Research and studies around understanding cannabis have shown that there may be many health benefits of cannabis. Before diving into benefits, let’s discuss the make-up of cannabis that provides us with different health benefits.
More than 120 components called cannabinoids are present in cannabis. Of the 120, the two most well-known cannabinoids are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the reason people feel “high” or “euphoric” while CBD is a non-psychoactive, non-intoxicating cannabinoid that is widely known for its medicinal properties.
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is the substance within the cannabis plant that provides users with the most medical benefits without getting them high. CBD is non-psychotropic, and so it will never make someone feel stoned or hazy. Indeed, that is why CBD products are often legal, even in countries where the rest of the cannabis plant is not. Some of the medical issues CBD can help include:
A 2017 study done by JCI Insight shows that blood pressure of those who participated in the study had lower blood pressure after consuming CBD. Their resting blood pressure was reduced and their lowered blood pressure after tests that induce stress demonstrated the benefit CBD had on the subjects.
A study conducted by the Rockefeller Institute of Medical Research shows that CBD can help reduce inflammation and neuropathic pain that comes with inflammation.
In a 2018 study, CBD was shown to be helpful in reducing stress-induced cravings, anxiety, and impulse control in lab rats. This preclinical trial discovered that CBD may be useful to those who suffer from drug and alcohol addiction by reducing symptoms that trigger relapses.
The most well-known use for CBD is the potential effect on anxiety disorders. In a preclinical study, it was shown that CBD was helpful in treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
CBD and other non-psychoactive cannabinoids were found to help prevent gastrointestinal disorders in a recent study. Symptoms of GI disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis and more were, were reduced by CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties.
In a study, it was shown that CBD could help reduce symptoms and the frequency of seizures for those who struggle with epilepsy and other syndromes associated with seizures.
Amongst other additional benefits we can mention:
Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the primary active substance in cannabis that gives users the psychoactive effects they love. The chemical affects your consciousness, and it helps to create the head feeling that has become so associated with cannabis over the years.
Most of the well-studied benefits of THC include helping with pain management, sleep quality and health, reduce nausea and vomiting, and helps to improve appetite for those who struggle with disordered eating. Other benefits of THC include:
Several FDA-approved medications are made up of cannabinoids such as Epidiolex, a prescription-level CBD that helps treat a rare type of epilepsy in children.
Patients of other diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s have used cannabis to help with symptoms.
The most common use of cannabis is to help benefit pain management.
In a recent study, cannabis was shown to be a safer choice compared to other drugs such as opioids and benzodiazepines. Side effects of opioids and benzodiazepine are life-threatening with thousands of drug overdoses and deaths every year. Cannabis has no known life-threatening side effects.
Those who struggle with sleep disorders and those who struggle with sleep health all reported that their sleep has improved after consuming cannabis.
There are studies that show cannabis may help with falling asleep faster but does not prevent from waking up in the middle of the night.
Some of the other positive effects caused by THC include:
Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the primary active substance in cannabis that gives users the psychoactive effects they love. The chemical affects your consciousness, and it helps to create the head feeling that has become so associated with marijuana over the years. Some of the other positive effects caused by THC include:
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is the substance within the cannabis plant that provides users with the most medical benefits without them getting high. CBD is non-psychotropic, and so it will never make someone feel stoned or hazy. Indeed, that is why CBD products are often legal, even in countries where the rest of the marijuana plant is not. Some of the medical issues CBD can help include:
Terpenes are fragrant oils that give cannabis its aromatic diversity. They’re what give unique aromas such as berry, funky fuel, sweet floral and more. These oils are secreted in the flower’s sticky resin glands, the same ones that produce THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids. Terpenes are by no means unique to cannabis; they can be found in many other herbs, fruits, and plants as well.
Cannabinol, or CBN, offers a unique profile of effects and benefits that have researchers clamoring for more scientific investigation. CBN’s studied benefits include: Pain relief, Anti-insomnia, and more!
CBN is a cannabinoid present in Sativa plants and it forms when THC is degraded due to being exposed to air, light and/or heat.
Some medical studies suggest that CBN can be beneficial for:
Glaucoma
Treating Epidermolysis Bullosa
Easing Chronic Muscle Pain