We’ve all heard all of the positive effects that cannabis can have! In fact, the list of ailments that cannabis can help with is long.  Like, really long. And there are so many reasons for that.  One of the main reasons why cannabis is able to provide consumers with so many health benefits is because of the dynamic nature of the cannabis plant.  It’s the specific balance of cannabinoids, terpenes, and knowledge/research that makes cannabis so helpful. Sound like a lot? Don’t worry we will hone in on this information and help you understand all of the health benefits of cannabis!  

OH hello cannabis…

You know cannabis as a plant, but we know it as much more than that.  It has helpful substances that can be molded into so many different varieties with many benefits. Specifically, these substances that hold so much impact are known as Cannabinoids. Get to know the basics of the cannabis plant here!

Cannabis, how we love thee, let us count the ways…

With a solid foundation about the cannabis plant, let’s focus on one of the most important substances, cannabinoids.  Simply, there are over 100 cannabinoids, each possessing an important job.  One of the most important cannabinoids (and ones you have heard of the most) are CBD and THC.  Why are they important? Because they are mostly responsible for the positive effects/feelings and subsequently the treatments for hundreds of ailments, with very little long term (if any) side effects. A win-win for consumers. 

We know that CBD and THC have the same chemical formula. The difference lies in the way the atoms are arranged. That gives CBD and THC different chemical properties and will each affect your body differently (WebMD).  THC binds with receptors — mostly in the brain — that control pain, mood, and other feelings. That’s why THC can make you feel euphoric and give you that so-called high. CBD won’t cause euphoric feelings. Conversely, it’s thought to work with other elements in the body linked to feelings of well-being (WebMD).

Health benefits of cannabis

Experts are constantly researching the cannabis plant and to their credit, the research isn’t slowing down anytime soon because marijuana is showing so many positive results for curing a large variety of ailments. Let’s discuss most of the benefits of marijuana and how cannabinoids can further help consumers.  

Epilepsy – People who suffer from seizure specific diseases like Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome can benefit from FDA approved CBD based drugs called Epidiolex.

Multiple Sclerosis – There is some research shows that cannabis use might help eliminate symptoms associated with MS. 

Chronic Pain – Cannabis can be helpful in relieving neuropathic pain (nerve damage), with the magnitude of relieving pain will generally be contingent on the amount of THC (NCBI).

Glaucoma –  Some findings indicate that marijuana may decrease blood flow to the optic nerve, increasing the risk for total vision loss in people with glaucoma.

Side effects of prescription drugs – Research right now tells us, that marijuana isn’t a cure for ailments but can help treat side effects.  Specifically, there are FDA approved drugs that help with the side effects of cancer treatments, such as, chemotherapy.  As oral cannabinoids are effective against nausea and vomiting (NAP). 

We should note a lot of the approved marijuana based drugs are mostly CBD based.  As CBD has is a noneuphoriant component with a good safety profile. Hence, you get the medical benefits without feeling high. 

Side Effects of Cannabis

Feeling high (consuming THC) can cause many temporary side effects that could cause impairment. 

Marijuana can cause:

• Headaches

• Dry mouth and dry eyes (you may even get red eyes)

• Lightheadedness and dizziness

• Drowsiness

• Fatigue

• Disorientation

• Increased heart rate

• Increased appetite (also known as the “munchies”)

There is so much more research to be discovered when it comes to cannabis. You want be aware of the type of product you are consuming, the ingredients and just how much you have consumed, this will keep you safe and hopefully help with your ailments.