Is medical cannabis the same as recreational marijuana?

Although the terms "cannabis" and "marijuana" are often used interchangeably, they do not mean exactly the same thing, especially when distinguishing between medical and recreational use. The term "cannabis" refers to all products derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, which contains about 540 chemical substances. "Marijuana" refers to parts or products of the Cannabis sativa plant that contain significant amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the substance primarily responsible for the psychological effects that alter a person's mental state [2].

Some cannabis plants contain very low levels of THC. Under some laws, these plants are considered "hemp" rather than marijuana [2]. Medical cannabis, on the other hand, refers to the use of parts of the cannabis plant or its derivatives to treat specific health conditions. Medical cannabis differs from recreational marijuana in its focus on therapeutic benefits and specific dosages, and it is often under medical supervision.

Key Active Ingredients

The cannabis plant contains chemicals that affect the brain and can alter how one feels or thinks. The main active ingredients are cannabinoids, which include [1]:

• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): This substance causes the feeling of euphoria or a "high." Recreational marijuana products contain high levels of THC [1].
• Cannabidiol (CBD): This component does not cause a "high" [1]. CBD may help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and alleviate anxiety [3].

In medical cannabis, preparations containing specific ratios of THC and CBD may be prioritized based on the condition being treated. For example, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved medications containing synthetic forms of THC to treat nausea caused by chemotherapy and to increase appetite in people suffering from significant weight loss [1]. It has also approved a liquid medication containing CBD for treating three severe forms of childhood epilepsy [1].

Uses and Legal Status

Cannabis is used in various ways, including smoking, in foods and beverages, as concentrated oils, electronic vaporizers, liquid drops under the tongue, or topical preparations [1]. Topical products typically do not cause a "high" [1].

The legal status of cannabis varies significantly between countries and regions. In many places, recreational cannabis remains illegal under federal law, while rules have been somewhat relaxed for medical cannabis and FDA-approved cannabis-derived medications [1]. Most states in the U.S. allow the use of medical cannabis, and about half also allow recreational use for adults aged 21 and older [1].

Side Effects and Risks

Cannabis can cause short-term and long-term effects that vary based on factors such as the amount used, frequency of use, THC level, method of administration, other medications taken concurrently, underlying health conditions, age, gender, and previous experience with cannabis [1]. Short-term effects include changes in senses, altered sense of time, mood changes, problems with body movement, difficulty with thinking and memory, increased appetite, and slowed reaction time [1].

Long-term, cannabis can cause health problems such as brain development issues, coughing and breathing problems if smoked frequently, recurrent episodes of nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain due to heavy, chronic use, and fetal and child development issues if smoked during pregnancy [1]. Heavy, chronic use of cannabis is linked to an increased risk of cancer, digestive system problems, heart problems, and mental health issues [1].

It is important to consult a doctor before using any cannabis-containing products, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications. For more comprehensive information on medical cannabis, you can visit Medical Cannabis: Benefits, Risks, and Legislation (Arabic).

Medical references

• Cannabis
• Cannabis (Marijuana) and Cannabinoids: What You Need To Know
• Cannabis and Cannabinoids (PDQ®)–Patient Version