Cannabis: How Is It Good For You?

The world has seen a major increase in cannabis legalization throughout the years. In some countries, only medical marijuana has made it to the forefront. In other countries, both medical marijuana and recreational marijuana are now legal options.

Cannabis use has expanded so much in recent years that it has become a major industry. For countries with liberal cannabis policies in place, the industry contributes significantly to the economy.

From a recreational point of view, marijuana provides an enjoyable high for the user. It is known to produce a feeling of euphoria for users while promoting a sense of well-being, relaxation, and a heightening of the senses. For this reason, many people use it in areas where it is legal.

From a medical standpoint, cannabis is used to treat a wide variety of medical conditions. It helps many patients manage their pain and decrease their use of prescription drugs. We’ll take a deeper look at why cannabis is good you and how it has shaped the medical community.

A Deeper Look into Medical Cannabis Benefits

Cannabis is used to treat a variety of disorders, injuries, and severe medical conditions. According to information presented by the Cannabis Legalization and Regulation Branch at Health Canada, there is evidence to suggest that usage of marijuana has had success with some of the following conditions:

• Musculoskeletal Afflictions: Marijuana has had significant success in improving musculoskeletal afflictions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia by reducing major symptoms.

• Seizures: The anti-convulsive and anti-epileptiform properties of cannabis have made it a useful medicine for treating and preventing seizures, especially for those with chronic conditions like epilepsy.

• Glaucoma: Evidence suggests that the use of this drug can significantly reduce intra-ocular pressure, which is a major component of this condition.

• Gastrointestinal Conditions: Those with disruptive digestive conditions such as IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis often experience fewer symptoms and reduced inflammation.

• Mental Health Disorders: Cannabis is often used to treat a wide variety of mental health conditions, including ADD/ADHD, depression, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, insomnia, anxiety, and more.

• Movement Disorders: There has been a success with cannabis when it comes to severe movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, Tourette’s syndrome, and Huntington’s disease.

• Nausea and Loss of Appetite: Nausea and loss of appetite can be treated with the help of cannabis. Significant success has been seen among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and HIV/AIDS patients.

These are just a ways cannabis is used to improve the quality of life for individuals with chronic pain and debilitating diseases. It helps them manage their symptoms and find a sense of normalcy in their lives.

What is the Difference Between THC and CBD?

In this discussion about cannabis benefits, it is important that we touch on the different elements of cannabis and how they affect the body in different ways. The plant itself contains a variety of compounds. 

Cannabinoids are the main group of compounds found in the cannabis plant. Two of the most commonly discussed cannabinoids are THC and CBD. Both are useful for different reasons. Let’s talk about CBD benefits and those of THC, and how they differ.

About THC

THC (or tetrahydrocannabinol) is one of the main cannabinoids present in cannabis. It is responsible for marijuana’s psychoactive effects. This compound binds to the cannabinoid 1 receptors in your brain. THC is responsible for the high feeling you get from smoking or consuming cannabis.

THC can be extracted and concentrated. It is used in a variety of edible or topical products. It can also be inhaled when you smoke the flower.

About CBD

CBD (or cannabidiol) is another common cannabinoid present in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, it does not produce a psychoactive effect. However, it does interact with the brain in other helpful ways. This makes it a popular resource for treating certain health conditions. 

What’s the Difference Between CBD Flower and CBD Oil?

Both THC and CBD are used in the medical world, but CBD is more often used by those who don’t want the psychoactive effects of THC.

CBD is usually used as either a flower or oil. It is also consumed in the form of edibles. Both flower and oil come from the hemp plant. The benefits of CBD flower and CBD oil are largely the same. Some people prefer the flower for its relaxing properties.

Benefits of CBD

CBD has been known to help with a variety of health conditions according to Harvard, including:

• Nausea
• Seizures
• Insomnia 
• Anxiety
• Inflammation
• Headaches

Because of its lack of psychoactive properties, many people consider CBD safer than products that contain THC. For some people, the psychoactive properties of THC affect them negatively. 

Cannabis and Your Consumption of Prescription Drugs

A study from HealthAffairs suggests that the increase in the availability of medical marijuana has led to a decrease in the use of prescription drugs. Although this study was conducted in the United States, it likely reflects a global pattern.

As more people gain access to medical marijuana, they decrease their dependence on clinical alternatives. On the individual level, a decrease in the use of prescription drugs is a good thing. Some prescription drugs produce harsh side effects and are extremely costly. 

The rise of medical marijuana has led to massive growth in the cannabis industry. Big pharmaceutical companies are now recognizing the power of the plant and may start to explore its many properties.

Conclusion  

Cannabis is a versatile plant that has been used for centuries because of its psychoactive and therapeutic properties. Research continues to flourish on the subject. 

For many, this plant and its benefits help them face difficult diagnoses. It allows them to improve their quality of life without the potentially harmful effects of prescription drugs.

The cannabis plant produces both THC and CBD, both of which have useful effects on the body. Before you decide to take advantage of the cannabis plant, discuss your options with your healthcare provider to find an option that works for you.