How Medical Marijuana Works
In recent years, the landscape of the medical marijuana industry has changed dramatically. Existing findings regarding medical marijuana have revealed that it plays a significant role in managing certain conditions and improving the overall quality of life.
More research is needed to determine the full range of medical marijuana usage despite all the health benefits. It is also important to foresee its potential for adverse side effects, including addiction.
This article has shared how medical marijuana works when consumed and more health aspects of this magical drug!
Introduction to Medical Marijuana
For several hundred years, marijuana has been used as a drug, both recreationally and medicinally. Medical marijuana is a mix of dried leaves and flowers from the Cannabis Sativa plant. Its use for medical purposes involves the inhalation or ingestion of cannabinoids, chemical substances found in marijuana.
Two of the most important compounds of medical marijuana and their effects are as follows:
● Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): One of the most significant compounds in marijuana, it is responsible for the drug’s euphoric effects. It connects with natural brain chemicals to create strong psychoactive effects.
● Cannabidiol (CBD): This is another important compound in medical marijuana. It is associated with many health benefits such as reduction of inflammation, management of seizures, relief from anxiety and sleep disorders. Many consumers are taking advantage of fast-acting CBD sleep oil to get a good night’s sleep!
Other significant compounds of medical marijuana are Cannabigerol (CBG), Cannabichromene (CBC), Cannabinol (CBN), and Cannabavarin (THCV). Not all of these are responsible for providing the high. With some alterations, medical marijuana can be consumed for its medicinal properties without the risk of altered consciousness.
How does Medical Marijuana Work in the Body?
The chemical compounds of medical marijuana interact with your body through a unique biological system known as the endocannabinoid system to produce the significant effects of medical marijuana.
The endocannabinoid system consists of naturally-produced cannabinoids (also known as endogenous cannabinoids) and cannabinoid receptors. These endogenous cannabinoids interact with cannabinoid receptors in the body -
CB1 - primarily located in your brain and expressed in the nervous system
CB2 - mainly expressed in the immune system.
These numerous interactions are believed to be the foundation for critical bodily functions, including:
● Immune function
● Pain
● Stress
● Sleep
● Cognitive function
● Appetite
● Metabolism
The two main cannabinoids in medical marijuana are THC and CBD. Both of them connect with the natural brain chemicals that work in association with the cannabinoid receptors in the body to provide different outcomes.
THC is responsible for the strong psychoactive effects. It acts by binding to the cannabinoid receptors in the brain, causing many different effects including pain reduction, nausea reduction, appetite stimulation, euphoria, and lightheadedness.
On the other hand, CBD is a non-psychoactive compound and is proven to have potential therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory properties, pain relief, nausea suppression, and anxiety reduction.
Potential Benefits of Medical Marijuana
Patients turn to medical marijuana for many different potential health benefits. Medical marijuana is generally used for its beneficial effect in reducing pain. For cancer patients, the drug has been shown to have the potential to reduce chronic pain and nausea and vomiting among those receiving chemotherapy.
Medical marijuana can also:
● Reduce anxiety and depression
● Relieve stress
● Restore normal sleep patterns
● Lower use of certain prescription drugs
● Lower opioid use
● Reduces obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
● Treats addiction
● Improves lung health
There are several disorders where medical marijuana treatment has shown promise in reducing symptoms or curing the disease altogether. These include Alzheimer’s, Arthritis, Asthma, Autism, Cancer, Diabetes, Depression, Dermatitis, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Glaucoma, Migraines, Parkinson’s disease, and many more.
Ways to Consume Medical Marijuana
Medical marijuana can be consumed in several different ways. If your marijuana doctor recommends medical marijuana, they may ensure the delivery system matches the desired outcome.
Most users smoke the drug as a joint (or marijuana cigarette), as a blunt (or marijuana cigar), using glass pipes (also called bowls), and using glass water pipes (also called bongs). Smoking marijuana is usually recommended to patients who may be suffering from health ailments. People dealing with any lung disease or already have compromised lung function are recommended a different form of medical marijuana.
One of the fastest ways to feel relief from pain and nausea is by inhaling marijuana. One can also place a couple of drops of a marijuana tincture under the tongue to get fast results. Marijuana can also be used in your favorite food items or drinks, called edibles. Some common examples of edibles include pot brownies and pot gummies. Various topical forms of marijuana treatment also exist that give noticeable results as well.
Can I Consider Medical Marijuana Treatment?
Marijuana therapy has come a long way and is no longer just a last-resort treatment.
If any of these points describe you, medical marijuana might be the solution you seek.
● You suffer from chronic pain or unexplained pain, not well treated by other means.
● You have to undergo chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
● You are dealing with seizures from epilepsy or a traumatic brain injury.
● You are diagnosed with a degenerative disease like muscular dystrophy.
● You have a mental disorder like anxiety or depression.
● You are addicted to opioids or heroin.
However, you first need to find a doctor experienced in marijuana treatment recommendations to help you with the right marijuana therapy.
Conclusion
Although medical marijuana works wonders and has a plethora of health benefits, it is not a cure-all. Like any other drug, medical marijuana has potential side effects, so it is important to speak to your doctor to determine if medical marijuana is right for you.
References:
Leslie Iversen. Cannabis and the brain, 6, June 2003, https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awg143.
P J Robson. Therapeutic potential of cannabinoid medicines, Jan-Feb 2014;6(1-2):24-30. doi: 10.1002/dta.1529.
Yara Mouhamed, Andrey Vishnyakov. Therapeutic potential of medicinal marijuana: an educational primer for health care professionals, 2018 Jun 11. doi: 10.2147/DHPS.S158592.