Medical marijuana (MMJ), or medical cannabis, refers to marijuana when it is used in the treatment of a medical condition. MMJ treats a variety of conditions, including epilepsy and seizures, symptoms of cancer, pain, and anxiety – the list goes on and on. Patients can obtain all types of medical marijuana products with a medical marijuana card.
Oh, the wordy world of marijuana. MMJ, CBD, terpenes, concentrate – you can’t fully delve into the cannabis universe until you define these acronyms and terms. But it doesn’t have to be complicated.
To turn something seemingly confusing into something easy to understand, take a moment to educate yourself. Elevate Holistics is here to break it down for you with common marijuana-related definitions.
Cannabis Acronyms
MMJ
Medical marijuana (MMJ), or medical cannabis, refers to marijuana when it is used in the treatment of a medical condition. MMJ treats a variety of conditions, including epilepsy and seizures, symptoms of cancer, pain, anxiety – the list goes on and on. Patients can obtain all types of medical marijuana products with a medical marijuana card.
MMJ Card
Many U.S. states have legalized medical marijuana, and getting a medical marijuana card (MMJ card) is now easier than ever. Patients can apply for a medical marijuana card online, connect with a cannabis physician, and receive a digital card quickly and easily. Cardholders can visit dispensaries to purchase cannabis products.
THC
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis that produces the “high.” Consuming THC can increase appetite, reduce pain, and affect emotional and cognitive processes. Tetrahydrocannabinol is one of the two most abundant cannabinoids found in the marijuana plant.
CBD
The other main cannabinoid in marijuana, aside from tetrahydrocannabinol, is cannabidiol (CBD). Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol doesn’t produce psychoactive effects, meaning CBD will not get you high. Cannabidiol has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic and chemopreventive properties, and can treat a plethora of symptoms.
CBN
Cannabinol (CBN) is much like cannabidiol (CBD) in the sense that it is not psychoactive and solely used for medical benefits. But they are not the same. Cannabinol is not as popular or readily available as CBD due to a lack of research. So far, studies show that CBN has potential benefits for sleep and pain management.
HHC
Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is a naturally occurring phytocannabinoid found in cannabis. It is found in such small amounts that most HHC products actually contain a semi-synthetic form of it created using a process called hydrogenation. This process is not as concerning as it sounds, it’s simply combining HHC with hydrogen to form a new compound with the same properties as the natural one. Hexahyrdrocannabinol offers pain relief, cerebral and body high, anxiety relief, and more.
DHSS
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) oversees the state’s medical marijuana program. After connecting with a cannabis physician and receiving a doctor’s recommendation through Elevate Holistics, patients will file for an MMJ card with the Department of Health and Senior Services. (Elevate can file for you if you’d like, too! The only things you’ll have to do is submit the application and pay the state fee.)
After approval, the Department of Health and Senior Services will prompt you to create a Missouri Medical Marijuana Program Registry (MMMP) account, where you will download your digital MMJ card.
OMMA
The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) is to Oklahoma as the Department of Health and Senior Services is to Missouri. The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority oversees Oklahoma’s medical marijuana program by licensing, regulating, and administering cannabis as authorized by state law.
Additionally, the state processes all Oklahoma MMJ card applications through the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority website. Not only does the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority offer MMJ cards, but you can also apply to start a cannabis business.
Cannabis Terms
Indica
Indica is one of the two main species of cannabis. These kinds of strains often contain higher levels of CBD than THC (but this doesn’t mean that THC levels are low). They’re popular for producing relaxing effects that can help relieve pain, stimulate appetite, and aid with sleep.
Sativa
Sativa is the other main species of cannabis, often containing higher levels of THC than CBD. These uplifting strains are commonly sought after for their cerebral-based “mind high.” Sativa strains might help boost your creativity, productivity, and are less likely to make you sleepy.
Hybrid
Hybrid strains of cannabis are extremely common and contain both indica and sativa species. These middle ground strains offer a balance of benefits from both species of cannabis. If you are on the fence about the effects you desire, this might be the best of both worlds.
Terpenes
Terpenes are another naturally occurring chemical compound found in cannabis. They are responsible for the plant’s aroma and flavor, but bring a lot more to the table than that. Instead of focusing on the species of weed (indica, sativa, hybrid), terpenes might be able to give you more insight into the benefits each cannabis strain will provide.
There are terpenes for focus and energy, nausea and inflammation, and just about any effect you desire.
Concentrates
Cannabis concentrates are a condensed version of marijuana, containing cannabinoids and terpenes but none of the plant material. Through the extraction processes, the extracted cannabis oil is incredibly potent with high concentrations of THC. The term “concentrates” often refers to dabs, or heating a concentrate until it vaporizes so consumers can inhale them.
Many types of cannabis concentrates exist, including wax, shatter, and budder.
Edibles
Gummies, brownies, weed beverages – edibles refer to any food product infused with marijuana or marijuana extracts. The effects of edibles can be strong and hit you out of nowhere. Here’s a dosage guide to get you at a good level.
Topicals
Cannabis topicals are cannabis products that your body absorbs through the skin. Topicals can contain all of marijuana’s most active properties, including THC, without getting you high. Thus, these products can help with pain and inflammation and come in the form of a salve or ointment, cream, oil, lotion, and more.
Elevate Holistics Are Here to Help
Now that you know a little more about cannabis, finding the right marijuana product should be a little less confusing – all you need is your medical marijuana card. Receiving your MMJ card is easier than ever with the help of Elevate Holistics.
The process is 100% online, from connecting with a certified cannabis physician to helping you file your application with your state.
You deserve to experience the benefits of medical marijuana.
