Medicinal cannabis is an ever-evolving industry with many technical terms that you may not be familiar with. Below are a few terms and concepts to gain a basic understanding of if you’re interested in learning more about medicinal cannabis.

Ailments

A medical condition or symptom that can be improved using medicinal cannabis. Some of the common ailments treated with medicinal cannabis include certain types of chronic pain, anxiety, depression, inflammation, and nausea.

Indica Strain

A type of cannabis strain that is known for its sedative effects and is commonly used to treat pain, inflammation, and anxiety. Indica strains are more potent than Sativa strains and provide more of a body high.

Sativa Strain

A type of cannabis strain that is known for its energising effects and is commonly used to treat depression, fatigue, and nausea. Sativa strains offer a cerebral experience but are less potent than Indica strains.

Hybrid Strain

A type of cannabis strain that is made by combining Indica and Sativa strains. Hybrid strains provide a combination of effects from both types of strains, depending on the ratio of Indica to Sativa used in the strain.

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)

The main psychoactive component in marijuana that produces the feeling of being “high” or intoxicated. THC has been used medicinally to help with various conditions such as pain management, relief from nausea associated with chemotherapy, muscle spasms due to multiple sclerosis, anxiety, PTSD, and depression.

CBD (Cannabidiol)

A non-psychoactive chemical component found in cannabis that has been used to treat conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, and inflammation. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce a high or intoxication but can help to relax the body and mind. While it is not psychoactive like THC, some evidence suggests that it may have medicinal benefits.

THC Vs. CBD

The two main active ingredients in cannabis, THC and CBD, have different effects on the body. THC is psychoactive and produces the euphoric “high” that many people associate with marijuana use, while CBD does not produce a high but can help to relax the body and mind.

Both THC and CBD interact with the endocannabinoid system of our bodies, albeit differently, which is why they each have different effects. It is important to know that THC may be more potent at providing medicinal benefits than CBD; however, it also has greater potential for abuse because of its ability to produce a psychoactive high. Therefore, it is important to understand the difference between THC and CBD when considering cannabis as medicine.

Clinics

Medical establishments offering medicinal cannabis products containing both THC and CBD to provide the most effective relief. These clinics will have qualified medical professionals and doctors that are familiar with federal and state-wide legislation concerning medicinal cannabis.

Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is Australia’s regulatory body for therapeutic goods and thus has jurisdiction over the sale of cannabis products. It is important to be aware that medicinal cannabis must be prescribed by a medical professional and not purchased directly from a dispensary or store.