Juicing raw cannabis is emerging as a revolutionary approach in the field of natural health. Unlike traditional methods of consuming cannabis, juicing allows individuals to benefit from the plant’s properties without experiencing the psychoactive effects typically associated with cannabis use. This method, popularized by Dr. William L. Courtney, offers a way to harness the therapeutic properties of cannabinoids in their acid form, which are believed to be powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, and anti-cancer agents.
Dr. William L. Courtney: A Pioneer in Cannabis Research
Dr. William L. Courtney, a prominent figure in cannabis research, has dedicated much of his career to exploring the benefits of raw cannabis. With a solid medical education from Wayne State University and further training in psychiatry and legal medicine, Dr. Courtney has become a foremost expert on cannabis as a daily supplement. He is a member of the American Academy of Cannabinoid Medicine, the International Association of Cannabis as Medicine, and the Society of Clinical Cannabis.
Dr. Courtney advocates for the daily use of raw cannabis, suggesting an intake of 250-500mg of phytocannabinoids in the form of non-psychoactive acids. He considers these acids, such as THCA and CBDA, to be essential nutrients. Over the years, Dr. Courtney has presented his research globally, advocating for the therapeutic potential of raw cannabis at various international conferences and institutions.
Kristen Peskuski: A Testament to the Healing Power of Raw Cannabis Juice
One of the most compelling stories supporting the benefits of raw cannabis juice is that of Dr. Courtney’s wife, Kristen Peskuski. Kristen was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, an autoimmune disease that caused severe damage to her organs. Her condition required her to take approximately 40 different medications daily. However, her health dramatically improved after she began consuming raw cannabis juice daily. Kristen now only takes medications occasionally, a significant reduction from her previous regimen.
Kristen’s story is a powerful testament to the potential of raw cannabis. Despite skepticism from her gynecologist, her health improvements were so remarkable that they were described as miraculous. Kristen was even able to give birth to a healthy child, defying medical predictions that she would never be able to conceive.
Drawing Parallels with Wheatgrass Juicing
The practice of juicing raw cannabis is similar to the more familiar process of wheatgrass juicing, which many people already include in their health routines for its rich nutrient content and detoxifying properties. Just like wheatgrass, raw cannabis is best consumed fresh to preserve its nutritional benefits. However, while wheatgrass is relatively easy to juice, the cannabis plant is more fibrous and requires a high-quality juicer capable of handling tougher plant material.
Juicing cannabis involves using the whole plant—leaves, buds, and even some smaller stems—though it’s important to note that the thick stalk of the plant is not suitable for juicing due to its tough, woody nature. The juicing process breaks down the plant fibers, releasing the full spectrum of cannabinoids and essential nutrients in their most bioavailable form. For those who are accustomed to juicing wheatgrass, incorporating raw cannabis juice can be a natural next step to enhance their health regimen.
Composition & Therapeutic Properties of Raw Cannabis Juice
In its natural form, cannabis is a super-nutrient, rich in essential fatty acids, amino acids, fibers, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, carotenoids, terpenes, and, most notably, phytocannabinoid acids. Unlike its heated counterpart, raw cannabis is non-psychoactive, making it suitable for therapeutic use without altering a patient’s mental state.
The human body has an endogenous cannabinoid system that regulates various cellular functions. Raw cannabis is rich in THCA, CBDA, and CBGA, cannabinoids that interact with the immune system to provide therapeutic benefits. THCA, for example, is known to be a potent anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, and anti-cancer agent. It has been shown to protect dopamine neurons from degeneration, which could potentially aid in treating diseases such as Parkinson’s.
CBDA, another cannabinoid found in raw cannabis, exhibits similar anti-inflammatory properties and may also inhibit cancer cell mutation, making it a powerful agent against breast cancer cells. Additionally, both THCA and CBDA are more soluble in water in their acid form, which allows for better absorption in the body without psychoactive effects.
Preparation & Preservation of Raw Cannabis Juice
To maximize the health benefits of raw cannabis, it is essential to consume it fresh. The juice should be prepared using freshly harvested leaves and buds, as these parts of the plant contain the highest concentration of cannabinoids. A high-quality masticating juicer is ideal for this purpose because it efficiently processes the fibrous plant material without generating excessive heat, which could degrade the cannabinoids.
Just like wheatgrass, cannabis juice should be consumed immediately after extraction to retain its nutritional potency. If immediate consumption is not possible, the juice can be stored with ice in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for longer preservation. Freezing in small portions, such as in ice cube trays, can make it easier to manage dosages and maintain the juice’s freshness.
Considerations for Juicing Cannabis
While juicing raw cannabis offers numerous benefits, there are some considerations to keep in mind. Patients with certain medical conditions, such as kidney or gallbladder issues, should exercise caution when consuming raw cannabis juice. Additionally, those taking medications that could interact with grapefruit or pomegranate juice should consult their doctor before starting a cannabis juice regimen.
Moreover, not all parts of the cannabis plant are ideal for juicing. While the leaves, small stems, and buds are rich in beneficial compounds, the thick stalks of the plant are too tough and fibrous to be effectively juiced. It is also important to use organically grown cannabis to avoid pesticides and other chemicals that could be harmful when consumed raw.
A Promising Future
By consuming the plant in its raw, non-psychoactive form, patients can benefit from its therapeutic properties without experiencing the high associated with traditional cannabis use. The process is similar to juicing wheatgrass but requires more robust equipment due to the fibrous nature of the cannabis plant. Dr. Courtney’s pioneering work and Kristen Peskuski’s remarkable recovery story illustrate the potential of raw cannabis juice to revolutionize health treatments. As research continues to unfold, raw cannabis may become a staple in the diet of those seeking natural, holistic health solutions.
Learn more about juicing from our source articles and videos:
- Dr. Courtney’s raw cannabis juice (Alchimia)
- A Better Route to High Dosage Without Psychoactivity? Juicing Raw Cannabis (Beyond THC)
- The Power of RAW Cannabis (YouTube)
- Raw Cannabis Advantages – William Courtney, MD (YouTube)
- LEAF | The Health Benefits of Juicing Raw Cannabis (YouTube)
