The different types of cannabis

The hemp plant (Cannabis sativa) is a plant that has been used by humans for at least thousands of years. There are different types of hemp or cannabis plants. Fibre hemp, for example, was used to make very strong ropes or fabric (canvas), particularly in shipbuilding. Fibre hemp does not contain medicinal substances and may be cultivated without restriction. In recent years, it has regained attention due to ecological applications such as natural building materials. It has also been suggested that fibre hemp can be used to remove heavy metals (contaminants) from soil, as the hemp plant is exceptionally good at absorbing heavy metals. For the same reason, it is important to thoroughly test medicinal cannabis for the presence of such heavy metals.

Active substances in medicinal cannabis

Medicinal cannabis is produced from varieties of the hemp plant that contain active substances. The most well-known active substances are cannabinoids, which occur almost exclusively in cannabis plants. These include the well-known compounds THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). To date, more than 100 different cannabinoids have been identified. In addition to cannabinoids, cannabis plants also contain terpenes, which are responsible for the plant’s characteristic aroma. Other compounds include flavonoids.

Composition and predictability of effects

The complexity lies in the fact that the ratios of all these substances differ per cannabis variety. Even within a single variety, variations can occur. Because the various substances in the plant influence each other’s effects, the exact composition of the cannabis plant directly affects its effects and is therefore important. To ensure predictable effects, it is essential to use the same cannabis variety consistently. Since differences in composition can still occur within one variety, it is important that the plant is cultivated under identical conditions each time. This is the case with medicinal cannabis. The extracts produced by CBA Pharmacy are diluted until the correct THC percentage is achieved, thereby correcting minor differences between batches of cannabis plants.

Varieties supplied by CBA Apotheek

CBA Apotheek supplies cannabis products from the following varieties:

• Cannabis Bedrocan
• Cannabis Bedica
• Cannabis Bedrolite
• Cannabis Bediol

Differences between the varieties

Cannabis Bedrocan and Cannabis Bedica both mainly contain THC. However, their effects differ. This difference is due to other plant compounds, particularly terpenes. The terpenes present in the Bedica variety (Indica) produce a strongly calming effect. This is why Bedrocan and Bedica can have different effects despite containing the same amount of THC.

The Bedrolite variety mainly contains CBD and only a minimal amount of THC. In addition, the plant contains various other compounds such as terpenes and flavonoids. The Bedrolite extract produced by CBA Apotheek contains all of these substances. As a result, its effect cannot be compared to synthetic CBD, which consists of only a single compound.

The Bediol variety contains both THC and CBD. Because it has a milder side-effect profile than the mainly THC-containing Bedica and Bedrocan, it is suitable for people who are not yet accustomed to cannabis.

Selection and dosage of medicinal cannabis

Although continuous research is being conducted into medicinal cannabis, it is not always clear which cannabis variety or varieties are most suitable for a specific condition. Thorough comparative research is required for this. After an intake at CBA Apotheek, we provide advice on which cannabis variety is most suitable to start with. The optimal dosage for a given condition is also often unknown. CBA Pharmacy provides guidance and advice to help determine the dosage that works best.