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What Are the Medical Benefits of CBD vs. THC?
Understanding Medical Marijuana: THC vs. CBD
Understanding the difference between THC and CBD, along with the medical benefits of each separately and together, can vastly improve treatment strategies for medical marijuana patients.
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Iowa residents who are currently living with any of the conditions that qualify for treatment with medical marijuana can get an Iowa marijuana card and shop at licensed cannabis dispensaries for effective natural relief from their symptoms.
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Finding the course of medical cannabis treatment that works for you can take a bit of experimentation, but our doctors and patient support representatives are here to help! In addition to being here six days a week to answer all your questions, our website and blog are top resources for medical marijuana patients in Iowa looking to educate themselves on the health benefits of using cannabis.
THC refers to one of the many cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. While there are many cannabinoids in cannabis, THC has the longest (and most controversial) history when it comes to public understanding.
THC is the cannabinoid that landed cannabis on the Federal Controlled Substances list, and its psychoactive properties were exaggerated in the 1930s to scare the public into thinking marijuana would cause Reefer Madness.
While it is true that THC can cause intoxication, it will not cause users to lose their entire sense of reality. On the contrary, some studies have shown that cannabis containing THC may improve symptoms of psychosis in some patients being treated for mental illness.
Medical marijuana patients enjoy using THC for its powerful antiemetic, analgesic, antispasmodic and potential sleep-enhancing properties. THC is popular in the treatment of multiple sclerosis and other neurological diseases, nausea, PTSD, anxiety, and chronic pain.
Common uses for THC:
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Euphoria and relaxation
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Sleep aid
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Appetite stimulant
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Painkiller
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Antiemetic
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Muscle relaxant
Cannabidiol, commonly referred to as CBD, has only come onto the scene as a popular component of cannabis since the 2018 Farm Bill legalized the commercial production of hemp and its derivatives. CBD is most abundant in hemp, which is differentiated from marijuana by its lack of THC.
CBD has exploded in popularity over the last few years, mainly because users can still get many of the health benefits of cannabis without worrying about breaking the law or becoming intoxicated. The medical benefits of CBD are less researched than those of THC, but it is understood that CBD has its unique healing properties.
It has become one of the most recognized natural treatments for epileptic seizures, and parents have found hope in treating childhood epilepsy naturally and effectively with a regimen of CBD.
Some benefits of CBD include pain and inflammation relief, antipsychotic effects, reduction of anxiety, aid to fight cancer growth, relieving nausea, treating seizures and other neurological disorders, lowering the incidence of diabetes, and promoting cardiovascular health.
Common uses for CBD:
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Anti-anxiety
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Neuroprotective
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Anticonvulsant
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Antipsychotic
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Anti-tumor
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Painkiller
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Anti-inflammatory
Research indicates that CBD may be useful in treating a variety of medical conditions, including:
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Schizophrenia – Reduce psychotic symptoms
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Seizures -- Reduce the number of seizures and can calm painful symptoms
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Social anxiety disorder – Lower anxiety
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Depression – Reduce depressive symptoms
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Side effects of cancer treatment – Decrease pain and nausea while stimulating appetite
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Although schizophrenia, social anxiety disorders, and depression are not among the qualifying conditions, you can still be approved under a different condition since they can be side effects.
THC is nearly equal in its effectiveness. Some of the medical conditions that benefit from THC use include:
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Chronic Pain - Reduce inflammation, nerve pain, and muscle spasms
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Side effects of chemotherapy – Reduce nausea and vomiting while increasing appetite
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Multiple sclerosis – Improve spasticity and bladder function while reducing painful spasms and central pain
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Glaucoma – Reduce pressure inside the eye
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AIDS – Alleviate symptoms by stimulating appetite and eating
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Spinal injury – Lessen tremors
CBD and THC both work with the endocannabinoid system, the body's internal network of neurotransmitters and neuroreceptors that help restore homeostasis and bring balance back when internal or external changes happen.
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CBD and THC are not the only cannabinoids that interact with the endocannabinoid system. Others include CBN, CBG, and CBC. Getting the full spectrum of cannabinoids (or even just CBD and THC) can activate the entourage effect. This refers to the combined effects of these cannabinoids working together to create even more powerful healing benefits.
CBD Can Help Reduce Intoxication from THC
One thing that makes combining CBD and THC so appealing to medical marijuana patients is the fact that CBD can help reduce the intoxicating effects of THC. When you combine the two, the healing properties are more powerful, and you might not get quite as "high" as you would from only taking THC.
Research indicates that even large doses of CBD are well tolerated and safe. There have been some reports of dry mouth, light-headedness, and drowsiness. A recent research review examining the safety and side effects of CBD concluded that CBD appeared to be safe in humans and animals. Even chronic use of CBD by humans has been shown to cause no adverse neurological, psychiatric, or clinical effects.
Side Effects of CBD
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Drowsiness
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Dry mouth
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Increased or reduced appetite
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Diarrhea
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*May cause blood thinners to be more effective. Talk to your doctor to ensure you properly regulate your dose if you decide to use CBD while taking blood thinners.
Side Effects of THC
While there is a risk of some negative side effects from THC, according to the National Cancer Institute it is not possible to have a fatal overdose. The psychoactive properties of THC, however, can cause temporary side effects:
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Memory impairments
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Lowered reaction time
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Increased heart rate
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Dry mouth
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Red eyes
The legality of cannabinoid products in Iowa depends on their source and concentration.
CBD products are legal in Iowa as long as they are derived from hemp containing less than 0.3% THC. Hemp-derived CBD was legalized federally under the 2018 Farm Bill, and Iowa adopted its own Hemp Act in 2019 to align with those standards. However, Iowa law prohibits CBD products that contain higher levels of THC unless they are approved through the state’s Medical Cannabidiol Program.
In Iowa, marijuana remains illegal for recreational use, and products containing THC above the federal limit are only accessible to registered patients. The state’s Medical Cannabidiol Program allows individuals with qualifying conditions to purchase regulated products that contain both CBD and THC in specific ratios. These products must be obtained from state-licensed dispensaries and can only be recommended by a certified healthcare provider.
Licensed dispensaries across Iowa offer a variety of medical cannabidiol products, including formulations with both THC and CBD, available in different ratios and formats such as capsules, tinctures, and topical creams.
You might be able to buy CBD just about anywhere in Iowa, but what you're getting is not monitored for quality or safety by any regulatory authority. Many CBD brands sold on shelves at gas stations and drug stores are labeled inaccurately, aren't extracted from quality hemp, and may even contain dangerous toxins like pesticides and extraction residue.
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​By contrast, products available through Iowa’s Medical Cannabidiol Program, whether they contain THC, CBD, or both, are tightly regulated for potency, purity, and safety. Even CBD-only options at licensed dispensaries must meet strict testing requirements, ensuring you're getting exactly what's on the label. Additionally, THC-containing products tend to offer greater symptom relief for many conditions, especially when combined with CBD in precise ratios. Having a medical card not only gives you access to these more effective products but also ensures you’re using cannabinoids under the guidance of trained professionals.​
Absolutely! However, before you can visit a dispensary and purchase any THC or CBD products, you need to receive your medical marijuana card in Iowa. If you're interested in learning more about THC or CBD, and how they benefit you, give us a call at 866-443-1122, and our patient support representatives can answer all your questions.
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If you're ready to dive into the world of medical cannabis, reserve an appointment online to see one of our medical marijuana doctors and get access to safe, effective products containing both THC and CBD!