Katelyn Claudomir APRN, FNP-C
The Green Leaf is a medical marijuana clinic serving residents of Connecticut. It is owned and operated by Katelyn Claudomir, APRN. Our mission is to provide our patients with compassionate, stress-free evaluations to obtain your medical marijuana card. Please visit our FAQ section on our website for more information.
What is cannabis?
Cannabis is a flowering plant originally from central Asia/India. The cannabis plant contains 113 known cannabinoids (chemicals in the plant that produce mental and physical effects on the body). The two most common cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis. While it has been shown to have medical benefits (analgesic properties, muscle relaxant features, anti-inflammatory effects) it is most commonly used for anxiety, depression, insomnia and mood instabilities. CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis and is used mostly for inflammation and mechanical pain. CBD is known to counter the psychoactive effects ("high") of THC.
There are two major types of cannabis plants.
Each has its own range of effects of the body.
Sativa This plant is usually used during the day because it increases serotonin.
Benefits: anxiolytic, anti-depressant, mood elevation, increases energy, treatment of chronic pain, increases focus and creativity.
Indica This plant is usually used in the evening because it increases dopamine.
Benefits: mental relaxation, muscle relaxation, decreases nausea, decreases acute pain, increases appetite, improves sleep.
Hybrid products are a combination of both! Some strains have higher Indica or Sativa properties.
A pharmacist who specializes in the different strains of cannabis is available for consultation at most dispensaries in CT. He/she will help to guide you in choosing the product that will best serve your specific needs.
Ways to use cannabis
Inhalation
Pens: small size, no odor, huge variety, disposable, ready to use
Vapes: no harmful products in smoke, minimal odor
Rolling papers/joints/blunts: inexpensive, flavor options
Hand pipes: better taste, smaller doses
Dabbing: cost effective for high THC amounts
Water pipes: many sizes/designs, water acts as a filter
Oral
Tinctures: fast and long lasting dose
Ingestible oils: medical and therapeutical benefits
Chewing gum
Pills/capsules
Drinks
Cannabutter
Edibles: variety of choices, longer time to wear off effect
Topical
Sprays
Creams
Patches
Bath soaks