Plenty of research has shown that medical marijuana could help in treating specific medical conditions. Cannabis, the plant where marijuana comes from is usually smoked for recreational reasons. In recent years, however, more and more individuals are turning to medical marijuana for treating their health conditions, and no, medical marijuana doesn’t need to and isn’t usually smoked, as it comes in many different forms such as the following:
- Cigarettes that contain chemical compounds such as cannabinoids, THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, CBD or cannabidiol, or both CDB and THC
- CBD creams, oils, capsules, edibles, tinctures, shatter, bath bombs, vape, nano
- FDA-approved cannabis-derived drugs
What Health Conditions Can Be Treated with Medical Marijuana?
A report by the National Academies of The Sciences, Medicine, and Engineering published in 2017 contains the most solid scientific proof in support of taking medical marijuana to treat chronic pain, vomiting and nausea from cancer treatment, and spasticity related to multiple sclerosis or MS. This massive report compiled over 10,000 studies on medical marijuana and indicates that marijuana could aid in treating and relieving the following symptoms and conditions:
- Sleep issues
- Chronic pain
- Anxiety, especially social anxiety disorder
- Pain, vomiting, and nausea related to cancer
- Epilepsy, especially Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndrome
- Spasticity associated with MS or multiple sclerosis
- Appetite loss from AIDS/HIV treatments and chemotherapy
- Addiction
- Depression
Some research also suggests that the CBD in marijuana might help manage arthritis, inflammation, AIDS/HIV, migraines, as well as digestive orders such as IBS or irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s Disease.
How Medical Marijuana Works
Basically, this depends on which cannabinoid, CBD or THC, is at work since they produce almost the same effects, but offers different intensities because each one impacts different neural pathways, explains a CBD specialist froma well-known CBD store in Millcreek, Utah. Studies suggest that CBD has an effect on the brain due to how it engages with neurological pathways responsible for regulating serotonin, which is the hormone tasked to regulate pain, anxiety, appetite, and nausea.
THC, on the other hand, interacts with the endocannabinoid system of the body, which is used for regulating physiological functions. Studies suggest that THC is akin to a certain chemical that’s already in the endocannabinoid system and once these two interact, their similarity enables THC to influence the brain and body in a manner that could alter mood, coordination, appetite, decision-making, and memory. The endocannabinoid system likewise helps in regulating gastrointestinal functions.
Crucial Things to Know When Buying Medical Marijuana
The procedure and requirements for buying medical marijuana varies from one state to another. Talk to your doctor or check the website of the department of health in your state to learn exactly what you need to do. Each state likewise has a specific list of medical conditions approved for medical marijuana use. It’s also immensely vital to note that you should inform your doctor if you’re planning to use medical marijuana, especially if you’re taking medications for a health condition. Also, not all marijuana dispensaries are the same so …