The cannabis plant has a long and confusing history, and has taken on quite a few different names over the years. But understanding the different cannabis terms, is very important, especially when it comes to making a cannabis purchase in the new age of legalization.
Pot, weed, sticky-icky, marijuana, bud, indica, and sativa are all slang terms used to describe the marijuana species of the cannabis plant which contain the psychoactive component, a molecule named Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC for short).
But there’s also CBD and hemp which don’t get you high. And different ratio’s which contain both CBD & THC.
In this article we’ll “keep up with the Jones’s”, and explore all the cannabis related terminology, the differences, and expert reviews on the benefits on the cannabis plant.
Let’s Dive In.
The Difference Between Marijuana vs. Cannabis vs. Hemp
Understanding cannabis terminology is actually a lot simpler than it seems.
Cannabis –
The term “Cannabis” is the overall species name of the plant, which has two sub-species of both Marijuana and Hemp.
Both ‘Marijuana’ and ‘Hemp’ are different sub-species of the Cannabis plant.
What makes the cannabis plant ‘medically interesting’ is the 113 molecular compounds that are naturally produced and found in the Cannabis plant. These 100+ compounds are called Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids from the cannabis plant are important because they directly interact with the human body by attaching themselves to a network of receptors which are part of our Central Nervous System
All mammals also produce cannabinoids naturally within our own bodies.
This network of receptors (which is part of the central nervous system) inside the human body is known as the Endo-Cannabinoid System (ECS). And the main role of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), is to maintain balance and homeostasis inside the body.
Summary: The cannabis plant produces cannabinoids, which fit like a ‘lock and key’ into our body’s endo-cannabinoid system (ecs).
It’s this interaction with the ECS that is critical for understanding the medical benefits of the cannabis plant.
Marijuana –
The marijuana sub-species of the cannabis plant is commonly known for getting people ‘high’ due to the larger concentration of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) molecules.
Marijuana plants also contain CBD, CBN, CBG and a hundred other cannabinoids, but in much less concentration.
Sativa vs Indica
All marijuana is broken up into 2 main strains. 1 Cannabis Sativa. 2. Cannabis Indica.
Although sativa and indica plants are biologically different, the difference in effects is mainly user independent and largely anecdotal. Although many of the stereotypes outlined below DO ‘ring true’ for many cannabis enthusiasts.
Sativa –
Most cannabis workers describe sativa as an energizing, uplifting, and cerebral experience.
Sativa strains are often marketed for use during the daytime for physical activity or activities that require a high level of social interaction. The cannabis industry also uses this association as a way to market sativa products to specific target markets.
The effects of sativa strains have also been known to provide a wide range of creative highs that may jumpstart your creativity and energy.
When it comes to the plant itself, cannabis sativa plants are known to have long, thin leaves, as compared to an indicas much shorter broader leaves.
Indica –
Most cannabis workers describe indica as a strain with sedating, relaxing, and strong physical effects. Anecdotally, marijuana consumers describe indica as calming, “”couch-lock””, and deep relaxation.
THC – Tetrahydrocannabinol
The tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) molecule fits directly into the receptors in the human body’s endo-cannabinoid system (ECS). It’s this direct fit between the endo-cannabinoid system’s CB1 receptor, and the THC molecule, that is directly responsible for the ‘therapeutic’ effects of cannabis.
It’s because of the “therapeutic effects” (high feeling) of THC, that the cannabis plant has been demonized for generations.
According to both Harvard Medical & Healthline, THC is used to help with the following:
- Pain
- Muscle Spasticity
- Glaucoma
- PTSD
- Insomnia
- Low Appetite
- Nausea
- Anxiety
The status of THC remains an illegal drug in most countries including at the federal level in the united states (despite over 70% of states with legal cannabis).
[Here’s another article we wrote on Why Cannabis is (still) Illegal in the United States]
Hemp –
By look, the hemp species is nearly identical to cannabis indica and cannabis sativa plants. Except, hemp contains little to no THC molecules.
While the hemp sub-species does contain little to no THC molecules, hemp does contain a higher concentration of cannabidiol (CBD) molecules.
