So glad to see interest in the plant and it's possible uses. I was primarily a vino-phile until 13 years ago when I moved back to sunny CA and began growing. I never liked cannabis much before that - it just made me nervous - but growing different strains showed me how wide ranging the effects could be from one type to another.
" "Here's the thing about "uncooked":
"...What actually happens is that additional THC is formed from the chemical breakdown of inactive carboxylic acid THC derivatives present in the cannabis. The carboxylic acid derivatives are inactive themselves, but when heated they readily lose their carboxylate group as carbon dioxide, and active THC is formed..." "
This is close, but I don't believe any additional THC is created by heating cannabis. The cannabinoids in fresh weed are in an acidic state - THC-A, CBD-A, etc. - and heating or drying these causes them to de-carboxylate as adorshki posted, changing into delta-9-THC (psychoactive).
The other thing is that fresh cannabis has always been thought to be inactive because it doesn't get you high. You can eat it without getting high, but that doesn't mean it's inactive - it's just not psycho-active.
We've got cannabinoid receptors in our brain, lungs, kidneys, lymph system, cartilage - and there's evidence of more types of receptors we've not yet identified. When you eat fresh/frozen cannabis, you don't feel high, but those acidic cannabinoids affect the receptors in other parts of our body. For me (and most others I know who've tried it) the first thing you notice is an increase in energy and a brightening of spirit. The help with other issues - arthritis, prostate, and pancreas I believe - come into play after using it over time. I've been hypoglycemic most of my life and this is another thing that I no longer have trouble with after using cannabis fresh/frozen for a while.
Eating cannabis that's been dried/heated *will* get you very high - for a long time. In fact our liver turns delta-9 THC into delta-11 THC, which is more sedating and potent than delta-9 THC. Good for sleep but too much and you're a very unhappy camper for a very long time... :-(
I have a friend in his 70s who was looking at a knee replacement. He tried some daily cannabis smoothies for just under two weeks and he was walking without his cane, and with much less pain. He couldn't continue due to his wife's objections, but for him help came that quickly.
I know - wayyyy too good to believe. Snake oil. Delusional. That's what I'd think had I not experienced this first hand, but I swear to Guild it's true. YMMV of course, and I think some of us have weaker cannabinoid systems that might see more benefit than others who's systems might be in better shape.
I'm in N. California and have family in the S.F. area. If other LTG members might want to try some, I have enough to share in a limited way. I offer this as a gift only - no money or trade involved whatsoever, in-person, and only with a valid CA medical cannabis recommendation. PM me for deets if you might want to try it. I grow mostly organically, never any toxic chemicals used, lightly fertilized and grown with love.
I hope this doesn't cross any LTG lines or cause trouble with anyone. I appreciate the open minds here on this subject, and I will try hard to keep from rambling on...dang....too late
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I love acoustic guitars!