Green Bridge Society

Green Bridge Society Helping you navigate the medical marijuana program. We make this simple. Apply easily on our website. Anxiety Assessments $75

Green Bridge helps you through registration, your doctor call, getting your card, and feeling confident about using your medicine the right way.

09/05/2026

Could THCV play a role in weight loss and metabolic health?

A recent 90-day clinical study looked at THCV combined with C*D and found significant reductions in body weight, abdominal girth, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Participants receiving the higher dose — 16 mg THCV + 20 mg C*D daily — lost an average of about 9 pounds.

And this isn't the first interesting metabolic finding for THCV. An earlier clinical trial in people with type 2 diabetes found that THCV reduced fasting glucose and improved pancreatic beta-cell function.

THCV is a distinct cannabinoid from THC, with very different effects. The research is still developing, but THCV is becoming one of the more interesting minor cannabinoids to watch.

Studies:
Smith et al. Cannabis. 2025.
Jadoon et al. Diabetes Care. 2016.

*D

08/31/2026

Think THC is the best cannabinoid for sleep? A new 2026 systematic review suggests the answer may be more complicated.

After screening nearly 4,600 studies and including 18 studies on medical cannabis and insomnia, researchers found improvements in sleep quality, total sleep time, sleep disturbances, and daytime sleepiness.

But one finding stood out: **THC-containing products did not consistently improve sleep outcomes and were associated with more side effects.** The strongest evidence pointed toward **C*D, CBN, and combinations of the two.**

The review found the most consistent benefits with:
• **C*D: 50–300 mg**
• **CBN: 20–100 mg**

Lower-dose C*D generally showed little benefit unless combined with CBN.

The takeaway? When it comes to cannabis and sleep, **more THC doesn't necessarily mean better sleep.** The entire cannabinoid profile — and the dose — may matter.

This video is for educational purposes only and is not individual medical advice. Talk with your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or cannabinoid use.

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Make an appointment at greenbridgesociety.com

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Terpinolene: An Understudied Terpene with Interesting PotentialTerpinolene is a naturally occurring terpene found in can...
08/30/2026

Terpinolene: An Understudied Terpene with Interesting Potential

Terpinolene is a naturally occurring terpene found in cannabis and many other plants, including cumin, nutmeg, tea tree, and conifers. Its aroma is often described as fresh and complex, combining notes of pine, citrus, herbs, and flowers. Although terpinolene is present in many cannabis varieties, it is less commonly found as a dominant terpene. Patients often describe terpinolene-rich cannabis products as uplifting, energetic, and mentally stimulating.

Scientific research has identified several potentially interesting properties of terpinolene. Animal studies have found that inhaled terpinolene can produce sedating effects, suggesting activity within the central nervous system. Laboratory research has also demonstrated antioxidant activity, including the ability to reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, a process involved in the development of cardiovascular disease. Other preclinical studies have reported anti-inflammatory effects and the ability to influence biological pathways involved in inflammation.

Terpinolene has also demonstrated effects on cancer cells in laboratory research. One study found that terpinolene inhibited the growth of human brain tumor cells and affected proteins involved in cell proliferation. Together, these findings suggest several promising areas for future research, including inflammation, oxidative stress, cardiovascular health, and cancer biology.

Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of terpinolene is the contrast between the sedating effects observed with isolated terpinolene in animal research and the uplifting effects commonly associated with terpinolene-rich cannabis products. This may be another example of why the effects of cannabis cannot be predicted by a single terpene. Cannabinoids, other terpenes, dose, and individual patient differences all contribute to the final experience. As research continues, terpinolene remains an intriguing part of the cannabis plant with several potential therapeutic properties worth exploring.

