CBD vs THC
There are approximately 480 different compounds within the cannabis plant including over 300 non-cannabinoid compounds.
The cannabis plant produces between 80-100 cannabinoids with two of the main active cannabinoids being THC and CBD.
THC
- The only psychoactive component of medical cannabis.
- May be responsible for the analgesic and anti-emetic properties of cannabis.
- Recommended that patients start with low THC strains and gradually titrate the dose.
- Start low and go slow.
CBD
- The most studied non-euphoric cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant.
- It is not a cannbinoid receptor agonist.
- CBD may reduce the psychotropic effects produced by THC.
- Clinical studies suggest that CBD has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-nauseant, anti-emetic, anti-psychotic, anti-ischemic, antixiolytic and anti-epileptic effects.
Cannabinoid Benefits & Possible Side Effects
| THC | CBD | |
|---|---|---|
| Benefits | Antiemetic | Anxiolytic |
| Neuroprotective | Anti-epileptic | |
| Anti-epileptic (some cases) | Anti-inflammatory | |
| Anxiolytic (some cases) | Immun-modulation | |
| Analgesic, pain relief | Anti-psychotic | |
| Decrease sleep apnea index and insomnia | Neuroprotective | |
| Possible side effects (dependent on dose and pt) |
Nausea | Diarrhea |
| Dizziness/hypotension | Dry mouth | |
| Short term memory loss | Fatigue | |
| Change in appetite | P450 inhibition | |
| Anxiety/paranoia/temp toxic/psychotic symptoms | Changes in appetite |
Modes Of Delivery
The 3 main ways to take medical cannabis are:
- Orally administration – Oils.
- Orally administration – Capsules.
- Inhalation – Vaporising dried flowers.
Oral Administration – Oils
- Absorbed from the digestive system into the blood stream.
- Slower onset and more predictable response than inhalation.
- Onset of action takes 30-90 minutes.
- Max effect experienced at 2-3 hours / Effects last 4-8 hours.
- Ideal for management of chronic condition.
Oral Administration – Capsules
- Higher bioavailability (small intestine release).
- Measured dose.
- Can break capsule and mix microbeads with food if desired.
- Ideal for management of chronic condition.
Inhalation – Vaporised cannabis Flower
- Absorbed from the lung into the bloodstream to the brain.
- Max effect experienced within 15 minutes.
- Helpful for treatment of acute symptoms requiring fast response.
Product Selection
Indica-dominant strains tend to have more calming effects, while sativa-dominant strains tend to have more stimulating effects.
