A medical marijuana glossary
Marijuana vs. cannabis: A 2022 update to the Associated Press Stylebook, which helps shape the language used by news organizations, ruled the terms marijuana and cannabis may be used interchangeably.
Marijuana and medical marijuana: Marijuana refers to cannabis plants that contain a wide range of cannabis-associated compounds including the psychoactive component, THC, the psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana that produces a high. Georgia has legalized only low-THC medical cannabis oil and only for patients who are registered with the state as having one of 17 qualifying health conditions. The oil can have only up to 5% THC – far lower than levels in recreational/street marijuana.
CBD or cannabidiol: The marketplace for CBD has exploded in recent years and people can buy CBD juices, creams, oils, even dog treats. Many CBD products do not contain THC but some products include trace amounts and they are allowed to have up to 0.3% THC. Congress legalized the cultivation and sale of CBD products in the 2018 Farm Bill, as long as they don’t exceed the acceptable limit of THC. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has urged consumers to be careful about taking CBD products may be marketed for therapeutic or medicinal purposes without thorough testing to prove they’re safe.
Delta-8: This over-the-counter product has been popping up in gas stations, head shops and specialty stores in Georgia in recent years, sometimes marketed as marijuana with less of a high. Delta-8 is legal in Georgia as long as the products contain THC concentrations below 0.3%. Delta-8 products have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA for safe use and may be marketed in ways that put public health at risk.
