Cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD) will be mentioned in the media, in advertising, and in everyday conversation more than ever before. Both Medical Cannabis and CBD have become treatments for a wide range of ailments, from glaucoma to insomnia to chronic pain and even depression. Both substances are improving the lives of millions of people in numerous wonderful ways.
But what are the therapeutic differences between CBD and Cannabis? This can be a confusing question for a lot of people, because the two substances are very intermingled (often quite literally) and are mentioned together frequently. Are they the same thing? Are they drastically different?
What Is Marijuana?
Marijuana comes from the cannabis plant which is rooted from either autoflower, regular or feminized seeds. It is a psychoactive substance that is used for medicinal and recreational purposes by people all over the world. The flowers, fruits, and leaves of the cannabis plant are harvested and dried to form weed, which can make dry ice bubble hash, be smoked and inhaled, vaped, or added to foods and drinks.
A Brief History Of Cannabis
The cannabis plant originated in Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Evidence suggests it was used for spiritual purposes in burial ceremonies across Eurasia since before 3,500 BC. It was introduced to the western world in 1842 by Irish physician William Brooke O’Shaughnessy, who researched weed while working as a medical officer with the East India Company in Bengal and brought a quantity back to Britain.
Marijuana was first made illegal in the United States in 1906. It remained a criminal offense to use weed nationwide until 1973 when, slowly but surely, states began to decriminalize the use of weed. In 2012, after much lobbying and deliberation, Washington became the first U.S. state to lift the ban on weed. Since then, 33 states and the District of Columbia have legalized medicinal cannabis, and 11 states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational weed.
What Is Medical Cannabis?
Cannabis is, for all intents and purposes, the same as any other type of weed from ruderalis high, indica or sativa. The distinction comes only in its legal status. In 22 states, weed is illegal unless it is for medicinal purposes. In these states, it is not permitted to use weed unless it is prescribed by a medical professional.
What Is CBD?
CBD is cannabidiol. It is a cannabinoid that is found in the cannabis plant. CBD is one of the active compounds in weed. It is used for medicinal and health purposes.
What Are The Therapeutic Differences Between Medical Cannabis And CBD?
There are several therapeutic differences between CBD and Medical Cannabis. These are important to understand, because they will inform your decision on which substance is best suited for your particular needs.
Psychoactive Effects Of Cannabis
Medical Cannabis has psychoactive effects that are caused by the compound THC. Generally, the more THC a strain of medical weed contains, the more psychoactive it will be. While CBD is an active compound in Medical Cannabis, it is not in any way psychoactive. CBD, when taken on its own, has no psychoactive effects.
Treatment With Medical Cannabis Or CBD Requires Different Legal Considerations
A key difference between CBD and Medical Cannabis is their status under the law. Medical Cannabis is legal in 33 states. However, Medical Cannabis is still illegal under federal law, although state laws hold sway and the federal ban only means that cannabis cannot be taken across state lines. CBD, on the other hand, is legal in most of the States in America.
Provides Different Therapeutic Benefits
CBD and Medical Cannabis provide different therapeutic benefits. CBD is mainly used to treat pain, insomnia, anxiety, muscle spasms, and IBS. Medical Cannabis is used to treat a wider range of medical conditions. including glaucoma, chronic pain, MS, migraines, cancer symptoms, arthritis pain, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
CBD And Medical Cannabis Have Different Side Effects
The only potential side effects of CBD are mild diarrhea, tiredness, and a change in appetite. Cannabis can have stronger side effects that include increased appetite, drowsiness, increased heart rate, dry mouth, nausea, dizziness, paranoia, and exacerbation of schizophrenia symptoms.
Both Can Be Ingested In Different Ways
CBD is ingested mainly in oil form. CBD oil can be taken in capsules or added to foods or drinks. Medical Cannabis is most commonly smoked, but can also be vaped, eaten, or added to drinks.
Bottom Line
Well, the fact is that they are not the same thing. Cannabis contains CBD, but CBD does not contain the psychoactive effect Cannabis. So while CBD and Medical Marijuana have a lot in common, they often have quite different effects and uses.
