Why Does Cannabis Work?
Cannabis, a plant that has been used for centuries due to its myriad healing properties, was well-documented and celebrated throughout history up until prohibition. Now that cannabis legality is spreading across the globe, more and more modern research is being done into the plant’s capabilities. THC (short for tetrahydrocannabinol) is the most commonly known component of cannabis, but there are numerous other cannabinoids that offer a multitude of benefits for both the mind and body. Research has shown that the reason for this is that phytocannabinoids (derived from the plant) work well with our body’s own natural endocannabinoid system – providing greater healing benefits without many of the negative side effects you might get from traditional medicines! Cannabis has shown potential to help treat a wide variety of medical conditions. Here are 13 unexpected medicinal uses for cannabis you may not know about:
1. Dealing With Anxiety:
Anxiety is a condition that can be debilitating for many. Cannabis has been shown to effectively reduce anxiety, making it a valuable tool for those dealing with this condition. The particular components in cannabis most known for their anti-anxiety properties are CBD and CBG.
2. Reducing Seizures:
Sudden, uncontrolled electrical disruptions in the brain caused by seizures can be draining for many, and the medications commonly prescribed for epileptics have a long list of possible negative side effects. Research has shown cannabis – more specifically the cannabinoid CBD – may help to reduce seizures by interacting with the brain’s neurotransmitters. When used in tandem with regular seizure medications, CBD may provide even greater relief while reducing the negative side effects associated with common prescriptions.
3. Relieving Arthritis Pain:
Nearly 24% of American adults suffer from some form of arthritis. THC has been shown to help provide strong relief for those suffering neurological pain. CBD, the second most widely known cannabinoid, has also been shown to help relieve inflammation caused by arthritis, while also improving sleep distributions commonly associated with different inflammatory conditions.
4. Treating Skin Conditions:
Skin conditions can be tricky to treat. Cannabis may be effective in treating skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Research has shown that CBD can work well in treating the symptoms of these conditions when applied directly to the skin. The cannabinoid also may serve as a protective barrier against environmental factors that can impact skin health.
5. Helping With Sleep:
Insomnia is when someone has difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, and this is a condition that plagues up to 70 million people across the US. As it turns out, cannabis may help people with insomnia, both by reducing the time it takes to fall asleep and aiding in increasing sleep duration. CBN, a cannabinoid in certain cannabis strains, has been gaining notoriety for its potential sleep-inducing effects.
6. Easing Nausea:
Nausea is a common side effect of chemotherapy and many other debilitating conditions. Much like with seizures, cannabis can help alleviate nausea by interacting with the brain’s neurotransmitters. Studies have demonstrated that the use of cannabis can almost immediately reduce the feeling of nausea and ease stomach discomfort/queasiness in some patients.
7. Stimulating Appetite:
The benefits of cannabis for its appetite-increasing properties have been well documented for centuries. It’s even a common joke in the community that consumption can elicit the “munchies”. However, for many people suffering from disorders that cause difficulties with eating, cannabis has been absolutely life-changing for appetite improvement.
8. Treating Muscle Spasms:
Muscle spasms are common symptoms of conditions like multiple sclerosis and others. They come unexpectedly and can be absolutely debilitating. Cannabis has been shown to greatly relieve muscle spasms by reducing inflammation through its interactions with the brain’s neurotransmitters. Researchers have found that within minutes of inhalation, relief can be found in many consumers.
9. Reducing Tumor Growth:
Research on cancer and the benefits cannabis may have on cancer cell proliferation, has had some quite exciting outcomes in recent years. While more research is absolutely needed, what scientists are finding is that cannabis has been shown to slow the growth of tumors in mice and also provides numerous other benefits to patients suffering from cancer.
10. Improve Joint Function:
Cannabis may help improve joint function through its anti-inflammatory properties. It has also been shown to greatly improve joint struggles for those suffering from osteoarthritis and other conditions that cause inflammation and pain, like rheumatoid arthritis.
11. Enhancing Creativity:
You know that feeling when you’re “in the zone” and feeling like new ideas just come to you easily? This is what researchers call the “Flow State”, the optimal state of consciousness, where humans seem to be their most productive. Recent studies have shown that cannabinoids such as CBG and THC may enhance this state of creativity by reducing anxiety and increasing focus. It can be used to improve your creative output in various fields, including art, music, writing, and much more!
In Conclusion
Cannabis is a versatile plant with a wide range of medicinal benefits. It can be used to treat various conditions, including anxiety, pain, seizures, and inflammation. If you’re looking for a natural way to treat your condition, cannabis may be worth considering. As always, it’s important to talk with your doctor and do some more research yourself on what types and methods of consumption may work best for your particular situation. As more research is available, it’s exciting to see the seemingly endless possibilities for improved health that this plant provides.
Thanks for reading,
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