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Could THC Beverages Help Reduce Alcohol Consumption?A new survey suggests that THC-infused beverages may be emerging as ...
08/29/2026

Could THC Beverages Help Reduce Alcohol Consumption?
A new survey suggests that THC-infused beverages may be emerging as an alternative to alcohol for a growing number of consumers. The survey included 1,637 adults who had tried a THC beverage and found that 77% reported drinking less alcohol since first trying the products. Thirty-seven percent said they now drink much less alcohol, 19% drink slightly less, and perhaps most notably, 21% reported quitting alcohol entirely. More than half of respondents said THC beverages helped them avoid the negative effects of alcohol, while 60% cited the absence of a hangover as one of the reasons they preferred cannabis beverages.

These findings are particularly interesting when viewed alongside the enormous health burden associated with alcohol use in the United States. Excessive alcohol consumption is associated with liver disease, several cancers, cardiovascular disease, alcohol poisoning, motor vehicle crashes, and other injuries, and has been estimated to contribute to approximately 178,000 deaths annually. If even a portion of adults who currently consume alcohol were able to substantially reduce their drinking by substituting lower-dose cannabis beverages, it is possible that this could eventually translate into fewer alcohol-related illnesses and deaths. However, more rigorous research will be needed to determine whether the reductions reported in consumer surveys persist over time and actually lead to measurable improvements in health outcomes.

The survey also highlights an important shift in how some people are using cannabis. Rather than simply adding THC beverages to their existing alcohol consumption, many respondents reported using them as a replacement for alcohol. Forty-four percent said cannabis beverages had become part of their regular wellness routine, 80% used them to relax or unwind, and half reported using them as a sleep aid. The results should be interpreted cautiously because the survey was conducted by a THC beverage company among people who had already tried its products, but the findings add to growing evidence that some consumers are intentionally choosing cannabis instead of alcohol. Given the enormous burden of alcohol-related disease in the United States, whether regulated, accurately dosed cannabis beverages can serve as a meaningful harm-reduction alternative to alcohol is an important question for future research.

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Healthcare Professionals Overwhelmingly Support Medical Cannabis, But Training Still Lags BehindFor years, one of the bi...
08/27/2026

Healthcare Professionals Overwhelmingly Support Medical Cannabis, But Training Still Lags Behind

For years, one of the biggest obstacles facing medical cannabis patients was skepticism from the healthcare community. A new study suggests that may be changing dramatically. Researchers surveyed 879 U.S. healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, advanced practice providers, mental health professionals, and pharmacists, about their knowledge and attitudes toward medical cannabis. The results showed widespread acceptance: 95% supported legal access to medical cannabis, 87% believed cannabis has legitimate therapeutic potential, and 74% said they were open to recommending medical cannabis to patients. Perhaps most importantly, 89% reported that they already care for patients who use cannabis.

The study, published in the Journal of Cannabis Research, also revealed an important disconnect between healthcare professionals' acceptance of cannabis and their preparation to counsel patients about it. Only 28% reported formal clinical training as a source of their cannabis knowledge. Instead, healthcare professionals commonly reported learning about cannabis through personal experience, popular media, informal conversations, and experiences with patients. At the same time, 78% expressed interest in receiving additional training to incorporate cannabis into their practice. When asked which sources they trusted most for cannabis education, 94% selected academic research centers and 92% selected experienced clinicians. The knowledge testing portion of the study may be even more concerning. Although participants generally rated their own knowledge of cannabis relatively highly, objective testing revealed significant gaps. Only 21% correctly answered the question assessing therapeutic indications, 13% correctly answered the question about risks and adverse effects, and just 3% answered all three objective knowledge questions correctly. The researchers concluded that the difference between perceived knowledge and actual knowledge highlights the need for better clinical education on cannabis pharmacology, dosing, drug interactions, contraindications, adverse effects, and legal and ethical issues.

These findings point to an important shift in the medical cannabis conversation. Healthcare professionals increasingly recognize that cannabis has legitimate therapeutic applications, and many are willing to discuss or recommend it to their patients. The challenge now is ensuring that clinicians have the education necessary to provide evidence-based guidance. Patients are already using cannabis, often alongside prescription medications and while managing complex medical conditions. As medical cannabis becomes more integrated into healthcare, physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and other clinicians will need reliable education and practical training to help patients select appropriate products, understand dosing, recognize drug interactions, minimize adverse effects, and determine whether treatment is actually improving patient outcomes. The future of medical cannabis may depend less on convincing healthcare professionals that cannabis can be medicine and more on giving them the tools to practice cannabis medicine well.

