The Untold Long-Term Health Benefits of Medical Cannabis
As the world progressively embraces varying forms of therapy due to technological and scientific advancements, one effective alternative that has gained major recognition is the use of medical cannabis. Techniques of applying it differ; some might apply it topically while others prefer eating, smoking, or vaping it. Nevertheless, the primary purpose is to attain symptomatic relief while enhancing overall quality of life.
Despite the debates surrounding cannabis due to stigma earned over the years, it is important to note its potential benefits, particularly from a medical perspective. The inherent properties of cannabis, including compounds known as cannabinoids, specifically cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), have been found to offer spectacular health benefits. The growing interest in the therapeutic uses of cannabis is currently shaping health discussions worldwide. As such, a key question arises: Are there long-term health benefits of using medical cannabis?
To address this, the article will assess various studies as well as the base knowledge provided on the advantages of cannabis use in terms of health and wellness. It will unveil facts that make it an increasingly significant alternative treatment for various medical conditions.
Key Cannabinoids: THC and CBD
The cannabis plant contains over 400 different chemicals, about 70 of which are cannabinoids. The most prominent being THC and CBD. These cannabinoids interact with our neural pathways, influencing many bodily functions such as appetite improvement, inflammation, and pain reduction, anxiety alleviation, stress relief, and mood enhancement.
While both CBD and THC are psychoactive compounds, only THC is responsible for the euphoria or the 'high' feeling generally associated with cannabis use. CBD, on the other hand, is often used for its therapeutic benefits without the psychoactive side effects.
Therapeutic Benefits
Preliminary evidence suggests that the properties of cannabis might contribute to reducing nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy, lessening chronic pain and muscle spasms, and improving sleep patterns. People with conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and chronic ongoing or terminal illnesses, who don't find relief from other medicines, have reported symptomatic relief with the use of medical cannabis.
Cannabis has also been considered for conditions such as anorexia, arthritis, glaucoma, and migraines, when other treatments have failed. Interestingly, cannabinoids have also exhibited potential benefits in treating neurological problems and movement problems such as reducing patient-centered measures of spasticity.
Pain Management
Many patients and doctors prefer medical cannabis as an alternative to opioids for pain management. The devastating side effects and dependency risks often associated with opioids can be alleviated with cannabis-based treatment plans. Furthermore, cannabis might aid people in recovering from opioid addiction; A 2016 study noted fewer daily doses of painkillers prescribed per year in states where medical cannabis use was legal.
Potential for Treatment of Mental Health Disorders
Apart from treating physical ailments, cannabis has potential therapeutic effects in treating anxiety, one of the most prevalent mental health disorders. It is believed that, when used appropriately, medical cannabis may alleviate anxiety symptoms. Depression is another mental health disorder, where medical cannabis might have potential benefits. The natural compounds found in cannabis can stabilize mood and ease depression.
Although much research is still needed and the use of cannabis in medical treatment does carry potential risks and side effects, the potential benefits for long term use in treating chronic diseases and symptoms are impressive. The goal should be to harness these benefits responsibly, under the supervision of medical professionals, in a way that improves the quality of life for patients.
