With marijuana is proven effective in managing anxiety, chronic pain, and many other conditions, it’s getting popular over prescription medications. And, more patients are interested in learning about what’s inside the plant, different cannabis strains, etc. THC and CBD are the two important cannabis compounds, which play a key role in the medicinal effects on the body & mind. In this blog post, we will discuss health benefits, risks, and legality statuses in the United States. Also, we will discuss the legality status, getting a medical cannabis card, and more.
What is THC?
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is a cannabinoid, which causes psychoactive effects. In other words, consuming high-THC strains will make you experience a euphoric high. Research says that THC works by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and central nervous system.
THC is similar to endogenous cannabinoids, such as anandamide and 2AG, thus it can mimic the functions of these endocannabinoids.
What is CBD?
CBD, cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis. However, it’s also found in the hemp plants. It has the same chemical structure as THC—21 C atoms, 30 H atoms, and 2 O₂ atoms. The difference is how these atoms are arranged.
Since CBD doesn’t cause intoxicating effects, medical doctors often suggest CBD oils and other products to beginners.
Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t bind to the cannabinoid receptors directly. Instead, it encourages the production of endocannabinoids in the body. Moreover, CBD also interacts with opioid receptors, serotonin, and dopamine receptors.
Benefits of THC & CBD
Some of the medicinal effects of THC are-
- PTSD
- Nausea
- Inflammation
- Chronic pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Cancer
- Crohn’s Disease
- ADHD
- Sleep apnea
- Insomnia
- Glaucoma
- Multiple sclerosis
- Loss of appetite
CBD can help patients with various medical conditions. It’s getting popular for treating-
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- Epilepsy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Pain and inflammation
In June 2018, the FDA approved Epidiolex, the first CBD-based drug, for treating two difficult-to-control epilepsy forms.
Research suggests that combining different cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD provides better medicinal effects than when they are used alone. The phenomenon is called an entourage effect. So, you should always check the label before buying cannabis strains for your medical condition. Talk to a licensed doctor for professional help or visit the CBD store.
Health Risks of THC & CBD
Apart from health benefits, THC and CBD have certain side-effects. Research says that CBD may interact with certain medications, thus changing their effectiveness. The FDA suggests not to take CBD with drugs that come with a grapefruit warning.
Some of the temporary side-effects associated with THC are-
- Dry mouth
- Lack of focus
- Anxiety
- Memory impairment
- Dizziness
- Increased heart rate
Health risks caused by CBD are-
- Dizziness
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
Legality in The United States
In the United States, medical marijuana is legal in 33 states currently. So, if you live in any of these cannabis legalized states, such as California, you can apply for a medical cannabis card to access marijuana from any state-licensed dispensary. To apply for 420 evaluations, you must visit an MMJ doctor and get approved. The doctor will evaluate your condition, verifying if you genuinely need medical marijuana. If you are approved, you will get your recs.
As per the Farm Bill of 2018, CBD products derived from hemp plants (containing less than 0.3 percent THC) are legal in the United States. However, to access CBD products with more than 0.3 percent THC (no matter the source), you must get an MMJ card signed by a board-certified doctor.
Key Takeaways
CBD and THC have different medicinal properties, so it’s important to check levels of these cannabinoids when choosing cannabis strains. Research says that THC interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system directly, thus regulating various functions. On the other hand, CBD encourages the production of endocannabinoids, which bind to receptors in the ECS.
Along with providing health benefits, CBD and THC can lead to certain side-effects. So, make sure you learn how to use these compounds right to get the maximum medicinal potential of the herb.
Talk to a licensed doctor online to apply for your medical cannabis card in just 10 minutes. Here’s the process-
- Sign up an account
- See a doctor online through HIPAA-compliant software
- Receive MMJ recs in PDF via email
