Is cannabis the same as marijuana? People often use the words “cannabis” and “marijuana” interchangeably, but they have slightly different meanings.

“Cannabis” refers to all products derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. This plant contains approximately 540 different chemical compounds.

“Marijuana” specifically refers to parts of or products from the Cannabis sativa plant that have high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana. Some cannabis plants have very low THC levels and are considered “industrial hemp” under U.S. law.

Throughout this guide, we’ll use the term “cannabis” to refer to the Cannabis sativa plant.

What are cannabinoids? Cannabinoids are a group of compounds found in the cannabis plant.

What are the primary cannabinoids? The main cannabinoids are THC and cannabidiol (CBD).

How many cannabinoids are there? In addition to THC and CBD, researchers have identified more than 100 other cannabinoids.

Has the U.S. FDA approved cannabis or cannabinoids for medical use? The FDA has not approved the entire cannabis plant for medical use. However, they have approved certain drugs containing individual cannabinoids.

Epidiolex, which contains a purified form of CBD from cannabis, is approved to treat specific epilepsy syndromes. Marinol and Syndros contain dronabinol (synthetic THC), while Cesamet contains nabilone (a synthetic compound similar to THC). These drugs are FDA-approved to treat nausea and vomiting from cancer chemotherapy. Dronabinol is also used to address appetite loss in people with HIV/AIDS.

Is it legal for dietary supplements or foods to contain THC or CBD? The FDA has determined that products containing THC or CBD cannot be legally sold as dietary supplements. The legality of foods containing THC or CBD depends on state laws and regulations.

Are cannabis or cannabinoids effective in treating health conditions? Cannabinoid-based drugs may help with certain rare forms of epilepsy, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and appetite loss associated with HIV/AIDS. Some evidence suggests modest benefits for chronic pain and multiple sclerosis symptoms. However, cannabis is not effective for glaucoma. Research on cannabis and cannabinoids for other conditions is in its early stages.

Is cannabis and CBD safe? Several concerns have been raised about the safety of cannabis and cannabinoids:

• Cannabis use has been linked to an increased risk of motor vehicle accidents.
• Smoking cannabis during pregnancy is associated with lower birth weight.
• Some individuals who use cannabis develop cannabis use disorder, with symptoms like cravings, withdrawal, lack of control, and negative effects on personal and professional responsibilities.
• Adolescents using cannabis are more likely to develop cannabis use disorder than adults.
• Cannabis use is linked to a higher risk of injury in older adults.
• Frequent cannabis use may increase the risk of developing severe mental illnesses in individuals predisposed to such conditions, such as schizophrenia.
• Cannabis may cause orthostatic hypotension (dizziness when standing up), which can increase the risk of fainting and falls.
• The FDA has warned against using vaping products containing THC, as they have been associated with severe lung injuries.

There have been reports of accidental cannabis or cannabinoid ingestion by children, leading to severe illnesses requiring hospitalization. Some long-term, high-dose cannabis users have experienced a condition involving severe vomiting.

Contamination of cannabis and cannabinoid products with microorganisms, pesticides, or other substances has also been reported. Some products contain different cannabinoid levels than what is stated on their labels.

Can CBD be harmful? Over-the-counter CBD products may contain more or less CBD than stated, and they can also contain contaminants like THC. CBD may have side effects, including changes in mood, appetite, and gastrointestinal symptoms. It may also produce cognitive impairment in those who regularly use THC. CBD use has been associated with liver injury, male reproductive harm, and drug interactions.

In summary, while cannabis and cannabinoids show promise for certain medical conditions, their use should be approached with caution due to potential risks and varying regulations. It’s important to consult with healthcare providers and follow state laws regarding their use.

The terms “cannabis” and “marijuana” are often used interchangeably, but they have slightly different meanings. “Cannabis” refers to all products derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, which contains approximately 540 different chemical compounds. “Marijuana” specifically refers to parts of or products from the Cannabis sativa plant that have high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana. Some cannabis plants have very low THC levels and are considered “industrial hemp” under U.S. law ¹.

Cannabinoids are a group of compounds found in the cannabis plant. The main cannabinoids are THC and cannabidiol (CBD), but researchers have identified more than 100 other cannabinoids ¹.

The FDA has not approved the entire cannabis plant for medical use. However, they have approved certain drugs containing individual cannabinoids. Epidiolex, which contains a purified form of CBD from cannabis, is approved to treat specific epilepsy syndromes. Marinol and Syndros contain dronabinol (synthetic THC), while Cesamet contains nabilone (a synthetic compound similar to THC). These drugs are FDA-approved to treat nausea and vomiting from cancer chemotherapy. Dronabinol is also used to address appetite loss in people with HIV/AIDS ¹.

The FDA has determined that products containing THC or CBD cannot be legally sold as dietary supplements. The legality of foods containing THC or CBD depends on state laws and regulations ¹.

Cannabinoid-based drugs may help with certain rare forms of epilepsy, nausea and vomiting from cancer chemotherapy, and appetite loss in people with HIV/AIDS. However, more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of cannabis or cannabinoids in treating other health conditions ¹.

¹: Source: NHS England.

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