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4 min read
Sam North
CBD is a cannabinoid sourced from cannabis and hemp plants. CBD products that contain less than 1 mg of THC (the psychoactive cannabinoid) per container are legal for over-the-counter sale.
Prescribed cannabis-based medicines can contain the same levels of CBD but are legally allowed to contain higher levels of THC.
CBD is one of the many cannabinoids produced by the Cannabis sativa L. genus.
Along with THC (the psychoactive compound responsible for that "high" feeling), there are over 100 other cannabinoids found in different strains of cannabis and hemp plants. CBD and THC are the two 'major' cannabinoids, meaning they are found in far higher concentrations than the others.
Both medical cannabis and CBD products can be sourced from cannabis strains, but CBD products (here in the UK) are mostly made from extracts of hemp plants that produce less than 0.2% THC.
THC content is what sets CBD products and medical cannabis apart. Over-the-counter CBD products are required to have less than 1 mg of THC per container, while prescription cannabis-based medicines can contain higher levels of THC.
It's not a matter of one being better than the other, but rather what your individual health goals are.
CBD products offer certain therapeutic benefits, as do medical cannabis products containing THC. There are also a variety of prescribable cannabis-based medications that offer patients a balanced concentration of both CBD and THC.
That comes down to your reasons for taking therapeutic cannabis options. But you don't have to choose one over the other, medical cannabis is now legal in the UK.
CBD products have you covered if you're looking for a natural supplement to promote overall wellness. CBD has also been shown to:
Medical cannabis products can contain the same (or more) CBD, but offer the added therapeutic benefits related to THC:
The above lists are just a small subsection of the documented therapeutic benefits associated with CBD and THC. For a more in-depth write-up, check out our education section.
Yes, CBD can cause certain unwanted side effects, but for most patients, they are mild and well-tolerated. This includes gastrointestinal discomfort, light-headedness, drowsiness, and changes in appetite or weight. While CBD is available over the counter in the UK, it is recommended to speak with a medical cannabis specialist before adding it to your current treatment plan.
The best option is to speak with a specialist who is not only registered to prescribe medical cannabis in the UK but also has experience doing so for your specific condition.
Here at Releaf, we have a team of cannabis expert clinicians who offer consultations to assess if medical cannabis is right for you. We also have a free eligibility checker that takes less than 30 seconds to complete, giving you a clear idea if you meet the initial criteria for medical cannabis.
It is important to seek medical advice before starting any new treatments. The patient advisors at Releaf are available to provide expert advice and support. Alternatively, click here to book a consultation with one of our specialist doctors.
Get comprehensive care, convenience, and confidence with an all-in-one treatment plan.
Am I eligible?Sam North, a seasoned writer with over five years' experience and expertise in medicinal cannabis, brings clarity to complex concepts, focusing on education and informed use.
All of our articles are written by medical cannabis experts, guided by strict sourcing guidelines, and reference peer-reviewed studies and credible academic research. Our expert clinical team and compliance specialists provide valuable insights to ensure accuracy when required. Learn more in our editorial policy.
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