FAQs

What is Medical Marijuana?

Medical marijuana (also known as medical cannabis) refers to the use of the Cannabis sativa plant or its extracts to manage symptoms and treat certain medical conditions. It is used in an attempt to ease symptoms when conventional medicines have not been effective.

Key Components

The therapeutic effects of medical marijuana come from a group of chemical compounds in the plant called cannabinoids. The two most well-known and studied cannabinoids are:

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): This is the compound primarily responsible for the “high” or psychoactive effects of cannabis. It is believed to help with pain, nausea, and appetite stimulation.
Cannabidiol (CBD): This compound is non-intoxicating (it does not cause a “high”). CBD is being studied for its potential role in treating seizures, inflammation, and pain.

These compounds interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, a complex cell-signaling system that helps regulate various functions, including pain, memory, mood, appetite, and immune response.

Common Medical Uses

While the specific qualifying conditions for medical marijuana vary significantly by state or country, it is most often used to help manage the symptoms of chronic conditions, including:

Chronic Pain: Including neuropathic (nerve) pain, arthritis, and fibromyalgia.
Nausea and Vomiting: Particularly those caused by chemotherapy for cancer.
Muscle Spasms: Often associated with conditions like Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Seizures and Epilepsy: Specifically certain rare and severe forms of epilepsy.
Appetite Loss and Weight Loss: Linked to conditions like HIV/AIDS and cancer.
Glaucoma: To lower pressure inside the eyes.

Forms of Administration

Medical marijuana comes in a variety of forms, allowing patients and their healthcare providers to select the best method for their condition and needs:

Inhaled: Smoking the dried flower or vaporizing (vaping) oils or concentrates. This provides the quickest relief.
Oral: Capsules, tinctures (drops placed under the tongue), edibles (gummies, baked goods), or oils. These forms provide slower, longer-lasting effects.
Topical: Lotions, balms, and patches applied directly to the skin for localized relief.
Suppositories: Used rectally or vaginally.

CBD vs. THC in Cannabis?

Cannabinoids are the active compounds in cannabis that cause its most popular effects.
The most well-known cannabinoid is THC. It gained notoriety for its psychoactive effects, but it’s responsible for more than just making you feel high.

It has several medicinal benefits, including:

Working as an antiemetic for cancer patients going through chemotherapy. (An antiemetic is a drug that reduces the side effects of another drug, like vomiting or nausea.)
Helping reduce pain and sleep disturbances for patients with multiple sclerosis
Reducing intraocular pressure for patients with glaucoma
Stimulating appetite in cancer patients

Interest in CBD, aka cannabidiol, in the medical cannabis community has exploded in recent years. This is because CBD has a number of medicinal benefits, but it doesn’t cause any psychoactive effects.
After learning about CBD, more people who were opposed to using cannabis now consider it as a treatment for health conditions because CBD can:

Have antipsychotic effects
Act as an antiemetic
Help manage and reduce anxiety
Work as a treatment for inflammation

Click here to view our Cannabis oil products.

What’s the difference between THC and CBD in Cannabis Oil?

Cannabis can be administered in many different ways. Whether it’s through ingesting with edibles, vaped, via your skin with topicals or via suppositories, cannabis isn’t only be smoked. However, no method of delivery is becoming as popular as cannabis oil.
But with cannabis oil comes a lot of questions, like:

How much do I take?
When should I take it?
How do I cook with it?

CBD vs. THC in cannabis oil

Working as an antiemetic for cancer patients going through chemotherapy. (An antiemetic is a drug that reduces the side effects of another drug, like vomiting or nausea.)
Helping reduce pain and sleep disturbances for patients with multiple sclerosis
Reducing intraocular pressure for patients with glaucoma
Stimulating appetite in cancer patients

Have antipsychotic effects
Act as an antiemetic
Help manage and reduce anxiety
Work as a treatment for inflammation

Using cannabis oil:

‘Start low and slow’

All cannabis oil packaging must state the percentage of THC and CBD in the oil (so you know how potent and psychotropic it is before you use it). Just like strains of dried cannabis, oils can have stronger concentrations of CBD, THC, or be more balanced, and thus create very different experiences. Not all oils are created equal – so reading the packaging is crucial for your first time.

THC 5.0mg/mL | CBD 5.0 mg/mL is a completely balanced blend of oil.
THC 30.0mg/mL | CBD <1mg/mL is a THC-dominant oil.
THC <1mg/mL | CBD 20.0mg/mL is a CBD-dominant oil.

