Cannabis, Weed, Marijuana…What’s the Difference?

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Modesto, Merced, Atwater, Fresno and the Central Valley

Language is all about intention. The words you use convey respect, curiosity, or dismissal. When Medallion Wellness discusses cannabis products, we do so in a continued effort to explain the wondrous uses of the naturally derived, medically significant components of the cannabis plant.

While others may deride cannabis as a “weed” or some other pejorative term, we choose to elevate the conversation. Join us in celebrating the language of healing, health, and holistic wellness. 

What Is Cannabis?

Cannabis is an all encompassing term that embraces the many components of the cannabis plant. The seeds, flowers, stems and leaves all fall under the umbrella of cannabis.[1] The word “marijuana” is sometimes used interchangeably with “cannabis,” but marijuana is merely one facet of the cannabis plant. The varied structure of cannabis flourishes with compounds that offer a plethora of medicinal and consumable possibilities.

Cannabidiol (CBD)

There are many complex chemical compounds that flourish organically in cannabis. Perhaps the most talked about is cannabidiol, or CBD. CBD is a wildly effective way to treat anxiety and inflammation, making its applications incredibly bountiful.[2] Research is expanding every day to learn how CBD may be able to treat complications from arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and Crohn’s disease.   

While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is notoriously slow to approve CBD products due to their association with marijuana, they have signaled the green light for Epidiolex.[3] The CBD in Epidiolex has proven effective in treating severe forms of epilepsy, including Dravey syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Individuals who once struggled with these extreme forms of epilepsy are given relief in the form of CBD, which indicates that the cannabis extract may hold the key to unlocking more medical breakthroughs in the very near future.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

Another prevalent and potent element found within cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol, abbreviated as THC. While THC is often associated with the “high” that cannabis may provide, it has a myriad of other important properties. THC can help with pain relief, appetite stimulation, and anxiety reduction, making it a merciful partner in the treatment of cancer. 

While THC may produce a psychoactive effect, its dosage interacts with everybody differently. A small amount of THC may affect one person, while another individual would require much larger amounts of the compound to feel anything. 

One of the reasons why cannabis is such a miracle plant is that its components, namely THC and CBD, work wonderfully in conjunction with one another. Called the “entourage effect,” the elements of cannabis can amplify one another and produce a healing array of results. To learn how these benefits apply to your physiology and wellness needs, call us at (888) 354-0139.

What Is Marijuana?

cannabis delivery modesto

Marijuana is the popular term for smokable cannabis, and it is often equated with high quantities of THC. While the word “marijuana” has become commonplace, its roots may delve into dark territory. The “Marihuana Tax Act of 1937” was written during a less enlightened time. Legislators may have intentionally used a foreign-sounding term in an attempt to demonize cannabis, ignoring the rest of the plant’s potential.[4] 

Marijuana vs. Hemp

While marijuana contains the THC associated with psychoactive effects, hemp is another strain of cannabis altogether. By definition, hemp is a variety of plant that contains 0.3% THC or less, when it is dried and weighed.[5] Hemp can be used to make products as varied as clothing, rope, protein powder and shampoo. To learn more about the wonderful applications of cannabis products and how they can benefit you, contact Medallion Wellness

What Is Weed?

“Weed” and “pot” are slang terms that are designed to denigrate cannabis. The Medallion Wellness team celebrates the cannabis plant in all its glory. As detailed above, cannabis offers treatment of various diseases and alleviates chronic inflammation. Perhaps dismissing the plant as “weed” helps people look down on those who use cannabis products, but we prefer to lift them up. If you agree with our philosophy, contact us in Modesto or Atwater. 

Benefits of Cannabis Products

One of the major benefits flowering in a cannabis plant is its variability and versatility. The three species of cannabis are as follows: cannabis sativa, cannabis ruderalis, and cannabis indica. The CBD to THC ratio varies from plant to plant, making their impact a study in precision and preference.[6] Each of these strains has much to contribute to the greater cannabis conversation, and they can also be crossbred into hybrids that further specialize the ever growing field of medicinal research.

To discuss the pros, cons, and unbelievable benefits of cannabis products, call (888) 354-0139 and speak with a knowledgeable Medallion Wellness representative today. 

Ask the Experts @ Medallion Wellness

Exploration is a gift. We have the means to travel the globe and map outer space, or we can turn inward and explore the limitless potential lingering within the human mind. When we tap into the cutting edges of science, medicine and botany, the pollination between these realms blossoms into answers to some of the most elusive questions in the universe.

