If you have recently received your medical marijuana card in Arizona, you may be wondering how to begin with medical cannabis treatment. After you speak with a physician, along with other users of medical marijuana, you are going to discover some people prefer CBD, while others enjoy THC. Each of these cannabinoids have very diverse effects on the body and mind.
THC Explained
THC, which is actually the shortened name for tetrahydrocannabinol, is one of the two primary cannabinoids present in the marijuana plant. It is also the primary, active substance that creates that “high” sensation. The psychoactive compound interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the body to change the release of specific neurotransmitters present in the brain for those who are trying to regulate varied functions, such as sleep, appetite, stress, and pain. As you can well imagine, the euphoric effect created is very beneficial for patients who suffer from muscle spasms and chronic pain.
There are some patients who opt to consume THC by smoking the crystallized flower. However, there are an array of other methods of consumption to consider today. It’s obvious that not all patients are going to want to smoke the substance to achieve the desired effects. This is especially the case if the person suffers from some type of respiratory issue or if they are bothered by the smell of marijuana.
Thanks to some of the most recent advancements in the medical cannabis industry, patients can now consume marijuana using edibles, vaporizers, THC gel pills, and oil tinctures. While each of these methods will create the same euphoric feeling, there are some that have benefits over others regarding the high’s duration, smell, taste and consistency.
CBD Explained
In more than a few ways, CBD is the exact opposite of THC. It doesn’t have any type of psychoactive effect and it is more common in the hemp plant than in the actual cannabis plant. Instead of producing intoxicating effects, CBD helps to provide many of the same benefits as THC. This includes relieving symptoms like nausea, chronic pain, depression, and anxiety. It can also help in reducing inflammation that’s present in the body.
Some of the many other beneficial health issues that CBD provides include neurological problems, such as autism, PTSD, Parkinson’s disease multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, and dementia, along with certain intestinal problems, such as colitis and Chron’s disease. While research is still going on at the federal level about the advantages offered by CBD, the FDA has recognized the possibility that it can help to alleviate and even prevent epileptic seizures.
Another similarity between CBD and THC is the way that CBD is consumed. It can be taken by several methods, just like THC. However, with this option, smoking is not very popular. Some medical marijuana patients opt to use pure CBD oils as a tincture, which are able to be taken with a dropper by placing the CBD beneath the tongue. Some of the other ways that CBD is taken is through topicals, edibles, and vaporizers. These offer more discreet ways to take the substance.
CBD or THC?
When it comes to choosing between the too, it is often a matter of preference and what your doctor recommends. Be sure to keep this in mind when trying to choose.