Most oils on the market come with droppers that make it easy to get a standard dose every time, and that can be used to place a few drops under the tongue(sublingual) or in your food (edible).
Some producers will also create capsules with cannabis oils. Capsules are a good way to control the dosage of the cannabis oil you need.
Topicals don’t make it into your bloodstream, just into your cannabinoid receptors, and can be great for localized pain. Cannabis oils distributed by producers in South Africa are already “active,” which means that the cannabinoids within them already produce the desired effects – and thus don’t need to be heated or vaporized. Just ingested.

When should I Take Cannabis?

Because cannabis are slow-acting and long-lasting, it’s recommended that you start low, and go slow when experimenting with cannabis. They’re a much more concentrated version of flowers and buds and can have some unpleasant side effects like nausea, dizziness, thirst, and a drop in blood sugar levels if you go too quickly. Taking the oil with food in your stomach has been known to minimize nausea.

Tip: if you over-consume, ginger tea is a good way to ground your anxiety.

Using oils under the tongue (holding it there for a minute to let them sink in) will provide the quickest effects, but most will still only kick in from 1-2 hours from the time you take it – and can last for as long as 6-10 hours in some cases. The initial onset and duration of cannabis oil is much longer than vaping or smoking because it’s absorbed through the digestive system and bloodstream, and it’s not recommended to take a second dose (whether edible or sublingual) until 4 solid hours have gone by.

Some people take their daily dose of oils all at one time (before bed), but others spread it out throughout the day depending on their other responsibilities. Depending on the concentration of CBD and THC in the oil, you’ll want to experience the oil in small doses and figure out what works for you.

Effects of cannabis oil

If you’ve experimented with other forms of cannabis before, your sensitivity to THC is a key factor in what kind of oil to choose. If you enjoy the typical “high”, picking a THC-rich oil would kick that up a notch, whereas oils with higher concentrations of CBD often have reduced THC values and therefore feel more toned down. It’s recommended that most people start with a CBD-rich oil or an evenly balanced CBD-THC oil, observe, and then gradually increase the amount of THC.

In general, cannabis oil has different effects than dried flower — oil takes longer for your body to process when ingested and the experience can last much longer. Oils can be helpful for long-lasting relief for things like insomnia or chronic pain. The sensations of using oils can include the same ones you feel when smoking or vaping cannabis.

Dosage

When first starting out with cannabis oil, most people take a small droplet about the size of a single grain of rice. Wait at least 4 hours, and see how it affects you. Despite suggestions and guides – everybody’s endocannabinoid systems and reactions are different.

A standard dose of Cannabis oil begins at 10 mg – or 1ml. However, it’s also possible to microdose at 2.5 to 5 milligrams daily. For more severe conditions, a much higher dose may be needed – and some patients are known to go up to 1 gram per day. However, a daily gram of cannabis oil is a very large amount and the attention of a cannabis-savvy doctor is always best. Be sure to increase dose amounts in small increments.

Cannabis oils sold online should all have the ratio of THC/CBD per mg/mL listed directly on the packaging or on the brand’s website.
Remember: the effects of cannabis oils are drawn out and stronger – but they still provide the same medicinal effects as vaping. You’re simply getting it into your body and to your endocannabinoid receptors in a different way instead of breathing it in.

What is The Recommended Dosage?

That is an excellent and important question. Unlike most conventional medications, there is no single, universally “recommended dosage” for cannabis intake.

Dosing is highly individualized and is guided by a core principle: “Start Low, Go Slow.”

Here is a breakdown of why cannabis dosage is unique, along with common starting points for different consumption methods.

🔑 The Golden Rule: Start Low, Go Slow (Titration)

Because your body chemistry, tolerance, and the condition being treated are unique, the most effective dose must be found through careful experimentation, a process called titration.

Start Low: Begin with the lowest possible effective dose.
Go Slow: Wait for the full effects to be felt, and only increase the dose in small increments over a period of days or weeks.

💊 Dosage Recommendations by Cannabinoid (THC)

The most critical factor in dosing is the amount of THC, the psychoactive compound. Doses are typically measured in milligrams (mg).

Edibles and Oils (Oral Ingestion)

Edibles and oral oils have a delayed onset (30 minutes to 2 hours) and a longer duration (up to 8 hours), making precise dosing crucial to avoid overconsumption.

What Should I Look For When Buying Cannabis?

When buying cannabis, focus on three key areas to ensure quality and the right experience:

1. The Chemistry (Label)

THC & CBD Content: Check the percentages. High THC (20%+) means strong psychoactive effects (“high”). High CBD means symptom relief with little or no intoxication. A balanced ratio (e.g., 1:1) offers both.
Terpenes: These are the aromatic oils that determine the effect (e.g., Myrcene for relaxation, Limonene for uplifting). Ask what the dominant terpenes are.