We offer curbside service at our Atwater and Modesto locations. If you live within our delivery radius, we would be happy to dispatch one of our CannaTaxis to drive to your doorstep. 

How does the body heal itself? What are pain receptors, and how can they be soothed? How does the human mind react to CBD, THC, and the “entourage” effect of their combined potency? These are fundamental questions that we investigate every day at Medallion Wellness. Please visit our blog to join the fray. 

Our curious crew wants to know the nitty gritty of cannabis usage and how each product may benefit our amazing clientele. We want to know how we can help alleviate your stress, ease your pain, and elevate your human experience. Contact us soon and let’s start a vital conversation about your health and happiness

Cannabis Products to Fit Your Lifestyle

The stereotypical depiction of cannabis products revolves around smoking. While Medallion does offer an unparalleled selection of flowers that can be enjoyed traditionally, we also branch out into a number of different topical products, vape cartridges, edibles, tinctures and seeds. The cannabis journey is yours to experience; Medallion Wellness is merely your copilot along the way.

Modesto Menu

Life is precious, so take some time to stop and smell the flowers… our cannabis flowers, to be specific. If you prefer to let the experts prepare your product, our Modesto store offers a wide variety of pre-rolls from which to choose. Vapers, unite around our serene selection of cartridges and accessories. We’ve got topicals and tinctures to satisfy your cravings and needs, not to mention an abundant offering of seeds. Plant your curiosity firmly in the future of cannabis care!

Atwater Menu

We would never neglect our friends and neighbors in Atwater, so sample our wares and expand your horizons. We provide concentrates and extracts formulated for peak satisfaction. Our capsules and clones run the gamut from calming to uplifting. No matter what your cannabis needs may be, Medallion Wellness shimmers with possibilities.

Call us in Modesto at (209) 248-7472 or reach our Atwater office by dialing (209) 635-5983. We are also expanding to a second Modesto location soon, not to mention our forthcoming Merced store. Grow with us!

FAQ

Are “marijuana” and “hemp” the same thing?

No. Marijuana is a blanket term for the smokable flower derived from the cannabis plant. Hemp is a form of cannabis that, by definition, contains less than 0.3% THC. 

Does all cannabis make you high?

No. The psychoactive effects of cannabis are often attributed to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). These effects are mitigated by the presence of another cannabis component, cannabidiol (CBD). The degree to which cannabis products affect a person depends on several factors: anatomy, chemistry, and potency, just to name a few. Terpenes also play a role in how individuals interact uniquely with a particular cannabis product. Just as everyone’s sense of smell is special to their nose, the aromas presented by terpenes elicit a rainbow of scents and corresponding reactions. Terpenes can indicate the content of a cannabis product, for those with sensitive sniffers. The ratio of CBD to THC in a given cannabis product should be understood before the consumer uses said product. Medallion Wellness prides itself on transparent labeling and comprehensive understanding. Call (888) 354-0139 or contact us online to learn more about the complexities of cannabis. 

References

  1. Wright, J. (2017). Weed, cannabis, pot or marijuana: what’s the difference? CBC News item, retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/weed-pot-cannabis-marijuana-whats-the-difference-1.4405440 
  2. Astorino, D. What’s the Difference Between CBD, THC, Cannabis, Marijuana, and Hemp? Shape article, retrieved from https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/difference-between-cbd-thc-marijuana-hemp-cannabis 
  3. FDA website (2018, current as of 2020). FDA Approves First Drug Comprised of an Active Ingredient Derived from Marijuana to Treat Rare, Severe Forms of Epilepsy. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-drug-comprised-active-ingredient-derived-marijuana-treat-rare-severe-forms 
  4. Yoshiko, L. (2018). The Difference Between Weed And Cannabis. Forbes article, retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurenterry/2018/09/30/the-difference-between-weed-and-cannabis/#3a9b64c12d88 
  5. Cadena, A. (2020). Hemp vs Marijuana: The Difference Explained (2020 Update). Medium article, retrieved from https://medium.com/cbd-origin/hemp-vs-marijuana-the-difference-explained-a837c51aa8f7 
  6. Holland, K. (writer) & Carter, A. (medical reviewer). (2019). Sativa vs. Indica: What to Expect Across Cannabis Types and Strains. Healthline article, retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/sativa-vs-indica 
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