In a study conducted by the University of Mexico, researchers discovered that THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, the main psychoactive ingredient in the Cannabis plant, has medicinal benefits greater than we thought previously. CBD is currently the socially acceptable Cannabis based product on the market right now due to its low psycho-active potential. The appeal of CBD products is they lack THC and therefore do not produce a high. This makes CBD products legal to sell. Products containing higher levels THC for therapeutic uses are uncommon but have higher efficacy as treatment for various conditions and diseases according to the study.
Products containing THC along with CBD and other cannabinoids are shown to produce more beneficial results for therapeutic use than just CBD alone. According to the research study “By studying products containing both THC and CBD, the authors were able to analyze the relative importance of these cannabinoids for symptom relief and side effect prevalence, advancing previous research examining either chemical in the absence of the other.” This research suggests that THC is not merely just the part of the cannabis plant that produces the high but much more than that. The article states that THC causes a “more intense user experience” and this is the reason why the public appeal for CBD is prevalent. CBD is advertised as a cure all without the high and the demand is understandable but this is not necessarily ideal for symptom relief. I am not arguing against the fact that CBD has medicinal benefits alone, but if patients had more access to THC and CBD based products, it would benefit them more for therapeutic uses. The full spectrum of cannabinoids, also known as the entourage effect, allows for more medicinal potential than an isolated cannabinoid such as CBD.
“Marijuana in its natural form is one of the safest therapeutically active substances known to man.”
DEA Administrative Law Judge – 1988
― Francis Young
The results of the study suggest that THC, paired along with CBD and other cannabinoids, is optimal for symptom relief in patients. Cannabis is emerging as one of the most widely used and desired medications in America for a variety of aliments and conditions. The fact that cannabis plants containing THC are considered a Schedule One substance is prohibiting consumers from being able to order and have access to full spectrum cannabis products. If the federal government supported state medical programs, patients would have more access to what they need and more control over their own healthcare. Cannabis is a non harmful alternative to many of the prescription drugs advertised in our pharmacies. This research supports the therapeutic value of full spectrum cannabis products with THC for medical patients vs CBD cannabis products alone.
Cannathusiast 