Cannabis provides lots of health benefits. So, more patients with various conditions are preferring it as an alternative treatment to prescription medications.
Marijuana’s medicinal benefits are due to the presence of chemical compounds called cannabinoids. In the cannabis plant, there are more than 100 cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD. When you consume the cannabinoids, they change brain function by stimulating the endocannabinoid system.
Medical use of marijuana is legal in California since 1996. To buy, possess, and use cannabis products, you require a medical marijuana card Riverside. However, with an MMJ grower’s license, you can cultivate your own cannabis at home for personal consumption.
Medical Benefits of Marijuana Use
Medical studies have found that THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids in marijuana can help manage various health issues. Here’s the list of some medical benefits of the herb you might not know-
It Relieves Anxiety
Marijuana has amazing therapeutic properties. It can help in alleviating symptoms such as excessive worrying, sleep problems, fear, etc. Its non-psychoactive compound CBD increases the levels of serotonin in the brain, just like SSRIs do. The cannabinoid increases 5-HT1A transmission, and deliver quick effects when compared with SSRIs.
Also Read – Truth Behind the Potency of CBD and THC
A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders reported that inhaling marijuana can help in managing mental illnesses, such as anxiety, depression, and stress. However, long-term cannabis use may lead to adverse effects.
So, you should talk to a professional doctor to get sound advice for marijuana use.
Some of the best marijuana strains for anxiety sufferers are—Gelato, Girl Scout Cookies, Moscato, Pound Cake, Wedding Cake, ACDC, and Jack Herer.
It Helps Veterans With PTSD
PTSD is a mental illness that occurs due to a traumatic event, such as rape activity, serious accident, death of a loved one, etc. This condition is common among veterans returning from military services. However, new research shows that the COVID-19 pandemic may leave survivors with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Medical studies have found that endocannabinoid deficiency is a reason behind the development of PTSD. Moreover, the production of anandamide is disrupted in the patients.
The therapeutic properties of cannabis compounds can help alleviate PTSD symptoms. CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory, pain & anxiety-relieving effects.
Medical studies have found that THC and various neurotransmitters can help reduce anxiety levels by activating CB1 receptors in the brain.
Some of the best strains for PTSD patients are—OG Kush, Sour Kush, Balmoral, Sunset, SnowLand, Gobbstopper, Frosted Freak, and Snow Leopard.
It Stops Cancer Cell Growth
In some animal studies, researchers have confirmed that cannabinoids such as THC and CBD can help slow the growth or reduce the spread of cancer cells.
A study published in the journal Molecular Cancer Therapeutics shows that CBD can stop cancer by turning off Id-1, which induces cancer cell growth. Moreover, researchers at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco found that CBD has the ability to prevent cancer from spreading. The results were based on a lab experiment that concluded cannabidiol inhibits Id-1 in breast cancer cells.
In the United States, two marijuana-based drugs Dronabinol and Nabilone are approved for treating nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy.
It Prevents Alzheimer’s Disease
The buildup of amyloid plaques is a reason for the development of Alzheimer’s disease. THC is effective in slowing down the process. A study published in Molecular Pharmaceutics reported that THC slowed the amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) overgrowth.
Moreover, inflammation around amyloid plaques can also result in Alzheimer’s disease. Marijuana is a proven anti-inflammatory agent, thus can help solve this problem.
According to a report published in Neuroscience in 2016, the activation of CB1 receptor sites delivers anti-inflammatory effects.
In addition to THC, CBD can also deliver positive effects. According to a 2004 study, CBD’s neuroprotective, anti-oxidative, and anti-apoptotic properties can help reduce neurotoxicity due to amyloid buildup.
Alzheimer’s disease starts from the hippocampus region in the brain, thus leading to cognitive and memory impairments. However, it can lead to anxiety and depression. Medical marijuana can help in managing these health issues.
It Manages Arthritis Symptoms
Arthritis is linked to pain and inflammation in joints. Although opioids can help in reducing pain by working with the central nervous system, its long-term use may lead to dependence.
CBD can help in managing Arthritis symptoms without causing psychoactive effects as THC. When you consume CBD, it attaches to the CB2 receptors, thus providing positive effects.
An article published in the Journal of Neuroimmunology reported that chemical compounds in marijuana can help in managing inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.
According to a national survey conducted by CBS News in 2014, 86 percent of the Americans think that doctors should be allowed to prescribe marijuana for serious health conditions like arthritis.
It Eases Multiple Sclerosis
Inflammation is one of the major symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Marijuana can help in managing pain and inflammation.
A study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, & Psychiatry was focused on evaluating the effectiveness of cannabis in managing MS symptoms. The participants were divided into two groups—the first group was given marijuana and another with placebo. Researchers reported that the marijuana group got twice as much relief as the placebo group.
Moreover, THC can help alter normal brain communication. It has a chemical structure similar to that of anandamide, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in memory, motivation, movement control, appetite, etc.
Top cannabis strains for multiple sclerosis are—Grand Doggy Purps, Pineapple Skunk, White Gorilla, Rocky Dennis, Pakistan Valley Kush, Golden Nugget, Blue Alien, and Blue Blood.
It Helps With Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder, which can cause pain, vomiting, weight loss, etc. Marijuana can be used as an effective treatment for this disorder.
A recent study in Israel reported that smoking cannabis reduced symptoms of Crohn’s disease in 10 out of 11 patients and helped in complete cancelation in 5 of these patients.
A study conducted in 2013 determined the effects of marijuana use in patients with Crohn’s disease. The participants were given either cannabis or placebo. Researchers reported that cannabis helped in improving appetite and sleep patterns.
The Takeaway
Marijuana is known for delivering amazing medicinal benefits. Its compounds are packed with ultimate therapeutic properties that can help with anxiety relief, pain management, and relaxation. Cannabis can be used as an effective treatment for arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and PTSD.
Unlike prescription medications, marijuana treatment doesn’t cause negative effects. However, the dosage is important when using cannabis for medical purposes. In some cases, high cannabis dose may worsen the symptoms. So, always talk to a licensed doctor before you start using marijuana.
Get a medical marijuana card Riverside to legally access the herb for managing your condition.