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With each passing year, researchers delve deeper into the realm of cannabis, unearthing a treasure trove of potential health benefits. As the green wave of cannabis legalization sweeps across various countries, including Thailand, it's important to differentiate between genuine evidence and unfounded claims about this plant's medical benefits.
As the cloud of curiosity surrounding cannabis thickens, it's high time we navigate through the haze of misinformation. In this blog, we embark on an enlightening journey to roll away the misconceptions and blaze a trail toward science-backed insights and expert opinions on the potential benefits of cannabis use.
What is Cannabis?
Cannabis is a plant made up of various components, but the most well-known ones are cannabinoids, such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC is responsible for the psychoactive "high" many people associate with cannabis. It can bring about a sense of relaxation and euphoria and even heighten sensory experiences. On the other hand, CBD delivers a range of therapeutic properties without the mind-altering experience or psychoactive effects.
7 Amazing Health Benefits of Cannabis
In this section, we'll explore the benefits of marijuana as a natural alternative worth exploring for a healthier life. Here are seven of them.
1. Relieves Pain and Inflammation
When it comes to the many medical benefits of cannabis, reducing achy joints and sore muscles caused by inflammation takes the top spot. Inflammation is the root of many chronic pain conditions, including arthritis, gout, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, and even serious diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Both THC and CBD interact with our body's endocannabinoid system, which regulates pain and inflammation. When we consume cannabis, these cannabinoids team up to minimize pain signals and dial down the swelling of nerves and muscles.
On top of that, some pretty interesting studies suggest that cannabis could be a potential alternative to highly addictive opioids when managing pain. It's a potential game-changer that might help reduce the risks of opioid addiction and overdose.
✔️Fact: Cannabis can totally help with pain relief and inflammation, but it's not a one-size-fits-all solution for everyone and every situation.
❌Fiction: Cannabis is a guaranteed cure for all pain and inflammation-related conditions.
2. Better Mental Wellness
Indulging in the world of cannabis brings a delightful perk—its ability to help you unwind and serve as a natural mood enhancer and stress buster. THC, the mind-altering compound in cannabis, can deliver waves of euphoria and a profound sense of tranquility. Additionally, studies have illuminated the anxiety-reducing properties of CBD, making it a potential game-changer for those wrestling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and even sleeplessness.
However, while cannabis holds promise for mental well-being, it's essential to bear in mind that there's still much ground to cover in understanding its true effectiveness, appropriate dosages, and potential risks.
Therefore, if anxiety or depression plagues you or someone dear to you, seeking the guidance of healthcare professionals is strongly advised. They possess the expertise to provide tailored treatment options and guide you toward the most suitable approach for managing your mental health.
✔️Fact: Cannabis can be a pretty helpful supplement for managing certain mental health conditions. But don’t forget, moderation and expert advice are essential! Going overboard, especially with strains with high THC, might stir up anxiety and disorientation
❌Fiction: Cannabis can completely replace traditional treatment options for mental health conditions.
3. Improves Skin Health
Numerous studies have found that Cannabinoids in Cannabis contain anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. When applied topically, it relieves pain, itchiness, and redness from skin conditions like eczema, acne, and psoriasis. Nowadays, you'll find many CBD-infused skincare products in the form of lotion, serum, sunscreen, and even lip butter.
✔️Fact: To get the most out of cannabis for your skin health, using medically prescribed topical forms of Cannabis is key because it lets the cannabinoids interact directly with your skin. It can help soothe inflammation, tackle specific skin conditions, and bring you some sweet relief.
❌Fiction: Smoking cannabis improves skin health.
4. Helps with Cancer Treatment
Many cancer patients use medical marijuana for its multi-faceted benefits. For those going through chemotherapy, it can bring relief from nausea and vomiting. Instead of relying solely on standard anti-emetic drugs, cannabis-based medications with THC can target specific receptors in the brain to help ease those unpleasant symptoms.
In addition to its myriad benefits, cannabis has been found to boost appetite, uplift mood, promote better sleep, and alleviate anxiety. These advantages not only enhance overall well-being but also contribute to making cancer treatment more manageable and effective. Furthermore, research indicates that cannabis possesses antioxidant properties that can aid in combating cancer cells, particularly by regulating tumor growth.
✔️Fact: Cannabis can ease chemotherapy side effects like nausea and vomiting, but it is not a universal cancer treatment.
❌Fiction: Cannabis cures cancer.
5. Eases Symptoms of Neurological Disorders
Research suggests that cannabis has antioxidant properties that safeguard your brain from degeneration. The secret behind this neuroprotection is how the cannabinoids like CBD interact with your body's endocannabinoid system, which keeps everything in balance.
The medical use of cannabis for treating neurological disorders such as epilepsy and multiple sclerosis is highly-recognized. In fact, an FDA-approved medication called Epidiolex, which contains CBD, is used to treat seizures related to specific forms of epilepsy.
✔️Fact: Cannabis may help manage symptoms of conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson's.
❌Fiction: Cannabis is a cure-all for all neurological disorders.
6. Sleep Aid and Insomnia Relief
If counting sheep isn't helping you catch those much-needed ZZs, cannabis might help. Certain strains, especially those rich in CBD, improve sleep quality and ease insomnia symptoms. CBD's calming and anxiety-reducing properties and its ability to regulate the sleep-wake cycle make it a potential natural aid for those having a hard time with sleep disorders.
✔️Fact: Cannabis makes it easier for you to doze off. However, taking too much THC can cause some not-so-fun side effects the next day, like sleepiness and disorientation.
❌Fiction: Self-medicating with cannabis is completely safe and without side effects for sleep aid.
7. Stimulates Your Appetite
Another interesting benefit of cannabis is that it can boost appetite. It can be helpful for people dealing with eating disorders or conditions that cause weight loss or appetite suppression. The "munchies," is all thanks to THC and its interaction with the brain's reward and appetite centers. As always, it’s best to consult a doctor to know if it suits you.
✔️Fact: Cannabis can actually help stimulate appetite, but it's important to remember that it's not always the go-to solution for medical conditions related to appetite loss or weight loss.
❌Fiction: Cannabinoids, especially THC, can interact with the endocannabinoid system in our bodies? As a result, it boosts appetite and makes one hungry.
The Need for Responsible Use
Now, let's delve into the potential pitfalls of self-medication when it comes to cannabis. While we can certainly embrace the health benefits it offers, it's essential not to haphazardly use it without seeking professional medical advice.
It's crucial to remember the psychoactive effects of THC. Improper or excessive cannabis use can result in adverse side effects, including compromised coordination, impaired cognitive function, and memory difficulties. These can significantly impede judgment and decision-making abilities, potentially leading to risky behaviors.
Furthermore, cannabis has the potential to interact with certain medications, affecting their effectiveness or causing unpleasant side effects. That's why seeking guidance from a healthcare provider is of utmost importance before incorporating cannabis into your medical regimen.
Your Health's Best Bud!
We're still scratching the surface of this vast field, and there's still much to learn when it comes to cannabis health benefits. Finding the right guidance and taking a mindful approach can help us unlock its potential advantages without stumbling into unnecessary problems. It's all about finding that perfect balance where cannabis can be a key part of your journey to better health.
Stay in the loop by reading our blog and discovering all things cannabis!