine that has been made by extracting active compounds from medicinal plants, herbs, or other botanical substances using a solvent such as alcohol to carry the active ingredients.

Full spectrum

These are medicines that contain CBD and THC as well as range of other cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids found in the cannabis plant.

Broad spectrum

These are medicines that contain CBD and a range of other cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids found in the cannabis plant.