Cannabis has generated some much-deserved hype in recent years, from serving as a potent solution for reducing anxiety to even treating inflammation, aiding in arthritis management, as proven by many studies.
This bandwagon jumping is not going to be a trend but a mainstay for healing with medicinal plants.
Today, we’re going to explore the potential health benefits of cannabis and tell you how this plant is able to effectively treat a variety of ailments beyond its widely known anxiety and mood-balancing abilities. Let’s begin!
How Cannabis Works in the Body
Cannabis has over 100 different cannabinoids, the most well-known is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). These interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates a lot of key functions in the body like mood, sleep, appetite, and immune response.
THC binds to CB1 receptors in the brain, producing psychoactive effects, while CBD mainly interacts with CB2 receptors, affecting immune function and reducing inflammation without the “high.”
Pain Relief
We will get the most common and widely recognized benefit out of the way: pain relief. Cannabis has shown great promise in alleviating chronic pain; the way this happens is the compounds in cannabis, cannabinoids like THC and CBD, interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates pain.
Whether it’s arthritis, migraines, or neuropathic pain, cannabis is being used more and more as a natural alternative to traditional pain medications.
Reduced Inflammation
Another highly sung praise of cannabis is how it can reduce inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory properties may benefit those with inflammatory conditions like Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and rheumatoid arthritis.
CBD, in particular, has been proven to reduce inflammation without the psychoactive effects of THC, making it a popular option for those looking to avoid the “high” and just reap its medicinal benefits.
Unlike some prescription anti-inflammatory medications, cannabis has the extra benefit of being more natural and, in the case of CBD, non-psychoactive, making it perfect for those seeking relief without the high typically associated with THC.
Managing Stress and Anxiety
This is another popular benefit of cannabis; managing stress and anxiety has very well become the main reason people choose products from the plant. Users report a calming effect from cannabis, especially strains high in CBD or low doses of THC.
However, these products must be carefully chosen as the content and composition of each cannabinoid can make a great difference in how the users react.
That’s why companies like Biowellnessx have become leaders in the cannabis-derived industry, carving their own place as reliable and providing natural products that are high-quality and effective.
Cannabis helps regulate mood and alleviate oncoming symptoms of anxiety and stress by interacting with receptors in the brain that release serotonin, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter.
Better Sleep Quality
This is another sought-after benefit of cannabis, and as it should be! For too long, those struggling with sleep deprivation have expressed frustration over nothing working for them, whether it’s fancy gummies like melatonin. Here’s where cannabis makes its presence known as a natural sleep solution.
Certain strains, especially those high in the cannabinoid CBN or terpenes like myrcene, promote relaxation and help people fall asleep faster. Improved sleep elevates overall well-being and supports immune function and mental clarity. When you sleep better, you live better.
How Cannabis Affects Sleep
Here’s a breakdown of how cannabis influencers better sleep quality,
- THC: THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, has been shown to decrease the time it takes to fall asleep. As it relaxes both the mind and body, THC helps people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. But note high doses of THC may lead to grogginess and drowsiness the next morning, so it’s important to find the right balance.
- CBD: CBD, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive and can lessen anxiety and stress, which are common culprits of sleepless nights. It works by calming the nervous system, so it is easier to drift into sleep without the high derived from THC.
- CBN: While less known, CBN (cannabinol) has also been found to have sedative effects, particularly when combined with THC. This makes it an excellent option for those seeking a cannabis-based sleep solution.
Stimulating Appetite
Cannabis is also well-known for stimulating appetite, commonly referred to as “the munchies.” This effect can be very beneficial for those undergoing treatments like chemotherapy, which often causes nausea and loss of appetite.\
Patients dealing with eating disorders or other conditions that lead to significant weight loss may also find cannabis helpful in maintaining a healthy appetite.
How Cannabis Stimulates Appetite
THC is the key cannabinoid responsible for increasing appetite. The way it boosts appetite is an interesting process! It works by tethering to the CB1 receptors in the brain’s hypothalamus, the part that controls hunger and food intake.
When THC activates these receptors, it triggers the release of the hormone ghrelin, also known as the “hunger hormone,” which tells the body that it needs food. THC also improves the pleasure of eating by increasing dopamine levels, making food taste better and more enjoyable.
This benefit of cannabis can be groundbreaking when more research and studies are done. Here are some medical benefits below,
- Cancer and Chemotherapy: Patients undergoing chemotherapy often deal with nausea and a severe loss of appetite, leading to significant weight loss and fatigue. Cannabis, particularly THC, helps prevent these side effects by both reducing nausea and encouraging food intake.
- HIV/AIDS: Many patients with HIV/AIDS suffer from wasting syndrome, a condition that leads to severe weight loss and muscle deterioration. Cannabis can help these patients maintain a healthy appetite and prevent more weight loss.
- Eating Disorders: Cannabis can be used to treat patients with eating disorders, such as anorexia, by helping them regain their desire to eat and making food consumption a more enjoyable experience.
Neuroprotective Properties
While research is ongoing, some studies suggest that cannabis possesses neuroprotective qualities that may help prevent or slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis (MS).
This is achieved because cannabis may reduce inflammation in the brain, which plays a key role in the development of these conditions.
Again, we emphasize that studies are still underway, but if this is clinically proven, this will be a major breakthrough for any medicinal plant in combating serious conditions like Alzheimer’s.
Managing Seizures
Another breakthrough benefit of cannabis, particularly CBD, which gained attention for its ability to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in patients with epilepsy. The FDA has even approved a CBD-based medication, Epidiolex, for the treatment of certain types of epilepsy, highlighting the potential of cannabis in managing this condition.
How Cannabis Protects The Brain
The neuroprotective effects of cannabis originated mainly from how it interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a crucial role in maintaining brain function and neurological health. CBD reacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, two key factors that lead to neuronal damage and brain degeneration in conditions like seizures.
Here’s a pro tip: if you want to use cannabis for neurological conditions, it’s important to work closely with an expert to find the right strain, dosage, and way of consumption.
Strains rich in CBD and low in THC are generally recommended for their neuroprotective effects as they won’t cause psychoactive side effects.
Different Ways to Consume Cannabis
Here are some different ways you can consume cannabis to treat your ailments, whether it’s pain relief, managing anxiety, or boosting appetite.
- Smoking is the most popular way of consuming cannabis, and the onset of effects is quick as cannabinoids enter through the lungs.
- Vaping is another popular way of consuming cannabis, but it’s easier on the lungs as it uses vapor. Also offers rapid relief.
- Edibles are cannabis-infused foods like gummies, chocolates, and baked goods; these take relatively longer, such as 30 minutes, to kick in.
- Tinctures are liquid cannabis extracts that are taken under the tongue; absorption is fast, and doses are controlled.
- Topicals are creams, lotions, or balms infused with cannabis, directly applied on the skin. Best for localized relief for pain or inflammation, without getting high.
Is Cannabis Right For You?
While cannabis has many great health benefits, it’s important to consider whether it’s the right choice for you personally. Everyone’s body reacts differently to cannabis, and the effects can differ based on the strain, method of consumption, and your own tolerance level.
Cannabis also may interact with medications or exacerbate existing health conditions, so talking to a doctor or medical professional is a must. Consider starting with low doses and observing how your body responds so you can avoid any unwanted side effects.
Conclusion
Whether it’s managing pain, reducing inflammation, or helping with mental health, cannabis plays a key role in elevating your wellness journey. However, it’s important you consult a medical professional before incorporating cannabis into your routine so it’s the right fit for you.