In 2020, both medical marijuana (MMJ) and cannabidiol (CBD) are mentioned in the media, in advertising, and in everyday conversation more than ever before. Both MMJ and CBD have become treatments du jour for a wide range of ailments, from glaucoma to insomnia to chronic pain and even depression. Both substances are improving the lives of millions of people in numerous wonderful ways.
But what are the therapeutic differences between CBD and MMJ? This can be a confusing question for a lot of people, because the two substances are very intermingled (often quite literally) and are mentioned together frequently. Are they the same thing? Are they drastically different?
Well, the fact is that they are not the same thing. MMJ contains CBD, but CBD does not contain MMJ. So while CBD and MMJ have a lot in common, they often have quite different effects and uses. In this article, we will discuss the differences between CBD and MMJ.
Image by Seaweedjeezus on Pixabay: MMJ has many therapeutic benefits.
What Is Marijuana?
Marijuana comes from the cannabis plant. It is a psychoactive substance that is used for medicinal and recreational purposes by people all over the world. The flowers, fruits, and leaves of the cannabis plant are harvested and dried to form marijuana, which can be smoked and inhaled, vaped, or added to foods and drinks.
A Brief History Of Marijuana
The cannabis plant originated in Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Evidence suggests it was used for spiritual purposes in burial ceremonies across Eurasia since before 3,500 BC. It was introduced to the western world in 1842 by Irish physician William Brooke O’Shaughnessy, who researched marijuana while working as a medical officer with the East India Company in Bengal and brought a quantity back to Britain.
Marijuana was first made illegal in the United States in 1906. It remained a criminal offense to use marijuana nationwide until 1973 when, slowly but surely, states began to decriminalize the use of marijuana. In 2012, after much lobbying and deliberation, Washington became the first U.S. state to lift the ban on marijuana. Since then, 33 states and the District of Columbia have legalized medicinal marijuana, and 11 states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational marijuana.
What Is MMJ?
MMJ stands for “medical marijuana”. MMJ is, for all intents and purposes, the same as any other type of marijuana. The distinction comes only in its legal status. In 22 states, marijuana is illegal unless it is for medicinal purposes. In these states, it is not permitted to use marijuana unless it is prescribed by a medical professional.
What Is CBD?
CBD is cannabidiol. It is a cannabinoid that is found in the cannabis plant. CBD is one of the active compounds in marijuana. It is used for medicinal and health-boosting purposes.
Image by CBD-Infos-com on Pixabay: CBD is often used in oil form.
What Are The Therapeutic Differences Between MMJ And CBD?
There are several therapeutic differences between CBD and MMJ. These are important to understand, because they will inform your decision on which substance is best suited for your particular needs.
1. MMJ Has Psychoactive Effects
MMJ has psychoactive effects that are caused by the compound THC. Generally, the more THC a strain of medical marijuana contains, the more psychoactive it will be. While CBD is an active compound in MMJ, it is not in any way psychoactive. CBD, when taken on its own, has no psychoactive effects.
2. Treatment With MMJ Or CBD Requires Different Legal Considerations
A key difference between CBD and MMJ is their status under the law. MMJ is legal in 33 states plus D.C. MMJ is still illegal under federal law, although state laws hold sway and the federal ban only means that MMJ cannot be taken across state lines. CBD, on the other hand, is legal in all 50 states.
3. CBD And MMJ Provide Different Therapeutic Benefits
CBD and MMJ provide different therapeutic benefits. CBD is mainly used to treat pain, insomnia, anxiety, muscle spasms, and IBS. MMJ is used to treat a wider range of medical conditions. including glaucoma, chronic pain, MS, migraines, cancer symptoms, arthritis pain, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
4. CBD And MMJ Have Different Side Effects
The only potential side effects of CBD are mild diarrhea, tiredness, and a change in appetite. MMJ can have stronger side effects that include increased appetite, drowsiness, increased heart rate, dry mouth, nausea, dizziness, paranoia, and exacerbation of schizophrenia symptoms.
5. CBD And MMJ Can Be Ingested In Different Ways
CBD is ingested mainly in oil form. CBD oil can be taken in capsules or added to foods or drinks. MMJ is most commonly smoked, but can also be vaped, eaten, or added to drinks.
How Do You Apply For An MMJ Letter?
The best way to apply for an MMJ letter is to have an online consultation with a licensed MMJ medical professional. MMJRecs is an online telemedicine platform that sets up consultations between MMJ patients and MMJ doctors in their state. Getting an MMJ letter is an easy and quick process that can be done from the comfort of your own home.
Featured image by CBD-Infos-com on Pixabay