Therapeutic Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids

Cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, but its potential therapeutic effects have recently gained widespread attention. Cannabinoids, the active chemical compounds found in cannabis, have been shown to have various potential health benefits, ranging from pain relief to the reduction of anxiety and inflammation. Whether you are curious about the potential benefits of medical cannabis for your own health or simply interested in learning more about this controversial topic, and in order for you to make an informed choice regarding the use of cannabis and cannabinoids for medical purposes, this article aims to provide you with the information you need.  

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What is medicinal cannabis?

Cannabis has been found to be helpful for various medical conditions. This means that, depending on where you are in the world, doctors can prescribe marijuana to help. In these instances, it is usually simple and straightforward to go to a marijuana dispensary with your prescription and pick up medicinal marijuana.

Its use is becoming more mainstream as people understand more about cannabis and the benefits it can provide. Though every state in the US is responsible for its own cannabis laws, there are many more considering allowing cannabis and changing their rules and regulations.

What is medical marijuana used for?

There are a lot of different conditions that medical marijuana might be used for, as it can impact the human body in many different ways. Cannabinoids bind to receptors in the body which can help with things like inflammation and other symptoms. Let’s explore some of the conditions and problems that marijuana has been successfully used for. 

Chronic Pain

Marijuana is a powerful painkiller, meaning that it may be prescribed for those who are in constant pain due to their condition. Also, if the pain is potentially caused by inflammation, the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis may help.

Neurological Conditions

There are many different neurological conditions that cannabis has been found to be helpful for, both from anecdotal evidence and a number of different studies. This means that it is possible that sufferers may be prescribed marijuana. 

Cannabis has been shown to be helpful for migraines, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and even motor neuron disease.   

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Depression

Cannabis has been found to be a natural antidepressant, and this makes it a potential option for those who are suffering from the condition. Some antidepressants have a lot of potential side effects and marijuana can be a way to avoid this. 

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Another mental health condition associated with depression and anxiety is PTSD. Some studies showed that PTSD sufferers were 2.5 times more likely to recover when taking marijuana. It is not commonly prescribed for PTSD, but in areas where recreational marijuana is allowed, it is possible for PTSD sufferers to use cannabis and see if it helps.

Anxiety

Similarly to depression, a number of studies have shown that cannabis and cannabinoids can make a big impact on sufferers of anxiety, making it less likely to impact their quality of life. Certain strains of marijuana will be better than others for this, which is one of the many ways in which a dispensary can be very helpful.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis can cause a lot of chronic pain as well as potential muscle spasticity. It is possible that cannabis could help to alleviate these symptoms making it a viable treatment for many of the sufferers of MS.

Epilepsy

Cannabis may also help people who suffer from epilepsy. In 2018, the FDA approved the use of a cannabis solution (mainly containing CBD) that can treat seizures associated with two different epileptic syndromes. Many people who suffer from epilepsy would consider medical cannabis to help them with their condition.

How do you take it? 

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There are many different ways to take cannabis. Cannabis flower is the “bud” of the plant which is dried and often smoked, but this is not the only option for cannabis, and processed oils including THC and CBD oils can also be taken. Cannabis can be added to teas, cooking, or taken orally as well as smoked or vaped. It is not recommended to add any tobacco or harmful products with marijuana, as this can be detrimental to health. 

 

How do you get medical marijuana?

To get your hands on medical marijuana, first, you need to check “what are cannabinoids”. After that, you should consult a doctor, and in certain states, you may receive a medical marijuana card as evidence of your eligibility to use the substance for medical purposes.

In some states, this is not required. If recreational marijuana is allowed in your state then medical marijuana may not be required to feel the effects and the benefits. Instead, it may be possible to go directly to the dispensary with ID and proof of residence and buy your cannabis.

If you are considering medical marijuana, a doctor’s appointment is the first step on the journey, as you can explain the symptoms you are experiencing and request a treatment plan, which may be able to include medical marijuana or CBD-based products to help you with your illness or long-term condition and the pain it causes. 

 

*This article is not to be interpreted as a statement of any form by Spliff but merely a compendium of information compiled from other sources. These statements have not been evaluated by Health Canada, FDA or any other regulatory body. Consult your doctor before ingesting or smoking any herbal product.*

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