Cannabis, popularly known as hemp, is a plant with varied debatable usage. In recent years, there has been a wide discussion over the health benefits of cannabis. Various types of research identified the benefits of medical cannabis. This article throws light on the uses of cannabis, cannabis health benefits, and usage restrictions.
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What is cannabis?
Cannabis sativa, called cannabis in short, is a species of the Cannabinaceae plant family. The leaves of this plant are rich in THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, a chemical compound that is responsible for the psychoactive property of cannabis.
- Cannabis dried leaves are smoked as marijuana.
- Hashish, the resinous secretions of the plant are smoked and consumed.
- Cannabis fiber is used in the form of industrial hemp for textile manufacturing.
- Interestingly, the benefits of medical cannabis are owed to Cannabidiol (CBD), another important component of cannabis.
Cannabis health benefits
Cannabidiol in CBD is a non-toxic and medicinally beneficial component that makes cannabis useful for many medicinal purposes. Due to this chemical CBD, cannabis is consumed as cookies and brownies in edible form.
Researches are underway to reveal the benefits of cannabis fully. However, many studies have already identified the role of CBD in alleviating many medical conditions as discussed below:
Reducing blood pressure
The impact of CBD on reducing blood pressure is contradictory. However, many studies claim that a single dose of CBD can reduce stress-induced blood pressure and blood pressure in resting individuals. Researchers also indicate the benefits of CBD in improving cardiovascular disorders, though, they also indicate that further studies are required to confirm this.
Weight loss
One of the uses of cannabis is its role in helping with weight loss goals. The health benefits of CBD extend to controlling pain, mood elevation, stress mitigation, and sleep improvement. All these factors indirectly improve the weight loss goals in individuals. In some cases, it is also proven that CBD improves metabolism and the burning of fat cells, the two main contributors to weight management.
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Sleep improvement
CBD without THC might help people with insomnia and restless leg syndrome, as well as other conditions that are known to impact sleep negatively. It can control the hypothalamus, stabilize the body temperature, and induce sleep naturally. CBD can also improve the circadian rhythm that might have been impacted due to travel, stress, and medical conditions. For individuals suffering from anxiety-related sleep deprivation, CBD comes to assist in improving sleep quality by decreasing anxiety levels.
Arthritis
CBD can be an alternative to painkillers to gain relief from arthritis-related pain. CBD-based topical creams may help as anti-inflammatory and alleviate pain. CBD can also be used in various forms such as mouth sprays, pills, and oils to gain relief from arthritis. However, it is beneficial to consult a doctor before incorporating CBD into your arthritis treatment plan.
Constipation
CBD works on the primary triggers of constipation – gut, inflammation, and enzyme-related disorders. In certain cases, constipation can also be because of painkillers and depressants. CBD for constipation is available in many forms. Patches, oil, tablets, and topical creams. However, it is vital to choose the CBD product that suits the root cause of constipation.
Acne and skin problems
As per La Clinica Therapeutics, in a small study done to comprehend the benefits of cannabis, CBD-based creams, and ointments have proven their efficacy in reducing acne scars. Users also found significant improvement in skin elasticity and glow.
Furthermore, CBD also has shown significant improvement in reducing excessive skin cell growth in psoriasis patients, though further studies are required to confirm this.
Users of CBD-based topical creams also found relief from itchy and dry skin, though the results might vary from individual to individual. For individuals allergic to CBD, CBD-based creams can trigger serious skin allergies.
Pain relief
According to a Forbes survey conducted to understand the benefits of cannabis, 60% of users who relied on CBD oil for pain relief experienced positive results. The study was done on individuals suffering from cancer-related pain, arthritis pain, and fibromyalgia.
Studies also indicate that CBD in small doses can be an effective aid in reducing chronic pains due to back injuries and multiple sclerosis.
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Cancer
CBD has a proven effect in reducing cancer cell growth and induces cell death in cancer patients. CBD in various forms can be used by individuals suffering from cancer with the aid of doctors’ guidance as a part of their cancer treatment and recovery plan. CBD products can also aid in treating various tumor types, alleviate chemotherapy pain, and build immunity in cancer patients.
Alzheimer’s
The anti-inflammatory property of CBD is proven to be beneficial in preventing and treating Alzheimer’s. They can fight brain inflammation and can reduce memory degeneration. Thus, the uses of cannabis extend to protecting memory and helping with Alzheimer’s too.
Hair health
The efficiency of CBD in protecting hair is proven. Right from increasing the hair volume to helping with alopecia, scalp disorders to helping with medication-related side effects, there are many uses of CBD for hair loss.
Cannabis Health Benefits: Points to Note for CBD Usage
Individuals who decide to attain CBD health benefits must keep certain pointers in mind:
- CBD can cause side effects such as diarrhea, weight changes, appetite changes, and fatigue.
- CBD may show its effects on a case-to-case basis based on the individual health condition. For instance, THC alone or in combination with CBD may increase or decrease blood pressure, and not with any certainty. Similarly, CBD might either aid sleep or disturb the sleep pattern.
- Individuals who use Statins, Anti-inflammatories (including ibuprofen and naproxen), Certain anti-hypertensive medications, and Blood thinners must talk to the doctor before starting a CBD regimen.
- Avoid consuming high-fat content food when consuming CBD products. High fat in food can drastically increase the CBD concentration in the blood and increase the risk of side effects.
Conclusion
For the diverse range of cannabis health benefits, CBD can be an effective remedy for various health conditions based on individuals. It is vital to consult doctors before adding CBD to the daily routine in any form.
Disclaimer: The information given in this article is purely educational about benefits of medical cannabis. It is neither a replacement for medical advice nor a suggestive medical treatment for any individual. Consult your doctor for any suggestions before using CBD in any form.