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Why Edibles Feel Different: Meet 11-Hydroxy-THCMost patients know that edibles can feel very different from smoking or v...
08/26/2026

Why Edibles Feel Different: Meet 11-Hydroxy-THC

Most patients know that edibles can feel very different from smoking or va**ng cannabis, even when the THC dose seems similar. One major reason is a metabolite called 11-hydroxy-THC, or 11-OH-THC. When THC is swallowed, it travels through the digestive system and then to the liver before reaching the rest of the body. In the liver, a significant portion of delta-9 THC is converted into 11-OH-THC.

That matters because 11-OH-THC is not an inactive breakdown product. It is itself psychoactive and readily enters the brain. Oral cannabis therefore exposes patients to a different balance of delta-9 THC and 11-OH-THC than inhaled cannabis. This is one reason edibles can feel stronger, deeper, and longer lasting than inhaled THC, even though oral THC has relatively low and variable overall bioavailability.

Food can change the experience as well. Cannabinoids are fat soluble, and studies have shown that taking oral cannabinoids with food, particularly a meal containing fat, can increase absorption and overall exposure. The size of this effect varies by product and formulation, but it helps explain why the same edible or tincture dose may feel different depending on whether it is taken on an empty stomach or after dinner.

The biggest practical problem with oral THC is its slow onset. Effects may take an hour or longer to become obvious and can continue building after that. Patients sometimes assume the first dose did not work and take another dose too soon. By the time both doses are fully absorbed and converted to 11-OH-THC, the effect can be much stronger than intended.

The simple rule is start low and give oral THC time to work. Avoid repeatedly adding more because you do not feel an effect right away, and try to take your regular oral cannabis under similar food conditions from day to day. With edibles, patience is often just as important as the dose.

Need an MMJ card? Schedule an appointment at greenbridgesociety.com

Green Bridge Survey:What Patients Told Us About Cannabis and Chronic PainLast month, we asked Green Bridge readers about...
08/23/2026

Green Bridge Survey:
What Patients Told Us About Cannabis and Chronic Pain

Last month, we asked Green Bridge readers about their experiences with medical cannabis and chronic pain. Of the 186 people who responded, 148—nearly 80%—said they regularly use medical cannabis to manage chronic pain, while another 35 reported using it occasionally.

What Types of Pain Are They Treating?

The most common conditions were back or neck pain (59%) and arthritis or joint pain (55%). Neuropathic or nerve pain was reported by 32%, migraine or headache by 31%, and inflammatory or autoimmune-related pain by 28%. Respondents also reported injury or postsurgical pain, fibromyalgia, and cancer-related pain. Participants could select more than one answer, reflecting the fact that many chronic-pain patients deal with multiple types of pain.

The Benefits Go Beyond Pain Relief

Some of the most interesting results involved benefits beyond pain intensity. 82% reported better sleep, 75% improved mood, and 63% less anxiety related to their pain. More than half reported improved quality of life (58%) and an improved ability to perform daily activities (52%), while 37% reported increased physical activity.

These findings are a good reminder that chronic-pain management isn't always about eliminating pain. Sleeping better, moving more, functioning better, and improving quality of life can be meaningful measures of success.

Challenges Remain

Cost was the most commonly reported challenge (39%), followed by finding the right product (35%). Finding the right dose and inconsistent product availability were also common concerns. This highlights an important part of medical cannabis care: simply having access to cannabis doesn't necessarily mean patients have found the right treatment.

Our survey isn't a controlled clinical trial, but it provides an interesting snapshot of our community. With nearly 8 out of 10 respondents regularly using cannabis for chronic pain, we'll continue exploring the science behind pain and cannabis—including cannabinoids, inflammation, and the terpenes that may play a role.

