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There is great confusion about cannabis; terms such as marijuana, THC, CBD, and hemp are often used without a full understanding of their meanings and actions. The purpose of this article is to clarify terms related to cannabis and to provide the pediatric nurse with an objective discussion of the pros and cons of these substances. Medical cannabis is discussed, as well as many issues faced by both pediatric nurses and society related to this substance.
Key Words:
Marijuana, cannabis, THC, hemp, CBD.
Recent changes in laws and policies regarding cannabis use in children, as well as confusion about the difference between medical and recreational marijuana, have resulted in challenges for pediatric nurses. Health professionals may have difficulty differentiating the terms hemp, cannabis, THC, marijuana, and CBD. Yet it is essential keep updated on these products, their potential uses, and issues that surround them in order to provide accurate education to children, youth, and their families.
Cannabis is a genus of flowering plants in the Cannabaceae family. The two primary species of cannabis in the United States are Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica (Wolf & Wolf,
2016). Nomenclature errors over time have led to confusion regarding the effects of the different species (Pollio, 2016); therefore, focus should be on the chemical compounds within the plant (cannabinoids) that react with the cannabinoid receptors in the body. The type of cannabinoid, not the species of cannabis, determines its chemical and pharmacologic effects. These include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Hemp and marijuana are both from the Cannabis family, and these terms must be understood and differentiated in order to analyze the complex nature of cannabis.
Hemp
Hemp is non-intoxicating, nonpsychoactive cannabis, made from the stalk of the Cannabis plant. It has been harvested for its industrial use for over 10,000 years, although the legal definition was not legitimized until the Agricultural Act of 2018 (The Farm Bill) (Cadena, 2018). The Farm Bill resulted in the removal of Hemp from the list of Schedule I drugs, as per the federal Controlled Substances Act (see Figure 1), and made it legal to grow in the United States after 50 years of prohibition.
Hemp is known for its tough fibers and use in the development of rope, canvas sails,...