Understanding
THC and CBD/Key differences

Understanding THC and CBD: The Key Differences

At MOCA Health, we aim to provide our patients with the best medicinal cannabis treatments tailored to their specific needs. Two of the most important compounds found in cannabis are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Both have unique properties and potential therapeutic benefits, but they affect the body in different ways. Understanding the differences between THC and CBD is crucial for determining the most effective treatment options for a variety of medical conditions.

What Is THC?

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, responsible for the “high” sensation that people often associate with recreational marijuana use. However, THC also has therapeutic benefits that are increasingly being recognized in the medical field.

Key Benefits of THC:

• Pain Relief: THC has been shown to be effective in alleviating various forms of pain, especially chronic pain related to conditions like arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and neuropathy.

• Anti-Inflammatory Properties: THC helps reduce inflammation, which is beneficial for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.

• Nausea and Vomiting Control: THC is used to manage nausea and vomiting, particularly for patients undergoing chemotherapy or those with chronic conditions like Crohn’s disease.

• Appetite Stimulation: THC is known to stimulate appetite, which can be beneficial for patients experiencing weight loss or appetite suppression due to medical conditions or treatments like chemotherapy.

While THC has these valuable therapeutic properties, it is important to remember that its psychoactive effects can be undesirable for some patients. This is why the appropriate THC dosage is critical for patients, and why MOCA Health tailors treatment plans to ensure that patients receive the right amount of THC without experiencing unwanted effects.

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is another major compound found in cannabis, but unlike THC, it is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not produce a "high." CBD has become widely recognized for its therapeutic potential, and recent research continues to explore its many possible uses.

Key Benefits of CBD:

• Anxiety and Stress Reduction: CBD has been shown to have anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects. It is commonly used to help manage anxiety disorders, stress, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

• Anti-Seizure Properties: CBD has been proven to be effective in treating certain types of seizures, particularly in patients with epilepsy. In fact, one of the most well-known CBD-based medications, Epidiolex, has been approved for the treatment of severe epilepsy.

• Pain and Inflammation Relief: While CBD is not as potent as THC for pain relief, it has strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making it useful for managing conditions such as chronic pain, muscle soreness, and inflammatory diseases.

• Sleep Aid: CBD has sedative effects that can help patients with insomnia or other sleep-related issues achieve a more restful night’s sleep without the risks associated with traditional sleep medications.

Because CBD is non-psychoactive, it is a preferred option for many patients who need the benefits of medicinal cannabis without the mental effects caused by THC.

THC vs. CBD: The Key Differences

Property

THC

CBD

Psychoactive

Yes, it produces a “high”

No, it does not produce a high

Effect on Pain

Effective for acute and chronic pain

Helpful for chronic pain and inflammation

Effect on Anxiety

Can increase anxiety in high doses

Reduces anxiety and promotes relaxation

Effect on Sleep

Can induce drowsiness in moderate doses

Promotes restful sleep without sedation

Effect on Appetite

Stimulates appetite

Does not affect appetite

Legal Status

Legal in medical use in Australia

Legal in medical use in Australia

Potential Side Effects

Dry mouth, red eyes, short-term memory loss

Generally well-tolerated, but may cause fatigue in some users

How MOCA Health Uses THC and CBD in Medicinal Cannabis Treatments

At MOCA Health, we understand that each patient is unique and that medicinal cannabis treatments should be personalized to meet individual health needs. This is why we offer customizable cannabis products that allow our healthcare providers to tailor treatments with specific THC:CBD ratios to suit each patient's condition and goals.

Customized Dosages and Product Types

Our medicinal cannabis oils, capsules, and topicals contain different ratios of THC and CBD to address a range of medical conditions. Our healthcare professionals carefully select the most appropriate formulations for each patient based on their medical history, symptoms, and preferences.

• Santiago Blend (10:10): This product offers a 10mg/ml THC and 10mg/ml CBD blend, providing a balanced approach for patients seeking relief from both pain and anxiety without the strong psychoactive effects of THC. This blend is suitable for those starting medicinal cannabis treatment.

• Rainbow Blend (25:25): A more potent formulation with a 25mg/ml THC and 25mg/ml CBD balance, the Rainbow Blend is recommended for patients with moderate to severe symptoms of chronic pain, insomnia, or anxiety.

• Flamingo (25mg/ml THC): This oil is highly concentrated in THC and is ideal for patients who require high levels of THC for severe pain management or other conditions that respond well to THC but do not require CBD.

• 99.9% Pure Organic CBD: For patients who prefer the non-psychoactive benefits of CBD, we offer a pure CBD product that contains no THC, ideal for treating conditions like anxiety, inflammation, or sleep disturbances.

Adjusting THC and CBD Ratios for Individual Needs

Our healthcare professionals carefully monitor each patient's response to medicinal cannabis and adjust THC:CBD ratios based on feedback and progress. By gradually increasing or decreasing the THC and CBD content, we can ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes while minimizing side effects.

For example, a patient with chronic pain may begin with a high CBD product to avoid the psychoactive effects of THC and focus on pain relief. If the patient’s pain persists or worsens, we may gradually introduce a higher THC content to provide stronger pain relief. Similarly, patients with anxiety might benefit from higher CBD doses, while those dealing with chronic conditions like cancer or severe nerve pain might require more THC for adequate symptom control.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between THC and CBD is essential for tailoring effective treatment plans with medicinal cannabis. At MOCA Health, our personalized approach ensures that patients receive the right combination of THC and CBD to address their specific conditions. Whether you're seeking relief from chronic pain, anxiety, or other health concerns, we offer a range of medicinal cannabis products designed to help you achieve the best possible outcome.

If you're ready to explore how THC and CBD can work together to manage your health, book a telehealth consultation with MOCA Health today. Our experienced team is here to guide you through your treatment options and provide the support you need on your journey to wellness.