With recreational marijuana now legal in 18 U.S. states as well as Washington D.C. and Guam, the growing trend of using marijuana legally has opened different options for consumers. These days, it’s no longer unusual to hear about different kinds of marijuana products available in the market. Besides its recreational use, marijuana is also widely known for its medical benefits, including pain relief.
However, for those who are just starting to explore marijuana and its therapeutic potential, it’s easy to be confused by the common terminologies linked to its use. You’ve probably heard about CBD and THC and think they’re the same. Now, if you’re considering using a marijuana product, it will help to start by knowing the differences among marijuana, cannabis, CBD, and THC.
WHAT IS MARIJUANA?
Marijuana is otherwise referred to as cannabis but they don’t technically mean the same thing. Specifically, marijuana is composed of the “dried” leaves, stems, flowers, and seeds of a cannabis plant or hemp (Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica – less likely Cannabis ruderalis), according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse. Cannabis refers to all of the products derived from the Cannabis plants (in scientific terms, the “genus”). Marijuana, on the other hand, is a type of cannabis plant.
In Florida, marijuana can be consumed safely in a number of ways. These include pills, sprays, tinctures, oils, patches, lotions, edibles, and even a rectal preparation. We DO NOT believe that smoking is healthy, so we will not authorize it in our patients, even though the State of Florida has allowed it. Similarly, we strongly discourage the use of vaping marijuana.
The cannabis plant, which has over 540 chemical compounds, may also be extracted for its cannabinoids compounds. Scientists learned that the plant has more than 100 cannabinoids, per the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
Marijuana has been greatly used in modern medicine to treat various medical conditions. To learn more, you may consult our https://www.comfortcompassion.com/medical-marijuana/ and find out what treatment fits your medical needs.
WHAT ARE CBD AND THC?
A cannabis plant produces a thick substance that consists of compounds called cannabinoids. There are over 100 types of cannabinoids in a cannabis plant, all of which affect the body in different ways. However, CBD, which is short for cannabidiol, and THC, which is short for tetrahydrocannabinol, are the two of the most commonly extracted cannabis compounds. These cannabinoids have the same chemical components: 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms that affect the body when ingested.
The Similarities Between CBD and THC
CBD and THC interact with the human body’s endocannabinoid system and trigger the brain’s receptors to release neurotransmitters that help treat body pain, nausea, muscle spasms, eating disorders, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and some forms of cancer. However, CBD and THC also deliver different effects.
The Differences Between CBD and THC
CBD and THC are found in both marijuana and hemp (AKA industrial hemp). However, marijuana contains much more THC than hemp, while hemp contains more CBD.
CBD does not cause a user to get high compared to THC. This is because the human body has two types of cannabinoid receptors. THC binds with those receptors, which are mostly found in the brain, controlling our mood and feelings of pain. As such, THC can make one euphoric, giving that so-called high. CBD, on the other hand, is believed to work with other elements that are also linked to well-being. CBD does not cross the blood-brain barrier. Thus, medical marijuana with more CBD content than THC is deemed more “medical”. THC, on the other hand, is more preferred by recreational marijuana users.
Because of this, marijuana with a high content of CBD is used to help relieve symptoms of various conditions, such as epilepsy, arthritis, nerve pain, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, insomnia, anxiety, and chronic pain.
WHAT ARE THE LEGALITIES OF CANNABIS USE?
In the United States, laws about cannabis use are evolving. Though some states are now more accepting of cannabis for medical treatments, marijuana and THC are still on the federal government’s list of illegal substances.
You should be familiar with your state’s laws to avoid penalties.
LEVERAGE MEDICAL MARIJUANA WITH THE BEST MEDICAL MARIJUANA DOCTOR IN GAINESVILLE, FL
Advanced Pain Medical Center is one of the facilities that offer reliable medical marijuana treatment methods in the Gainesville area, FL. Our founder, Dr. Brent Stewart, is a pain specialist committed to providing safe, individualized, and high-quality treatment for patients seeking pain relief.
Advanced Pain Medical Center is licensed to provide pain management in Gainesville, FL using a wide range of innovative methods and therapies, including:
Get in touch with us to learn more about our “Targeting the Source, Not the Symptom” philosophy and how medical marijuana and our other services can help with your condition. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
