CBD vs THC — What's the Difference?
A plain-English introduction to two terms medical cannabis patients hear often.
Medical cannabis patients hear the terms CBD and THC constantly, but the terms are often used loosely and rarely explained.
Both are components found in cannabis. Prescribed products contain different combinations of them, which is one reason two patients can be prescribed quite different medicines for quite different reasons.
CBD
CBD-containing products are available in the UK, including some licensed products and some CBD-only wellness products sold outside the medical cannabis pathway. How CBD-based medicines are regulated and assessed is a matter for the MHRA and, where relevant, NICE guidance, alongside your prescriber.
Whether a CBD product is appropriate for you is a decision for your prescribing specialist, based on your circumstances.
THC
THC is another component found in some medical cannabis products. Products vary in how much THC they contain, and some contain none.
Different patients are prescribed different products depending on their specialist's assessment. Your prescription reflects that assessment rather than a general rule.
THC is also a drug specified under the UK's drug driving offence framework. What that means legally can differ depending on whether you are driving in Great Britain or Northern Ireland, so GOV.UK and other official sources are the place to check.
Why understanding your product matters
Whatever you are prescribed, it helps to know the basics of your own treatment:
- what product you're prescribed
- what dose you're taking
- when you take it
Keeping accurate records of these three things supports a clearer understanding of your own treatment, and makes it easier to answer questions from your specialist accurately.
How DriveClear helps
DriveClear lets you record the product, the dose and the intake time for each intake, building an accurate treatment history on your device.
- CBD and THC are different components found in cannabis products.
- Prescribed products contain different combinations, and some contain only CBD.
- Your prescription reflects your specialist's assessment of your circumstances.
- Knowing your product, dose and timing supports better understanding of your treatment.
- Questions about which product suits you belong with your prescriber.
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