5 Articles for People You Want to Introduce to the Therapeutic Effects of Cannabis

So much has been written about the healing effects of cannabis in recent years that certain information may simply blur together. Do you know someone who is hesitating whether to try this method of "treatment"? Or are you the hesitant person? For those of you who have not yet decided to take the first step, we have prepared a summary of five most important articles to familiarize yourself with the medical effects and uses of cannabis.

1. CBD vs. THC: What's the Difference?

Generally, cannabis can be divided into two basic groups based on the content of two most significant cannabinoids – "cannabis with THC" and "cannabis without THC". As the name suggests, the biggest difference is in the content of psychoactive THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which occurs in the first type at levels higher than 0.3%. In the second type – cannabis without THC – the levels of this cannabinoid are at a maximum of 0.3%, with usually higher CBD values. In the Czech Republic, cannabis with THC may only be legally used by patients prescribed this treatment by an authorized physician. Legislation may vary in each country.

CBD and THC have the same chemical composition – 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms – however, their different arrangement makes each substance somewhat different in efficacy. Both cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), specifically with CB1 and CB2 receptors. THC binds directly to the receptor; on the other hand, CBD works as a modulator. In other words, its role is to stimulate or suppress the production of endocannabinoids. Both substances can be considered psychoactive, as they affect perception, but CBD does not affect behavior and mental state at the same level as THC. Each cannabinoid undoubtedly has its uses, which you can see below:

CBD Health Benefits

  • reduces epileptic seizures (see officially approved drug "Epidiolex")

  • acts anti-inflammatory

  • suppresses pain

  • helps treat mental disorders and psychosis

  • prevents nausea

  • acts as an antidepressant and anxiolytic

  • helps with intestinal disease

  • reduces migraines

  • treats insomnia

THC Health Benefits

  • suppresses pain

  • relieves muscle tension (spasticity)

  • helps treat glaucoma

  • treats insomnia

  • increases appetite

  • prevents nausea

  • acts anxiolytically (not for all patients)

Full article here.