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Do you know about the medical uses of cannabinoids?
CBD and THC extracts are booming businesses in today’s times. Several studies suggest the compounds found in cannabis could improve your overall wellness. Many people claim marijuana treats pain, anxiety, and stress and reportedly increases appetite.
Always choose reputable retailers when you go to shop for marijuana products and check with your doctor before making any changes to your lifestyle.
Discover the potential medicinal benefits of using THC and CBD below.
How Does Marijuana Affect Your Body?
Marijuana is made up of over 100 cannabinoids, natural compounds also found in animals and plants.
The two most dominant ones found in marijuana include THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). The former typically has psychoactive effects, whereas the latter delivers more therapeutic benefits.
Humans also have cannabinoids in their bodies. Your brain contains endocannabinoids, essential in thinking processes, sensory perception, and memory. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulates activities such as mood, sleep, and appetite.
Cannabinoids work similarly to opioids in that they produce effects by interacting with receptors in the brain. They regulate the way cells communicate, such as receiving, sending, and processing messages.
Let’s uncover more about THC and CBD below.
THC
THC binds to the brain’s natural cannabinoid receptors, typically inducing powerful psychoactive effects that recreational weed smokers love.
Some users consume cannabis with high THC levels to combat pain, stress, depression, or anxiety. The uplifting and euphoric sensations of THC reportedly help manage mental and physical afflictions.
CBD
CBD is non-psychoactive and typically offers more holistic effects. It attaches to your body’s endocannabinoid system and may alleviate stress, inflammation, tension, anxiety, and pain.
CBD’s health benefits make it a popular supplement in the modern day, and it reportedly assists with a range of mental and physical conditions.
Potential Medical Uses of Cannabinoids
People have been consuming weed for decades for its recreational effects, but some claim it also has medicinal properties. Discover what weed is used for below.
Depression, PTSD, and Anxiety
Various studies present evidence that cannabis relieves symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some of the information found points to it also potentially treating social anxiety.
Pain
Treating pain is one of the main reported medicinal uses of cannabis. THC interacts with pain receptors in the brain to ease discomfort and inflammation.
Research shows that the interaction between these chemicals activates the brain’s reward system. Therefore, weed cannabinoids may encourage the relief of pain.
While CBD doesn’t cause a “high,” it may aid in discomfort relief in its own way. Interacting directly with pain receptors may promote anti-inflammatory effects in the same way THC does.
A study done in 2015 showed patients who had different forms of pain felt less discomfort after consuming cannabis. A total of 24 trials were conducted, all with several positive results relating pain relief to cannabis use.
Stress
Stress may hinder daily activities, but marijuana could be a solution. Treating anxiety is one of the potential top medical uses of cannabinoids.
Research shows that CBD changes how the brain reacts to anxiety by affecting the blood flow patterns in specific regions of the brain. A study found that THC may decrease anxiety and stress levels when taken at low doses.
Healthy Appetite
One of the most well-known side-effects of weed is “the munchies,” a phenomenon where users generally become hungry after consuming weed. A 2014 study showed that weed may increase your appetite.
Users with low appetites may find relief after ingesting cannabis, and one study showed that active users increased their daily calorie intake by up to 40%. This research suggests that cannabis may potentially treat eating disorders.
Other
Here are a few other reported benefits of medical marijuana use, though not all have been scientifically proven:
• Epilepsy
• Multiple sclerosis
• Cancer
• Drug addiction
• Alcoholism
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Tourette syndrome
• Huntington’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Dementia
• Glaucoma
Best Ways to Consume Cannabis
While joints, pipes, and bongs are among the most popular consumption methods, smoking isn’t for everyone. Discover the different ways to take medical marijuana below.
Pills
Pills are discreet and easy to take. They appeal to more users since people generally see tablets as the traditional way of taking medication.
Edibles
The most iconic edible is the pot brownie, made by baking weed into brownies. Edibles also include gummies and other treats that are THC-infused. They’re one of the main methods of marijuana use.
Tinctures
Weed tinctures are made of a concentrated extract of flowers. Making tinctures involves soaking the buds in strong alcohol and then straining them. Ingest the liquid underneath the tongue or orally.
Topicals
Marijuana can come in gels, balms, lotions, and salves. Apply these products to your skin, allowing the THC and CBD to absorb directly into your bloodstream.
Acquire Professional Medical Advice
Consult your doctor before starting your cannabis wellness journey. While several studies point towards cannabis helping treat pain, stress, depression, anxiety, loss of appetite, and other conditions, always ask a medical professional for advice.
Remember to start slow and test your tolerance levels when discovering the uses of marijuana. Ensure to drink plenty of water to avoid any unwanted side effects.
