One of the most important things for patients to know when choosing to use hemp or cannabis as medicine is knowing the physiologic effects of the molecules in each plant. Just so we are clear: I will be writing about two plants (hemp and cannabis) and two molecules (CBD and THC).
Just so we are clear: I will be writing about two plants (hemp and cannabis) and two molecules (CBD and THC).
Hemp is a strain of cannabis (Cannabis sativa) that has been grown for industrial uses for thousands of years. Historically, industrial hemp’s strong fibers have been used to make paper, clothing, biodegradable products, and textiles. Governments usually put a limit on the amount of THC that hemp can contain. Cannabis is a broad term for a family of flowering plants (the family Cannabaceae) with two main strains: Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. Cannabis has been used for its oils and fibers as hemp has, but because of the much higher THC content, cannabis has long been associated with “reefer madness” and usually mentioned in the context of stoners on couches with the munchies. This is no longer the case!
CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are just two of the many phytocannabinoids (chemical compounds) identified in both hemp and cannabis. Researchers have isolated over 113 phytocannabinoids in cannabis and over 70 in hemp (contrary to popular belief, there has been a lot of research on cannabis.)
In their natural state, both plants contain THC and CBD but in differing amounts, which ultimately leads to different medicinal uses. CBD has gained popularity because of the anti-inflammatory and calming effects it produces, while THC is psychoactive and can give people a “high” (of note, cannabis is much more complex than just “getting you high”).
Both hemp and cannabis contain CBD, but their THC levels are very different. In Georgia, hemp growers must prove through extensive lab testing that their plants contain less than .03% THC. Cannabis, on the other hand, has around 25-30% THC. Big difference.
Both hemp and cannabis contain CBD, but their THC levels are very different. CBD as .03% THC and Cannabis has 25-30% THC.
If you are buying hemp-derived CBD oil, please pay attention to the label. In some hemp oils, the THC has been extracted/burned off so it only contains CBD. Some patients may prefer this, as they may not want to risk having a positive drug screen (it CAN happen regardless of what the sales person says!) Or, are overall opposed to using any THC at all, which is understandable. In full-spectrum hemp oils, you will get both CBD and a low amount of THC (again, less than .03%).
In Georgia, our current laws (as of November 2019, the original publish date of this article) now allow for the use of cannabis-derived Low THC Oil, which contains CBD along with 5% THC (much higher than hemp products). This higher THC concentration opens the door for many more medicinal uses for patients with epilepsy, Parkinson’s, autism, cancer, nausea, tremors, anxiety, PTSD, depression, insomnia, and more. I could go on and on!
If you noticed, I wrote that cannabis contains 25-30% THC. The THC content in the Low THC Oil is diluted down to 5% while keeping the CBD in full force. This allows for the medicinal benefits of THC but without getting patients high. Brilliant, Georgia. Brilliant.
In my opinion, you get the most benefits with Low THC Oil & full-spectrum hemp oils because THC and CBD work synergistically to produce an effect known as “The Entourage Effect.” I will discuss this in my next post!
-Kristin Gore, MD
Southern Medical Therapeutics, Founder & Director
Southern Medical Therapeutics is a holistic medical clinic specializing in treatment plans incorporating low-dose THC oil located in Griffin, Georgia. Dr. Kristin Gore is a board certified Family Medicine physician with experience in global health/tropical medicine, urgent care, geriatric medicine, adolescent medicine, and pediatrics. She has completed several medical cannabis certification programs including the intensive horticulture and business program from Oaksterdam University, America’s first cannabis college, in order to serve her patients with the highest possible care.