Please note: This article is for informational purposes only. Banner Health does not endorse the use of illegal or controlled substances.
You’ve probably seen CBD products at the grocery store or farmers’ market, heard people talk about Delta-8 or read about using medical marijuana to help with chronic pain or anxiety. Maybe you’ve tried some of these products.
They are all related to the cannabis plant, but they aren’t the same, they don’t all work the same way and they don’t have the same legal guidelines.
Bryan Kuhn, PharmD, a pharmacist and poison education specialist with Banner Health, shared more about what to know about medical marijuana, CBD and Delta-8 and when you should talk to a health care provider. Here are these cannabis products, explained.
What is medical marijuana?
Medical marijuana refers to cannabis products that contain higher amounts of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the compound responsible for the “high” people typically associate with marijuana.
“Medical marijuana is using this plant under a doctor’s supervision for an array of medical purposes,” Dr. Kuhn said. It may help with:
- Chronic pain
- Nausea from chemotherapy
- Muscle spasms or tremors
- Poor appetite
- Some neurological or autoimmune conditions
- Dementia
For medical use cannabis, you typically need a medical card and a qualifying condition, based on state laws. These products are only available at licensed dispensaries and may come in the form of flower, oils, edibles or capsules.
What is CBD (cannabidiol)?
CBD is a compound found in marijuana and hemp plants. “It has neurologic effects but it doesn’t produce a ‘high’ or change in mental status,” Dr. Kuhn said.
“I think there’s more misinformation about CBD than anything else. You can get CBD without virtually any regulation, so manufacturers can claim almost anything they want,” he said. “They can use words like ‘helps,’ ‘supports’ or ‘augments,’ which don’t really mean anything.”
Many people use CBD for wellness and symptoms like:
- Mild anxiety or stress
- Sleep issues
- Minor aches and pains
- Inflammation
“The evidence for CBD’s effectiveness, outside of treating some rare seizure disorders, is extraordinarily weak,” Dr. Kuhn said.
You can find CBD in oils, creams, gummies and drinks. It’s often sold over the counter in stores or online. CBD can interact with medications, so be sure to let your health care provider know if you’re using it.
What is Delta-8 THC?
Delta-8 is a form of THC that’s not the kind typically found in medical marijuana, which is called Delta-9. Delta-8 is usually made from chemically altered industrial hemp.
People often describe Delta-8’s effects as milder or less intense than regular THC. “We think that Delta-8 has about half of the potency of Delta-9, so 10 milligrams of Delta-8 should roughly produce the same effect as five milligrams of Delta-9,” Dr. Kuhn said.
It may cause a light “high” or relaxed feeling, which is why it’s sometimes used recreationally or for minor symptom relief.
Delta-8 is sold in some states as gummies, vapes or tinctures. But you should know:
- It’s not well regulated
- It may contain unknown or unsafe additives
- It’s not legal in all states
Key differences between CBD, Delta-8 and medical marijuana
Each product has different effects and not all are right or safe for every person. “People choose them for the outcome or effect. Why you select one product versus the other really has to do with what you expect that drug to do,” Dr. Kuhn said.
Here’s a quick cannabis product comparison:
Will it get you high?
- CBD: No
- Delta-8: Yes, mildly
- Medical marijuana: Yes, more noticeably
Do you need a prescription?
- CBD: No
- Delta-8: No
- Medical marijuana: Yes
Where can you buy it?
- CBD: Grocery stores, online, health shops
- Delta-8: Smoke shops, gas stations, online (depending on state)
- Medical marijuana: Licensed dispensaries only
What is it used for?
- CBD: Anxiety, sleep, wellness
- Delta-8: Relaxation, mild pain relief
- Medical marijuana: Chronic conditions, severe pain, symptom management
Is it safe to use these products?
Dr. Kuhn pointed out that it’s tough to define “safe.”
“Where you draw the line between what is safe and unsafe is a very individual question,” he said. Generally, these products are considered safe. But there are always going to be unintended side effects or adverse effects.
For example, smoking a cannabis product might be much more harmful for someone with a pulmonary disease, compared to that same person using edibles. Or if you use medical marijuana for nausea and you don’t know it can cause dizziness and drowsiness, it could be dangerous for you to drive.
Here’s what to know about cannabis safety:
- CBD is generally considered safe but it can interact with some medications, especially those that affect the liver. Always read labels and look for products that are tested by a third-party lab.
- Delta-8 is less regulated and may contain unsafe additives. Because it’s chemically altered, quality and safety can vary widely.
- Medical marijuana can be effective for certain conditions but it should be used under a provider’s care, especially if you’re new to THC or you take other medications.
- In general, the safest option is to buy these products from an official state dispensary.
Talk to your health care provider before you try any cannabis-based product, especially if you have a chronic health condition, are pregnant or take prescription medications.
What about the legal side?
- Medical marijuana is legal in some states with a medical card and qualifying condition. Recreational marijuana is also legal in some states, which means adults can buy it without a medical card.
- CBD that comes from hemp and has less than 0.3% THC is legal federally, but some states have restrictions.
- Delta-8 is legal in some states and banned in others. Delta-8 came about when companies discovered a loophole in the government’s farm bill. Since then, many states have closed the loophole and made Delta-8 illegal for sale outside of official dispensaries, Dr. Kuhn explained.
State laws change frequently, so it’s important to check local regulations before buying or using these products.
When to talk to your doctor
Thinking about trying CBD, Delta-8 or medical marijuana for a health concern? Your doctor can help you:
- Understand the risks and benefits
- Choose the safest option
- Avoid interactions with other medications
- Create a care plan that supports your overall health
It’s especially important to get medical advice on marijuana if you’re managing chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia or a long-term condition like cancer or autoimmune disease.
“You're better off getting information at the beginning, before you start using these products. But if you didn't do that and you're already using any of these substances, you should still speak with a physician to find out how to maximize the benefit and minimize any drug interactions or side effects,” Dr. Kuhn said.
How Banner Health can help
At Banner Health, our providers support people who are looking for safe and effective ways to manage pain, stress, sleep problems and more, including alternative therapies like medical marijuana, when it’s appropriate. We focus on evidence-based care and caring for you as a person, not just your symptoms.
Not sure where to start with cannabis-based products?
Make an appointment online with a Banner Health provider and get personalized, science-backed guidance on using CBD, Delta-8 or medical marijuana.
