A popular but often misunderstood herb, cannabis has become more widely accepted and legalized in various States across the US in recent years. Outside the US, cannabis has been approved for medical use in many countries, while laws for personal use are still being reviewed. Uruguay is one of the countries aside from US that have already legalized possession of cannabis or cannabis-based products.
Cannabis can be used for either recreational or medicinal purpose, depending on the laws of your country or state. To ensure that you are not violating any regulations, better check the laws in your area of residence. But with the easing of restrictions in several states, the sale and purchase of cannabis-derived products are now easier, and you can even arrange for a Cannabis Delivery online.
The potency and effectiveness of cannabis-based products vary depending on the manufacturing process and the quality of the plant. Cannabis is quite a useful herb, as almost all of its parts can be utilized and converted into a product – from the flowers, to leaves, stems, and seeds. These can then be converted into various forms of consumables, such as cigarettes, tea, desserts, ointments, capsules, and can even be consumed raw.
Extracts from the cannabis plant contains cannabinoids, which are chemicals that are also naturally present in the body. These chemicals have a function that is similar to a neurotransmitter, which sends signals to the brain that can affect certain functions and reactions of the nervous system. When used properly, this can benefit the user in many ways, and here are some of them :
1. Alleviates Chronic Pain
One effect of cannabinoids in the body is to act as an analgesic. It works to restrain the release and distribution of neurotransmitters to the body's nerve endings, which then obstructs pain pathways and reduces inflammation of nerves.
Studies have shown that cannabis-based products are effective in reducing and managing pain, both cancer and non-cancer related. Used as an oromucosal spray, it worked as palliative care for cancer pain that other medications or treatments have not been able to relieve. It was also shown to be useful in treating neuropathic pain due to multiple sclerosis.
Topical cannabis-derived products, on the other hand, are more effective for treatment of localized pain. It does not enter the bloodstream and has a more direct effect on the area where it is applied.
2. Helps Address Mental Health Problems
Cannabis is popular for its calming effect, and this has been confirmed in several psychiatric studies. One such study in Brazil proved its effectiveness in reducing anxiety in men who were about to engage in public speaking.
Another study that conducted a laboratory test in rats showed its efficacy in managing depression, while a study in humans using cannabis through inhalation have found short-term effects in reducing feelings of melancholy. This is because cannabinoids can also affect the body's production of serotonin, a hormone that is known to be related to feelings of well-being, happiness, and good mood.
It has likewise been found to be effective in managing post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. Although it does not claim to be a cure for the condition, researchers have found that consumption of cannabis-based products have helped PTSD patients in reducing several symptoms, such as anxiety, negative thoughts, resurgence of traumatic memories, and irritability. Depression and suicidal thoughts have also been significantly reduced after cannabis consumption.
3. Relieves Symptoms For Neurological Diseases
Direct consumption of raw cannabis plant, or any of is derivatives, have also been found to be effective when used to treat several kinds of ailments. These include long-term and sometimes debilitating diseases such as epilepsy, arthritis, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS, and other neurological diseases.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has permitted the use of cannabis on epileptic patients since 2018. This is after finding evidence that showed how cannabis-based medications, together with other prescribed treatments, were able to reduce the frequency of seizures in patients.
A similar effect was also observed in patients afflicted with ALS, which is a disease that mainly attacks the brain and spine, resulting in loss of control over the body's movement and command of the muscles. This condition has been incurable to date, and is known to get worse over time. In combination with other treatments, cannabis was able to reduce muscle spasms and garnered positive feedback from patients with ALS.
Arthritis patients have experienced improvements after using cannabis-based products as well. Symptoms such as disturbed sleep, muscle pain, stiffness, and difficulty in movement have significantly improved after product consumption. Topical application for localized treatments have also worked for those suffering from osteoarthritis.
4. Regulates and Prevent Diabetes
It has been observed that cannabis has an impact on insulin which can help to prevent diabetes. Moreover, it can regulate diabetes in patients who already have diabetes. The American Alliance for Medical Cannabis (AAMC) conducted research on cannabis and its health benefits; the research result stated that controlled use of cannabis has the power to stabilize blood sugar, blood pressure, moreover it can also improve blood circulation.
5. Fight Cancer
One of the most important medical benefits of cannabis is its ability to help people fight cancer. Cannabinoids have a lot of evidence that they can help fight cancer or at least some forms of cancer.
6. Cannabis Can Help in Treating Depression
Depression is fairly common, and most individuals are unaware that they have it. Cannabis' endocannabinoid components can assist in stabilizing moods, which can aid in alleviating depression.
7. Helps with ADHD/ADD
People with ADHD and ADD have a hard time focusing on what they're doing. As a result, they have issues with concentration and cognitive performance. Cannabis has shown promise in boosting focus and assisting people who suffer from ADHD or ADD. It is also thought to be a safer substitute for Adderall and Ritalin.
Final Words
Cannabis is available in a variety of forms, and the list of health benefits is growing all the time. Still, cannabis has some risks, notably for persons at risk of mental illness, pregnant women, those with respiratory difficulties, and anyone getting into a car that may be driving shortly after using cannabis. However, some of these risks may be mitigated or avoided by ingesting marijuana rather than smoking it. So, a controlled way of using cannabis is recommened and can solve a lot of health issues.
