We have put together some basic information to get you started on the understanding of how cannabis can work for you! There is a lot of information regarding the difference types of medical marijuana from marijuana dispensaries, and this page is here to set the facts straight.
We know that you have heard a lot about Medical Cannabis and this page is so that you can get the facts straight!
If you need recertification for your MMCC card, or you are a new patient looking to register, please visit our New Patient Registration Page.
CBD vs. THC
Both CBD and THC are a type of active chemical compound called cannabinoids. Since CBD and THC are both plant-based, they are known more specifically as photo cannabinoids. Even though THC and CBD are both cannabinoids, they interact with and affect the body in different ways, leading to different results.
Another important distinction to make when discussing the differences between the cannabinoids CBD and THC, is the difference between Hemp and Marijuana.
Hemp vs. Marijuana
CBD’s distinct effects on the human body, while non-psychoactive, are easier to understand when you consider where your CBD is coming from. CBD can come from either a hemp plant or the marijuana plant.
While hemp and marijuana are both members of the same species of plant, Cannabis sativa L, the two plants are unique in their chemical makeup. These chemical differences mean that hemp and marijuana are often used for very different purposes.
Despite these differences, hemp is often wrongly lumped in with its illicit cousin marijuana in prohibition. That is far from the truth, and below we explore the important distinctions between these two members of the cannabis family next.
The use of cannabis and cannabinoids is growing in the U.S. and around the world, with many interested in taking advantage of the benefits of cannabinoids. However, some curious individuals are hesitant to use cannabinoids because of marijuana’s potential intoxicating psychoactive effects. If you are someone who is reluctant to use cannabis products because you do not want to experience psychoactive side effects, consider CBD products instead.
Is CBD Psychoactive?
Because CBD products are federally legal and becoming much more popular over the last few years, many people are wondering, “Is CBD psychoactive?” In fact, this is one of the most common questions CBD experts get from individuals interested in trying CBD.
The answer is a definitive no. CBD is not psychoactive. However, perhaps the better question is whether CBD is intoxicating or not. While the question is slightly different, the answer is the same. CBD alone is not intoxicating and will not produce any of the euphoric feelings commonly associated with cannabis use.
Cannabis features many active compounds that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to produce various effects when ingested. The two most well-known compounds are cannabinoids called THC (which is short for tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (short for cannabidiol). The key difference between THC and CBD is that CBD does not produce any intoxicating effects.
THC is the chemical found in cannabis that produces psychoactive effects and euphoric feelings. Marijuana naturally contains higher levels of THC, explaining why using marijuana tends to have such effects. CBD is naturally found in higher quantities in hemp. CBD products made from pure hemp, such as the products found in the Medical Marijuana, Inc. store, contain no more than trace levels of THC.
Some users report feeling increased relaxation when taking CBD. While this may be misperceived as being intoxicated, it is simply an effect of the CBD and shouldn’t be confused with the impairing psychoactive effects of THC. As such, low-THC and CBD products with no detectable amount of THC offer the natural benefits of cannaboid oil without THC’s intoxicating, or psychoactive, effects.
Now that we have answered the question “Is CBD psychoactive?”, read more below about the differences between CBD and THC and discover the difference between hemp and marijuana.
I think people need to be educated to the fact that marijuana is not a drug. Marijuana is a flower God put it there.
Potential Side Effects
A complete overview of the potential side effects you can expect when using marijuana.
Whether a person uses marijuana for its therapeutic or euphoric properties, at times it can produce a variety of physical and psychological side effects. Not everybody experiences the same effects, and reactions can vary depending on the type of cannabis and the way it’s consumed. Still, it’s best to understand some possible side effects that you may experience.
The primary effect caused by marijuana that most people are familiar with is the psychoactive response or euphoric effects that users often feel. This mind-altering response is caused by tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, a cannabinoid that makes its way to the bloodstream and eventually interacts with the body’s endo cannabinoid system and its specialized cannabinoid receptors in the central and peripheral nervous systems.