Hemp is also known as a commodity for it’s fiber’s high tensile strength properties.
CBD – Cannabidiol
CBD is a compound that comes from the cannabis plant, but (unlike THC) CBD doesn’t get you ‘high’. In fact, just the opposite. CBD actually counters the psychoactive effects (high feeling) of THC.
In 2018, CBD was made federally legal at the highest levels of government, and again, it doesn’t get you ‘high’.
The CBD molecule also interacts with your body’s endo-cannabinoid system’s CB1 receptor, but in a very different manner than the THC molecule.
CBD is used to help with other various conditions, such as:
- Seizures
- Inflammation
- Pain
- Psychosis or Mental Disorders
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBS)
- Nausea
- Migraines
- Depression
- Anxiety
Both THC and CBD are important compounds contained in Cannabis plants. Each has a different set of effects, which we will discuss in a few minutes.
CBD vs. THC: INSIDE YOUR BODY
CBD and THC both interact (although differently) with two types of ‘endo-cannabinoid receptors’.
Cannabinoid Receptors Type 1 (CB1) – CB1 receptors are critical to our central nervous system and are most heavily concentrated in our brain and spinal cord.
Cannabinoid Receptors Type 2 (CB2) – CB2 receptors are concentrated in various parts of the immune system, the skin cells, and most internal organs.
Researchers have found that it’s THC’s interaction with the CB1 receptor that is responsible for the psychoactive ‘high’ feeling.
Being too ‘high’, much like being drunk, can result in an altered ‘state of consciousness’.
Both THC and CBD interact with the CB1 receptor. But while THC fits directly into the CB1 receptor (causing a high feeling)…CBD attaches to the CB1 receptor differently, which actually blocks THC from the receptor.
This is why some people take CBD after accidentally taking too much THC.
Marijuana vs. Hemp: THC vs. CBD
- Marijuana plants typically contain between 15-20% THC and up to 10% CBD.
- While Hemp plants typically contain less than 1% THC and up to 20% CBD.
Because of this difference in THC to CBD content, the medical benefits, uses, effects, and legal status differ from state to state and country to country.
Hemp is federally legal in the United States, while Marijuana remains federally illegal.
As of 2022, 70% of the USA has legalized some form of marijuana use, either medically or recreational.
Legal Status: Hemp vs. Marijuana & THC vs. CBD
THC is currently illegal in the eyes of the federal government, but it wasn’t always that way.
I did some digging and found that in 1937, the use of cannabis was restricted and banned after passing the Marijuana Tax Act.
The act was passed with-out any documented scientific evidence.
In 1970 the ‘Controlled Substance Act’ was passed which assigned cannabis a Schedule I drug. (schedule 1 drugs are said to have no medical benefit and have the harshest punishments)
Again, The act was passed with-out any documented scientific evidence.
Years later, one of the biggest influencers of banning marijuana spoke up.
“Did we know we were lying about the drugs? Of course we did.”
– John Ehrlichman
Since cannabis was classified as a schedule 1 drug it carried higher penalties than both Cocaine and Meth!
In 2012, Washington State & Colorado became the 1st states to not only decriminalize, but fully legalize marijuana for recreational use.
In 2014 the ‘farm bill’ was passed into law which defined industrial hemp as different from marijuana.
Finally in 2018, a new version of the 2014 farm bill was passed which ‘cleaned up the language’ & made hemp (with less than 0.3% THC) federally legal in all 50 states at the national level.
As of 2021, 36 states (72% of the US) have either recreations or medical marijuana (THC) programs.
Effects: Marijuana vs. Hemp (THC vs. CBD)
The effects of both marijuana and hemp (and THC vs. CBD) are quite different.
In a nutshell, THC is commonly associated with treating pain, sleep / insomnia, and nausea. THC also has a psycho-active component which is responsible for what commonly known as a “”high”” feeling.
CBD is mainly associated with anxiety relief, as an anti-inflammatory, and as an immune system balancing agent. CBD does not cause any “”high””.
Only a relaxed feeling.
