What is medical marijuana? Cannabinoids and their functions in the body are just some of the questions. There is much more to this plant than meets the eye, but these three cannabinoids are the main components. Here, we’ll talk about the most common medical conditions that can be alleviated with these drugs, and how to determine if medical marijuana is right for you. Read on to learn about THC, CBD, and Terpenes, the main components of marijuana.
Cannabinoids
Medical marijuana has been proven to be effective in treating a variety of health problems, including inflammatory bowel disease. Many people with this disease report that it helps regulate their intestinal function, reduces inflammation, and even improves their quality of life. They also report fewer symptoms and a greater ability to enjoy social activities. Some scientific studies have suggested that cannabinoids inhibit the immune system’s ability to attack the central nervous system.
THC
The active chemical in cannabis, THC, is believed to have numerous health benefits, including increased appetite, reduced anxiety and pain, and improved digestion. Medical marijuana can be used for a variety of different conditions, including cancer, anxiety, and nausea. It has also been shown to improve patients’ quality of life by alleviating the unpleasant side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea. It is believed that cannabis may also reduce symptoms of certain mood disorders, such as depression.
CBD
Researchers have long praised the effects of CBD, or cannabidiol, in medical marijuana treating a variety of health conditions. In fact, CBD has some of the strongest scientific evidence for treating childhood epilepsy syndromes, such as Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut. Another claim that CBD has medical value is that it can reduce anxiety. Epidiolex, the first cannabis-derived medicine to be approved by the FDA, contains CBD, and some clinical trials have also shown that it can help people fall asleep and stay asleep.
Terpenes
While research on terpenes of medical marijuana is in its early stages and few human trials have been conducted, many cannabis connoisseurs advocate focusing on the terpene profile rather than THC. Several terpenes have been shown to have health benefits in the past, including alpha and beta-pinene, which reduce inflammation in rats with ulcerative colitis and leukemia cells.
Cannabidiol
CBD is a phytochemical found in cannabis, particularly in the female variety. The two compounds act on the same receptors on the body, the endocannabinoid system. Although CBD is relatively unknown in the medical community, THC is the psychoactive component. In recent years, however, research into the potential benefits and harms of cannabidiol (CBD) in medical marijuana has increased.
Arthritis
The Arthritis Society recommends that patients seeking relief from joint pain consider medical marijuana for arthritis. The plant contains a high concentration of CBD and little or no THC, making it a good choice for people with chronic pain and limited mobility. However, cannabis products for arthritis should only be taken under the supervision of a health care provider. While marijuana is legal in some places, it is still illegal in other states. The Arthritis Society recommends seeking medical marijuana from a health care provider in order to avoid dangerous interactions with other medications.
Multiple sclerosis
Several studies have found a positive relationship between marijuana and MS symptoms, including decreased spasticity and improved mobility. The effects of medical marijuana have yet to be widely recognized, but positive feedback from patients and caretakers suggests that it may have a role in the management of MS symptoms. If the positive effects are sustained, medical marijuana may become an alternative to pharmaceuticals. Further, research on this subject is needed to determine its safety and effectiveness.
Cancer
Despite its largely positive effect on cancer patients, many physicians still have not heard of the potential benefits of medical marijuana. While some research suggests that medical marijuana may slow the growth of cancer cells and inhibit the spread of tumors, more research needs to be done before this claim can be made. For now, however, cannabis is an adjunct treatment for cancer patients. It should not be used as a cure for cancer, and it should not replace conventional cancer treatments.