For those who use marijuana for recreational purposes, the euphoric effects caused by THC are desirable. However, these pleasurable effects often come with other related side effects. <strong><a href="https://marylandgreenscriptcannabis.com/2021/06/13/medical-marijuana-for-anxiety-in-maryland/">Marijuana is also known to help with treating anxiety</a></strong>.
Effects of Cannabis
Sometimes, marijuana strains that contain high amounts of THC can:
alter your senses: marijuana is known to enhance one’s senses, altering the way things taste, sound, look, etc.
cause disorientation or dizziness: it is not uncommon for marijuana users to feel lightheaded, which can cause some discomfort in sensitive users.
slow reaction time and impair body movement: Marijuana has been shown to slow motor control. This can make it difficult for some users to complete certain tasks, such as driving.
cause short-term memory issues: Marijuana has been known to inhibit the ability to form short-term memories.
cause drowsiness or sleepiness: Marijuana can also cause drowsiness in some users. While some look for these effects to help them sleep, users should be aware of this side effect is consuming marijuana during the day.
create dry mouth: One commonly reported side effect is a dry sensation in the mouth. This effect seems to be caused by the involvement of the endo cannabinoid system in the inhibition of saliva secretion.
How long it takes for many of these effects to develop depends on how the marijuana is consumed. When marijuana is smoked or vaped, your body will absorb the THC much more quickly than when it’s taken orally and has to first be digested in the stomach.
Because of these potential short term effects, a person should plan ahead when consuming cannabis that contains THC to avoid driving a vehicle, handling heavy machinery, or taking on other important responsibility for a period afterward. The full effects of marijuana, including side effects, usually wear off after 3 to 4 hours.
Pre-Approved Maryland State Dispensaries
Alternative Medicine Maryland LLC (District 32: Anne Arundel
County)
Earthgroup Inc. (District 14: Montgomery County)
Bethesda Biomedical Inc. (District 22: Prince George’s
County)
Bloomworks Wellness LLC (District 3: Frederick Co
unty)
BluPharms LLC (District 21: Anne Arundel & Prince George's Counties)
Blue Ridge Wellness LLC (District 8: Baltimore County)
Canna Pharmacy Maryland LLC (District 47: Prince George's County)
Charm
CityRelief Partners LLC (District 44: Baltimore City & BaltimoreCounty)
Chesapeake Integrated Health Institute LLC (District 40: Baltimore City)
Columbia Care MD LLC (District 18: Montgomery County)
Compassionate Herbal Alternatives Inc. (District 25: Prince George's County)
DLD Enterprises Inc (District 5: Carroll County)
Durjaya LLC (District 33: Anne Arundel County)
Evolution Wellness LLC (District 30: Anne Arundel
County)
Farmalogics Health & Wellness LLC (District 9: Carroll & Howard Counties)
Four Green Fields LLC (District 35: Cecil & Harford Co
unties )
GreenMart of Maryland (District 6: Baltimore County)
Jova Wellness Center (District 26: Prince George's County)
LinLar LLC (District 24: Prince George's County)
Maryland Alternative Relief Inc. (District 19: Montgomery County)
Maryland Health & Wellness Inc. (District 2: Washington County)
Maryland Natural Treatment Solutions LLC (District 31: Anne Arundel County)
Maryland Physician Partners LLC (District 31: Anne Arundel County)
Metropolitan Medicinals LLC (District 25: Prince George's County)
MGTM LLC (District 33: Anne Arundel County)
Mission Maryland LLC (District 44: Baltimore City & Baltimore County)
MMRC (District 10: Baltimore County)
MyBond LLC (District 5: Carroll
County)
PharmaCann LLC (District 18: Montgomery County)
Premium Medicine of Maryland LLC (District 19: Montgomery County)
Pure Hana Synergy LLC (District 21: Anne Arundel & Prince George's Counties)
Revolution Maryland Retail LLC (District 34: Harford County)
Sugarloaf Enterprises (District 17: Montgomery County)
The Apothecary LLC (District 1: Allegany, Garrett & Washington Counties)
The SENTEL Group LLC (District 23: Prince George's County)
Tilstar LLC (District 37: Caroline, Dorchester, Talbot & Wicomico Cou
nties))
WadeWomen LLC-Dr. Dot’s (District 40: Baltimore City)