Virginia medical marijuana patients are extremely lucky compared to neighboring states. Some states have a very strict medical marijuana program and others have no medical marijuana program at all. Virginia cardholders can visit any of the 11 dispensaries throughout the state and have access to medical marijuana in every form.
In other states, many people wait patiently for their government to enact a medical marijuana program of their own. Some states have a medical marijuana program, but cardholders may only buy oils or tinctures.
It’s no wonder why people without safe and legal access to cannabis would grow impatient and seek out other treatments, such as opioids or even CBD.
Most people know that hemp and marijuana are two different things, however, not everybody knows what makes them so different.
What Is Hemp?
Hemp basically is cannabis that contains less than 0.3% of THC, whereas marijuana usually contains between 15-20% THC.
THC is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis which makes people feel “high”. That’s the main difference between hemp and cannabis; it’s very unlikely that hemp will get you high due to its very low THC content.
Another key difference between hemp and cannabis is the legality of the two. In 2018, the Farm Bill passed making it federally legal to grow hemp (cannabis containing less than 0.3% THC) throughout the U.S.
This also made hemp-derived products like CBD federally legal. Marijuana containing more than 0.3% THC is not legal federally and is still considered a Schedule I drug, meaning it has no accepted medical use and is “highly addictive.”
37 states out of 50 disagree with the federal government about that and have legalized marijuana for medicinal purposes. 19 states have already legalized marijuana for recreational use as well.
History of Hemp
You may have heard of hemp before in context other than cannabis. That’s because hemp has a multitude of uses, including the use of its fibers to make clothing, rope, shoes, paper, and more!
Hemp has been used for these things for hundreds of years and counting!
If you’re wondering if you can smoke hemp like you can cannabis, the answer is yes. You can actually smoke the buds of hemp as well as the leaves, if they are dried and cured beforehand.
However, as we previously mentioned, hemp probably will not get you high.
What Is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is only one of about 80 cannabinoids found in all cannabis sativa plants. It’s either derived from hemp or marijuana.
As previously mentioned, CBD products are legal, so long as they contain less than 0.3% THC. However, not all CBD products made from hemp are legal. Technically, it cannot legally be included in dietary supplements or foods.
CBD products can only legally be included in cosmetic products. However, there are thousands of CBD products on the market that are advertised as dietary supplements.
CBD products that claim to have anything to do with dietary health or food should be avoided, because the amount of CBD and other ingredients in them is usually not accurately represented on the label.
CBD is commonly used for anxiety, pain, Parkinson's, Crohn's, and many more conditions. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to support the efficacy of CBD-use for these conditions.
Why Not Both?
If you are wondering if you can use both marijuana and hemp or CBD together, the answer is absolutely!
In Virginia, you can get your very own medical marijuana card, which allows you to legally access safe, natural medicine from any of the dispensaries located across the state.
Many people see plentiful benefits from using CBD and cannabis products in concert with each other. Think about it like this: both products were derived from the same plant. The two things coexist together already.
If you have ever consumed a marijuana product, you already have mixed THC and CBD!
There is also a phenomenon called the entourage effect, which describes how cannabinoids work better when they are combined together rather than apart. This means that combining the two could be very beneficial to your symptoms and pain relief!
The Bottom Line
Hemp is cannabis with less than 0.3% THC content. They are really the same thing, except hemp, or CBD, will not get you high. However, the two are very different in legality.
THC is one of the most powerful cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, and it provides much of marijuana’s pain relief effects. So, if you are in pain and think you may benefit from cannabis, what are you waiting for?
Get Your Medical Card Today!
Medical marijuana is LEGAL in Virginia! You can start finding relief today! Some dispensaries even carry CBD products, so you can try both!
If you are interested in CBD or marijuana, we recommend speaking with a doctor first. We would be happy to help with that!
Schedule an evaluation online today, and we’ll make an appointment for you with one of our knowledgeable, compassionate doctors. Not only will you discuss your condition and options during a virtual appointment in the safety of your own home, but if you reserve an appointment online today, you’ll also save $25 off the cost of the appointment!
We’ll even refund the total appointment cost if you and your doctor conclude that medical marijuana isn’t right for you. You have nothing to lose, and a world of potential health benefits to gain!
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
At Virginia Marijuana Card, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness
safely and conveniently through increased access to MMJ. Our focus on
education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by
providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
Call us at (888) 633-5808, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
Check out Virginia Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the medical marijuana conversation in Virginia!