What Are the Benefits of Cannabis Use?
Far from being a purely recreational past-time, cannabis use is becoming more wide-spread in the world of pain management and the overall improvement of quality of life. Whether it has been prescribed by a doctor or a solution brought on by research, cannabis brings on a wide range of benefits. From pain relief, to improved relaxation and treatment of anxiety, it is important to understand both the health effects and the recreational ones.
Understanding Cannabis Plants
Unlike pharmaceutical solutions, cannabis is naturally unique in the way that it produces a family of chemicals called cannabinoids. Each of these have a similar molecular shape but subtle differences in the shape of these chemicals has a major impact on the overall effects of marijuana. The most common of these cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
THC: is the primary psychoactive molecule in cannabis and is best known for its mind-altering properties. These mind-bending effects are caused by the THC binds to receptors in the brain, particularly the CB1 receptor, which impacts average thinking, pain, bodily movements and emotions.
CBD: Unlike THC, CBD does not impact clear thinking or coordination. CBD is thought to relieve pain and can improve sleep. In high doses, oral CBD applications can improve symptoms of anxiety.
In addition to the already recognized implementations within the health care industry, the Food and Drug Administration FDA and other institutions are performing testing and research in regard to the effects and efficiency of cannabis on diseases, such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s and even dementia.
The Positive Effects of Cannabis
While research is still pending on the impacts of cannabis on a number of diseases, there are some established benefits, such as:
- Pain Relief: Chronic pain does not only have a physical impact but comes along with fatigue and anxiety. All of these together can take a physical toll on bodies. Cannabis is often a preferred method of pain management to pharmaceuticals, as they have fewer long term side effects.
- Increased Appetite: There are many reasons that someone might experience a loss of appetite, including medical treatments, eating disorders or reactions to certain medications. When ingested or smoked, marijuana is shown to improve appetites while suppressing nausea, helping users to retain nutrients.
- Improved Sleep: A busy schedule or racing mind can often make sleep feel impossible. From symptoms of high stress or full-blown insomnia, cannabis can help users fall asleep faster.
- Treatment of Health Conditions: Cannabis use is thought to improve symptoms of PTSD and anxiety, as well as providing anti-inflammatory properties. Medical marijuana has long been thought of as allowing medical patients to relax, sleep and even eat regularly, helping to regain strength. Relaxation can help to improve anxiety symptoms and even blood pressure. While access to cannabis cannot treat disease itself or eliminate cancer cells, it can help to improve the quality of life for patients during treatment and afterward.
There are hundreds of studies underway from various industries and institutions in regard to the medical benefits of cannabis use, but there is also recreational benefits to be had. Many users report an increase in creativity and even productivity for artists.