Cannabis is a plant that has long been revered for its medicinal and psychoactive properties. But did you know that there are plants that have strikingly similar characteristics to Cannabis?
Camellia sinensis
The Camellia sinensis plant seems similar to cannabis in many ways, but the main difference is that its leaves are much more bitter than cannabis’. (1) In addition, the camellia plant contains a higher amount of polyphenols than cannabis. Tea is derived from the dried leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Its leaves are steamed, pan-fried, or dried, and are then used to produce several types of tea. These teas are often drunk by mouth for various health benefits, such as mental alertness and weight loss.
The Camellia sinensis plant is an excellent source of caffeine. The plant grows well in warm, sunny climates, and is widely available as a drink. Its origins are in the hills of East Asia, including southern China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Its cultivation and consumption has spread to other parts of the world, including the United States and Brazil. The plant can be harvested up to dozens of times a year.
Soma
The Soma plant seems to copy cannabis in several ways. Its name is derived from the Vedas, which refer to its long stalk-like bud-covered branches. In the Ugveda, the ninth book of the ancient Hindu epic, the plant is often described as growing in mountains. It is important to note that the bud-covered stalk of cannabis only makes up a small part of the dried plant. The name Soma is also a loan word from Chinese meaning “fire-yellow fibers of hemp.” (2)
Cannabis has long been considered a sacred plant, and cannabis was even made into a god in some pantheons, such as the Hindu and Zoroastrian. This work covers a large range of subject matter, but lays it out in a coherent manner. Hinduism accommodates this, prescribing that the drug be used in a manner which makes this beneficial. The availability of low-potency preparations such as bhang and thandai is a key factor. (3)
There is a long history of the use of Soma, dating back to prehistoric times. The Vedic and Persian Zoroastrian religions trace their origins to ancestors who were of Aryan descent. The Vedic Soma and Avestan Haoma cults are both derived from these Aryan origins. In both religions, the fair-skinned, yellow-haired Indra is regarded as a God.
Cannabis sativa
In recent years, scientists have become interested in cannabis and the production of its cannabinoids. These compounds have multiple functions and can enhance the production of the plant’s products. Moreover, research has revealed that cannabis contains a variety of secondary metabolites, including terpenes. Some of these compounds are potent antimalarial and anti-leishmanial agents. Researchers are exploring new strategies to increase the production of these compounds through genetic engineering.
The cannabis plant’s phytochemicals have a wide range of uses, including the production of textile fibre and bioplastics. The plant has been used as a source of fibre and as a folk remedy since ancient times. The multipurpose properties of the plant are attracting renewed interest in its cultivation, particularly for pharmaceutical purposes. The plant’s inner and outer stem tissues have bioactive properties and can be synthesised into bioplastics and concrete-like substances. (4)
A study conducted by Bedrocan International BV compared the chemical composition of Cannabis and hemp plants. Both plants contain terpenes, which are responsible for a distinct aroma. (5) The study identified twelve terpenes that were positively correlated with the Sativa-Indica scale, including farnesene, which imparts a fruity or tea-like aroma. It was found that Sativa and Indica plants have contrasting aromas, with Sativa smelling floral and herbal, while indica flavours are more savoury and earthy. (6)
About Us
CannaTelehealth, specialises in providing online consultations for various healthcare needs, including assistance with alcohol addiction. Our platform is designed to facilitate the use of advanced telehealth technology by medical professionals, ensuring the security and privacy of patient information in compliance with regulations.
We have developed an online system that simplifies the process of booking appointments with qualified and experienced General Practitioners, Nurse Practitioners, who can assist patients in accessing prescriptions for Medicinal Cannabis for their medical conditions. Our telehealth system is fully supported by our clinical team, guaranteeing that all consultations are conducted by appropriately qualified healthcare professionals.
Our doctors are authorised to prescribe Medicinal Cannabis under Schedule 8 of the Therapeutic Goods Act. In the initial consultation, your nurse or doctor will collaborate with you to determine the suitability of Medicinal Cannabis for your specific symptoms and conditions. If deemed appropriate, they will then apply for TGA approval for your electronic prescription, which can be presented at your pharmacy of choice.
Medical Cannabis Doctors Online Treatment and Consults
CannaTelehealth’s doctors have extensive experience in assessing patients for medicinal cannabis. Prior to having an online consultation with our healthcare professionals it is a good idea to write down your questions before your consultation so that you don’t forget them.
Our doctors will review your medical history and confirm that you meet the criteria for a medicinal cannabis prescription under the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) Special Access Scheme. We will then either prescribe medication through the Authorised Prescriber pathway or submit your application to the TGA and you should receive your product within 2 business days.
All our doctors are trained under the TGA authorised prescriber scheme and have detailed knowledge of how cannabis affects the body. Our doctors are also able to recommend the best dosage and type of cannabis for your condition. Our doctors are able to prescribe all forms of medicinal cannabis including capsules, tinctures, sprays and vape cartridges.
The cost of your medical cannabis will vary depending on your condition and the specific product that is recommended for you.
Our clinic offers bulk billing for patients who have been approved by the DVA. This is worth checking for your eligibility criteria for this discounted online consultation.
Book a consultation – Follow the simple steps to engaging with an online health professional who will assess your eligibility for alternative treatments such as medicinal cannabis and what might be the cause of your chronic pain.
To contact us at CannaTelehealth you can either go directly to the website and add your details directly to our ‘Contact Us Form’ We will contact you within 1 hour. Normally our online healthcare professionals who are pain medicine specialists will have a booking time within 1 day if suitable. Alternatively you may contact us via info@cannatelehealth.com.au.
References:
- Zager J.J., Lange I., Srividya N., Smith A., Lange B.M. Gene networks underlying cannabinoid and terpenoid accumulation in cannabis. Plant Physiol. 2019;180:1877–1897. doi: 10.1104/pp.18.01506.
- Soma of the Rigveda and an attempt to identify itS Mahdihassan 1, F S Mehdi Am J Chin Med. 1989;17(1-2):1-8. doi: 10.1142/S0192415X89000024
- Thandai and chilam: traditional Hindu beliefs about the proper uses of CannabisP J Morningstar J Psychoactive Drugs. 1985 Jul-Sep;17(3):141-65. doi: 10.1080/02791072.1985.10472336.
- An experimental randomized study on the analgesic effects of pharmaceutical-grade cannabis in chronic pain patients with fibromyalgiaTine van de Donk 1, Marieke Niesters 1, Mikael A Kowal 2, Erik Olofsen 1, Albert Dahan 1, Monique van Velzen 1Pain. 2019 Apr;160(4):860-869. doi: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001464.
- Use patterns, beliefs, experiences, and behavioral economic demand of indica and sativa cannabis: A cross-sectional survey of cannabis usersDennis J Sholler 1, Meghan B Moran 2, Sean B Dolan 1, Jacob T Borodovsky 3, Fernanda Alonso 2, Ryan Vandrey 1, Tory R Spindle 1Exp Clin Psychopharmacol. 2022 Oct;30(5):575-583. doi: 10.1037/pha0000462. Epub 2021 Apr 15.