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Terpenes for Pain: Beta-CaryophylleneWhen people think about cannabis for pain, THC and C*D usually get most of the atte...
08/22/2026

Terpenes for Pain: Beta-Caryophyllene

When people think about cannabis for pain, THC and C*D usually get most of the attention. But beta-caryophyllene (BCP) may be one of the most interesting terpenes for pain and inflammation. Found in cannabis, black pepper, and cloves, BCP is unusual because it doesn't just provide aroma—it also activates CB2 receptors, part of the endocannabinoid system involved in immune function, inflammation, and pain signaling. Unlike THC's activity at CB1 receptors, CB2 activation does not produce intoxication.

BCP has shown pain-relieving effects in several animal studies. A 2014 study published in European Neuropsychopharmacology found that oral BCP reduced both inflammatory and neuropathic pain, with evidence that CB2 receptors played an important role. Other studies have found benefits in models of diabetic neuropathy and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. In an osteoarthritis model, prolonged BCP treatment reduced pain and also demonstrated cartilage-protective effects, without development of tolerance to its analgesic effect during treatment.

There is also some early human evidence. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated a specially formulated BCP supplement in people experiencing delayed-onset muscle soreness after exercise. Participants receiving BCP reported less pain and better recovery than those receiving placebo. This wasn't a chronic-pain study, but it provides some preliminary evidence that BCP's effects may extend beyond laboratory animals.

So, should chronic-pain patients start searching dispensary menus for the highest-BCP cannabis strains? The science isn't there yet. Most of the strongest evidence comes from purified BCP used in animal studies, and we don't know whether the amounts present in cannabis produce the same effects in humans. Still, with research involving inflammatory pain, neuropathy, osteoarthritis, and human muscle pain, BCP is one of the more intriguing cannabis terpenes being investigated for pain and inflammation.

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THC Reduces PTSD Nightmares in Landmark Clinical TrialFor many people living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),...
08/20/2026

THC Reduces PTSD Nightmares in Landmark Clinical Trial

For many people living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), nightmares are among the most distressing symptoms of the disease. Night after night, patients may relive traumatic experiences, leading to chronic sleep deprivation, anxiety about falling asleep, and a significantly reduced quality of life. While several medications have been used to treat PTSD related nightmares, treatment options remain limited and are often only partially effective. A new study published in Nature Medicine now provides some of the strongest evidence to date that THC may offer meaningful relief for these patients.

Researchers from multiple centers across Germany conducted a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 171 adults with PTSD and recurrent nightmares. Participants received either dronabinol, a pharmaceutical form of THC, or a placebo each evening before bedtime for ten weeks. The THC dose ranged from 2.5 mg to 15 mg nightly, allowing researchers to gradually adjust the dose based on individual response and tolerability. By the end of the study, patients receiving THC experienced a significantly greater reduction in both the frequency and intensity of nightmares compared with those receiving placebo. The treatment produced a moderate effect size, demonstrating a clinically meaningful improvement rather than simply a statistically significant finding.

The individual patient results were especially encouraging. More than one third of patients receiving THC reported that their nightmares disappeared completely by the end of the study. An additional 21 percent experienced at least a 50 percent reduction in nightmare severity, and five out of six participants reported that their overall health had noticeably improved. Researchers also noted that the treatment specifically targeted nightmares rather than all PTSD symptoms. Measures of overall PTSD severity and depression did not show the same degree of improvement, suggesting THC may be particularly valuable for patients whose greatest burden is chronic, trauma-related nightmares.

As with any medication, safety remains an important consideration. Most side effects were mild and included dizziness, headache, and increased appetite. Serious adverse events occurred more often in the THC group than in the placebo group, although treatment discontinuation rates were low and similar between groups. The authors concluded that dronabinol represents a promising treatment option for PTSD related nightmares but emphasized that additional research is needed to better understand the long-term safety and effectiveness of nightly THC use.

Need an MMJ card? Make an appointment at greenbridgesociety.com

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