People call cannabis a magic plant. And in turn, the plant too stands tall on its status. The cannabis plant has shown its potential to treat many different health conditions, including pain, inflammation, anxiety, PTSD, depression, and many more. And as the research is expanding, we are seeing more and more conditions being added to this list.
But do you know why this plant is so extraordinary?
Medical marijuana doctors credit it to the two main cannabinoids of the herb: CBD and THC.
As per the research, the cannabis plant actually has more than a hundred cannabinoids. And all these work together to make this plant so beneficial. However, out of all these cannabinoids, the most research has been conducted on CBD and THC. And the results say that both these compounds have some amazing properties, making them very beneficial for our body.
CBD and THC have many similarities. However, there are many noticeable differences too. For instance, THC is intoxicating, while CBD isn’t.
There are many such interesting things to learn about these two cannabinoids. And if you are thinking of getting an MMJ card, these facts may come in quite handy while using the plant as a medicine.
Difference Between CBD and THC
CBD and THC both are the compounds of the same plant. However, as I said earlier, there are many noticeable differences too between the two. And these differences can surely influence your next cannabis dispensary visit in many ways.
One of the easiest ways to differentiate between the two cannabis compounds is that the effects of THC make you feel something, while it doesn’t happen with CBD. Now, don’t get me wrong here. When I say CBD doesn’t make you feel anything, it doesn’t mean it doesn’t have any effects. It’s just that THC can be intoxicating for you, as I mentioned earlier. But on the other hand, CBD doesn’t have any such effects. In fact, sometimes, CBD may even curb some of the effects of THC. This may be because, unlike THC, CBD isn’t very good at affecting the CB1 receptors in your body. And when you consume them both at the same time, CBD may stop THC too to bind with these receptors. This means less intoxication.
But what does CBD does then, except for blocking the effects of THC?
CBD individually also has many effects. At lower doses, it may not be visible. But if you take a high dose of CBD, it can induce a very relaxing experience. It’s just like when you step out of a hot bath. You may feel a little tingly, and your mind will also become clear.
How THC Interacts with Your Body?
When THC enters your brain, it interacts with your brain cells, which results in a surge in dopamine levels. The brain also has a significant number of CB1 receptors (ECS receptors). And THC binds itself with them, affecting your brain in many ways. But you should note that not all strains are created equal. Some THC strains may fill you with amazing energy and creativity. While others provide you with a feeling of euphoria, which may take over your whole body in just ten minutes.
The most common effects of THC include:
- Drowsiness
- Relaxation
- Rise in Appetite
- Analgesic
- Euphoria
The medicinal benefits of THC include:
- Insomnia
- Pain
- Glaucoma
- Anxiety
- Nausea; etc.
However, you should note that THC is a biphasic compound. This means a high dose of it may produce the effects that are completely opposite of what you are expecting. And so, you should keep the consumption under control.
But how to know if a dose is high or not? If you are thinking of getting an MMJ card, this is something you should definitely know about.
See, while consuming cannabis you should keep one thing in mind- The herb may affect different people differently. And therefore, if you are consuming a THC rich strain, experts recommend you keep it low and slow, at least in the beginning. Start with a very small dose (less than 5mg), and gradually increase it until you reach a point where it starts showing its effects on you. Once you reach that point, maintain that dosage size until you develop some tolerance.
How CBD Interacts with Your Body
The scientists, until now, haven’t been able to completely figure out how CBD exactly works inside our bodies. However, it definitely has a relationship with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS has two main receptors, CB1 and CB2. CB1 is mainly present inside the brain, and CB2 are distributed all across the body.
Now, unlike THC, which act directly on these receptors, CBD works indirectly. As per the studies, the main work of CBD is to enhance the endocannabinoid level in your body. This way it helps you boost your immunity. Furthermore, CBD also helps you prevent the breakdown of your body’s natural endocannabinoids.
Here are a few of the most common effects of CBD:
- Anti-oxidant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-convulsant
- Neuroprotective
- Anti-anxiety
Some of the medical conditions that CBD can manage include:
- Epilepsy
- High Blood Pressure
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Diabetes
Legality
The laws regarding cannabis in the United States may seem a bit confusing to some people. This is because the plant is still a schedule I drug at the federal level. Many state governments allow the use of cannabis at the local level. However, the laws may vary from place to place. For instance, though a lot of states now allow the use of cannabis, even among those, not all allow recreational cannabis. Therefore, before you apply for an MMJ card, it’s very important you learn about the laws of your particular state.
The laws regarding the CBD-only products may also be a bit different. You should note that a product made from cannabis-derived CBD is still illegal at the federal level. But if your product has hemp-derived CBD, you can use it anywhere in the country.
For people who don’t know, hemp is a version of the cannabis plant only, but with a slight legal difference. “Hemp” is the name given to the cannabis plant that has a THC content of less than 0.3 percent.
The hemp plants are usually grown in a controlled industrial environment. And as it doesn’t have much THC, the product we extract from this isn’t generally intoxicating. For this reason, it is legal even at the federal level.
Concluding Words
As per the research until now, cannabis is definitely a magic plant that can help you with so many medical conditions. And there’s no denying the fact that CBD and THC both have a very major role to play in making the plant what it is. However, you should note that the studies on the plant are still not very extensive. And thus, before using the plant to treat any medical condition, we recommend you consult a qualified doctor. If you and your doctor both agree that it can help you, you can apply for an MMJ card any time you like and enjoy the medicinal benefits of the herb without any hesitation.
