CBD compared to Cannabis (Marijuana)

Please read our Cannabis Health and Safety page.
CBD: There is a consensus that CBD (cannabidiol) “has a good safety profile.” Consumers typically purchase CBD made from hemp, which contains no more than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Cannabis: There are numerous contraindications to be aware of for cannabis (marijuana) because of its THC content. Cannabis can interact with other medications, especially blood thinners. Federal agencies advise against using cannabis while pregnant or nursing. Check your state guidelines and talk to a medical professional before using these products. People with brain injuries may be more vulnerable to substance abuse, including abuse of marijuana.

Cannabis (Marijuana) advantages

Learn more about cannabis, labeling, legality, and medical marijuana doctors here, and read about research on cannabis and concussions here.

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  • CBD and THC work best together. Scientific studies show that CBD and THC enhance each other's therapeutic effects, see the article in ProjectCBD.

  • Additional medical benefits from other elements of the plant: Secondary cannabinoids and medical terpenes extracted from the marijuana plant interact with CBD and THC to enhance medical benefits. Project CBD

  • Use different CBD/THC ratios throughout the day, for example, 20/1 ratio for daytime and 2/1 before bed, as THC may help with sleep.

  • Purity and accurate labeling: In these states where marijuana is legal (recreationally or medically), the products are tested for purity to some degree. However, the labeling for purity can be uneven – be sure to do your research. Every state is different, so be sure to ask about testing for heavy metals, molds, bacteria, yeast, pesticides, and potency. Labels may have some of this testing information. The label may also have a certificate of analysis from a lab or ask the dispensary for the certificate. Labels will also show which chemicals are used for extraction (you can select the safe ones) and whether the plant was grown without pesticides.

CBD products advantages

Learn more about CBD products, and read about research on CBD and concussions.

  • CBD products are available for purchase online in the United States, (shipping to all 50 states) and Europe.

  • CBD is generally less expensive than cannabis (marijuana). In states where marijuana is legal, multiple state taxes on marijuana often total 40%.

  • There does not appear to be any legal actions taken against individuals purchasing CBD products.

  • CBD provides an option for those populations advised against cannabis, including youth under age 21, pregnant or nursing women, and potentially for those with pre-existing mental health issues. See our Cannabis Health & Safety page.

  • CBD provides an option when cannabis is cumbersome or expensive to access.

  • Be careful of the brand you purchase - there is no federal or state agency testing CBD products. "Only 31% of 84 labs tested hemp CBD products had the amount of CBD indicated on the label. And who knows what else was in some of those products." Project CBD

  • The Reddit CBD community has vetted the most popular CBD retailers to find the best CBD offered.

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