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Cannabis-infused products are popping up at every turn, and understandably so. The herb has generated an incredible amount of attention in the recent past for its numerous therapeutic benefits.
Also known as marijuana, weed, or pot, cannabis is
generally used for pain management and anxiety relief. But as you’re about to
find out, there are plenty of other medical conditions that cannabis may treat,
manage, or even prevent.
Which Compounds Account For Marijuana’s Therapeutic Properties?
Cannabis contains hundreds of naturally-occurring chemicals. These compounds fall into three distinct categories, depending on their effects on the body. The categories include cannabinoids, terpenes, and polyphenols.
Cannabinoids, also known as phytocannabinoids or exo cannabinoids, are the specific chemicals that account for marijuana’s healing properties.
There are at least 120 phytocannabinoids in weed. The
most popular ones are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). In
fact, most cannabis-infused products contain cannabidiol, tetrahydrocannabinol,
or both.
CBD is particularly a basic ingredient in medical cannabis products. THC, on the other hand, is common in both medical and recreational marijuana goods. That’s because the compound induces a high in addition to its therapeutic effects.
Other common cannabinoids include cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabichromene (CBC). Terpenes are aromatic compounds that give cannabinoids their signature smells and tastes. Some of these compounds also contain healing properties. Examples of terpenes include linalool, myrcene, pinene, and limonene.
Last but not least, polyphenols are compounds in weed noted for their antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are substances that minimize the risks of disease by combating oxidative damage to body cells triggered by free radicals. Most cannabinoids contain antioxidant properties. The main reason for knowing the various compounds in marijuana is that the knowledge might help you hone in on the right cannabis strain.
Note that cannabis comes in several strains. Each
strain has its distinctive effects based on its dominant compounds. For
instance, you can order Black Diamond strain
in bulk today if seeking to relieve pain and
anxiety. Black Diamond is also famous for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
properties.
Amazing
Health Benefits of Cannabis
Cannabis May Treat Pain
Numerous studies investigating marijuana’s
therapeutic potential have found that the herb contains powerful analgesic
properties. That explains why medical marijuana doctors generally recommend
cannabis-infused goods for people with chronic pain conditions like arthritis
and fibromyalgia.
Cannabis treats pain by interacting with the body’s
pain-signaling receptors. A 2013 FDA-approved trial revealed that tetrahydrocannabinol could mediate
pain by activating specific pathways in the central nervous system (CNS) known
for inhibiting the transmission of pain signals from the affected areas to the
brain.
Cannabis May Alleviate Inflammation
Inflammation is one of the numerous ways the body responds to the presence of foreign substances, such as splinters or allergens. However, inflammation could also result from chronic diseases like arthritis and cancer.
Cannabis is one of the most potent anti-inflammatory
herbs known to humankind. The plant treats inflammation by counteracting the
activation of cytokines, the proteins widely involved in transmitting
inflammatory signals.
Cannabis May Relieve Anxiety
Cannabis is typically stimulating at low doses but sedating at high doses. As with any sedative, marijuana may calm your nerves, thereby helping to keep anxiety at bay.
Cannabis-infused products relieve anxiety by increasing the body’s access to ‘happiness’ neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.
According to research, supplementing with marijuana
may help with all anxiety disorders. They include generalized anxiety disorder
(GAD), panic disorder (PD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social
anxiety disorder (SAD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Cannabis May Combat Nausea
Marijuana’s antiemetic properties are widely
documented. Nausea is the main reason behind the popularity of FDA-approved
cannabis-based drugs like Dronabinol and Marinol.
These drugs are commonly used to treat nausea among
cancer patients on chemotherapy treatment.
Cannabis May Treat Sleep Disorders
Several sleep disorders include insomnia, sleep apnea, REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), and narcolepsy. Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder. Most insomniacs either take longer to fall asleep or cannot sleep continuously for longer blocks of hours.
Sleep apnea is a condition marked by disrupting your breathing pattern during sleep, causing you to wake up suddenly. In REM sleep behavior disorder, the victim unconsciously or subconsciously dramatizes their dreams. Last but not least, narcolepsy refers to excessive and uncontrollable daytime sleepiness or drowsiness.
Since cannabis is a sedative, the herb may treat
sleep disorders by reducing sleep latency. Marijuana may also improve sleep
quality by treating RBD, PTSD, and many conditions known to affect sleep.
Cannabis May Stimulate Your Appetite
Poor appetite is a common side effect of nausea. Since cannabis contains antiemetic properties, the herb may help treat nausea-induced appetite loss. But that’s not all. Research has also established a close relationship between cannabis and ghrelin, the hunger-stimulating hormone.
In one study, researchers found that THC could stimulate appetite
by triggering the release of ghrelin.
Cannabis May Aid Blood Circulation
Cannabis may produce vasodilatory effects. When consumed, the herb enters the bloodstream and expands constricted blood vessels, enhancing blood circulation. An increased blood flow accelerates the supply of oxygenated blood and essential nutrients to various body tissues. This can prevent the damage resulting from nutrient or oxygen deficiencies.
Higher blood circulation may also reduce the risks of
hypertension, stroke, and heart disease.
Wrap Up
There are numerous reasons to consider adding cannabis to your health and wellness routine. However, remember to practice moderation, as weed can be counterproductive if overdosed. Also, check your local marijuana laws before using cannabis products.