ACS Quality, Integrity, Safety Our logo says it all Welcome to Alternative Compassion Services We are happy you have chosen us to assist you in improving your health with the use of Medical Marijuana. Whether you are new to Medical Marijuana or very comfortable with its use, ACS strives to provide a positive, safe, seamless experience. We maintain high industry standards and offer a wide variety of products to suit individual needs. Our staff are caring, knowledgeable individuals and are here to guide you in choosing a product and delivery system to effectively treat your symptoms. More in depth individual consultation / education is available as needed. Striving to continuously improve our products and services, we also offer follow up calls to evaluate our patients experience and our products effectiveness We trust you will leave our facility with the knowledge and confidence to safely use and enjoy the health benefits of Medical Marijuana to the fullest and continue to allow us to serve you along your journey to improved wellness.
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. PRODUCTS / SERVICES 2. MARIJUANA - CANNABINOIDS THC / CBD 3. HEALTH EFFECTS 4. TERPENES / FLAVONOIDS 5. CHOOSING A PRODUCT / STRAIN 5. SATIVA / INDICA 6. ACS PRODUCT CONTAINERS / LABEL 7. DELIVERY METHODS-ONSET / DURATION 8. MANAGING SIDE EFFECTS 8. SHORT / LONG TERM EFFECTS 9. IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER 9. WARNING SIGNS 10.TRACKING TOOL
PRODUCTS ACS takes pride in its wide selection of products aimed at targeting our patients individual needs. Products are available in Indica, Sativa, Hybrid, and CBD in varying concentrations and potencies. Our Product Line includes Flower-Indica, Sativa, Hybrid, CBD Edibles-Baked Goods, Infused Honey, Lozenges Concentrates-Tinctures, Capsules, Oils, Vape Pens, Distillate, Liquid Nitrogen Hash, Live Resin, Rosin, CO2 Shatter, CO2 Wax Topicals-Lotions and Balms Accessories-ACS has a variety of vaporizers, glassware, medication lock boxes and bags and other accessories available to purchase. We are happy to answer questions and provide instruction for use. **Please check our website or visit to see our most up to date menu and available accessories** SERVICES Patient Consultation-ACS has experienced staff on hand at all times to guide you in product / accessory choice. We also offer more in depth counselling by Appointment and encourage you to take advantage of this service. Compassionate Care Program-ACS offers medicine at a reduced cost for patients with a verified Financial Hardship. If you are a recipient of MassHealth, Supplemental Security Income or have income within 300% of the Federal Poverty level, and can provide proof, you may be eligible for this program. For more information or to apply Please Ask or Email us-www.acscompassion.com Translation and Interpretation Services-ACS provides ipad s with microphone equipped head phones to allow us to communicate with individuals who are unable to speak English, or have visual or hearing impairments.
MARIJUANA Cannabis, more widely known as Marijuana is a complicated plant that has been used for thousands of years by many cultures in religious ceremonies, as a food, as a building, clothing or industrial material and as a medicine. It was legal in the US and used pharmaceutically but for various social, political and economic reasons was made illegal (by Controlled Substances Act 1970). Since then advocates from all over the world and all walks of life have been actively working to change its status and bring its many known and newly discovered benefits to all people Its many Cannabinoids (THC / CBD best known), Terpenes (smell) and Flavonoids (taste) all contribute to its healing properties. Healing effects are stronger when natural plant Cannabinoids and Terpenes are Kept Together-Not Separated. This is called the Entourage Effect, initially described by Dr. Ethan Russo. There are also less adverse effects when whole plant, rather than isolated or synthetic cannabinoids are used. As medical use of marijuana has increased, research and personal testimonials have shown evidence of its many positive health effects. CANNABINOIDS THC/CBD Cannabinoids are odorless Chemical Compounds in cannabis that Interact with Chemical Receptors in the Brain and Nervous System called the Endocannabinoid System. This system helps maintain Balance (Homeostasis) by regulating functions like appetite, pain, mood, sleep, and memory. The amount and combination of cannabinoids in and among different strains of cannabis create the physical and emotional effects felt when using cannabis products.
