Publication date: January 29, 2024
Categories: Education
Cannabis legalization has resulted in a significant increase in the recreational and health-related use of THC in many different forms and concentrations. More than a quarter of Americans currently consume cannabis recreationally – to “feel good,” for pain relief and creative stimulation.
There are legitimate adverse effects and dangers associated with cannabis use, but these concerns must be weighed against the proven benefits.
So, in this post, we’ll look at what cannabis is used for, understand how it can stimulate your mind and body, and whether or not cannabis is suitable for you.
Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is one of the most prevalent chemicals produced by the cannabis plant. CBD, unlike THC, does not affect coordination or cognition, and it has been shown in studies to lessen the adverse effects of THC, such as anxiety and panic attacks.
Many people claim that CBD relieves pain and improves sleep, although it’s likely that these effects are partially due to the placebo effect. Moreover, oral CBD can reduce anxiety.
CBD may be a valuable tool for protecting brain cells, supporting mental well-being, and treating schizophrenia, addiction, traumatic brain damage, and other neurological illnesses. However, further research is needed to verify this claim.
Human research into the efficacy of cannabis for various disorders is still ongoing. However, some of the medical advantages of cannabis are:
Many studies have found that while cannabis does not alleviate the primary symptoms of a condition like cancer, it does improve a person’s mental health. Even if their sickness does not improve, many who use cannabis find it easier to cope with daily life.
There are several uses of cannabis, including:
1. Managing Multiple Sclerosis and Neurological Diseases
The FDA has approved numerous cannabis-like drugs. These drugs are cannabinoids or relatives of the cannabis plant’s distinctive compounds. For instance, cannabidiol (Epidiolex), a prescription-strength CBD, is extracted directly from the cannabis plant and utilized to treat epilepsy in children.
Similarly, multiple sclerosis (MS) can be treated with cannabis.[ https://www.mssociety.org.uk/about-ms/treatments-and-therapies/cannabis] Moreover, though further research is needed, several studies suggest that cannabis could improve the well-being of people with neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
2. Providing Pain Relief
The most common purpose of cannabis use is to relieve pain. According to new studies, cannabis may be a safer alternative to pain relievers like opioids and benzodiazepines.
Cannabis may be safer due to its lack of life-threatening adverse effects. Opioids and benzodiazepines, on the other hand, are responsible for thousands of accidental overdoses and deaths each year.
3. Improving Sleep
Cannabis has been shown to encourage and improve sleep in those with and without chronic sleep conditions.[ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-aids/marijuana-and-sleep] The compound may also help individuals fall asleep faster, but it cannot stop them from snapping awake during the night, according to research.
The chemical may also benefit those with sleep disorders like restless leg syndrome.[ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7488602/] However, the study is still underway.
https://www.mssociety.org.uk/about-ms/treatments-and-therapies/cannabis
https://harmreductionjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12954-021-00520-5
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-aids/marijuana-and-sleep
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7488602/
4. Reducing Cancer
Oral cannabinoids have been shown to help with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and some limited studies have suggested that consuming cannabis may also help with these symptoms.
Cancer cell research also suggests that cannabis may either reduce or stop the growth of some cancers.
5. Treating Anxiety and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Cannabis is also often used to treat anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).[ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8222769/] However, even though fear and depression are frequently experienced simultaneously, evidence suggests that long-term cannabis usage may exacerbate depression.
Can Cannabis Be Used in Place of Alcohol?
Some people are substituting cannabis for alcohol due to the lessened stigma attached to CBD in recent years.
According to research, in states where cannabis has been legalized, there was a decrease in the sale of alcohol. CBD lowered excessive drinking by nearly one-third among heavy drinkers, bringing down the risk of liver disease by a significant margin.
Cannabis is also considered a harm-reduction aid for patients with alcohol dependence in some rehabilitation centers across the U.S.
Is It Possible to Combine Cannabis and Exercise?
While cannabis impairs driving ability, many other pursuits can be safely combined with it. Cannabis, for example, is frequently coupled with exercise. Athletes, particularly endurance athletes like marathon runners, report that cannabis improves exercise satisfaction and recovery.
Contrary to historical notions that cannabis causes laziness, people often indicate that cannabis helps them feel healthy and active.
Also, according to specific research, long-term cannabis use has been linked to a lower incidence of obesity and other metabolic illnesses, including diabetes
Is Cannabis Good for Improving Desire or Creativity?
Cannabis has been found to improve sexual desire and satisfaction, particularly in women. Also, according to several people who work with art professionally or recreationally, cannabis is a crucial tool for stimulating the creative process.
Some people even claim that cannabis helps them grow spiritually.
How Can You Know If Cannabis Is Right for You?
People react to cannabis in several different ways. So, the best approach to find out if cannabis can improve your symptoms or lifestyle is to test a small quantity in a safe, risk-free environment.
Keeping a notebook to track what you ate and how it made you feel can be beneficial. Also, be prepared to experience some adverse effects, such as fatigue or drowsiness. These effects will pass as soon as your body adjusts to CBD.
If you have a chronic sleep condition, CBD will help you sleep better, and if you experience constant anxiety, it will make you feel calmer.
However, cannabis should be avoided by teenagers, pregnant women, lactating mothers, and those with a previous history of severe mental illness. You should also make sure to consult a healthcare professional before using cannabis because it can react with certain drugs.
The Verdict
Cannabis use has significantly enhanced the quality of life of millions of Americans. It helps with pain relief, improves sleep, and increases the mental well-being of certain people. We’d say it’s pretty dang good for you!
