Published on December 21, 2022

7 Potential Health Benefits of Cannabis

Marijuana’s popularity as a drug that provides numerous health benefits has been climbing for years. Many states have now legalized cannabis both for medicinal and recreational purposes. 

A Gallup poll revealed that 14% of Americans take Cannabidiol (CBD) dietary supplements derived from cannabis. It is legal and unregulated in at least 19 states around the US. A report by BDS Analytics and Arcview Market Research estimates that by 2024, sales of CBD will have grown to $20 billion in the United States alone.

Health Benefits of Cannabis

According to a study by MARY magazine, the number of cannabis dispensary centers across the country reached 7,490 in 2019. The cannabis industry also employs more than 120,000 people who work in stores and farms. 

Small studies and research also show many potential benefits of cannabis, such as:

Relief of Chronic Pain

Cannabis has been traditionally used to relieve pain as early as 2,900 B.C. Several components in cannabis, not only CBD, have pain-relieving effects. Our bodies also have an endocannabinoid system regulating pain sensation and other functions. 

Studies also suggest that CBD may be effective at relieving back and nerve pain. Meanwhile, another cannabis component called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can lessen pain related to arthritis and multiple sclerosis. 

Hence, cannabidiol also prevents tense muscles, loss of appetite, and lack of energy by minimizing chronic pain and stress. 

Treating Insomnia

Some cannabidiol products don’t contain THC and thus don’t have any psychoactive effects. Even in cases where THC is present, the levels are so minute as to make it improbable that it will become psychoactive.

Some CBD manufacturers claim a connection between CBD and sleep due to their unique makeup.

Hence, some cannabis products don’t get you high and are less disruptive of your everyday routine. 

The usefulness of cannabis for insomnia is based on the concentration of the CBD combination, which will work better and last longer if the recipe is more potent.

Treating Gastrointestinal (GI) Disorders

Food digestion depends heavily on the intestines, where most of our immunity is found. CBD beneficially maintains the proper bacteria ecology in the intestines. The intestines can also react to inflammation correctly when CBD is present.

According to research, CBD may effectively treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) signs and symptoms.

IBS is a chronic gastrointestinal condition that can lead to ongoing pain. Stress also plays a significant role in digestive problems, and since CBD is known to relieve stress, it also produces positive effects on the digestive system. 

Increases Appetite

There is still an ongoing debate about whether cannabis reduces or increases appetite. However, more studies lean on cannabis improving the appetite of its consumers. According to a study examining the impact of cannabis on the average daily calorie intake, people who use cannabis have a greater daily calorie intake than those who did not.

A related experimental laboratory study also revealed that people who smoke cannabis might have up to 40% higher daily caloric intake. 

Helps with Alcoholism

Several researchers also tried substituting cannabis for alcohol in the hopes that it would reduce dependency on liquor. According to their results, cannabis, at the very least, partially satisfied the test subjects’ for alcohol. 

More solid proof that marijuana is an “exit” drug rather than a gateway drug comes from recent research published in the International Journal of Drug Policy that looked at a group of patients.

It may benefit heart health

A few research has shown that CBD may benefit the circulatory system, especially the heart, and lower high blood pressure. The researchers also discovered that people treated with CBD had decreased arterial stiffness and enhanced blood flow through their arteries following repeated CBD administration.

This shows that CBD lessens artery and blood vessel inflammation, relieving stress on the heart and perhaps avoiding heart failure.

However, some studies also suggest that consuming pure marijuana can increase blood pressure and make the heart beat faster. As a result, it is also linked to other vascular diseases and the risk of stroke. 

Treating Anxiety Disorders

The most frequent condition for which people use CBD is anxiety. A preclinical study revealed that it might help treat various anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Cannabis also helps relax the body, reducing negative emotions like anger, fear, anxiety and depression. Some mental health issues may benefit from the use of CBD oil. 

Side Effects of Cannabis

Speaking with a healthcare provider or doctor first before ingesting any CBD products is imperative.

Cannabinoid edibles might not be ideal for everyone, including pregnant women and people with underlying medical issues.

Diarrhea, fatigue, and alterations in eating patterns are a few adverse effects of CBD products.

When used with other drugs without first seeing your doctor, it may also have additional adverse effects.

Conclusion

Ongoing research about the health benefits of cannabis may still be in the early stages since they aren’t yet tested in large sample groups. However, initial findings slowly establish that it provides numerous advantages when taken correctly. 


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