Is marijuana the same as cannabis?

The terms “cannabis” and “marijuana” are often used as if they’re interchangeable, but they don’t mean exactly the same thing.

• “Cannabis” refers to all products made from the plant Cannabis sativa.

• The Cannabis plant includes roughly 540 natural compounds.

• “Marijuana” specifically refers to parts or products of Cannabis sativa that have high levels of THC, the chemical primarily responsible for its mind-altering effects. Some plants have minimal THC and are classified as hemp rather than marijuana under U.S. law.

For this article, “cannabis” is used to mean the Cannabis sativa plant as a whole.

What are cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant.

Which cannabinoids are most commonly known?

The primary cannabinoids are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

How many cannabinoids exist?

More than 100 different cannabinoids have been identified in the Cannabis plant, in addition to THC and CBD.

Have any cannabinoid-based drugs been approved by the FDA?

Although the cannabis plant itself hasn’t been approved by the FDA for medical treatment, the agency has approved several medications that contain cannabinoids.

• Epidiolex contains purified CBD and is used for certain rare forms of epilepsy.

• Marinol and Syndros contain synthetic THC (known as dronabinol), and Cesamet contains another synthetic compound similar to THC, called nabilone. These medications are used for chemotherapy-related nausea and for stimulating appetite in AIDS patients.

Can THC or CBD be added legally to foods or dietary supplements?

The FDA does not permit THC or CBD in foods or supplements sold across state lines. Individual state laws may authorize their local sale, depending on regional regulations.

Can cannabis or cannabinoids help treat medical conditions?

Medications containing cannabinoids may help with rare epilepsy forms, nausea from chemotherapy, and appetite loss from HIV/AIDS. There’s also early evidence suggesting modest effects in relieving chronic pain and symptoms of multiple sclerosis. They are not helpful for glaucoma. Research is still ongoing and not conclusive for other uses.

Pain

• Studies have shown a small potential for pain relief from cannabis in cases like neuropathic pain.

• Reviews suggest cannabis provided slightly better pain relief than placebos in some trials, although side effects were more common.

Opioid Use Reduction

• Animal research suggests THC may enhance pain relief from opioids, allowing lower doses.

• Human trials have inconsistent results. High-quality studies have not confirmed that combining cannabinoids with opioids reduces opioid use.

• Data from various sources conflict on whether medical cannabis laws impact levels of opioid use or overdose deaths.

Anxiety

• Limited human research suggests that CBD may ease anxiety. One study showed decreased anxiety in people with social anxiety taking CBD. Some benefit for chronic pain patients has also been suggested.

Epilepsy

• CBD has been research-supported and FDA-approved for two rare types of epilepsy. Evidence is limited for broader epilepsy types.

Glaucoma

• Cannabis has been shown to lower intraocular pressure briefly but is less effective than established treatments. Topical CBD may increase eye pressure in some cases.

HIV/AIDS Symptoms

• Dronabinol has been FDA-approved for appetite loss in HIV/AIDS patients. Few small studies have examined cannabis for this use, and findings are limited.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

• Cannabis and cannabis oil have shown limited ability to provide symptom relief in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Research outcomes are mixed and often lack clarity.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

• There has been minimal research on cannabis for IBS. Its effectiveness remains unproven.

Tourette Syndrome

• Two small studies suggested synthetic THC pills may reduce tics in people with Tourette Syndrome.

Multiple Sclerosis

• Various cannabinoid-based medicines have shown mild aids for spasticity, pain, and bladder issues in MS sufferers. Benefit is generally modest and sometimes subjective.

Chemotherapy-Related Nausea and Vomiting

• Cannabinoid medications like dronabinol and nabilone can ease chemotherapy-induced nausea better than placebos and comparably to existing drugs, though they may cause more side effects like dizziness or drowsiness.

PTSD

• Some individuals with PTSD report symptom relief from using cannabis, though research is minimal. A small study showed synthetic THC reduced PTSD-related nightmares. Observational studies don’t confirm consistent benefits.

Sleep Issues

• Some findings indicate improved sleep among ill patients using cannabis, though it is unclear whether improvements result directly from cannabis or from symptom relief.

Are cannabis products safe?

There are identified risks with cannabis and cannabinoid use:

• Driving impairment and increased accident risk
• Lower birth weights with prenatal cannabis exposure
• Cannabis use disorder development, especially in teens
• Increased injury risk for older adults
• Higher chance of psychotic disorders in at-risk individuals
• Potential dizziness and drops in blood pressure
• Lung injuries possibly related to vaping products with THC
• Accidental ingestion by children can lead to emergency hospitalization
• Possible chronic vomiting syndrome with heavy use
• Contamination of products with toxins or inaccuracies in labeling

Are there risks with CBD?

Unlike FDA-approved Epidiolex, over-the-counter CBD may contain inconsistent amounts and possible THC contamination. Even purified CBD can cause side effects like sleepiness, mood changes, diarrhea, and may interact with other medications. It may also impact the liver and male reproductive system.

NCCIH Research on Cannabis and Cannabinoids

The NCCIH funds studies to better understand how components in cannabis might help manage pain. These include research on lesser-known cannabinoids and the terpenes of cannabis, as well as alternative production methods and possible links between cannabis use and diseases like type 2 diabetes.

Keep in Mind

• Don't delay visits to medical professionals by relying solely on cannabis or cannabinoids.
• Always consult with your healthcare provider about any supplements or treatments you are considering. Informed decisions are best made together.