CBD And Medical Marijuana: All You Need To Know

Medical marijuana, along with other cannabis products, is growing in popularity across the country. As a result, people are becoming more and more curious about the natural compounds found in marijuana and how it may be able to help them. Here’s what you need to know about CBD and medical marijuana, including how they are used and what each may be able to do for you.

What Is CBD?

CBD (cannabidiol) is a chemical compound derived from the marijuana or hemp plant. It’s a natural substance that people use to help treat chronic pain and other medical conditions, since it can help to create feelings of calmness and relaxation in the user and treat other symptoms. CBD either does not contain THC or has only trace amounts, which means it doesn’t have the psychoactive properties many people associate with marijuana – making it legal in states where medical marijuana is not yet available. In these states, you do not need a prescription for CBD.

The Health Benefits Of CBD

Many studies have been done on CBD, uncovering a slew of health benefits associated with its use. These include:

  • Pain relief. CBD has been found to help reduce pain associated with certain conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, especially in combination with THC.
  • May reduce depression and anxiety. In both human and animal studies, CBD has been found to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
  • Alleviation of cancer-related symptoms. Some of the side effects of cancer treatment, such as pain, vomiting, and nausea, have been found to be reduced with use of CBD.
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Image by Enecta Cannabis extracts on Unsplash: CBD and medical marijuana: It pays to know the pros and cons of each so you can harness their power in your life!

What Is Medical Marijuana?

Medical marijuana is marijuana cultivated specifically for use in the treatment of medical conditions or diseases. The marijuana plant contains a chemical called delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. THC has a psychoactive effect on the brain, inducing the feelings of euphoria that many people associate with the plant.

Uses Of Medical Marijuana

Medical marijuana has been used to treat a variety of conditions, such as:

If you live in a state that has approved the use of medical marijuana, you can get an MMJ card that entitles you to buy, grow, and possess certain amounts of medical marijuana.

What Are The Differences Between CBD And Medical Marijuana?

CBD and medical marijuana have different side effects for different people. CBD has been found to be tolerated in very large doses, and the side effects that are possible usually occur due to drug interactions between the CBD and any medications you may be taking.

Medical marijuana and the THC it contains, on the other hand, is associated with several side effects. These may include:

  • Dry mouth
  • Slow reaction time
  • Increased heart rate
  • Red eyes
  • Coordination issues
  • Memory loss

These side effects are due to the psychoactive effects of the THC – something you don’t find with CBD, simply because it contains much less THC. Rest assured that neither compound is fatal, but high THC use can have lasting effects, especially in adolescents who use large amounts of THC.

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Image by Esteban Lopez on Unsplash: Should you use CBD or medical marijuana? Talk to your health care provider to find out more.

How to Get an MMJ Letter

The state you live in has its own procedures for obtaining an MMJ card. In most states, you need an MMJ letter from a doctor in order to qualify. This is something MMJRecs can help you with! All you need to do is get a medical evaluation online by filling out a form and uploading any required documents. Then you’re free to use the letter to apply for an MMJ card in your state.

The Final Word

If you’re still wondering “Should I use CBD or medical marijuana?”, the answer comes down to your personal circumstances. THC and CBD both have medical benefits and both are safe to use, but it’s important to consider how they may impact you, especially if you take other medications. Talk to your health care practitioner to find out which option is best for you, and put the power of CBD and medical marijuana to use in your life today!

Featured image by CBD Infos on Unsplash