Medical marijuana is legal in 36 states, and more and more people are learning how to grow it. It can help with a number of conditions, ranging from arthritis to depression and more. It is important to understand the components of the marijuana plant and the benefits it can have on your health.
Marijuana and its Medical Uses
There are three plants that people are talking about when they mention marijuana: Cannabis indica, Cannabis sativa, and Cannabis ruderalis. They are harvested and dried to create medical marijuana. It has many benefits, including stress relief, relaxation, relief from muscle spasms, and improved sleep quality. Doctors prescribe it to help with many conditions, including epilepsy, Parkinson’s, and PTSD.
Cannabinoids Explained
The compounds that occur naturally in the Cannabis sativa plant are called cannabinoids. There are 66 of them, and the best known is delta 9 THC, a psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. Another component is cannabidiol, better known as CBD.
How Do CBD and THC Differ?
CBD and THC are both compounds that occur naturally in the marijuana plant, and both interact with the endocannabinoid system in your body. The primary difference is that THC has psychoactive effects that make you high, and CBD doesn’t. The compounds have the same molecular structure, but there is a small difference in how the atoms are arranged.
They can interact with your cannabinoid receptors, which causes the release of neurotransmitters in your brain. Through this process, they can help regulate pain, immune function, sleep, stress levels, and more.
Are the Medical Benefits of CBD and THC the Same?
Both compounds have many of the same medical benefits. The difference is that CBD doesn’t provide the high that you get from THC. You can use CBD when you meditate, and you can use higher doses without worrying about getting high or experiencing other side effects, such as dry mouth, increased heart rate, red eyes, and more.
Both come in similar forms, including tinctures, vape cartridges, capsules, and whole flowers. The right one for you will depend on your condition and what you prefer.