Over the span of a few years, the popularity of cannabis-infused products has multifold. And why not? The incredible properties of these products can cure a wide range of health concerns. Whether you feel stressed after a long day at work or dealing with chronic pain, cannabidiol can provide you relief from almost everything.
However, before you use any cannabis product, it is essential to consult your physician or doctor. Doctors can diagnose your condition and recommend the right product and the appropriate dosage.
The reason is that you can effortlessly buy over-the-counter CBD as well as medical cannabis from local dispensaries. Though both types of products are interlinked (derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant), they cast different impressions on the user.
That’s why understanding the difference between both and consulting the physician is crucial. But before we dig deeper, let’s learn some basics of cannabis.
What Is Cannabis?
Cannabis is the collective name of three psychoactive plants: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. Majorly it is derived from the Sativa plant’s flowers.
These flowers are harvested and dried to get the two most widely used stains: Hemp and Marijuana (also known as weed or pot.) Commonly, any product associated with hemp or marijuana is termed cannabis.
While both the components are from the same plant, the THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) in hemp products is less than 0.3%. On the other hand, it is high in marijuana- an average of 14%.
Note: THC is the compound that makes the user high and is the major difference between medical cannabis and OTC CBD.
What Is Medical Cannabis?
As the name suggests, medical cannabis is used to treat disease and severe health conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, cancer, or glaucoma. Because medical cannabis products have high THC, doctors or physicians recommend these ONLY after proper diagnoses.
Without a valid prescription, a person might consume a high dosage and get intoxicated. To avoid such a situation, it is wise to begin the consumption in small amounts.
It is also noteworthy that cannabis and medical cannabis are different. Cannabis is used for recreational purposes, while the latter is purely for medicinal causes. The use of medical marijuana is reduced as the person’s health improves.
What Is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is derived from hemp and is known to be the second most active ingredient of the plant. However, unlike its cousin component- THC, CBD does not get you high. That’s why it is safe to use.
Even so, it is not necessary that cannabidiol-based products only have CBD. Instead, it could potentially have other hemp compounds such as terpenes, flavonoids, and more. Accordingly, they are divided into full-spectrum and broad-spectrum.
According to 420DC, you can buy CBD products from the local dispensary or get them delivered to your doorstep without a recommendation letter (or marijuana card). Despite that, it is essential to consult the budtender for an appropriate dose.
What Is The Difference Between Medical Cannabis And OTC CBD?
Medical cannabis and OTC CBD products are often used to relieve stress and boost health. However, they both differ in consumption methods, effects, and accessibility. Here’s how:
- Consumption Method: Depending on the disease, medical cannabis strains are typically consumed via smoking, vaping, and cooking (as brownies or other food items). That means you’ll need some equipment and have to learn the proper techniques to consume the product.
On the other hand, OTC cannabidiol products are readily available as edibles, topicals, and tinctures. So, you can directly eat or apply it whenever you want.
- Effects: As cannabis is high in THC, it may take you to euphoric land- making you feel good. Indeed, it will play its part in improving your health. However, it can make your mouth dry, increase your appetite and cause slow reaction time.
Cannabidiol products have little to no THC, so you will not get any psychoactive effects. Still, the products will help you destress and boost your overall well-being. If you desire a specific type of relaxation, let’s say, from the symptoms of ADHD, you can ask the budtender for related products and dosage.
- Accessibility: Both medical cannabis and OTC CBD are available at licensed dispensaries. However, when you need strains to treat health, you need a doctor’s or physician’s recommendation letter or marijuana card. Otherwise, you cannot get the desired products.
You do not need such a prescription for CBD products. Instead, you can save yourself from the hassle of visiting the dispensary by placing your order online for the product required and getting them delivered to your home.
| Key Difference | Medical Cannabis | CBD |
| Derived From Cannabis Sativa | Yes | Yes |
| High Levels Of CBD | No | Yes |
| High Levels Of THC | Yes | No |
| Requires Recommendation Letter | Yes | No |
| Potent Effects | High | Low |
| Commonly Consumed As | Dried Flower, Stains, and Oil | Edible, Topicals and Tinctures |
How Can You Find The Best Quality Products Near You?
Whether you are buying a product for medical purposes or to relax, it is important to try only the best quality product. For this, you need to visit the nearby licensed dispensary. Before making the purchase take a look around the dispensary and learn about the products.
Most dispensaries have qualified budtenders who can advise you on the product according to your need. At the time of purchase, they’ll ask for your ID (to ensure you are over the legal age) and proceed with the payment. Know that not all dispensaries accept card payments. So be prepared to pay in cash.
In case you need medical cannabis, simply visit the counter and show them the recommendation letter. You may or may not need to sign a document to keep a record of your dosage. And that’s all!
Tip: If you want an over-the-counter CBD product, look for a reliable and licensed dispensary online and place your order.
Wrapping It All Up
Even though medical cannabis and OTC CBD belong to the same family, their effect on the user varies significantly. Therefore, before you buy or consume any product, it is vital to learn about how it will impact your body. Using this information, you can enjoy the incredible health benefits of cannabis products without worrying about aftereffects.
