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Glossaries

Extraction technique

Various methods are used to extract chemicals from the cannabis plant. Currently, the most common extraction techniques are alcohol (ethanol) extraction and CO2 gas extraction.

Flavonoids

Flavonoids are phytochemical compounds found in many plants, including cannabis. While flavonoids potentially possess positive health effects as demonstrated in laboratory studies, there is no existing research to prove they can treat illnesses in humans.

Terpenes

Terpenes are a large and diverse class of organic compounds found in various plants, including cannabis and they’re responsible for the distinctive aromas and flavours. Common terpenes found within the cannabis plant include: beta-caryophyllene, pinene, humulene, limonene, linalool, and myrcene. Beta-caryophyllene and some other terpenes have effects on cannabinoid receptors, whereas others exert their effects […]

Phytocannabinoid

Phytocannabinoids are naturally occurring chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. They are a broad class of chemical defined by their effects on cannabinoid receptors, rather than by structure. These compounds are unique to cannabis and are responsible for many of the characteristic effects of cannabis. The major cannabinoids found in cannabis flower are cannabidiol […]

Sublingual

Sublingual refers to a method of administration where a substance is placed under the tongue and absorbed through the mucous membranes into the bloodstream. This route of administration allows for improved absorption of medical cannabis oils compared to swallowing. This is because it bypasses the digestive system and therefore delays metabolism by the liver. Medical […]

Granulate

Granulate is a form of dried cannabis flower that is more finely chopped than flos and dried for use in a vapouriser.

Flos

Flos is a form of dried cannabis flower that is chopped and dried for use in a vapouriser.

Strain

The strain of the cannabis plant used to make the medicinal cannabis medicine is the specific sub family of the type of plant used.

Vapour

When heating medical cannabis to appropriate temperatures this releases a vapour from the flower. The vapour contains the active ingredients of the medication, which may include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.

Titration

Titration is the name given to the process of optimising the most appropriate dose of a medication. When initiating medical cannabis the dose is started low and slowly titrated to find the dose which produces the optimum effect, whilst seeking to minimise side effects.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a natural compound found in the cannabis plant. It is one of over 140 cannabinoids identified from cannabis flowers. THC interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the brain and nervous system, particularly with CB1 receptors, which are associated with mood, memory, and coordination. Unlike cannabidiol (CBD), THC is commonly known for its euphoric […]

Side Effects

These are the undesirable effects of a medicine. If you experience any side effects from medical cannabis, report these to us at [email protected]. We report all adverse events through the Yellow Card Scheme. You can report them yourself by logging on to their website: https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/