Numerous people cure mental health issues, multiple sclerosis, and chronic pain with the benefits of weed and cannabis-derived products. Nonetheless, studies have shown that utilizing cannabis as a medication offers advantages as well as disadvantages.
THC and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (CBD) are the two main components of cannabis that have been shown to have medical benefits. Plants of the Cannabis sativa species contain these two substances.
Medical practitioners may prescribe dried cannabis, oils, pills, and other products containing CBD and THC to treat a variety of ailments in states where it is allowed. These are commonly known as "medical cannabis."
These treatments have well-researched effects and are generally well-tolerated for the purposes for which they are prescribed. However, there is a significant risk associated with utilizing cannabis oil products that are not recommended for use or purchasing cannabis from unregistered sellers.
In this piece, we examine the scientific data that balances the medical Advantages of smoking weed against any potential health hazards.
What is Cannabis?
The complex plant known as cannabis sativa, or cannabis, is a member of the Cannabaceae family. It contains approximately 540 chemical components, over 100 of which are cannabinoids, the most well-known of which are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Generally speaking, parts of the cannabis plant with high THC content are referred to as "beneficial effects of weeds." According to the federal U.S. authorities, hemp refers to parts of cannabis plants that have less than 0.3% THC by dry weight.
Because of the euphoric, calming, and relaxed effects it produces, THC is the ingredient in cannabis that lends it its reputation as an intensely psychoactive drug. According to Daniele Piomelli, Ph.D., director of the Center for the Study of Cannabis at the University of California, Irvine, THC and other cannabinoids found in cannabis plants can have psychoactive effects on the human body because of how they interact with the endocannabinoid system, which controls pain, appetite, and the body's reaction to stress.
Is Cannabis Good or Bad for Your Health?
Evidence exists to support both the negative effects and positive effects of cannabis on health. However, additional research is still required to properly understand the implications of expanding cannabis usage for public health despite an increase in studies in this field.
More scientific studies on the application of cannabis and cannabinoids as medicinal treatments are needed, according to a number of experts and health groups, including the American Cancer Society (ACS)Trusted Source.
But there's a problem with that: The Drug Enforcement Administration has classified cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance, meaning that researchers who study in this field must adhere to tight guidelines.
What are the Weed Benefits and Marijuana Benefits?
There are two artificial marijuana strains available right now, Trusted Source. Doctors prescribe them to treat the negative effects of chemotherapy and severe epilepsy.
Some of the most often mentioned advantages of marijuana use in anecdotal and scientific studies are included in the list below.
Pain management
By changing the brain's pain perception circuits, marijuana's cannabinoids may lessen pain. It could be useful in treating the following illnesses that result in persistent pain:
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Endometriosis
- Migraine
It might also lessen the negative effects of cancer treatments, such as appetite loss. Some reports suggest that medicinal marijuana can assist in replacing the long-term usage of NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, which can have undesirable side effects.
Reduced inflammation
CBD in marijuana is thought to help reduce inflammation. In theory, this may benefit inflammatory conditions, such as:
- Crohn's disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Decreasing inflammation in the body can also improve overall health.
Neurological and mental disorders
Doctors occasionally recommend marijuana to treat the following neurological and mental health disorders because of its effects on the limbic system:
- Anxiety
- Epilepsy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson's disease
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Tourette syndrome
Sleep management
Marijuana's calming properties could be beneficial for sleep issues like insomnia. Additionally, when marijuana use reduces pain, better sleep may result.
Health Benefits of Marijuana
It helps relieve nausea and vomiting in some chemotherapy patients
The most well-known cannabinoid found in cannabis is THC.
Studies indicate that THC may be helpful in reducing nausea and vomiting brought on by chemotherapy.
In a 2001 study involving patients undergoing chemotherapy, it was discovered that those who smoked cannabis had 70–100% relief from nausea and vomiting, but those who took Δ9-THC capsules had 76–88% comfort.
Stimulates appetite and weight gain in AIDS, cancer, and anorexia nervosa patients
Many studies show marijuana use is directly correlated with increased appetite and weight. The exact mechanism is still unclear. But we do know there's a high concentration of cannabinoid receptors in brain parts controlling food intake.
A couple of example studies:
The impact of marijuana on average daily calorie intake was examined in a 1994 study. Participants who used marijuana had a mean daily energy intake that was considerably higher than those who did not.
According to an experimental 1988 study, smoking marijuana increased daily calorie intake by 40%.
Decreases spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis (M.S.)
The effects of marijuana on:
- Psychomotor dysfunction.
- Spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis is well documented.
Multiple sclerosis patients' spasticity can be reduced by marijuana, according to several studies, particularly in those whose conventional treatments are not providing enough relief.
There is substantial evidence that cannabis use, particularly smoking, reduces pain and stiffness.
As an illustration:
Research conducted in 2012 discovered that M.S. patients who were not getting enough relief from conventional treatments found that inhaling cannabis had a positive impact on their spasticity.
Another anecdotal example of an M.S. patient given CBD:
Could help with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
One of the three most fatal neurodegenerative illnesses in human history is ALS. Animal studies indicate that cannabis has neuroprotective qualities, but more research is necessary. Cannabinoids have the potential to mitigate certain consequences of ALS.
A study conducted in 2006 examined the impact of activating cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) on animals with ALS. Improved motor neuron and motor unit survival was the outcome of CB2 receptor activation.
The scientists didn't conduct any particular marijuana testing. However, THC also activates the CB2 receptor, so theoretically, the consequences would be the same. If such is truly the case, more investigation should be revealed.
