Cannabis and CBD are increasingly recognized for their therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiepileptic, anticancer, and antibacterial effects. If you’re considering trying them, this guide provides practical advice to help you make informed choices.
Understanding Cannabis, Hemp, and CBD
Cannabis serves as the umbrella term encompassing both marijuana and hemp. Typically, marijuana is a cannabis variant with higher levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) compared to CBD (cannabidiol), while hemp contains higher concentrations of CBD.
CBD is an active compound in the cannabis plant known for its therapeutic properties, which can be used without inducing a high or intoxicating effect.
In Canada, the legalization of cannabis in 2018 under the Cannabis Act brings strict regulations to both cannabis and CBD. With many products available in various outlets—some unregulated—it’s essential to approach purchases with caution.
Exercise Caution When Purchasing
Numerous products marketed as CBD are available on the market, and as with any consumables, buyers should be diligent. A report from the CDC in 2018 highlighted 52 cases of nausea and seizures linked to synthetic items falsely labeled as CBD.
Ensuring Online Safety
When buying cannabis or CBD online, prioritize your health and security by sourcing from legal establishments. In Canada, purchasing from licensed retailers guarantees the safety of the products you consume, as these businesses adhere to strict regulations from provincial and territorial authorities.
Legally sold cannabis products in Canada display a Canada excise stamp, which assures that “the product is produced to the highest health and safety standards, accurately reflects THC levels, and is free from harmful substances,” according to Public Safety Canada.
In-Store Shopping Tips
Jacob Stevens, founder of Purpose Moose Cannabis, notes that customers of all ages frequent his three Ontario stores, which became operational following one of Ontario’s initial licensing lotteries in January 2019.
Stevens shares two essential tips for in-store cannabis shopping:
- Be clear about what effects you desire so that a budtender can guide you to the appropriate strain. Although they can’t provide health advice, they can share personal experiences.
- Understand your preferred consumption method—options include smoking, vaping, capsules, tinctures/oils, or edibles.
“Choose a shop where you feel comfortable discussing your questions with a budtender. If you don’t feel at ease, consider visiting another store,” advises Stevens.
The Status in the US
At the federal level, cannabis remains illegal in the US. However, as of February 3, 2022, 37 states, four territories, and the District of Columbia have legalized cannabis products for medicinal use. For non-medicinal use, as of November 29, 2021, 18 states, two territories, and the District of Columbia permit its use among adults.
Different Methods of Consumption
There are four primary ways to consume cannabis or CBD:
| Delivery Method | Common Uses | Effects |
| Inhalation | Pipe, bong, vaporizer, joint, hookah | Rapid onset of effects; experience a “high” within minutes |
| Oral-Mucosal | Tincture | Applied under the tongue or sprayed into the mouth |
| Ingestion | Edibles: food or drink infused with cannabis | Effects may take up to 2 hours, complicating dosage estimation |
| Topical | Thick oil extract applied to the skin | Localized relief from pain or inflammation |
Regardless of your method of consumption, the THC and CBD content will influence the physiological effects you experience.
Choosing Between Cannabis and CBD
| Indications | Cannabis | CBD |
| For Seizure Treatment | Epidiolex (a purified CBD product) is FDA-approved for treating seizures associated with specific epileptic conditions. | |
| For Pain or Inflammation Relief | Topically applied balms, oils, and creams. | |
| For Chronic Pain | An increasing amount of research supports using CBD oil for chronic pain management. | |
| For Relaxation/Anxiety Relief | Low doses of THC (around 7.5 mg) may lower anxiety, whereas higher doses can elevate it. | Doses between 300 and 600 mg of CBD have been found effective in reducing both acute anxiety and anxiety in those with social anxiety disorder. |
The Health Benefits of Hempseed Oil
Despite both hemp and cannabis originating from the same plant family, Cannabis sativa L., they are not identical. Hemp seeds contain minimal THC or CBD. However, they do provide valuable nutrition: rich in heart-healthy polyunsaturated fatty acids (like linoleic, alpha-linolenic, and gamma-linolenic) and an ideal omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio.
