Perhaps you’re curious about the health properties of medical marijuana, but your doctor suggests CBD instead. CBD is one of the many compounds in the cannabis plant, and it is said to have a lot of health benefits. This article will explain the relationship between CBD and medical marijuana and why these products differ.
CBD vs. THC: Different Properties and Benefits
CBD has gained popularity in recent years as one of the major cannabinoids from the Cannabis Sativa plant. On the other hand, THC, tetrahydrocannabinol, is another active cannabinoid found in cannabis. Both CBD and THC may have some therapeutic benefits but take effect in separate ways in the body.
Meanwhile, medical marijuana is typically low in CBD and is made up of dried cannabis flowers. It is used just like recreational cannabis and contains high amounts of THC, producing a euphoric effect. By itself, CBD oil may also be an effective treatment for anxiety, pain and other severe health conditions.
CBD vs THC: Psychoactive Effects Differences
The major difference between CBD and THC is that CBD doesn’t cause any highness. It offers a relaxing, calming relief from pain, anxiety and inflammation without intoxication. CBD may also provide the mood-boosting effects of THC without any psychoactive reaction and won’t drastically affect your mental state.
However, THC extracts may also be used for its therapeutic effects. However, it is proven to be highly intoxicating and larger doses can cause “highness”. The feeling of highness characterized by a euphoric sensation can cause paranoia, hallucinations or psychoactive reactions. In some countries, THC is banned and classified as an illegal substance.
CBD vs Medical Cannabis: Different laws In Australia
By 2021, the Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) approved selling low-dose CBD products over-the-counter in Australian pharmacies. Based on this provision, buying a low-dose CBD item containing less than 150 mg per day is legal. This was after the TGA scheduled the substance as a pharmacist-only medication.
Meanwhile, only two medical cannabis products are approved as a medication in Australia. Epidolex is one of the two cannabis drugs regulated for treating severe cases of childhood epilepsy. Likewise, Sativex is the second approved cannabis-based medicine for rare multiple sclerosis. And, these CBD drugs can only be given based on your doctor’s recommendation.
CBD vs Medical Cannabis: Different Ways To Buy In Australia
Australian regulations set high standards for selling and consuming low-dose CBD products within the country. At the moment, no CBD-based product has been approved for pharmacist-sale for human consumption. This is because no CBD business is yet to meet the quality and efficacy standards set by the TGA.
Before any product can be approved by the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), it must prove that it follows all TGA standards. In addition, only regulated products with a third-party lab test can get ARTG approval. Currently, some cannabis businesses in Australia have applied to the ARTG for a sale license.
Conclusion: CBD and Medical Marijuana Are Not The Same Thing
Medical marijuana contains high amounts of THC and has the same composition as recreational marijuana. It may be used as an alternative treatment for rare and terminal illnesses. However, CBD and Medical Marijuana are not the same; CBD doesn’t cause any highness or intoxicating effects but medical marijuana may cause psychoactive reactions like paranoia.
Like medical marijuana, Australian CBD may also supplement standard prescription drugs, but it is not psychoactive. Medical marijuana also contains little to no CBD, and these substances have different effects on the body. Overall, it’s good to keep in mind that CBD and medical marijuana are not the same things.