The cannabis plant contains dozens of potentially active components called cannabinoids. Marijuana has many health benefits, but it also has risks. Patients must receive thorough education about medical marijuana and the associated risks.
Pain Relief
Medicinal cannabis (marijuana) is often used to help with pain. It does not cure arthritis or slow disease progression but can alleviate symptoms like swelling and inflammation.
A growing number of individuals who suffer from chronic pain are finding relief in using medical cannabis. Especially since the opioid crisis prompted more lawmakers to expand state marijuana programs, many patients are seeking alternatives to prescription drugs like opioids and benzodiazepines.
Scientific studies, including randomized controlled trials, have shown the safety and effectiveness of cannabis as a pain reliever. Most people who use medical marijuana for pain report that they can discontinue or significantly reduce the amount of other medications they take.
Medical cannabis can be purchased in dispensaries.
Utah’s medical cannabis program is subject to changing laws and regulations. To participate in the Utah medical cannabis program, patients must have one of the qualifying medical conditions. These conditions included chronic pain, HIV or AIDS, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, cancer, and several others. Medical cannabis dispensaries were established nationwide to provide patients with access to cannabis products for medical use. The state regulated these dispensaries and required specific security and operational standards.
Anxiety Relief
While anxiety is a natural human response to stress, for some people, the symptoms of this condition are magnified and can profoundly impact their quality of life. Those who suffer from anxiety disorders may find relief through medical cannabis.
Cannabis, notably THC and CBD, can help relieve anxiety symptoms. THC, a psychoactive substance found in marijuana that can cause euphoria and lessen anxiety, is present in the plant. Conversely, CBD does not cause a high and has been found to decrease anxiety and depression.
Unlike pharmaceutical anti-anxiety medications, which can have serious side effects, medical cannabis is safe and effective for treating anxiety. It’s crucial to speak with a mental health expert before starting any cannabis therapy. Using marijuana without a proper diagnosis and ongoing treatment by a healthcare professional can interfere with therapeutic interventions and worsen anxiety symptoms over time. It’s also important to disclose your use of marijuana to your doctor if you have existing medical conditions that can affect your mood, such as clinical depression, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse.
Sleep Improvement
Cannabis’s natural ability to reduce anxiety, promoting relaxation and calmness, can help improve sleep. This may be especially helpful for those who have insomnia. People with this condition experience trouble falling or staying asleep, often leading to irritability and fatigue during the day.
THC and CBD bind the brain’s receptors that control the sleep-wake cycle. Both cannabinoids have sedative effects that can promote sleep and ease the symptoms of pain and anxiety, which can prevent a good night’s rest.
For people who want a more natural sleep effect, a strain with a more outstanding CBD content would be a better choice. A THC and CBD hybrid can be particularly effective for those looking to manage insomnia and sleep apnea.
Relaxation
Cannabis may help with anxiety and depression, but the data is sparse. More studies are needed. In addition, some older people find marijuana helps sleep. It is not as effective for insomnia as proven prescription sleep medications, but it can relieve the stress of trying to fall or stay asleep.
It is also used to treat several other conditions. Marijuana soothes muscle spasms associated with multiple sclerosis, for example. It can reduce the tremors of Parkinson’s disease and ease the pain of fibromyalgia and endometriosis. It can also be helpful with glaucoma, though more research is needed in that area.
Medical marijuana can interfere with some prescription drugs, including blood thinners, anti-seizure and other antipsychotic medications, anti-addiction medications, and anti-rejection medications taken after organ transplants. Patients should carefully review the label of dispensary products they buy to ensure they don’t interact with any medications they take.
Stress Reduction
For certain patients, using medical marijuana has been found to decrease their stress levels effectively. Stress is a natural part of life that can motivate us to accomplish tasks. Still, managing when it becomes a long-term issue, causing anxiety and symptoms such as insomnia, headaches, or increased heart rates is essential.
While cannabis is not as effective for stress and anxiety as antidepressants or benzodiazepines, it can be a helpful tool in some cases.
It’s also important to note that while some people claim that cannabis helps them relax, it’s not something that’s been proven in random assignment, double-anonymized scientific studies. Until that happens, it’s safest to say this is an area where further research is needed. Read more interesting articles on Ebeak
