Cannabis has always been a popular and controversial topic around the globe. Governments treated cannabis as a dangerous drug without any medical value. But as time passes and more medical research is conducted, people are realizing the many medical benefits marijuana has.
The chemical components of marijuana, termed cannabinoids, are responsible for the plant’s medicinal value. The plant has numerous cannabinoids but the components that largely contribute to its medical benefits are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It’s noteworthy that CBD and THC have different influences on the brain and the human body. Doctors will assess your situation to determine which compound they can use for your needs.
What are the Health Benefits of Cannabinoids?
If you are wondering what all the fuss is about cannabis, here’s a look at medical marijuana benefits according to scientific research.
Helps Manage HIV/AIDs-Related Symptoms
The renewed interest in marijuana didn’t rise out of the blue. Dennis Peron, the activist who initiated the popular California Proposition 215 had witnessed his partner use marijuana to counter the effects of AIDs. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) weakens the body’s immune system causing AIDS. One will experience a lack of appetite, excess weight loss, and nerve damage. Most antiretroviral drugs can also trigger nerve damage, which leads to nerve pain. Medical studies show that THC, an active component in marijuana can stimulate appetite, and ease nerve pain. By taking THC to restore appetite, people with HIV can eat well to counter muscle wasting and control weight loss. Also, medical marijuana benefits users by aiding mood regulation and countering anxiety and depression common in people dealing with long-term conditions such as AIDs.
Relieves Side Effects of Chemotherapy
Similar to HIV, cancer patients battle nausea and vomiting regularly due to the devastating effects of chemotherapy. The inability to consume food will deteriorate one’s health further and lower their immunity. Unfortunately, chemo-related nausea and vomiting are resistant to most drugs on the market. Cancer patients can find relief in the health benefits of cannabinoids in treating nausea, countering vomiting, and managing pain.
Relieves Chronic Pain
Among the widely known medical marijuana benefits is effective pain management. Cannabis isn’t strong enough to treat severe pain, but it works effectively to relieve persistent pain. It’s the most preferred medication for chronic pain because compared to most varieties of medicine used for pain relief, cannabis doesn’t have a high addiction prevalence.
Anti-Inflammatory
The anti-inflammatory health benefits of cannabinoids are associated with cannabidiol (CBD). Scientists have discovered that CBD reverses inflammation in the central nervous system. This property of CBD is responsible for the numerous medical marijuana benefits.
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD has come in handy in substituting nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory prescriptions such as ibuprofen. Reduced inflammation can also benefit anyone dealing with conditions such as Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Medical Marijuana Benefits for Mental Health Patients
The human brain has naturally occurring cannabinoid receptors whose work is to control how humans process emotions. Cannabinoids in marijuana act on these receptors, altering the sensory and emotional processes in the brain. Research shows that it’s possible to exploit the ability of cannabinoids to alter mood and use them to manage various mental health disorders. Specifically, exposure to marijuana can modify how the brain processes information, therefore reducing the signs of anxiety disorder, depression, Alzheimer’s, and schizophrenia.
Muscle Relaxant
Marijuana has proven to ease muscle tightness and improve movement in people with paralysis and multiple sclerosis. These health benefits of cannabinoids can be attributed to the cannabinoid’s ability to act on the limbic system. It alters how the brain processes pain thus causing calmness and relaxation.
Sleep Disorders
Clinical officers say that marijuana can help restore one’s natural sleep cycle thus aiding sleep. As mentioned earlier, cannabis has anti-anxiety and analgesic properties that could help ease stress and make one sleep better. A primary cannabinoid in marijuana is THC which has shown sleep-inducing properties. A 2018 study has shown consuming marijuana with higher quantities of THC influences deep sleep, enabling one to rest well and wake up feeling restored.
Why Users Praise Medical Marijuana Benefits
Of course, there are other drugs that doctors have prescribed to treat the conditions mentioned above. However, cannabis is coming out as a preferred alternative for various reasons.
- It’s Plant-Based, Natural Medicine
Most drugs used to treat the conditions above are synthetic and pose serious side effects to users. Some are also non-effective. For instance, there haven’t been effective prescriptions for treating or managing conditions such as muscle spasms and multiple sclerosis. Also, common prescriptions for these conditions leave one feeling drowsy, nauseated, and weak. But the health benefits of cannabinoids go beyond treating the particular disease. Besides relaxing muscles, marijuana eases pain and nausea and improves their sleep. As a plant-based drug, it gives users a healthier alternative to countering the ailments without added complications.
- Marijuana is Safer than most Pain Relief Prescriptions
The high number of Americans who supported the legalization of cannabis cited that it’s not as harmful as most legal substances, such as alcohol. There are higher chances for a patient to become addicted to painkillers when used for long. But marijuana’s dependency rate is lower than most legal drugs used today.
- Marijuana Offers Users Various Administration Options
Another medical marijuana benefit lies in the numerous administration options available. One can smoke, apply topicals, or consume them as edibles. Users can find an option they are comfortable with.
Enjoy the Health Benefits of Cannabinoids Without Getting High
Research has proven that it’s possible to isolate chemicals in cannabis that possess medicinal value and package them in forms that patients are happy to consume. This leaves out compounds with psychoactive properties. Consequently, one can be treated with marijuana without getting high. To find out more about cannabinoids and how you can enjoy medical marijuana benefits, speak to an expert today.