Table of Contents
Medical cannabis has been used to treat a wide range of conditions for years, and research continues to discover more medical benefits. While the most common use for cannabis is as a pain reliever, it also shows Cannabis for treating nausea, spasticity, glaucoma, and sleep disorders.
How Cannabis Works In The Body
Cannabis is made up of two main compounds: cannabinoids and terpenes.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (Cannabidiol) are the most well-known and studied cannabinoids, with THC making users feel “high” while CBD does not. Terpenes, which give cannabis strains their distinctive tastes, also hold individual medical benefits.
The Endocannabinoid System’s Role In The Body
Our bodies actually contain cannabinoid receptors within our brains and throughout other parts of the body. These receptors make up what is called the endocannabinoid system. The role of this system is to regulate key functions such as sleep, immune function, mood, addiction, appetite, motor coordination, pain, sensory perception, and memory.
Top Conditions Medical Cannabis Treats
Here are 5 conditions cannabis can help treat:
1. Seizures
Since 2014 over half of all US states have legalized the use of CBD oil or low-THC/high-CBD strains for epilepsy patients with parental consent. It is being shown that cannabinoids help control seizures by binding themselves on cells responsible for controlling excitability and regulating relaxation. In June 2017 GW Pharmaceuticals announced that their new drug Epidiolex was successful in treating seizures associated with two rare forms of epilepsy.
2. Cancer
While there is no hard research on cannabis being used to treat cancer, many medical professionals are confident it can help. Cannabis has been shown to increase the appetite and speed up the recovery process for patients going through chemotherapy. It can also decrease symptoms like nausea, vomiting, pain, and insomnia that result from traditional cancer treatments. Also, while not yet conclusive, early research has found THC may block certain types of cancerous tumors from growing or spreading throughout the body.
3. Chronic Pain
Medical cannabis works well as a pain reliever because it reduces inflammation and relaxes muscles surrounding painful areas in the body. A study published by The Journal Of The American Medicine Association showed that cannabis helped patients suffering from chronic pain reduce everyday pain as well as the use of opioid painkillers. However, more research needs to be done to determine the long-term effects of cannabis on a person’s ability to feel and respond to pain.
4. Anxiety
Medical cannabis has been used to treat anxiety for centuries, but this is one area where doctors urge caution. All too often high THC strains are prescribed because they produce feelings of euphoria or relaxation. While these feelings can help with stress relief and mild anxiety, they actually make conditions like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) worse. Research shows that CBD helps relieve stress, promote relaxation and reduce irritability without impairing cognitive performance. The best thing you can do if you suffer from anxiety is to talk to a doctor about using cannabis as well as avoiding high THC strains.
5. Nausea
Medical marijuana has been used to treat nausea for decades, and research shows it can relieve symptoms caused by everything from chemotherapy treatments to radiation exposure. In fact, several states have already legalized medical cannabis specifically for the treatment of nausea. It typically works quickly, with patients reporting relief within minutes or hours depending on how they ingested their medicine (ingestion being one of the fastest ways to feel the effects). Patients receiving chemotherapy report that inhaling cannabis provides them with faster relief than other methods such as pills or edible products.
Medical Cannabis Clinics/Dispensaries
In places like the USA and most of Europe, there are private clinics where patients can go to talk about using medical cannabis as a treatment option. This is especially important for those who want access to high-quality products and strains of CBD oil. A private clinic also makes it easier for those who need help selecting the right product since you will be getting advice and guidance from professionals and not just picking something out at random.
You can find more information on clinics like this on sites like https://themedicalcannabisclinics.com/ and https://leafly.com.
The Types Of Medical Cannabis Products
Cannabis oils and CBD products come in many different forms, including pills, topical ointments, beverages, vaporizing liquids, and capsules. The most common ways to ingest or inhale it are smoking, vaping, and oral ingestion.
CBD Oils
Used mainly for pain relief, CBD oils contain very little THC and are non-psychoactive. In fact, most products available for purchase online have less than 0.3% THC. CBD oil can be ingested as an extract or added to food and drinks.
CBD Pills & Capsules
CBD pills and capsules are great for those who want the benefits of medical cannabis without having to taste or inhale smoke or vapor. You can find these pills and capsules in many stores across the world or online. They’re typically made from CBD oil, so they have the same beneficial properties as regular CBD oil.
CBD Topicals
Topical CBD products like creams, ointments, and rubs are used in a similar way to hand cream or muscle rub. Many people use them for muscle and joint pain relief, and some also like to use topicals for skincare or even as part of a beauty routine.
CBD Drinks & Beverages
This is another way of taking CBD oil without having to taste or inhale smoke or vapor. CBD drinks are great for those who don’t like using oil or cream, but they also make it easier to control your dose since you can just drink as much or as little as you want.
Vaporizing Liquids & Capsules
These are the most common types of CBD products for smoking or vaping. They’re specifically made for this purpose and contain high levels of CBD with very little to no THC. These products make it easier to get a specific dose depending on the size of your inhalation.
What Countries Is Medical Cannabis Legal In?
There are currently 33 US states where medical cannabis is legal, as well as 16 other countries that have federally legalized the herb for medical purposes. In places like Israel and Canada, medical marijuana can be obtained from any licensed producer with a doctor’s prescription. In India, you need a prescription to obtain CBD oil or flower, but it is still very easy to do. In many areas of Europe, medical cannabis requires no special authorization at all making it accessible to anyone who needs it.