HEALTH EFFECTS THC- psychoactive high component CBD- non psychoactive component Opiate Type Pain Relief Nerve Pain Relief Stimulate Appetite Reduce Inflammation Decrease Nausea Reduce Anxiety Promote Sleep Decrease Spasticity Relax Muscle Decrease Seizures
TERPENES / FLAVONOIDS Compounds in cannabis that interact to create the smell, taste and color of a strain and determine how we experience marijuana through our senses. They also modulate the effects of THC and offer their own health benefits. At least 140 have been discovered and more research is needed to understand their healing potential. A few are described below TERPENES-Like Aromatherapy - If the smell of the strain is pleasing to you it will likely be a good choice for you Linalool / Lavender-Used for Pain, Anxiety, Depression, Seizures Myrcene / Hops-Used for Inflammation, Pain, Insomnia Pinene / Pine-Used for Inflammation, Breathing Difficulties, Improves Mental Focus Limonene / Citrus-Used for Depression, Digestion Problems B-Caryophyllene / BlackPepper & Cloves-Used for Inflammation, Anxiety Humulene / Basil-Used for Bacterial Growth, Inflammation Phytol / Green Tea-Used for Insomnia Terpinolene / Lilac & Apple-Used for Bacteria, Fungus, Insomnia FLAVONOIDS-Plant color acts to protect the plant from light, pests, diseases and has medicinal properties. Cannaflavin A / Marijuana-Antiinflammatory, Quercetin / Fruits &Vegetables-Antifungal, Antioxidant Catechins / Cocoa & Tea-Antioxidant
CHOOSING A PRODUCT / STRAIN Every person has a unique Endocannabinoid System that responds to the phytocannabinoid and terpene compounds in cannabis. Cannabis consists of many compounds and a variety of strains are available. The strain, amount / ratio of THC to CBD and the Terpenes determine its effects. ACS products will have detailed labels showing Strain, Cannabinoid and Terpene Profile. Cannabis refers to a plant grouping that includes marijuana. Two major strains of Marijuana, Sativa and Indica, have different origins and effects. Years of crossbreeding produced many combination or Hybrid strains but generally the dominant strain will produce similar effects. SATIVA-A tall, thin leaved plant that originated in warm climates provides an energizing lift, and is found helpful for treating Depression and Fatigue. INDICA-A short, thick leaved plant that originated in mountain climates provides a more relaxing, sedating effect and is found helpful for treating Anxiety, Pain, Sleep Problems. It is important to discuss the SYMPTOMS you are treating DURATION of relief desired TIME of use (Day / Night) STRENGTH of product ACS also uses a color coded labelling system to guide your choice depending on desired effect
FOCUS Green UPLIFT Yellow RELIEF Blue RELAX Purple CBD - Cranberry Visit our website www.acscompassion.com to view the latest products and accessories we are offering ACS PRODUCT LABEL
DELIVERY METHODS Choose Method that will allow best relief of symptom START LOW and GO SLOW-Use Lowest Dose possible and Increase Slowly over time INHALE ONSET 5-15 min DURATION 1-4hrs Smoking/Vaping dried marijuana, Vape Oil, Concentrates Use for fast relief, or when unable to tolerate oral medicine Take one inhalation, wait to see effect then take another inhalation if needed UNDER TONGUE ONSET 15-30 min DURATION 1-3hrs (Sublingual) Tincture Use for fast relief, or when unable to tolerate oral medicine Start with 1 drop under the tongue ORAL ONSET 1-3 hrs DURATION 4-12 hrs Edibles/Food/Capsules Use for long acting relief, or at night before sleep Take after meal Start with small 2.5-10mg dose and increase dose if needed the NEXT time TOPICAL ONSET 10-20 min DURATION 2-3 hrs Use on skin for local symptom relief of irritation/pain Non psychoactive / high so can be used as needed
MANAGING SIDE EFFECTS *** REMEMBER*** Stay Well Hydrated CBD can counteract unpleasant effects of THC- intoxication, sedation, fast heart rate. CBD ENHANCES THC s anti pain, anti nausea and anti cancer properties. Unpleasant effects are rarely noticeable with CBD / THC ratio >4:1 Dustin Sulak If unpleasant symptoms occur RELAX, BREATHE SLOWLY, SIT OR LIE DOWN IN DARKENED AREA Many factors contribute to Marijuana s effects- Previous Use, Experience, Time of day, Mood, Strain, Delivery Method, Amount It is Important to Use Tracking Tool provided to evaluate the effectiveness of your medicine Be as Specific as Possible ACS Staff is available and happy to assist with your selection and answer any questions Although Marijuana has not been analyzed or approved by the FDA there may be health risks / benefits associated with its use Some reported SHORT TERM effects can be- Dry Mouth, Anxiety, Dizziness, Fast Heartbeat, Hunger, Muscle Relaxation, Sleepiness, Paranoia, Slow Reaction Time, General Sense of Wellbeing / Happiness Some reported LONG TERM effects have been- Blood Pressure Changes, Increased Heart Rate, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Memory Changes, Respiratory Problems
IMPORTANT Keep Marijuana products locked and away from children / pets Do Not Use Marijuana Products when Pregnant Do Not Smoke Marijuana in public Do Not Drink Alcohol when using Edibles Do Not Store Edibles with other foods Do Not Share / Distribute / Sell medication with or to others Do Not Drive or Operate Machinery while under the influence of Marijuana (Prohibited by M.G.L.c90,s.24) All excess, unused or contaminated medicine must be returned for disposal to the dispensary purchased from IF YOU -Can t control your Marijuana use -Need to use increasingly larger doses of medicine -Become Anxious, Irritable, Restless when not using Marijuana for a period of time -Feel marijuana is IMPAIRING not IMPROVING your life / wellbeing You may be experiencing symptoms of Marijuana Dependence, Tolerance, or Withdrawal and should Seek Help ***Contact your PCP or Bureau of Substance Abuse Services*** Toll Free # 1-800-327-5050 Services are typically covered by Insurance plans Thank you again for visiting ACS and allowing us to serve you Stephen, Matthew and the ACS Staff
ALTERNATIVE COMPASSION SERVICES 693 Elm Street Bridgewater MA 02324 (508) 356-5151 www.acscompassion.com