Cannabis provides relaxation, ease anxiety, and pain. Medical researchers have found that it’s safer than prescription medications. Recent studies show that states where medical marijuana is legal, have shown a significant reduction in the number of opioid-related deaths in the past few years.
In marijuana, there are more than 100 cannabinoids, the chemical compounds that possess therapeutic properties. When you consume these cannabinoids, they bind to the receptors in the brain and various other parts. This helps in regulating different bodily functions.
Anxiety is one of the major mental health problems among Americans. It can lead to sleep disturbances, lack of focus, and many other health issues.
Different types of anxiety disorders are—social anxiety disorder, general anxiety disorder, medication-induced anxiety, separation anxiety, and agoraphobia.
Marijuana can be helpful in managing anxiety symptoms, such as mood swings, sleep problems, lack of focus, etc. Its cannabinoids bind to receptors, thus regulating mood, memory, and various other functions.
THC and CBD are the two important cannabinoids, which have medicinal properties. Researchers have found that consuming high-THC strains can help boost sleep and relaxation. Actually, it works by reducing REM sleep.
A recent study reported that 2-AG is beneficial in reducing anxiety levels. 2-AG is a naturally produced chemical compound in the body, which binds to the same receptors as THC.
Moreover, a 2018 study reported that cannabis helped in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression levels. However, for managing these conditions, the dosage is the key. Researchers found that using cannabis for the short-term can help improve health while long-term use may worsen the depression symptoms.
Pain can limit movement, thus interfering directly with daily activities. Research says that it can cause mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, etc.
Cannabis can help in managing pain, thus boosting wellness. Unlike opioid medications, it is safer. In the past years, the number of deaths related to opioid overdose has significantly reduced in the states that have legalized medical marijuana.
Marijuana can be used as an effective treatment for different types of pain, including chronic pain, arthritis pain, and fibromyalgia pain. A study published in the Journal of Headache Pain reported that marijuana containing myrcene and caryophyllene was helpful for reducing headaches, migraines, and other conditions associated with pain, such as arthritis. Myrcene and caryophyllene are the two terpenes.
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Moreover, there are various medical studies related to cannabis and fibromyalgia available. A study reported that 43 percent of the participants received strong pain relief with cannabis use while another 43 percent got mild relief. In the study, 28 patients with fibromyalgia participated.
Obesity is linked to various severe health problems. These include heart disease, type 2 diabetes, erectile dysfunction, etc. The CDC says that people with BMI values between 25 and 30 are considered overweight while the ones greater than 30 are obese.
The body’s endocannabinoid system plays a vital role in regulating the metabolism process and energy. Many studies show that marijuana users are less likely to gain weight.
According to the data of two surveys (about 50,000 respondents) published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, obesity rates were reduced to 14.3 percent and 17.2 percent with cannabis use. However, without marijuana use, the rates were 22 percent and 25.3 percent.
It’s true that cannabis causes munchies. But, researchers have found that people who use cannabis have lower BMI despite increasing calorie intake.
For losing weight with marijuana, choosing the right strain is very important. Look for strains containing THCV—a cannabinoid that is useful for losing weight.
Studies have shown that cannabis can help in managing chemotherapy-related symptoms, such as vomiting and nausea. 2 cannabis-based drugs, nabilone and dronabinol are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for alleviating nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy.
The herb is also effective in reducing neuropathic pain. Additionally, cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD play a role in slowing the growth of cancer cells.
CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, which provides calming and relaxing effects. The FDA has approved a CBD-based medicine Epidiolex for treating Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome in children aged 2 years and older.
For patients who have lung problems, smoking isn’t recommended. So, they can opt for smokeless cannabis consumption methods, such as vaping, edibles, tinctures, etc.
Some of the best strains for cancer-related symptoms are Blackberry Kush, Harlequin, Northern Lights, Blueberry Diesel, ACDC, and Granddaddy Purple.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder affecting about 3.4 million people in the United States. Cannabinoids in marijuana can help provide anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. Additionally, cannabis is effective in managing anxiety and stress, which trigger seizures.
Research says that CBD can help patients with epilepsy. A study reported that giving 20 mg of CBD per kg of patient weight every day was better than a placebo. Researchers confirmed that CBD helped in reducing the seizure frequency by at least 50 percent.
For easing epilepsy symptoms, you should dose cannabis properly. This is because like some medications, it can affect memory. Talk to a medical marijuana doctor to seek professional help for managing your condition.
Top strains for managing epilepsy are—Harlequin, 3D CBD, Cannatonic, and Charlotte’s Web.
ADHD can affect brain areas linked to concentrating, planning, and decision making. CDC estimates that about 6.1 million people in the United States are diagnosed with ADHD. For managing ADHD, stimulants, non-stimulants, and antidepressants are usually prescribed. But, they can cause certain side-effects, such as dry mouth, nausea, weight gain, etc.
Cannabis for ADHD treatment is considered safe. It works by correcting the dopamine deficiency—the major reason for the development of ADHD. A 2017 study published in Nature journal reported that THC is effective in boosting dopamine levels in the brain. However, it’s true for short-term, and long term marijuana use may cause some health problems.
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Since cannabis use is linked to some side-effects, it’s necessary to talk to a licensed doctor for optimal dosage and consumption methods for your condition.
Top medical marijuana strains for ADHD patients are—Green Crack, True OG, Sour Diesel, Cinex, Black Jack, Harlequin, and Harle-Tsu.
Marijuana is still illegal as per federal regulations. But, its medical use is legal in 33 US states including California. To buy, use, and possess cannabis legally, you require a doctor’s recommendation. An MMJ card is valid for one year from the date it’s issued. After that, you need to apply for mmj card renewal.
Now, to apply for a new card or renewal, you can see a doctor online through telemedicine. Here’s the process-
Marijuana use has gained popularity over the past few years. There are many studies available showing that the herb works effectively and is safer than medications. Research says that cannabinoids in marijuana work by binding to the receptors in the endocannabinoid system.
Major health benefits of cannabis are pain relief, anxiety relief, and easing cancer-chemotherapy symptoms, epilepsy, and ADHD. To receive the desired health benefits, you should select the right dosage, strains, and delivery method. And, for this, you can talk to a medical marijuana doctor.
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