As you are likely already aware, there is a large controversy surrounding the idea of the use of marijuana in both medical and recreational settings. So what is all the fuss about?
Marijuana contains two main components, cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC):
CBD:
CBD is a chemical found in the cannabis plant that has the capability to bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain. CBD differs most greatly from THC in the fact that it lacks any psychotropic effects, meaning it won’t directly alter your consciousness, mood, or perception. This gives you the medical benefits without the psychoactive effects.
CBD has been found to help with:
• Pain relief
• Anxiety relief
• Inflammation reduction
• Psychosis relief
• Appetite stimulation
• Nausea reduction
• Seizure/convulsion reduction
• Nervous system degeneration prevention
• Muscle spasm suppression
• Blood sugar management
• Psoriasis treatment
• Inhibited cancerous cell growth
• Reduced risk of artery blockage
• Increased bone growth
• Killing or slowing of bacterial growth
CBD is known to have little to no side effects. The only known side effects from use of this chemical are dry mouth and inability of the liver to break down some pharmaceuticals, which shouldn’t be an issue if you substitute CBD for those medications.
THC:
The main action of THC is producing psychotropic effects, and that is a large part of the draw to marijuana in recreational use. THC also offers some medical benefits, but CBD holds the true medicinal capabilities of the plant.
THC can help:
• Relieve pain
• Reduce nausea and vomiting
• Promote sleep
• Treat post-traumatic stress disorder
• Increase appetite
• Decrease inflammation
• Promote relaxation
• Prevent convulsions
The side effects for the use of the chemical THC include the widely known symptoms of anxiety and paranoia.
Medical use:
Both chemicals, though CBD is greatly more medicinal than THC, and prescribed by doctors in states where medicinal marijuana has been legalized. Some argue that this is because of the entourage effect, where the two chemical works better in conjunction with one another. Others argue that the psychotropic effects of THC can be very beneficial in the ability for pain relief. Either way, it is up for you to educate yourself on the subject and create an informed opinion, as your thoughts toward the matter and the use of THC could greatly influence the future of medicine.
CBD vs. THC: Everything You Need To Know About These Beneficial Cannabinoids
