Those open to holistic and alternative medicine have embraced marijuana for all the benefits associated with it. This topic has remained controversial for the longest time since some researchers say the research already done is inconclusive, especially where cancer is concerned. Cancer aside, there are several other health benefits associated with cannabinoids and low levels of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) found in products used these days.
Here are our top ten health benefits associated with weed.
Table of Contents
Could Help with Pain Management
Patients suffering from arthritis, fibromyalgia, endometriosis, and migraine may benefit from the use of CBD oils, as research has shown. The THC in marijuana interacts with the body’s natural cannabinoid receptors to reduce pain perception. You will experience temporary relief, which is why those using it for medical purposes refill their doses as required to keep the body in better shape as far as pain relief goes. The application can through ingestion – edibles – vaping, smoking, and topical application for the same results.
May Regulate Type 2 Diabetes
Research has suggested that marijuana could help lower inflammation due to its antioxidant properties and the ability to stabilize blood sugar levels. These two could help manage diabetes. It was also observed that weed users had smaller waistlines than non-users, probably due to the properties in the product making the body more sensitive to insulin. Smaller waist circumferences are associated with better health and the management of type 2 diabetes. This is besides the fact that users were found to eat more calories than non-users, which should make them weigh more.
Can be Used for Sleep Management
Cannabis has anti-anxiety properties that could help ease the mind and help you beat insomnia. Strains with higher THC levels are said to reduce the amount of time you spend in REM sleep, which is the stage where dreams happen. Those who experience nightmares will also benefit from this reduced time. Fewer dreams mean you will spend more time in deep sleep, so the level of rest will be higher in quality.
Could Reduce Inflammation
CBD has anti-inflammatory qualities that could reduce inflammation from conditions such as Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis. Tests on animals have shown that it could relieve joint pain and swelling and combats joint degeneration. In humans, weed can reduce pain intensity on movement and increase sleep quality.
Could Remedy Heart Concerns
CBD allows the arteries to dilate, which lowers blood pressure in distress. Tests in animals showed that weed could correct irregular heartbeats, which goes on to remove the threat of blocked arteries.
Could Treat Involuntary Muscular Movements
The elderly sometimes experience twitches and involuntary movements, and weed products have been seen to correct that by inhibiting CB1 receptors, effectively reducing markers that trigger these movements. These involuntary twitches are not only comfortable but could also cause accidents. If not treated holistically, the victim is out on meds for life.
Anxiety and Depression
People who cannot help but get anxious could benefit from marijuana when it corrects the brain’s neurotransmitter system imbalances. Weed triggers the release of dopamine and serotonin that are ideal for that happy mood one needs to beat depression most of the time.
Could Help Strengthen Bones
Cannabidiol is linked to stronger bones and the mending of those that have been broken. Studies on mice showed that the time to heal fractured bones was drastically reduced when weed was administered. The bones also got stronger after this treatment.
May Severity of Withdrawal Symptoms
Opioids are a real problem with people in the developed world, so it is a relief that this plant could help addicts deal with withdrawal symptoms better. A form of THC helps those withdrawing from this habit deal with insomnia, anxiety, and other symptoms much better than those who don’t smoke weed.
Could help with ADHD
Two of the main symptoms of ADHD are hyperactivity and impulsivity, and it is shown that the use of weed could help lower these two. The side effects from weed are less severe than those of regular medicine used for the condition, so it could be a helpful alternative.
What Are Some Major Cannabis Side Effects?
The most obvious side effect of cannabis is addiction. Most people are concerned about not quitting or controlling themselves if they use it for pain relief or relaxation. Here are some effects most people report after using weed:
- Anxiety
- Some drowsiness
- Dry mouth associated with edibles
- Paranoia
- Increased heart rate
- Bouts of low motivation
- Poor concentration and affected motor skills
Some people may even report memory loss, but that is usually corrected after a while. The key thing to remember when using medical marijuana is to stick to the dosage to ease the side effects.
Conclusion
There is still so much research to be done on weed and its products, but the bits have so far done shown it does more good than harm. The world is continually accepting its use, and there are calls for it to be categorized the same as alcohol so that those who need it for non-medical purposes can get ahold of it without breaking any laws.
Written and contributed by Askgrowers.com