Relieves all symptoms associated with spinal cord injury in some patients
Spinal cord injury (SPI) can be a condition that interferes with your daily life. Some SPI symptoms that particularly can interfere with your general well-being are:
- Pain,
- Muscle spasms,
- Spasticity, and,
- Difficulties sleeping.
At least one study shows that it can also improve the general quality of life in spinal cord injury patients.
Can help with epilepsy
Studies suggest that epileptic activity is related to changes in:
- The levels and,
- Distribution of cannabinoid receptors in the hippocampus.
Therefore, it's not a coincidence that cannabis has been utilized for seizure reduction for decades. Patients who are resistant to conventional treatments are particularly fond of cannabinoids.
Could alleviate chronic pain
Reduced quality of life is a result of chronic pain, a complicated illness involving numerous causes.
Cannabis that has been smoked or vaporized has been shown in clinical investigations to reduce persistent neuropathic pain. Numerous illnesses and disorders can cause chronic neuropathic pain.
For example:
A 2011 study examined how vaporized marijuana affected persistent neuropathic pain. Patients with chronic pain reported significantly less discomfort (27%) after vaping cannabis three times a day for five days.
It may help treat bladder pain syndrome (BPS)
BPS can keep you up all night, causing you to use the restroom when you least want to.
2014 saw the following reduction in cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) activation:
- Bladder inflammation, and,
- Urinary frequency in mice with BPS.
THC activates the same cannabinoid receptor. One of the primary cannabinoids in marijuana is THC. It suggests that marijuana may be able to assist with BPS in theory. More research is required to investigate its possibility fully.
Reduces headaches and migraine attacks in some patients
Severe migraines can be extremely crippling.
My two pals, who occasionally suffer from severe migraines, find that using marijuana really eases their pain.
According to research, endocannabinoid system activation may offer a treatment option for lowering the inflammatory and physiological aspects of pain that are probably implicated in migraine attacks.
Some of the most powerful endocannabinoid system activators are the cannabinoids found in marijuana. As you can see, anecdotal evidence from scientific studies is gradually beginning to reappear.
It could help with osteoarthritis (O.A.) by preventing cartilage breakdown
Research on this subject could be more extensive. However, some animal research indicates that OA-related pain can be better managed by activating cannabinoid receptors.
A more recent human investigation examined how CB2-receptor activation impacts OA-related cartilage degradation. The study found that CBD may stop OA-related cartilage deterioration.
Could relieve rheumatoid arthritis pain and stop its progress
Once more, there is a need for more research on this subject, but what is known so far seems promising.
Rheumatoid arthritis, in contrast to osteoarthritis, is an autoimmune condition in which your body assaults your joints.
Medicines containing marijuana may be able to reduce rheumatoid arthritis discomfort.
For example:
A 2005 study discovered that Sativex, a cannabis-based medication, helped R.A. sufferers feel less pain. Additionally, Sativex reduced the course of rheumatoid arthritis in those who took it.
It can help with all symptoms associated with fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that can affect your daily life through:
- Fatigue, and,
- Cognitive and emotional disturbances.
Although nothing suggests that marijuana could cure fibromyalgia, a growing body of evidence shows that marijuana could help with treating its symptoms.
For example:
A 2011 study found that fibromyalgia patients who used cannabis showed:
- A significant reduction in stiffness and pain,
- Enhancement of relaxation, and,
- A general increase in feelings of well-being.
It could help with osteoporosis by stimulating bone formation
One bone disorder that raises the risk of fractures is osteoporosis. It results in a decrease in the density of bone minerals.
Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) inhibits bone resorption and stimulates bone growth. THC, one of the primary cannabinoids in marijuana, activates this receptor.
According to a 2009 study, there may be a place for cannabis-based medications in the fight against osteoporosis.
Could prevent degenerative disc disease (DDD)
The degradation of the intervertebral discs of the spine is known as degenerative disc disease. Back and neck discomfort, both acute and persistent, may result from it.
Repeated CBD injections reduced DDD symptoms even 15 days after the injections were stopped, according to a 2014 mouse research.
One common cannabinoid in cannabis is called CBD.
Can improve symptoms associated with dystonia up to 50%
Muscle spasms and aberrant motions are symptoms of the neurological movement condition dystonia.
According to a 1986 study, using 100–600 mg of CBD daily in addition to prescription medicine improved dystonia by up to 50%.
It is a significant improvement. It calls for a more thorough investigation of marijuana's possible advantages for those with dystonia.
Could weaken the progression of Huntington's disease (H.D.)
H.D. is a genetic neurodegenerative disease that results in the progressive loss of brain cells. As the disease progresses, it results in problems with:
- Mood,
- Mental abilities, and,
- Psychomotor abilities.
Clinical research that examined the effectiveness of CBD in reducing H.D. symptoms yielded no statistically meaningful results.
However, a 2010 study found that one of the main pathogenic effects of H.D. is the downregulation of cannabinoid receptor 1. This receptor's activation may slow the course of H.D.
Cannabis's cannabinoids cause the CB1 receptor to become active. I think further research is needed to determine whether marijuana can help with H.D.
More Potential Health Benefits of Cannabis
The most typical health and wellness issues that Krissy Bernazani, a certified pharmacist and clinical director at the medical cannabis pharmacy Zen Leaf Maryland, and her staff treat with cannabis are as follows:
- Neuropathy
- Appetite loss
- Inflammatory bowel disease
According to Bernazani, a lot of medicinal marijuana users resort to cannabis after trying other, more conventional medications without success.