2. The Quality (Look and Feel)

Trichomes (Frost): Look for a dense, shimmering, frosty coating of crystals. These contain the potency.
Aroma: It should have a strong, distinct, pleasant smell (often called “dank”). Avoid anything that smells musty or like dry hay.
Color: Should be a vibrant green, often with orange/purple hairs. Avoid dull, brownish buds.

3. Safety (Testing)

Lab Testing: Buy from licensed dispensaries that guarantee third-party lab testing for contaminants like pesticides, mold, and heavy metals.

The Best Advice: Tell your budtender (dispensary staff) your goals (e.g., “for sleep” or “for focus”) and your tolerance level—they can match you with the right product and dosing.

What Are THC/CBD Ratios, and What Do They Mean?

THC/CBD Ratios: An Explanation

The THC/CBD Ratio is a simple and crucial indicator of a cannabis product’s chemical makeup and the experience it will deliver. It expresses the proportional relationship between the two main active compounds: psychoactive THC (Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and non-intoxicating CBD (Cannabidiol).

The ratio is typically written with CBD first, such as CBD:THC (e.g., 10:1 or 1:1).

Understanding the Ratios

The ratio guides the consumer on the expected effects:

CBD-Dominant Ratios (e.g., 20:1, 10:1): These products contain significantly more CBD than THC. Because the THC level is so low, they are considered non-intoxicating and will not produce a noticeable “high.” These ratios are preferred for individuals seeking therapeutic relief from symptoms like anxiety, inflammation, or pain without any psychoactive effects. They are ideal for beginners and those with a high sensitivity to THC.
Balanced Ratios (e.g., 1:1, 2:1): These products have equal or near-equal amounts of CBD and THC. They provide a balance of benefits from both cannabinoids, resulting in a mildly psychoactive effect. CBD in these ratios helps to “buffer” or moderate the intensity of the THC, making the high more manageable and less likely to cause anxiety or paranoia than a product high in THC alone. They are often used for general pain management, severe inflammation, or sleep issues.
THC-Dominant Ratios (e.g., 1:5, 1:10): These products contain far more THC than CBD. They are highly psychoactive and will produce a strong “high.” While some CBD may be present, it does not significantly reduce the intoxicating effects of the high THC concentration. These ratios are typically sought by experienced cannabis users, or those treating severe symptoms like chemotherapy-induced nausea or appetite loss, where strong psychoactivity is often considered a therapeutic benefit.

In essence, the ratio serves as a functional guide: the higher the CBD number, the less intoxicating the product will be.

How are Cannabis Derivatives Made?

Cannabis derivatives, such as oils, concentrates, isolates, and distillates, are produced through a two-stage process: Extraction and Refinement. The primary goal is to chemically or physically separate the desired active compounds (cannabinoids like THC and CBD, and aromatic terpenes) from the bulk plant matter.¹

1. The Preparation (Decarboxylation)

Before the main extraction, the raw cannabis flower often needs to be decarboxylated, or “decarbed.” Cannabinoids in the live plant exist in an acidic, non-active form (e.g., THCA and CBDA).² Applying controlled heat converts these into the active, beneficial forms (THC and CBD).³ This is a crucial step to ensure the final product is potent.⁴

2. Extraction: Separating the Compounds

Extraction is the core process of pulling the essential oils from the plant material, usually using a solvent.⁵

Solvent-Based Methods: These methods utilize a liquid or gas to dissolve the cannabinoids and terpenes.⁶
- $\text{CO}_2$ Extraction: Highly pressurized, low-temperature Carbon Dioxide is used as a non-toxic solvent.⁷ This method is popular because the ⁸ $\text{CO}_2$ can be tuned to target specific compounds and is easily removed afterward, resulting in a very clean oil.⁹
- Ethanol Extraction: Food-grade alcohol (ethanol) is used to soak the plant material.¹⁰ It is highly efficient for large-scale operations but requires more complex subsequent steps to filter out unwanted plant material like waxes and chlorophyll.¹¹
- Hydrocarbon Extraction (Butane/Propane): These highly flammable gasses are passed over the plant material in a controlled, closed-loop system.¹² This method is highly effective at preserving the flavorful terpenes, creating derivatives like shatter and wax.
Solventless Methods: These rely purely on physical forces, heat, and pressure.¹³
- Rosin Pressing: The plant material is placed in a bag and subjected to controlled heat and massive pressure, squeezing the oil directly out. This yields a very clean, high-quality concentrate called Rosin.
- Ice Water Extraction: Plant matter is agitated in near-freezing water, which makes the brittle trichomes (where the compounds are held) break off.¹⁴ The trichomes are then filtered and collected to create bubble hash.¹⁵

