With rapidly growing awareness about CBD and Marijuana, there can be some confusion in terms of their effects, benefits, and structure.

Here we will describe a simple way to distinguish between all of these terms.

Marijuana refers to dried leaves, stems, and flowers of the cannabis plant. The consumption and health benefits of medical marijuana are widely accepted. But what makes it special and valuable as medicine? The exclusively unique structured cannabinoids of the cannabis plant are what make it beneficial.

THC is one of the 116 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, popular for its anti-nausea, anti-inflammatory, appetite stimulating, and relaxing effects. It is also the cannabinoid responsible for the euphoria or “high” of using marijuana.

CBD is another one of the 116 cannabinoids of Cannabis plant, famous for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Unlike THC, CBD does not contain any psychoactive or euphoric properties, and is now more rapidly used among people (and pets!) to quell anxiety, inflammation, and pain. People across the globe endorse CBD for multiple health purposes.

The cannabis plants contain more than a hundred cannabinoids out of them the prominent ones are THC & CBD. Both these cannabinoids have the same chemical makeup, but different chemical arrangements.

What Is Marijuana?

Marijuana is a greenish mixture of leaves, stems, and flowers of the Cannabis Sativa plant. People around the world have utilized marijuana in rolled cigarettes, pipes, and cigars for thousands of years. However, numerous people also consume marijuana for health purposes. Marijuana is now commonly mixed with foods, especially sweets such as cookies or brownies for use.

Marijuana can be used for both recreational and medical purposes. However, what makes it unique is that it contains both cannabinoids, the psychoactive THC, and the non-psychoactive CBD. Both these compounds are present in the buds and leaves of the female cannabis plants. However, most strains of marijuana are considered rich in THC and produce euphoric effects.

What Is THC?

Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC – a cannabinoid associated with medical marijuana has psychotropic effects on users. The significant therapeutic health benefits of THC are anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, appetite stimulant, and sleep aid.

So then, what Is CBD?

Cannabidiol or CBD – a non-psychoactive cannabinoid – has a wide range of medical benefits. CBD may reduce pain, anxiety, depression, and may help with seizure disorders. Unlike marijuana, it doesn’t get you “high” or produce intoxicating effects which makes its use more widely acceptable.

What the heck is Hemp then?

Hemp is technically a type of cannabis plant; however, hemp is unique because it contains almost no THC. Therefore, the hemp plant is the best source of CBD. The combination of high CBD and low THC can provide physical and mental health benefits without less of the psychotropic effects of THC. CBD tends to be a great choice for those individuals who are more sensitive to medications, and are looking for the relaxing and pain-relieving effects without the risk of euphoria.

What Are the Medical Benefits of THC & CBD?

These two cannabinoids have potential health benefits. Some of the therapeutic benefits are:

Uses of THC:

  • Euphoria & relaxation
  • Antiemetic
  • Painkiller
  • Sleep booster
  • Muscle relaxant

Uses of CBD:

  • Neuroprotective
  • Anti-depressant
  • Anti-psychoactive
  • Anti-inflammatory

Both of these extracts of the cannabis plant have different potential benefits. We recommend speaking with one of our physicians in order to find the right mixture that best suits your needs!