Hemp CBD vs. Marijuana CBD: What Patients Need to Know

CBD (cannabidiol) has gained recognition as a natural alternative for managing a wide array of health conditions. However, it’s important to understand that not all CBD products are created equal. The source of CBD—whether hemp or marijuana—plays a significant role in its potential effectiveness. Here’s a detailed guide to help you make informed choices about your health.

Hemp and marijuana are both varieties of the Cannabis sativa plant, but they are grown and used for different purposes. These differences affect the CBD extracted from each source.

Hemp

  • Legally defined as cannabis plants containing less than 0.3% THC by dry weight.
  • Traditionally cultivated for industrial uses such as textiles, paper, and seeds.
  • Primarily a source of CBD with very low levels of other cannabinoids, including THC.

Marijuana

  • Refers to cannabis plants with THC levels exceeding 0.3%, often ranging from 1% to over 30%.
  • Cultivated for its therapeutic properties.
  • A richer source of cannabinoids like THC, CBD, flavonoids  and terpenes, which contribute to its medical potential.

Hemp CBD vs. Marijuana CBD: The Science Behind the Difference

1. Cannabinoid Profile

  • Hemp CBD:
     Primarily CBD with minimal THC and fewer minor cannabinoids (like CBG and CBN).
  • Marijuana CBD:
     Contains CBD, THC, and a diverse range of minor cannabinoids and terpenes, which work together to produce the entourage effect—a phenomenon where cannabinoids and terpenes synergize for enhanced therapeutic effects.

2. Terpene Content

Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis that influence its therapeutic effects.

  • Hemp CBD has a limited terpene variety.
  • Marijuana CBD offers a broader array of terpenes, amplifying its medical effects.

Why Marijuana CBD is the Medical Standard

The Entourage Effect: A Game-Changer

The entourage effect enhances the combined impact of cannabinoids and terpenes, making marijuana-derived CBD more effective for conditions such as:

  • Chronic Pain: Studies show THC and CBD together outperform CBD alone.
  • Epilepsy: Trace amounts of THC in marijuana-derived CBD enhance its effectiveness in seizure control.
  • Neurological Disorders: Conditions like multiple sclerosis benefit from the broad-spectrum effects of marijuana CBD.

Medical Versatility and Personalization

Marijuana CBD allows for precise customization of cannabinoid ratios to match specific conditions:

  • High-CBD, low-THC blends for epilepsy or anxiety.
  • Balanced CBD:THC ratios for pain management or inflammation.

Evidence-Based Benefits of Marijuana CBD

  • Epilepsy Relief: A landmark study in The New England Journal of Medicine (2017) demonstrated that marijuana-derived CBD reduced seizures in patients with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. The trace THC in marijuana-derived CBD played a role in maximizing its effectiveness.
  • Pain Management: Research in Frontiers in Pharmacology (2018) showed that full-spectrum marijuana CBD offered superior pain relief compared to CBD isolate from hemp.
  • Anxiety and PTSD: A 2019 study in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that marijuana-derived CBD with THC significantly reduced anxiety symptoms through interactions with the brain’s CB1 receptors.
  • Cancer Symptom Relief: A study in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology (2012) revealed that marijuana-derived CBD provided better relief for chemotherapy-induced nausea and pain.

Your Next Step: Personalized Cannabis Assessment

Navigating the world of cannabis medicine can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At the Greenleaf Medical Clinic, our physicians specialize in tailoring cannabis-based treatments to your unique needs. Whether you’re exploring CBD for chronic pain, anxiety, or other symptoms, our team will guide you every step of the way.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to choosing between hemp CBD and marijuana CBD, the latter is often the superior choice for medical use. Its diverse cannabinoid and terpene profile, combined with the entourage effect, makes it a powerful option for treating complex conditions. For patients seeking effective, evidence-based care, marijuana-derived CBD is the medical standard.

Ready to explore how cannabis medicine can help you? Apply now to become a patient today!

References

  1. Devinsky, O., et al. (2017). “Trial of Cannabidiol for Drug-Resistant Seizures in the Dravet Syndrome.” The New England Journal of Medicine. 
  2. Russo, E. B. (2011). “Taming THC: Potential Cannabis Synergy and Phytocannabinoid-Terpenoid Entourage Effects.” British Journal of Pharmacology.
  3. Shannon, S., et al. (2019). “Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series.” The Permanente Journal. 
  4. Abrams, D. I., et al. (2007). “Cannabis in Painful HIV-Associated Sensory Neuropathy.” Neurology.