3. Refinement: Purifying the Extract

Once the initial crude oil is obtained, refinement steps are performed to clean the extract, boost its potency, and change its consistency:¹⁶

Winterization: This step removes undesirable substances like fats, waxes, and lipids.¹⁷ The extract is mixed with cold ethanol and frozen, causing the unwanted components to solidify so they can be filtered out, resulting in a cleaner oil.
Distillation: The most rigorous refinement process, distillation involves applying heat and vacuum pressure.¹⁸ Because each compound has a different boiling point, this technique separates them into individual, highly pure fractions. This process yields Distillate—a highly potent, pure oil that can be nearly $99\%$ a single cannabinoid (THC or CBD).
Crystallization (for Isolates): To create an Isolate (a pure crystalline powder), the refined oil is further processed and cooled, allowing the target cannabinoid (like CBD) to crystallize out of the solution.¹⁹ The crystals are then washed and dried to remove any final impurities.

The resulting derivative is then ready to be infused into final products such as vape cartridges, edibles, tinctures, and topicals.

What is a Carrier Agent and Why Does Cannabis Oil Need One?

What is a Carrier Agent and Why Does Cannabis Oil Need One?

A carrier agent (or carrier oil) is a neutral, fat-rich oil—such as MCT oil, hemp seed oil, or olive oil—used to dilute highly concentrated cannabis extracts like distillates or isolates.

It is essential for two main reasons:

1. Absorption and Bioavailability

Cannabinoids (THC and CBD) are fat-soluble, meaning they dissolve in oil rather than water. When ingested, they need to bind to fat molecules to be efficiently processed and absorbed by the body’s digestive system.

The carrier oil delivers the cannabinoids to the bloodstream, significantly improving the product’s bioavailability—which is the percentage of the active compound that actually enters the circulation and produces an effect. Without it, much of the cannabis extract would be metabolized and wasted.

2. Dosing and Stability

The raw cannabis extract itself is extremely potent and sticky, making accurate dosing nearly impossible. Dissolving the extract in a carrier oil dilutes the concentration and allows for precise, manageable doses using a simple dropper. Additionally, the carrier agent helps preserve the potency of the cannabinoids over time, improving the product’s shelf stability.

The most popular carrier is MCT oil (Medium-Chain Triglycerides), often derived from coconut, because its molecular structure allows for rapid digestion and absorption, providing quicker effects.

The Legal Position Note on THC-A in South Africa

1. Background

Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THC-A) is the non-psychoactive precursor to THC. It becomes psychoactive only after decarboxylation (heating). South African lawexplicitly schedules THC and cannabis, but THC-A is not directly listed under the Medicines and Related Substances Act (Act 101 of 1965).

2. Current Legal Framework

Scheduled Substances: THC and cannabis are controlled under Schedule 7 (or Schedule 6 for medical use).

THC-A Status: THC-A is not explicitly scheduled. This creates a regulatory gap.

Cannabis Plant Material: Authorities often treat raw cannabis containing THC-A as cannabis, since it can be converted into THC.

3. Case Law and Precedent

No reported precedent in South Africa confirms non-prosecution solely because THC-A is non-scheduled.

Prosecutorial discretion may lead to cases being dropped if psychoactive THC content is negligible, but this is not binding law.

4. Risks and Implications

Legal Uncertainty: THC-A’s non-scheduled status does not guarantee immunity from prosecution.

Conversion Argument: Authorities may argue that possession of THC-A is equivalent to possession of cannabis, due to potential conversion into THC.

Compliance Strategy: Businesses should avoid relying solely on THC-A’s non-scheduled status.

5. Recommended Compliance Narrative

When corresponding with authorities:

Emphasize that THC-A is chemically distinct from THC and non-psychoactive.

Highlight the absence of explicit scheduling of THC-A.

Note the lack of precedent confirming prosecution for THC-A possession.

Frame operations as compliant, transparent, and proactive in addressing regulatory gaps.

6. Conclusion

THC-A is not explicitly scheduled under South African law, but authorities may still prosecute under broader cannabis regulations. No President case or bindingprecedent exists confirming non-prosecution. A cautious compliance narrative should stress transparency, scientific distinction, and proactive engagement withregulators.