Pay attention that growing marijuana may be subject to special restrictions and regulation in your country or state. Please contact your attorney to obtain advice before cultivating cannabis.
Disclaimer
Pay attention that growing marijuana may be subject to special restrictions and regulation in your country or state. Please contact your attorney to obtain advice before cultivating cannabis.
Cannabis has recently been recognized as a possible medicine. Previously, research was often based on the positive experiences of cannabis users. Lynneice Bowen and Aimee McRae-Clark studied the therapeutic benefits of cannabis. There have also been researches that talked about the effect of marijuana on spasticity in multiple sclerosis. Despite the increased amount of research on this topic, legalization is rather slow. Certain social and legal barriers slow down these studies. It seems that society is still not ready to accept the fact that the drug can actually ease their pain and even improve the condition of certain diseases. So how exactly does the medical use of marijuana affect the body?
It is the same product as recreational cannabis, but it is used for medical purposes. There are two main components involved, which affect the human body in different ways. These include Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), which are most commonly used in medicine.
CBD
CBD is the main non-psychotropic component of cannabis used by clients who want to experience the medicinal properties of cannabis without the psychoactive effects. Unfortunately, CBD is considered less popular than its THC cousin, but this particular chemical is not addictive and fights anxiety. Another benefit is the relief of pain and symptoms associated with cancer.
Studies have shown that CBD can improve sleep quality and even fight depression. However, this component cannot be considered completely safe. It also has its side effects. When consumed excessively, the client may experience:
- Appetite,
- Fatigue,
- Weight loss,
- Dizziness,
- Diarrhea.
Manufacturers have grasped all the beneficial properties of CBD and started to create various products. Since not everyone enjoys smoking and vaping cannabis, companies have come up with different solutions. At first, these were CBD oils that were used in food. They had long-lasting effects and were used like vitamins. This supplement has been used not only by humans but also by animals to maintain and improve health. More recently, CBD-infused edibles were introduced. There is a wide variety of them, from drinks and tea to chocolate and honey. There are now a lot of creams and lotions that significantly improve the quality of the skin and even fight acne. When applied to the skin, cramping and pain may also be relieved.
THC
This chemical is responsible for the high feeeling and the feeling of euphoria, with a psychotropic effect. THC is much more powerful than CBD, so the drug detector will most likely be looking for the tetrahydrocannabinol components.
Despite most of the damaging drugs, THC is a neuroprotectant that protects brain cells from damage. Also, due to the psychoactive effects of this component, the consumer can significantly increase sensory perception for a while. However, you should be very careful, as it can also cause paranoia.
The biggest benefits of THC are pain relief and muscle relaxation. Many people suffer from constant pain, migraines, nerve-related pain. THC blocks pain signals before they can reach the brain. It is also worth mentioning that scientists have discovered the Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory effects of marijuana.
Nausea also becomes one big nuisance, as most medications tend to have unpleasant side effects such as diarrhea, headache, drowsiness, and so on. Cannabis with THC is becoming a much safer option.
There are many more products with THC content than those with CBD. Today there are even THC bath bombs that relieve pain, but without the psychoactive effects interfering. Even smoking accessories have become wider in the range. If you don't like smoking, then there is a bunch of options for consuming THC products in food. These are various sweets, syrups, chewing gum, crystals. Of course, this is all besides the sprays and pills that the client takes on prescription.
However, don't underestimate THC. Its capacity can knock out not only a beginner but also a seasoned smoker. Side effects can also be uncomfortable. These include:
- rapid heartbeat
- coordination problems
- dry mouth
- red eyes
- hunger
- memory loss
- anxiety.
In general, the effects of this component directly depend on the percentage of its content in cannabis. And also, they can change depending on whether it is Indica or Sativa. So what's the difference between the two? And what should you choose for certain mental illnesses?
Indica or Sativa?
For decades people have used the words "Indica" or "Sativa" to define the type of effects. Of course, it all depends on the percentage of THC, terpenes, and other components, but still, there are certain qualities in each of these two.
Sativa is considered to be a type that gives energy. This is the kind of experience that affects the brain, and can change sensory perception. Certain strains of Sativa can be used before the workday when the client needs not only energy but also concentration and creativity. It is Sativa that can make the consumer talkative, as well as add a chuckle to a person's speech. It saves you from social awkwardness as well.
Sativa strains are most commonly known for their high THC content, but that's not the only thing that gives this type an advantage. Sativa is a true uplifter. It can help with:
- fatigue,
- stress,
- pain,
- mood swings,
- PTSD,
- headaches,
- depression.
However, carelessness with Sativa can also lead to unpleasant side effects. The main ones are dizziness and dry mouth. However, there are also anxiety, paranoia, and insomnia that can bring certain problems.
The most popular Sativa strains are:
- Jack Herer,
- Durban Poison,
Sour Diesel,
- Super Silver Haze,
- Green Crack.
Indica has exactly the opposite effect. It is based on the body condition, as well as on how to relax it. This type is also used to treat depression and anxiety, however, it is most often used after a hard day to rest. Breathing becomes deep and even, muscles relax. You should also be careful and stock up on food and drinks in advance - because severe hunger can occur, while the body will be completely relaxed. Besides the physical effect, the consumer may feel confused and out of focus. This trippy state is suitable for evenings when you need to relax.
However, Indica is very good at dealing with health problems. Most often, its main effect is to lull the client to sleep, to make sleep restful. It also helps with lack of appetite and anorexia. Indica's relaxing effect fights pain and spasms.
However, there are side effects too. These are mainly dry mouth and lack of coordination. Moreover, a high-potent strain can also make you feel very tired.
- The most popular Indica strains are
- Afghani
- Northern lights
- Granddaddy purple
- Girl Scout Cookies
- G-13
Final thoughts
In general, cannabis has many medical benefits, but it should be handled with care. World brands, as well as scientists and ordinary people, are now trying to convey to the masses the fact that cannabis is safe, and that it can help humanity with health problems.
Nowadays, researchers are studying whether medical marijuana can help treat these conditions:
- Alzheimer's disease
- Appetite loss
- Cancer
- Crohn's disease
- HIV/AIDS
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Eating disorders such as anorexia
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- Mental health conditions like schizophrenia and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Multiple sclerosis
- Muscle spasms
- Nausea
- Pain
- Seizures
- Wasting syndrome (cachexia)