Medical Uses: Marijuana vs. Hemp (THC vs. CBD)
When dealing with medical marijuana frequently the THC and CBD are extracted from the marijuana and hemp plants and then later combined in a specific ratio.
The medical benefits of both THC & CBD come from their interaction with the human Endo-Cannabinoid System, specifically the CB1 and CB2 receptors.
THC and CBD are combined at different ratios for maximum medical benefit depending on the condition.
For example, a vape pen with a 1:1, THC to CBD ratio, would be great for anxiety because the CBD will balance out the THC.
However, a product with a 20:1, THC to CBD ratio, would be better for pain because of the higher concentration of THC.
Due to what’s known as ‘the entourage effect’ CBD, THC and other trace elements on cannabis work better when combined with one another.
8 THC Medical Benefits:
- Pain relief
- Reducing muscle spasticity
- Managing glaucoma
- Improving insomnia
- Increasing appetite
- Treating nausea
- Helping with anxiety
- Headaches
13 CBD Medical Benefits:
- Reducing seizures
- Management of inflammatory bowel disease
- Treating nausea
- Medication for migraines
- Helping with depression
- Decreasing inflammation
- Lowering pain
- Managing psychosis or other mental disorders
- Helping with anxiety
- Balancing immune system responses
- Relieving autism symptoms
- Treating skin disorders
- Improving problems related to PMS as well as menopause
Side Effects: THC vs. CBD
Cannabis products with high levels of THC can have temporary side effects including:
- Increased appetite (munchies)
- An increase in heart rate.
- Dryness of the mouth
- Redness of the eyes
- Heightened sense of awareness
- Mild “”high”” feeling
Interesting enough, CBD doses are well-tolerated and do not involve a lot of in any potential side effects.
The only thing you need to be aware of when consuming CBD, is to avoid drug-to-drug reactions as much as you can.
Be cautious of the composition of other medications that you are taking. You must discuss your current medication routine with your physician.
Drug Testing: THC vs. CBD
Both THC and CBD are easy to detect via blood tests because each of them accumulates in body fat.
However, most if not all common drug tests are specific for THC and not for CBD.
So, if you have used marijuana, which has a high content of THC in it, you will get a positive result on a drug test.
It’s important to note that hemp can produce small quantities of THC as well. This THC, even though little, can still show up on blood tests.
Luckily, most states are getting rid of antiquated and outdated drug testing policies.
Conclusion: Cannabis vs. Marijuana vs. Hemp (THC vs. CBD)
Cannabis is a general term or family name. Marijuana and Hemp plants are both sub-specific and individual types of cannabis.
It’s important to understand that marijuana typically contains high concentrations of THC, while Hemp typically contains high concentrations of CBD.
Most cannabis products these days contain both THC and CBD in different ratios.
The different ratios of THC vs CBD are very important depending on your medical condition.
Different states have different laws for THC. While CBD has been cleared as 100% federally legal.
As more tests are done, and as more and more people are seeing the benefits of marijuana, laws will continue to change.
Check Out Out Our Other Interesting Articles About CBD…
- Using Psilocybin and CBD To Quit Addictions
- What’s the Difference: Marijuana vs. Cannabis vs. CBD vs. THC vs. Hemp ?
- CBD vs Xanax: CBD As A Natural Alternative to Xanax for Anxiety
- CBD Oil Praised As Natural Remedy for Mental Wellness
- This Is The Reason Why CBD (Might) Show Up On Your Drug Test ?
- DON’T Buy CBD On Amazon: Here’s Why
- Using CBD To Quit Weed: The Science (and my experience)
- CBD vs. Zoloft: A Natural Alternative For Anxiety?
- Why Does Weed Make (Some) People Feel Paranoid ? Cannabis Explained
- Why Is Cannabis (still) Illegal in the United States ?
- CBD As a Prednisone Alternative For Dogs
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Big thanks for diving in with us today!
Loved what you read?
Hit that share button and let the world in on the secret – we’d be thrilled!
Got thoughts? We’re all ears for your feedback, corrections, or a good old chat. Don’t be shy; drop us a line.
And hey, don’t miss out on our curated list of must-reads in the recommended books section.
Big thanks for diving in with us today!
