{"id":57634,"date":"2023-03-23T09:30:43","date_gmt":"2023-03-23T13:30:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=57634"},"modified":"2024-10-25T10:48:42","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T14:48:42","slug":"cbd-vs-marijuana","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/cbd-vs-marijuana\/","title":{"rendered":"How to explain CBD vs. marijuana to patients"},"content":{"rendered":"

An estimated <\/span>1 in 3 Americans<\/span><\/a> have tried CBD at least once. As the <\/span>most accessible healthcare professionals<\/span><\/a>, pharmacists can play a crucial role in helping patients determine if a CBD or marijuana product may be safe for them. Whether it be in product selection, checking for drug-drug interactions, or patient education, a pharmacist can provide insightful knowledge to those considering using a marijuana or CBD-derived product. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

This article will review what a pharmacist should know about marijuana and CBD and how to guide patients with questions about the difference, safety, and effectiveness of these products.<\/span><\/p>\n

Understanding the difference between CBD vs. marijuana<\/span><\/h2>\n

Cannabinoids are compounds found in the cannabis plant, <\/span>Cannabis sativa<\/span><\/i>. <\/span>Marijuana<\/span><\/a>, also called cannabis, contains more than 100 cannabinoids. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the cannabinoid responsible for producing the mind-altering effects or “high” associated with marijuana use. THC oils and concentrates are used in vaping devices, with higher amounts of THC correlating with more significant effects of marijuana.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cannabidiol (CBD)<\/span><\/a> is also a cannabinoid, but its consumption does not cause a “high.” The United States Congress legalized CBD derived from hemp in 2018 when the <\/span>Agricultural Improvement Act<\/span><\/a> was signed into law, removing hemp from the Federal Controlled Substances Act. Hemp is any part of the cannabis plant that contains no more than 0.3% THC, which correlates with lessened psychoactive effects.<\/span><\/p>\n

CBD is known to interact with at least <\/span>65 receptors<\/span><\/a> in the body. CBD works on vanilloid receptors, which are involved in pain, inflammation, body temperature, convulsions, psychosis, and many other functions and pathologies. CBD also affects serotonin and dopamine receptors, thus potentially impacting mood, anxiety, and blood pressure.<\/span><\/p>\n