Medical marijuana is a great relief for thousands of Canadians across the country. But many potential patients are put off by what can be, at times, unclear terms. CBD vs. THC is one of the first, most important, and least understood differences. So, what are the differences between CBD vs. THC? And how will they affect your future potential treatment?
In this piece, we’ll explore the differences between THC vs. CBD and in Canada how that difference impacts treatment.
CBD vs. THC Structure and Our Body’s Endocannabinoids
One of the key differences between the two compounds is the structure.
Both are molecules that are present in different amounts in strains of marijuana, and both are from the bi- and tri-cyclic compound family.
Their difference in structure impacts how they interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. In fact, they both share similarities to the natural cannabinoids produced in your body. But the difference in their structure means the body absorbs them differently, producing different results.
CBD Overview
So, what is CBD and what are the CBD medical benefits?
CBD is the shorthand for cannabidiol. CBD is most often used to help relax the body and provide pain relief. It does this without creating any intoxicating effects.
In other words, you won’t get that euphoric high feeling when using CBD, and CBD-dominant strains will produce weaker highs.
CBD products and medications are almost exclusively used for health and wellness due to their inability to produce a high.
THC Overview
THC, on the other hand, is short form for tetrahydrocannabinol, and is the main active ingredient in the marijuana plant. It is also responsible for producing that high and euphoric feeling that is typically associated with marijuana (and which makes it a recreational drug of choice for many).
Medical Benefits of CBD and THC
Both molecules play a role in treating patients’ symptoms and conditions. And while there is some overlap, there is some specialization as well when it comes to how they improve symptoms.
Medical Benefits of CBD
CBD medical benefits, for examples, typically help with:
- Seizures
- Inflammation
- Pain
- Generalized anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Migraines
Medical Benefits of THC
THC medical benefits, on the other hand, are typically focused on:
CBD vs. THC Side effects
Both molecules do carry the potential to produce side effects.
THC most typically is associated with:
- Increased heart rate
- Coordination problems
- Dry mouth
- Red eyes
- Slower reaction times
- Memory loss
- Anxiety
CBD’s side effects can include:
- Appetite changes
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
Effect on the Brain: CBD vs. THC Psychoanalytic Effects
THC doesn’t always have to produce a heavy high feeling. And in lower rations and when mixed with CBD, it can be rather mild.
Having said that, there is the possibility for THC to have a fairly profound psychoactive effect on the patient. Patients may seek that out or avoid it, but it’s important to know that THC can produce an intoxicating result should you use it.
CBD, on the other hand, has no intoxicating effects. In other words, it won’t impair or intoxicate you, but it will have a psychoactive effect on your brain helping provide symptom relief.
Effect on the Body: CBD vs. THC Physiological and Physical Effects
CBD can have more of a body-centred effect. For instance, it can relieve physical discomfort, help the healing process, reduce stress, and reduce inflammation.
THC, by contrast, can have more of a cerebral impact, but that doesn’t mean that there’s no physical effect at all; it just means that, depending on the strain and type, the medical marijuana will produce different physical and psychoactive results.
Balanced THC-CBD
Balanced strains that have both THC and CBD in significant portions are a popular choice. Pennywise is great for many patients. For reference, you typically want about 5% to 15% THC content and a 5% to 15% CBD content.
High THC, Low CBD
A high THC strain that patients typically turn to is the OG Kush. For reference, if you’re interested in a high THC strain, look for medical marijuana options that offer about 10% to 30% THC with little to no CBD.
High CBD, Low THC
Charlotte’s Web is a heavily CBD-focused strain that has a 24:1 CBD to THC ratio. Generally, you can look for a 5% to 20% CBD content, and a THC content that comes in under 5%.
Medical Cannabis Consulting for Canadians
Now that we know which molecules produce what effects and how they can best help with symptom management, you’re ready to get in touch with Medical Marijuana Consulting (MMC).
We are a premier cannabis clinic that’s dedicated to helping Canadians connect with medical professionals with deep expertise on medical marijuana. Consult with a team of physicians, psychiatrists, and nurse practitioners that can provide a prescription, help connect you with coverage for your prescription costs (if eligible), refer you to a licensed producer, and help you apply for the ACMPR license.
At MMC, it is our goal to help every patient that could benefit from medical cannabis get access to the medication. Join our Ambassador Program and receive $15 for every person you refer to MMC that becomes a patient. To learn more about Medical Marijuana Consulting and how you can secure a prescription as part of your personalized medical cannabis treatment plan, book a consultation online, contact us at 844-312-5143, or email us at patientcare@medmc.ca.
