WHAT WE DO

Within the cannabis plant there are at least 480 distinct compounds. Among those at least 111 have been identified as phytocannabinoids and another 111 have been identified as terpenes. The principal cannabinoids appear to be delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (69-THC) cannabinol (CBN), and cannabidiol (CBD). Working together they produce "Entourage Effects." Their relative concentrations depends on a number of factors such as the cannabis strain plant genetics, the soil climate conditions, the cultivation techniques and most important the extraction technology for producing cannabis extracts.

Cannabinoids are nearly insoluble in water. Their poor solubility and low dissolution rate in the aqueous gastrointestinal fluids and significant first-pass liver metabolism result in low and unpredictable oral cannabinoid bioavailability Consequentially, cannabinoids require high doses to reach therapeutic plasma concentrations, especially when ingested.

Owing to their lipophilicity, cannabinoids accumulate in the lipid part of cell membranes and occupy binding sites localized on hydrophobic portions of integral membrane proteins. It is thought that various adverse effects associated with chronic use of cannabis, including increased tolerance over time, result from the interaction of cannabinoids with cell membranes. Furthermore, cannabinoids exhibit a slow clearance from the body.