BlogWhat is the difference between medical cannabis and CBD?

What is the difference between medical cannabis and CBD?

4 min read

Sam North

What is the difference between medical cannabis and CBD

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.

Contents

How is CBD different from medical cannabis?

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.

What are the legal distinctions?

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.

Is CBD better than THC, or the other way around?

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.

Why choose THC over CBD?

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.

Does CBD have any negative side effects?

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.

How do you find the best option for you?

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.

Elevate your wellness with medical cannabis

Get comprehensive care, convenience, and confidence with an all-in-one treatment plan.

Am I eligible?
Authors

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.

Editorial Policy

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.


Further reading

Could cannabis help with neuropathic pain?

Neuropathic pain is a common type of pain that is caused by damage to the nervous system. It can be linked to various sources, including disease and injury; however, sufficient treatment can often be difficult to achieve. As medical cannabis becomes more widely available, a growing number of patients may wonder whether it could be an effective alternative or add-on therapy to conventional treatments for neuropathic pain.

Emily Ledger

Experts explain: Dr Maria Knöbel on medical cannabis and menopause

Around the world, medical cannabis and menopause are subjects that have been unfairly deaminised and stigmatised for generations. From a lack of public awareness and professional understanding, to misinformation and misconceptions, thankfully, now this rhetoric is starting to change - and that’s something we’re keen to be a part of.

Lucy MacKinnon