CBD oil and medical marijuana are two popular alternative treatments for various medical conditions. While they both come from the cannabis plant, there are important differences between the two.
If you are interested in either option, it’s vital to understand how they differ so you can make an informed decision about what’s right for you. Read on for a complete rundown of CBD oil vs. medical marijuana.
CBD Oil vs. Medical Marijuana
The Basics of Medical Marijuana
Medical marijuana is a plant product that contains hundreds of compounds, including CBD. When people refer to medical marijuana, they’re often talking about using the whole plant to treat a condition. This can be done by smoking, vaporizing, or eating marijuana. It can also be taken as a tincture, pill, or oil.
Using medical marijuana generally involves consuming significant amounts of THC. THC is the main psychoactive compound in marijuana, and it’s what gets people “high.”
Some people use medical marijuana for its CBD content. However, others find that the whole plant product is more effective. This is likely because of the entourage effect, which posits that all the compounds in marijuana work together to produce a greater effect than any one compound alone.
What Is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is a natural, plant-based product that has been shown to have numerous health benefits. Unlike its more famous cousin, THC, CBD does not produce any psychoactive effects. This means it can be used to treat a wide variety of medical conditions without making the patient feel “high.”
CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant and then diluting it with a carrier oil, such as coconut or hemp seed oil.
There are different ways to take CBD, including capsules, gummies, topical creams, and even vape juice. The most effective way to take CBD depends on the individual’s needs and preferences.
While many CBD products contain only CBD, some contain trace amounts of other compounds found within the cannabis plant. Known as full-spectrum CBD, these products allow users to take advantage of the entourage effect.
Which Conditions Are Treated by CBD and Medical Marijuana?
CBD and medical marijuana are both effective treatments for a wide range of medical conditions.
Some of the conditions that CBD may be used to treat include anxiety, depression, chronic pain, inflammation, and epilepsy. CBD may also be used to manage side effects from other treatments, such as chemotherapy.
Medical marijuana is commonly used to treat conditions like chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, and cancer. It may also be used to relieve the side effects of treatment, like nausea and vomiting. In some states, medical marijuana is also approved for the treatment of anxiety and depression.
The Legality of Medical Marijuana and THC Oil in Florida
CBD products that contain only CBD are legal in all 50 states. To use CBD, you do not need a doctor’s prescription.
However, the legal status of medical marijuana and THC oil is more complicated. In Florida, medical marijuana is only legal for patients with certain qualifying conditions who have received a recommendation from a licensed physician.
The conditions that qualify someone for Florida’s medical marijuana program include:
- Cancer
- Epilepsy and other seizure disorders
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Crohn’s disease
- Chronic muscle spasms
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
However, Florida’s medical marijuana law does allow other unlisted conditions to qualify a patient for medical marijuana if a licensed doctor believes they would benefit from it. These unlisted conditions may include anything from ADHD to fibromyalgia to Tourette syndrome.
Which Option Is Right for You?
The decision of whether to use CBD or medical marijuana should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional. They can help you weigh the risks and benefits of each option and make a decision that is best for your individual needs.
If you decide to use medical marijuana, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks. For instance, you may be unable to safely drive a vehicle while the psychoactive effects of THC are active.
CBD is generally considered to be safe, but there is always the potential for side effects. These may include fatigue, diarrhea, and changes in appetite.
When used properly, both CBD and medical marijuana can provide relief from a wide variety of medical conditions. If you have a medical condition and would like to determine which option is right for you, The Medical Marijuana Doctor can help.
We offer free medical marijuana evaluations to Florida residents and can let you know if you are a good candidate for medical marijuana treatment. If approved, we can provide a medical marijuana card certification to set you on the path to relief. Call The Medical Marijuana Doctor at (954) 994-7002 to schedule your free evaluation today!